Sportful Giro bib shorts

Proving that you don't have to spend a couple of hundred quid on a pair of cycling bib shorts are these £60 Sportful Giro shorts, which put in a superb performance with great comfort and fit.

The shorts are made to Sportful's usual excellent standard, and the fit is just as good as its more expensive products. An eight-panel Elast-X fabric construction with contrast flatlock stitching provides a nice fit around the legs and bum, with no excess fabric to ripple in the wind or areas of tightness to detect.

You don't get a posh all-singing-all-dancing padded insert in these shorts, but the updated Comfort Plus belies its simple appearance by providing excellent comfort. I've used them for four to five hours in the saddle with no ill effect; comfort doesn't really seem to suffer compared to more expensive shorts with fancier inserts.

Where it does struggle a little is in very hot weather when you're generating a lot of sweat. It appears to hold on to moisture a little longer than better-ventilated inserts, but it's within acceptable limits. You're not exactly getting a soggy bum, it's just noticeable when tested alongside more advanced inserts. For the majority of British weather riding it's not a factor though.

One of the nicest details on these shorts is the newly updated leg band, which not only sets them apart from rival shorts but also those costing twice as much. A wide band of elastic material around the front of the short opening is a fabulous solution in an area that many much more expensive shorts fall short. The elastic material applies just enough pressure to keep the hem in place without being restrictive. A little silicone detailing on the inside also helps but isn't irritating against the skin. I'd be happy with this approach on far more expensive shorts.

Bib straps are made from a lightweight mesh material with enough length to stretch comfortably over the shoulders. There's no irritation if the bib straps sit against the skin but I always prefer to wear a base layer under the bib straps for extra comfort and sweat mopping duties. The back panel is made from the same mesh material and helps with pulling moisture away from your back.

The Giro shorts are available in sizes XS to 3XL and eight colours so you can match them to your favourite jersey.

Verdict

Top quality, fit and comfort for just £60, what more do you want?