The Madison Flux Mens EIT Padded Bib Shorts feel sturdy, and the design is a masterclass in minimalism – but the pad doesn’t provide long-ride comfort levels.
Design
This is a pair of bib shorts that initially felt as good as models that cost twice the price. The recycled Lycra fabric is fluid, there’s not a stitch out of place, and the wide straps and minimalist branding conspired to suggest a luxurious experience.
On an initial fit, they lived up to the promise of a decent pair of shorts for less. While straps can be a weak point on even the most expensive of bib shorts, these are wide and weightless.
Below the belt, they cover a decent amount of thigh, but they are on the tight side around the thighs and hips. I sit squarely in the large size in Madison’s size table, and while I didn’t feel like I’d lost circulation to my legs, they were still taut and sporty. There are no silicone grippers here, but it didn’t feel like there was any danger of the shorts riding up.
Comfort
Speaking of riding up, I rode up a hill with them on. And down a hill. And on flat bits. To begin with, I didn’t even notice I was wearing them (not that I have experience of this outside of nightmares). My movement never felt restricted, and the straps and seams didn’t dig in. It was plain sailing for an hour or so — and then things started to hurt.
Without going into too much detail, I was feeling pain and numbness in places where you really don’t want to experience pain and numbness. There are lots of things that could cause this, including saddle height and pitch, and riding position, but the simple fact is that I don’t get these issues with my other cycling shorts, even my £10 Lidl ones.
As everything else was in its right place, I’m going to blame the pain squarely on the pad. It’s made by EIT in Italy, a country that’s seemingly applied its expertise in pizza bases to pads for your nether regions. But it’s just a bit too spongy, and it seemed as if my pudendal nerve was sinking through it and getting squished into my saddle. My preferred bib shorts actually have thinner, denser padding, which I guess holds everything in place.
Value
At £79.99, the Flux bibs sit in the middle ground of cycling shorts, although they are available for about £55 online.
Decathlon’s Triban RC100 (£29.99) and Van Rysel Racer 2 (£64.99) low-cost shorts offer stiff competition in this arena, with the latter especially offering multiple hours of comfort.
A little further up the price scale, but still cheaper than the Flux at £73, the Galibier Équipe 3 Aero Bib Shorts are really comfortable with an excellent chamois.
Beyond that, the Castelli Entrata Bib Shorts are worth considering at £100, while the Lusso Perform Carbon Bib Shorts (£110) offer comfort as well as environmental credentials.
> Best cycling bib shorts 2026 — enhance your comfort in the saddle with these top picks
Conclusion
As an option for short, sharp club rides or quick commutes, the Madison Flux Mens EIT Padded Bib Shorts are completely fine, but once you get over the hour mark you’re going to be inventing new swear words.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
The Madison Flux EIT Pad Lycra Bib Shorts are technically engineered for performance and race-ready comfort. They are crafted from premium soft-touch Lycra Sport™ stretch fabric, providing a supportive second-skin fit for all-day comfort. The high-waisted design offers a secure fit and improved comfort while riding.
Chamois Pad Technology
The dual-density chamois pad, engineered with Italian specialists Elastic Interface®, is designed to encourage longer rides. The hydrophobic, fast-drying comfort foam pad features an 80kg/m³ density on the cover and 70kg/m³ Pro foam in the main insert for balanced cushioning and pressure relief. With 3mm thickness at the edges and 11mm at the primary contact zone, the pad ensures comfort without adding bulk. The high-wicking pad fabric is made entirely from recycled materials and is GRS and bluesign certified, with all materials Oeko-Tex certified to be free from harmful substances.
Design and Construction
The shorts feature a broad, silicone-free leg gripper designed to enhance comfort while keeping the shorts securely in place. Wide, seamless mesh straps maximise breathability and reduce pressure points around the hip and shoulder areas.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Made from premium soft-touch Lycra Sport™ stretch fabric, these bib shorts provide a supportive second-skin fit with all-day saddle comfort
High-waisted design offers a supportive, secure fit and improved on-bike comfort
Madison’s dual-density chamois pad, engineered with Italian specialists Elastic Interface®, is designed to encourage longer rides and more enjoyment on the bike
Hydrophobic, fast-drying comfort foam pad uses 80kg/m³ density on the cover and PRO Foam 70kg/m³ in the main insert for balanced cushioning and pressure relief
3mm thickness at the edges and 11mm at the primary contact zone ensures comfort where it matters most without adding bulk
High-wicking pad fabric is made entirely from recycled materials and is GRS and Bluesign certified for sustainability
All pad materials are Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances
A broad leg gripper is silicone free and designed to enhance comfort whilst ensuring the shorts stay securely in place, even during hard efforts
Wide, seamless mesh straps maximise breathability while reducing pressure points around the hip and shoulder areas
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
Similar price range to quality bib shorts from Castelli, Lusso, and Kostume.
Any further comments on fit?:
Comfortable on the shoulders and back, but drum-tight on the hips and thighs.
Any comments on sizing? Did it size up too big or too small?:
I could live with the tightness, but it’s probably worth trying two sizes if you’re on the cusp.
Any further comments on comfort?:
Comfortable to start with, but the chamois became painful after about an hour.
Any further comments on the pad?:
Comfortable for shorter rides, but it becomes painful on longer ones.
Any issues with durability?:
Quality material and well put-together, with no bobbling on inner thighs after a few rides.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?:
Washed at 30 degrees celsius and came out fine.
Did you enjoy using the product? No
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
Use this box to explain your overall score
A solid design that’s undone by the low-range pad.
About the tester
Age: 45Height: 193cmWeight: 88kg
I usually ride: Tritao GroontMy best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Road racing, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Indoor racing, Bikepacking, Commuting, Audax, Fitness riding, Leisure riding
1 thought on “Madison Flux Mens EIT Padded Bib Short”
A pair of shorts with poor pad performance is worthy of three stars, really?