Bib shorts
Bib shorts
Some bib shorts, like the excellent Etxeondo Feather shorts, are designed to be as light as possible for summer use. Using lightweight fabrics is an effective way to keep cool though there’s less scope than with jerseys and, for decency’s sake, full mesh bib shorts haven’t caught on.
The one place you will often find mesh on bib shorts is in the straps. There’s no point in having a super light jersey and mesh base layer combo going on if the bibs on your shorts are about as breathable as sheet metal as this will leave your shoulders and lower back feeling like they’re drowning in sweat.
One approach is to make the straps entirely from mesh, which helps with wicking and breathability. Alternatively, as with many shorts now, including those from Italian brand Alé, the straps are made from a single layer of the gripper material also used at the leg openings of the shorts, keeping things sleek and breathable.
Another key element that’s been making its way into many summer shorts is Coldblack fabric. As well as protecting you from UV, Coldblack is designed with UVA and UVB protection so that it won’t absorb heat, and obviously means that the shorts, and subsequently your legs, don’t warm up as much. It’s especially effective on darker materials, which is great news if you’re a rider that’s committed to the classic ‘black shorts only’ look.
Endura are among the brands to use Coldblack on their new FS260-Pro SL bib shorts, while Isadore also use it on their shorts, but it’s a reasonably common feature now.