Endura Pro SL Lite Bibshort

The Endura Pro SL Lite bib shorts work really well – a great fit, quality construction and strong (but not excessive) cooling make these an impressive summer choice.

• Pros: Cope very well with heat, not excessively chilly either, well made, good fit
• Cons: Thin-fronted pad, attractive packaging is excessive

The 'Lite' in the name actually refers to the pad, but it could just as well describe the whole thing – any shorts with holes punched out of them are clearly on the minimalist side. Designed for very hot weather and tested by pros from the Movistar and Cervélo Bigla teams, the Pro SL Lites use large perforated inserts and high-airflow padding for impressively effective cooling. One surprise, though, is that despite the looks they're 199g and not that light.

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What's perhaps most surprising is how usable they are in more temperate climates, such as the UK. I found no detectable draft or temperature difference across the different fabrics in any weather (including rain showers) I tested in, and none of the breezy thigh sensations I fully expected. They stayed perfectly comfortable even under clouds on 13 degree days – there's no more reason to fear being caught in the 'wrong' kit if the weather fades than with regular shorts.

Naturally, the hotter it is, the bigger the advantage. Even on some blaringly sunny climbs that had running sweat stinging my eyes, the only heat build-up in the Pro SL Lites was in the small of the back. After a few rides I realised there's a little laser-cut rear pocket there, theoretically for a race radio but big enough for a credit card, a gel, keys or at a (literal) stretch, a phone. Consequently there are two layers of material, and it's enough to leave that small patch sweaty. A mesh pocket backing would probably fix this.

Everywhere else they resist heat build-up extremely well, and even in truly beautiful UK weather never got hot enough for that slightly clammy, slimy feeling of about-to-boil-over Lycra. The 'Coldblack' finish is designed to reflect heat – black normally absorbs more energy than lighter colours, heating you up – and consequently blocks enough UV light to get a UPF50 rating.

The legs are fairly short and well secured with wide silicone grippers and elastic cuffs, while the straps are open mesh and cool well.

The broad elastic edging provides a secure hold that was never too strong to be uncomfortable, even on my relatively long torso. The edging did quite quickly discolour to a creamy white that contrasts against the pure white mesh – I'd suspect suntan lotion as the culprit, but the discoloration is so uniform it can't just be that. It's a mild effect and generally hidden, at least.

The 'pre-curved' (or 'curved') race fit is good; these bibs can feel a bit tight between the legs while walking, but they're just right on the bike whether in or out of the saddle. The overlocked seams are comfy to the point of undetectable, and sizing is accurate, making these summer shorts an easy 'fit and forget' item – at least until you walk into the coffee shop.

I was concerned I'd look a bit perverse in see-through mesh(!) but it's actually – I think – not that obvious, at least as you ride past. It's easy to mistake the exposed skin for a printed pattern, especially as you build a razor-edged tan and your thighs get even paler by comparison.

As for tanning little dots all over your upper legs, you'd have to wear these for a very long time without moving them for that to be a problem. I never had any sign of it happening despite many hours in the sun.

> How to protect your skin in the sun

Neither the antibacterial pad nor the Lycra is prone to getting smelly, so they can survive multiple rides with just air drying between washes (we won't tell anyone).

Endura supplies these in five sizes and three pad widths (medium/medium tested), and offers an online tool for working out which pad you need. The reticulated foam of the 700 Series Lite pad has a more open cell structure than most, Endura says, for better air flow and faster drying. I found it unsweaty and very supportive under the sit bones, but further forward the pad thins considerably where it mimics the lines of a channelled saddle. Pressure can build up here during long seated sections, so if your hips typically roll forward or you run quite flat saddles, you may not find it ideal.

Endura does offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on these, though, promising a 'no-quibble refund or replacement' from the shop in question with just a proof of purchase.

There's not a lot of competition on the 'extreme heat use' side of things, but there's plenty in summer bib shorts overall. The Lusso Active Aero Cycling Bibshorts employ similar large panels which, if not quite perforated, are thin to the point of transparency in a series of stripes. In this case the claimed benefit is aero rather than cooling, but thinner is cooler and either way they're a very comfortable, well-made option at under £100.

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

At a higher price (£140) are the Castelli Free Aero Race Bibshorts, featuring very light fabric and a swathe of super-thin 'aero dimples' that also bring above-average cooling. They're also extremely comfortable, with a great pad and excellent fit.

The Pro SL Lites are a great choice for warm summer days and better still for truly hot climates. They’re noticeably cooler than ‘regular’ Lycra, yet not so chilly as to cause problems when it’s merely mild. Ideally Endura would ditch the attractive but excessive multi-part packaging and let the quality speak for itself, because – so long as the pad works for your riding style – those qualities are impressive.

Verdict

Comfy and well-made shorts that get better the hotter it gets, though the thin-fronted pad may not be supportive enough for some