Rule#XIV Men's #C Series Bib Shorts

Bib shorts should be black, so says the Velominati rule to which Rule#XIV gives its name, but there's plenty to like about these #C Series models other than the traditional colour and relatively subtle branding.

The #C bib shorts are Rule#XIV's lower-priced bib shorts, coming in at £135, but the features read like a wishlist of super high-end models. Mike tested the £180 #M shorts recently – you can read his review here.

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As with the #M shorts, you get a pad from Cytech that itself features many of the Italian manufacturer's premium technologies you'll find in the likes of Rapha's Pro Team bib shorts, compressive leg panels that fit ergonomically to the skin, breathable fabrics, branded grippers, as well as flatlock stitching throughout to reduce the chances of chafing on long rides.

In essence, the #C bib shorts are as feature-packed as many options costing a whole lot more, and on the whole they perform well.

The pad isn't the bulky model you used to find with the likes of Rapha's bib shorts, but a slimmed down version for a smaller profile on your behind, and while not as plush, the high density foam does a great job of protecting you where it matters most. For century rides I'd personally need a little more padding than you get there, but for 100km spins it's up to the task.

Look closely and you'll spot perforations in the pad fabric for breathability – effective breathability, too – but the breathability that's claimed in the legs isn't quite as airy as I'd hoped. With the #Cs, the fabric is described as 'mid-weight', which Rule#XIV claims makes them a more versatile, potentially three-season garment.

I have to say, though, they were completely outdone by the heat in the recent warm spell we experienced in the UK, so although good for mid-teen temperatures, anything into the 20s really does challenge them. I do tend to run hot, though.

However, the fit and cut is excellent, with a very comfortable compressive element that really lends itself to the performance ethos of the brand. In cooler conditions it's a real boon, with the mediums on test feeling tight without being restrictive. That's not to say they come up small – just that the legs have a performance flavour.

In terms of length, Rule#XIV has gone with a slightly classical medium leg, although the elasticated bands at the end (under which are branded silicone grippers) are sizeable. This adds a little extra length to bring them between old-school mid leg and the more recent trend to finishing atop the knee – a good compromise, if a little unusual feeling around the bottom of the quads and hamstrings.

Up top, the #C bib section is constructed of a lightweight branded mesh, with flat seams for comfortable tensioning across the shoulders. I've come across stretchier bib sections, but I never felt uncomfortable in these, with good shaping when in a tuck position on the bike. Having the breathable mesh cover the central portion of the back again hints towards them being ready to ride in three seasons given mild conditions.

Elsewhere, quality is excellent, with all seams holding up well under washing and the compressive nature of the legs as impressive as it was when I first modelled them. Rule#XIV has also sewn in a flat fabric washing tag, so no potential for irritation if, like me, you prefer to leave the labels in rather than cut them out.

In terms of value their £135 RRP is a bit more acceptable than the #M Series, though a quick glance at recent bib shorts we've reviewed shows plenty of competition from the likes of the 'supremely comfortble' Endura M90 Graphics at £85, Kalf's Flux Chevrons, also £85, the £100 Assos T.MilleShorts_s7, and the 'serious contender for my favourites of the year' Santini Magos at £105. And if you wanted to go against 'rule 14', there's always the Huez Starmans to consider, at £130...

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best cycling bib shorts

Overall, while I can't recommend the Rule#XIV #C bib shorts for particularly warm weather, they're very good quality and with the compressive element really lend themselves to tempo riding in 'normal' UK summer conditions, as well as the cooler seasons surrounding it. At £135, they're expensive but worth consideration.

Verdict

Good quality bib shorts for three season-ish use – just not the height of summer