Cycology Women's Logo Bib Shorts

Cycology's Women's Logo Bib Shorts prove that good quality needn't come with a huge price tag. In fact, these bib shorts have it all, bar a super-long chamois, which has shrunk a bit in length from previous models.

• Pros: Comfy women-specific centre strap; quality sweat-wicking chamois
• Cons: Chamois could be a little longer; shorts come up a bit small

With bib shorts commonly costing well in excess of £100 these days, the Women's Logo Bib Shorts are in line with the price point of its Spin Sista jersey – that is, they are kind to the wallet.

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They pick out the neon lime of the Spin Sista, which I also tested, but otherwise are far more visually understated than most of the other shorts in Cycology's women's range.

At first glance it looks as though the cut could come up a bit small, and while they are indeed a little on the snug side, in action they felt comfortable and unrestricted. If you're on the cusp of two sizes, consider sizing up.

I own a pair of Cycology bibs from 2016, and these 2019 versions have seen a few tweaks. First up, the all-important chamois. Cycology has increased padding to the front section, and it's smaller in size than the previous design – seemingly the case with current trends. It's also smaller than others I've tested in the past from brands including Alé, Rapha and Assos, but it doesn't feel compromised on comfort; the only thing you lose is excessive pad-bulge.

When standing, it feels as though there might be little protection to soft tissue towards the front, but once in position – especially aero – everything sits in place. As a result, I almost forgot to scrutinise comfort over test rides, because it simply felt like I wasn't wearing them. While the chamois lacks a little length toward the rear, this didn't cause discomfort – though some might prefer a little more end-to-end coverage to suit different riding positions and for additional comfort over longer rides.

On to the chamois sweat-test, where these shorts were put through their paces in the summer heat. On even the warmest ride they stayed remarkably dry, so I took it to the next level: the highly scientific shower test. The pad soaked up water fast and was impressively non-damp to the touch very quickly – the fastest out of four in the line-up.

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

This sweat-wicking performance is matched by an impressive cut, with no bagginess anywhere. The legs sat mid-thigh, while the leg cuff's coloured grippers are classic Cycology – super-wide and super lightweight, making for a bulge-free zone. While Cycology has kept the band the same width since its 2016 bibs, the grippers are much-improved; their laser-cut lines continued to provide excellent stickiness through machine washes (my biggest issue with the previous version) while adding to the outer aesthetic.

The centre front strap design is new for 2019 and a prominent feature, as seen on the Liv Race Day Bib Shorts Emma tested earlier this year. It's a simple difference but a stroke of genius in its ability to accommodate any breast size without compromising comfort, unlike a traditional brace-style bib. The only potential downside is that once in a riding position the centre strap naturally gravitates upwards a bit, which means it could be visible if you want to unzip the top of your jersey on a hot summer rides. It just looks like a black top underneath, though, so it's nothing unsightly!

As with the leg cuff, the bib straps are cut generously wide, which adds comfort to the shoulder area, leaving no indentation after a long stint in the saddle – and being super-stretchy too, they're really easy to whip off and on for impromptu wee-stops.

Cycology has extended the breathable mesh material of the straps all the way down to the abdomen for maximum summertime breathability. Sometimes bib straps can be too short, leading to shoulder-ache, but the straps' mesh and stretch look set to provide decent levels of comfort above my 5ft 7in height.

As with the Spin Sista jersey that they're designed to be twinned with, these bib shorts are finished with a single, subtle reflective strip to the rear for added safety. The finishing touch is a pair of very subtle Cycology logos – providing an aesthetic that counterbalances the energetic design of the top.

Overall, these shorts impressed. The pad's sweat-wicking capability, the upper's breathability and the attention to detail on the grippers make for an excellent bib short contender for spring/summer cycling – especially given the SPF 50 fabric treatment.

> Read more road.cc reviews of women's cycling shorts here

They are up there with the most comfortable I've tested, which is an accolade for the kind-to-wallet RRP. At £70, they're a tenner less than Liv's Race Day Bib Shorts, but they're grippier – and they're cheaper than many others on the market.

Verdict

Comfortable, stylish and hard-working shorts at a really good price