Lots of bib shorts make all kinds of fantastic claims while others quietly perform in the saddle for hours on end. The Bontrager RXL Bib Shorts are quiet performers that have a lot to offer.
Bontrager RXL Bib Shorts Features:
- InForm RXL Chamois: Multi-density, 3D seamless, with 4-way stretch and anti-microbial top sheet
- Combination of Profila Power fabric and Profila Cool mesh bib back
- Lightweight, low-profile, no-sew bib straps with bonded finish offer great support and comfort
- Clean cut compression leg gripper
- Reflective elements enhance visibility for maximum safety anytime
- 9.5″ (24cm) inseam
- Fitted – Streamlined fit for all-around cycling performance
- Available in all black (tested) or black/white
- MSRP: $159
RXL Bib Shorts Deliver Stealth Performance
The all-black look gives the RXL Bib Shorts some serious flexibility. They can go well with nearly any jersey combination, but I most often wore them with the matching black RXL Jersey for a super-stealth look. In spite of the all-black color scheme, the Profila Power and Cool fabrics do a great job of maintaining comfort in the heat of summer.
One of the most outstanding features of the RXL Bibs are the no-seam straps. These ultralight and stretchy wonders immediately contour to your torso with chaff-free comfort — no matter how hard your effort is. I can’t say enough about the comfort of these straps… they stretch and just plain fit.
The shorts offer good compression (sizing down to the Medium might improve compression) and have a nice length to them. The clean cut compression leg grippers are wide and keep everything put without grabbing your skin. Once settled in place, they stay put really well.
Bontrager knows how to make a great chamois and the InForm RXL chamois is excellent for being relatively low-profile. It has worked well with a variety of saddles (Bontrager Serano, Specialized Chicane Pro, Ergon SR3, Specialized S-Works Romin and others). The only thing I’ve noticed is that the fabric covering the chamois does tend to grab the saddle when returning to the saddle after sprinting.
Note: I’m 5’11”, 170 lbs. and I wore the size large for testing. Perhaps a medium could provide a more race-like fit, but these were plenty snug.
The Good
- Love the wide leg cuffs
- Fabric breathes well
- The bib straps are thin and comfortable — chaff-free
- Nice, low-profile chamois
- Flatlock stitching in high-chaff areas
The Bad
- Fabric separates from the chamois and catches on saddle nose
The Bottom Line
The RXL Bib Shorts are great overall — with an excellent chamois and awesome, minimalist straps that are immediately comfortable. For $159, these are also a pretty good price.
Buy Now: Visit Bontrager.com or Your Local Trek Dealer
