Northwave Origin bib shorts

Northwave's SS19 Origin bib shorts get just about everything right: sizing, fit and performance are all great, while pricing is competitive even before widespread internet discounting. They even look good, with low-key white detailing and small reflective tabs to aid visibility. There are better options for super-hot days, and the slow-drying pad may be awkward on multi-day rides, but otherwise they're great.

• Pros: Comfortable pad, good fit, durable
• Cons: Can get sweaty across the belly, slow to dry

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As always, at the heart of these shorts is, uh... your bum. It's extremely well served by the K110 pad, which retains its comforting springiness even after hours in the saddle. Flatlock stitching around its edges mean it stays put without anything to chafe, while the overlocked seams elsewhere cause no issues either.

Wide cuffs with dotty silicone grippers keep the legs securely in place, with a well-judged and comfy tension that's echoed further up in the elasticated braces.

A word about braces. The problems I have with bib shorts sizing might make you think I'm a circus freak, but in reality I'm just at the short leg/long torso end of the spectrum, instead of bang on the central average. The Origins (in Large to suit my 6ft 1in freakbody) are a super-comfy fit because Northwave – hooray! – realise elastic really doesn't need to be strong enough to power a catapult just to keep your shorts up. Radical, I know. These are an excellent choice if you're shaped the same way, and still excellent if you're not.

What they're not is compressive, and while Northwave only claims 'light compression,' they're no tighter than the average bib shorts and feel unlikely to be doing anything meaningful with your lactic acid. Sizing down may help if that's what you're after.

The upper half is mesh, though it's not the thinnest or breeziest ever, and on really hot climbs I found them a little warm and sweaty across the belly. For most of the time and most UK summer days however, they're perfect, and will serve well on milder autumn/spring days too. Despite this (and the chunky foam pad), they're actually pretty light at 184g for this Large pair.

That's assuming they're dry. They aren't the best for multi-day rides with rain and/or regular washing, as that dense pad really holds onto moisture in its centre. It takes noticeably longer to dry (45 minutes more than the Enduras I made them race on the dryer in the sun), and can actually feel dry until you squeeze them and find they aren't. Discover that with your fingers and it's annoying. Discover that with your bum (eww) and it's just kind of gross.

Much of what we've reviewed lately is more expensive by a factor of two or even three, but the Northwave Origins compare very well to the likes of Alé's Corsas at £65, Altura's Race Bib Shorts at £90... or even, say, Attaquer's All Day Bibs at £170. As always, dhb is very competitive on value too, with its excellent Aeron bib shorts technically being £75 but generally always cheaper (£66 at time of writing).

> Buyer's Guide: 27 of the best cycling bib shorts

The Northwave's excellent pad, great build and relaxed yet slim and secure fit make them worthy of serious consideration, though – whatever your budget.

Verdict

Very comfortable bibs for typical UK conditions, with great fit and a tempting price