Le Col ARC Cargo Bib Shorts Review

In 2011, when then professional cyclist, Yanto Barker, started Le Col, gravel wasn’t really a thing. Cyclocross was about all we had, but boy how times have changed. Last year, Le Col introduced their gravel-oriented ARC Collection with the ARC Cargo Bib Shorts leading the charge for long-distance comfort in the saddle.

Le Col ARC Cargo Bib Shorts Features:

• Multi-terrain performance chamois with bamboo microfiber top sheet
• Easy-access leg and back pockets
• Wide leg cuffs
• Flat seams for added comfort
• Wide and comfortable straps
• MSRP: $275

Cargo Up, Gravel On!

Why cargo bib shorts are always for gravel riding is beyond me. I love a good cargo bib short — for road, gravel and MTB. Hauling extra stuff along for the ride is always in style and the Le Col ARC Cargo Bib Shorts have all of the above. This is my first pair of Le Col bib shorts and if the rest of the line follows the form and function of the ARC Cargo Bib Shorts, I think I’m gonna like their other styles.

Launched last year, the Le Col ARC Collection features a variety of kit options — from jerseys, shorts, jackets and accessories. I have been testing the ARC Merino Long Sleeve and the ARC Merino Jersey both indoors and out over the past few months and if I could summarize these bibs in one word, it would be “luxurious.”

Top-end bib shorts typically feature luxe materials and a more comfortable chamois. The performance fabric not only feels fantastic, but it offers excellent muscle compression. Pulling them on, the legs get situated with little fuss and stay put throughout the ride. Those wide, elastic leg cuffs don’t feel restrictive at all and always maintain a taut fit. With such thick fabric, they are capable down to lower temperatures than a typical summer bib short. I have been riding them comfortably into the upper-40’s without cold airflow creeping in.

The older I get, the more I appreciate taller uppers that control my dad bod and give me the most streamlined look on the bike. Not only do the legs provide great compression, the uppers do a great job of keeping things together while providing excellent midsection coverage. In spite of the added coverage, they stretch easily for nature breaks.

The wide, stretchy bib straps feature a ribbed design (similar to what Assos uses) that sits comfortably next-to-skin without even a hint of chafing. The ribs help keep the straps in place and they attach perfectly to the outrigger mesh front and back tabs for proper situating. And, I can comfortably wear them with or without a lightweight base layer. And, I wore them most often paired with the Le Col ARC Merino Jersey.

Like the best cargo bib shorts (Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts, Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts or Velocio Utility Bib Shorts), these do a masterful job of hauling extra food or a phone in a way that quickly goes unnoticed. The pocket placement is superb and, once again, I forget that my phone is in there and start looking around for it. Yes, I’m old, but items tend to disappear in there and that’s a great thing! As you can see, the leg pockets are made of the same material as the body and it has proven durable with use. The rear pockets amplify the hauling ability and can help make up for missing jersey pockets should you not pair them with a traditional jersey. As an added bonus the back pockets have a security flap to further keep things in place.

Comfort, durability, compression and performance all go hand-in-hand to deliver a fantastic package. However, that luxe fabric does have a downside and its breathability. I find them to maintain moisture more than other bib shorts, which does get amplified when used on long indoor training sessions. The fabric does tend to stretch out just a smidge after a couple of rides. Even though you’re not supposed to dry them in a dryer, I’ve found that to help return the fabric back to is most compressive state.

Back to the chamois. While the chamois lacks a fancy name, it doesn’t lack comfort — I honestly think it’s one of the best on the market. With thick, comfortable multi-density padding, I can stay seated forever without discomfort. On rough terrain, it mutes out the chatter and sits comfortably on a variety of saddles.

Admittedly, these arrived after gravel riding season, so this is more of a road-focused review. I’ll update after the gravels thaw out and I’m able round out the review.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs., wearing the size medium

Buy Now: Visit LeCol.cc