Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts
    Gear Reviews

    Review: Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts

    Kevin GloverBy Kevin GloverAugust 28, 2019No Comments5 Mins Read

    What does it take to make a bib short and call it ‘classic?’ I’ll give you a hint: it’s not classic technology. The Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts are recently updated with high-tech fabric, fit and stitching and they’re trying to become your go-to shorts.

    Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts Features:

    • 74% polyamide/26% elastane mix
    • Updated chamois pad
    • Size – specific chamois
    • Available in a range of colours with complimentary Rapha logos
    • Highly breathable back
    • Soft grippers and flatlock stitching
    • Rear key pocket
    • MSRP: $235
    Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts
    I smile whenever I ride by coffee. It’s a reflex.

    These are the bibs that you’re looking for

    There are plenty of dynamics to consider when choosing a bib short; do you want something very racy, or more comfortable? Is it worth shelling out hundreds, or is it better to make do with a more modest pair? Are you wanting to ride hundreds of miles for fun, or are you a racer? The Rapha Classic II’s are built to balance many of these concerns, but they definitely show the elite Rapha pedigree that they come from.

    Let’s start with the fit. The Classic II’s are svelte and look good without being overly racy. This is a very soft lycra blend and it’s very stretchy, so it feels a little less like a dedicated race jersey. I found this very comfortable for group rides when I didn’t particularly want to wear my tightest, raciest kit around my buddies and then go for a drink afterwards. Interestingly, much of I appreciate about the fit comes from the fabric itself; the construction of the bibs is simple with minimal fabric paneling rather than a bunch of small, oddly-shaped panels to get a perfect fit. With that said, there are also more aero-friendly kits out there.

    Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts
    These are comfortable bibs on the bike, and you can hang out in them afterwards.

    One interesting fact about the Classic II’s fit is that the size of the chamois pad varies with the size of the bibs (three pads over six sizes). This is actually somewhat unusual, as it’s rare to vary the size of the chamois pad at all. Obviously I can’t comment on the effect of that variable sizing for comfort in other sizes, but I’m sure that this is something that people on the extreme ends of the fit spectrum will appreciate.

    In practice, I have been very pleased with how well the pad has performed over time. A key thing for me is how the pad edges are built into the body of the bibs, and these particular ones almost disappear into the body fabric; that is, there are no abrupt edges that can cause chafing or pressure points. I haven’t had any issues with the chamois and, like the very best outdoor gear, I have kind of forgotten that it’s there. That is always a good sign.

    Moving to the other end of the bibs, the design of the shoulder straps also merits some attention. The back of the bib is basically a big cut-out oval and goes right down to your lumbar spine. The idea is to maximize breathability, and it works well – but for some of my tightest/raciest jerseys (ie, the ones that maybe don’t fit well), sometimes there was exposed skin of the jerseys rode up my back. Not necessarily the bib’s fault at all, but an indicator of how low they go. There’s also a small pocket down here for keys or even a phone, and that fulfilled its function perfectly well.

    Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts
    You appear slightly faster in Rapha gear.

    At the same time, I really like the design because it basically becomes a shoulder harness rather than two straps. The result is a design that spreads force out over a larger area, and I never had the angry-looking red spots on my skin that I sometimes get from conventional bibs after a long ride. So, overall, I feel that the top of the bib (straps) are just as well-designed as the main body of the shorts. Your mileage may vary and they are a little tricker to put on.

    In use, the bib shorts perform very well. The grippers on the legs are totally adequate to the job without feeling overly sticky on your leg. I didn’t have any problems with movement and my legs are probably average for most recreational riders. I cannot power a toaster but I do pedal plenty.

    Review: Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts
    Trim little back pocket for keys or a phone.

    The Good:

    • Very comfortable overall
    • Great pad, rides for miles without trouble
    • Good grippers for the ol’ legs
    • I personally like the large cutout and harness-style straps
    • Can carry a phone or other essentials in rear sleeve

    The Bad:

    • They’re pricey
    • More aerodynamic bibs exist

    The Bottom Line: Rapha Classic II Bib Shorts

    What’s my overall verdict on the Classic II’s? Well, Rapha doesn’t really mess around in the first place, and they especially don’t mess around on something that they’re going to call their ‘classic’ bib short. There are nicer options in the Rapha lineup, but there are not that many bib shorts that are objectively nicer than the Classic II’s. I highly recommend them.

    Buy Now: Available from Rapha

    ShareTweet
    Bib Shorts Rapha
    Previous ArticleDainese HG Shorts 1 Review
    Next Article 2020 Specialized Venge Pro SRAM eTap Review
    Kevin Glover
    • Website

    Kevin Glover lives, climbs and backpacks out of Spokane, WA. Originally from the Nevada high desert, he moved to the PNW ten years ago and has worked as a glacier and rock guide in the Washington Cascades. When not testing gear, he is a medical student at the University of Washington and will gladly check that rash out for you.

    You Might Also Like

    Velocio Ultralight SL Base Layer Review

    June 9, 2023

    Schwalbe G-One Allround 650b Review

    June 7, 2023

    Patagonia Endless Run Shorts Review

    June 5, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Schwalbe G-One Allround 650b Review

    June 7, 2023
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Moosejaw Ice Fort 25 Quart Hard Cooler Review

    May 17, 2023

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021

    Review: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS for Road?

    October 5, 2022
    9.1

    Review: 2023 Trek Domane+ SLR 9 eBike

    December 5, 2022
    9.6

    Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 Review

    May 10, 2023
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Velocio Ultralight SL Base Layer Review
    • Schwalbe G-One Allround 650b Review
    • Patagonia Endless Run Shorts Review
    • Review: Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Hoodie
    • Fresh Wheels: Pivot Mach 4 SL Gets Both Racier & Rowdier
    • Shimano S-Phyre Magnetic GR Sunglasses Review
    • Moosejaw Ice Fort 25 Quart Hard Cooler Review
    • Join Zwift “Ride Like King 15” Rides May 19-21
    • Review: Hoka Challenger 7 Road/Trail Shoe
    • Fresh New Bikes from Cervelo, Pinarello and Vitus
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.