The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

The single-density Levitate chamois was the most surprising. With an excellent combination of the right thickness, density, and profile, it essentially disappeared while riding in the best way possible. Many pads on inexpensive shorts feel cheap and uncomfortable, but the Levitate hits the sweet spot. The 77% recycled polyester body material also felt lighter than others, which improved breathability but could potentially come at the cost of durability.

While testing during weeks of high temperatures over 100 degrees in Central Texas, the humidity was over 70%. Being accustomed to the most expensive and tech-laden fabrics, we expected to swelter, not expecting much heat and moisture transfer from a budget bib like the Pearl Izumi Quest.

To our surprise, we barely even noticed the bibs being different from others which cost hundreds more. This is likely due to the spot-on fit. which is something that other adorable options often lack.

The Quest Bib Shorts had the lowest amount of compression of any of the bibs in this guide. They were still tight enough to stay put, but they didn’t offer the compressive force that many serious riders prefer. But if you’re a more casual rider or want a more relaxed fit, then the Quest could fit the bill without costing you too many dollar bills.

While many bibs that feature similar amounts of stitching tend to pucker around the medial glute, these bibs stay nice and tidy in this area, giving the posterior better support and a more athletic appearance. 

The Chrono Elite pad is made by Elastic Interface and has four density zones to provide the optimal balance of firm support and supple cushioning wherever and however you are riding. It’s positioned perfectly to prevent it from sliding forward and provides plenty of material to protect the soft tissues around the sit bones. The pad has a reasonable width from side to side, allowing freedom of movement in the pedal stroke while remaining stable and locked in place on rougher roads. 

Tall, laser-cut gripper panels provide a luxurious compressive hold on the quadriceps. A generous but subtle application of silicone inside each gripper panel ensures that the legs don’t ride up for better muscle support and aerodynamic performance. 

Laser-cut straps lay perfectly flat against the torso, ensuring comfort whether riding with or without a base layer. The bib straps converge at the upper spine, at the top of a mesh panel that helps maximize cooling on the sweat-prone lower back.

The main panels of the shorts extend up fairly high, all the way to the naval area. This might be a different feeling compared to other bib shorts, but it does offer a nice amount of support for the lower back and lower abdomen and offers a bit of extra protection in slightly cooler conditions. 

Branding is minimal, with a retro-inspired squared logo on each leg. While it technically does feature “Giro” 8 times in total, the Chrono Elite isn’t going to get much attention. That’s something we like in a pair of bib shorts, and it makes it easy to mix these bibs with a jersey from a different brand. Small reflective tabs are built into the rear-facing seam of each leg for improved visibility in low-light conditions. 

Overall, the Giro Chrono Elite Bibs are a solid value at $200 and arguably the best bib short available at that price point. While not trying to do anything unusual, these bibs quietly get all the important things right. There may be better options for rides in conditions like extreme heat or rough gravel, but for any long and spirited road ride, the Chrono Elite is more than up to the task of keeping you comfortable and moving fast.

San Francisco-based Ornot has hung its hat on producing quality cycling apparel with little to no branding, and that carries on with the latest version of the Cargo Bibs. You’ve actually got to look pretty closely to notice the small Ornot logo tag hidden subtly under the mesh of the cargo pockets. This gives them a classy, subdued, modern aesthetic that pairs well with tops from any other brand and deftly avoids making you look like a rolling billboard. We tested the “Cortado” color which is a nice coffee brown with black leg grippers, and they come in three other options, too.

One of Ornot’s recent updates to the Cargo Bibs is a new fabric that they describe as “super-luxurious.” This material is a blend of 63% polyamide and 37% elastane that not only feels great in hand and on the skin but provides a balanced, moderate level of compression. We found the compression level to be relatively ideal, adding support to the glutes, hamstrings, and quads while keeping the chamois stable between us and the saddle.

Speaking of the chamois, the “high-density endurance pad” is a thing of beauty. Whether for all-day gravel rides or quick one-hour road blasts, this pad provides an excellent, supportive, and comfortable cushion for the sit bones in all but the most aggressive, racy body positions.

Adding to the stability of both the shorts and chamois are the well-executed and comfortable leg grippers and straps. The elasticized grippers are nearly 2.5 inches wide and have a subtle texture of tiny silicone dots for comfortable traction on the skin. Ornot also managed to get the compression of the grippers close to that of the main body material for a consistent squeeze on the whole upper leg.

The seamless 1.5-inch wide shoulder straps are made from a similar elastic material and are super comfortable against the skin and positioned well to avoid nipple contact that might cause irritation. They avoid feeling constrictive while being snug enough to keep contents in the back cargo pockets and the chamois from shifting throughout your ride.

Two pockets on the lower back panel and one on each thigh provide loads of space to carry food, tools, phones, or other gear. The dense see-through mesh is stretchy enough to make getting things in and out easy but has enough tension to hold contents securely and from moving around while you ride. The back pockets are relatively hard to access — and kinda redundant — if you’re wearing a traditional jersey, but they are great to add some on-body storage if you’re into the looser-fitting t-shirt-style jerseys that are trending these days.

While the material does feel quite luxurious, we found that it isn’t the quickest drying, and the cortado color we tested got dark and highlighted our sweaty areas. This may also be a testament to how well the seat pad manages moisture, however, as it was surprisingly dry after a sweaty ride.

Otherwise, the Ornot Cargo Bibs were an absolute joy to ride in, and at $218, they cost less than many other competitors, too. With supreme comfort, an ideal level of cushioning, and an outstanding chamois, we’re looking forward to racking up many more miles in these.

The Expert N3X 3D seat pad is unlike any other we’ve tried. Engineered in collaboration with Elastic Interface — one of the premier pad manufacturers in the business — this multi-layered pad employs a 3D-printed core that’s sandwiched between bio-based foam and topped with comfortable recycled material for next-to-skin comfort. While impressively stable and supportive in all the right spots, the open structure of the 3D-printed layer allows for excellent breathability, and we found this pad to manage moisture impressively well and successfully avoid ever feeling like a wet diaper.

Along with the excellent pad, the main body fabric felt thin and was very breathable, yet the outer surface proved robust. Brushes with cedar branches and prickly bushes during gravel rides proved futile in damaging the Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts. The upper part of the bibs is constructed of very open mesh, which we appreciated while testing in the mid-summer Texas heat, and the straps laid flat without fuss, abrasion, or pressure points. 

Gorewear tends to be cut longer in the sleeves and legs, and the Ultimate Bib Shorts follow suit, which we appreciated. The compression level was in the medium zone, making them great for longer pedals. We found they felt snug initially, but once on the bike, the fit was on point for our average cycling physique. The fabric laid flat everywhere, with no wrinkles, constrictions, or looser areas and the grippers kept the legs in place without undue pressure. 

For extended rides or adventures on less-than-perfect surfaces, we found ourselves reaching for the Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+ often. And although the MSRP of $280 is a lot of cash, the stellar seat pad alone makes them worth it, in our opinion.

This balance of compression and low weight will keep you comfortable and supported even on the longest rides when it’s hot and humid. In addition to an unrivaled support-to-weight ratio, the innovative fabric provides enhanced breathability and wicking/drying, as well as a deep black high-opacity finish.

The Ultralight’s pad is the same one you’ll find in the Signature and Luxe models. It’s a dense but supple pad made by Cytech EIT to Velocio’s custom specifications. In the saddle, the pad feels stable and connected to the body while allowing for total freedom of movement in the pedal stroke. The pad is so adaptable that it really feels like a second skin, never detaching during standing efforts and never producing any irritation, even without chamois cream. 

Velocio takes a unique approach to straps, using two independent bands of microfiber that cross each other in the mid-back before looping over the shoulders. This design creates lateral pressure that prevents the bibs shorts from shifting around the hips and allows for better upper body mobility when accessing rear pockets and riding in the drops. 

Dense and stretchy grippers provide a comfortable and secure hold on the quadriceps. There is a high level of compression in the gripper, enough to create a depression in the quad muscles. The feeling is a bit odd when first slipping into the shorts, but after a couple of minutes on the bike, it just feels like excellent support and isn’t distracting. 

Two testers used the Ultralight bibs in conditions ranging from hot and humid Texas summer to indoor training in front of a box fan. Both reported that the light material provided great airflow and managed literal buckets of sweat and moisture better than others they’ve tried.

Essentially, the Velocio Ultralight Bib is just a lighter variation of the Signature bib short and manages to boost breathability without any noticeable loss of compression. For riders living in steamy climates, it will be the best pick of Velocio’s range. At $259, it’s also more affordable than some of Velocio’s other options that utilize the same pad and strap design, making it a better value within the premium range of the brand’s offerings.

While that all remains the case with the ProTeam Powerweave Bib Short ($380), one big upgrade sets these apart from all previous Pro Team bibs, and that is the namesake — the Powerweave material. 

Powerweave fabric delivers a claimed 20% weight reduction compared to the original Pro Team Bib Shorts, which is readily apparent as soon as they are out of the bag. These bibs are indeed featherweight, but the Powerweave feels durable and offers superior compression and support. The support is so good that although they are meant for mild to hot conditions, they remind us a bit of the Pro Team Thermal in terms of how well they support the sit bones, glutes, and lower back. 

Of course, being at the top of the Rapha range of bib shorts, the pad is luxurious and stable, while also managing moisture brilliantly. The low-profile design resists movement and avoids bunching or interfering with the pedaling motion, allowing you to pedal powerfully and efficiently in any position.

The straps fit super snugly and are a bit short in length so as to offer maximum hold when riding in an aggressive race posture. When standing off the bike, they feel a bit tight, but that’s the trade-off for how secure these bib shorts remain during even the most intense efforts.

Laser-cut and bonded edges ensure that the straps lay completely flat and feel great with or without a base layer. The back features an airy mesh that allows for excellent cooling in hot weather. 

The leg grippers are seamless and consist of elasticated yarn that’s integrated into the fabric. This helps smooth airflow over the leg and avoid irritation while also reducing weight. The seamless grippers also accentuate the svelte aesthetics of the Pro Team Powerweave bibs. These sharp-looking bibs look fast even when you’re standing still, let alone attacking off the front. 

On the road, the Pro Team Powerweave bib shorts feel both minimal and supportive, which is no mean feat for a pair of bibs. Typically, if a bib short feels this lightweight, the fabric also lacks a bit of structure and compression, but Powerweave manages to balance these competing interests perfectly.

It’s not the most natural-feeling fabric and does stretch a bit less freely than other polyester blends, but in the correct size, this we didn’t find this to be uncomfortable or distracting. 

At $380, we agree with Rapha’s description of the Pro Team Powerweave as “pinnacle” bibs in terms of materials, performance, and pricing. For riders who want the very best Rapha can summon and need excellent breathability combined with next-level compression, the Pro Team Powerweave may just be worth the cost.

Attaquer also uses different chamois pads to match the level of compression. The Race Bib Short has the Attaquer Race chamois, and we think it feels like one of the best — particularly for those who spend more time in more aggressive, forward body positions. The high density, multi-zone construction, and hydrophobic, low-friction cover made it almost unnoticeable, even during long stints in the Central Texas summer heat.

We felt that the fit was among the best and didn’t compromise comfort for aerodynamics. There were no wrinkles in the Race Bib Short in the riding position, making the next-to-skin sensation sublime. The compression provided just enough support for long days on the roads without a restrictive feeling.

Lastly, Attaquer has an incredible crash replacement program. Just send them images and an explanation, and the brand will give you 40% off a replacement. Finally, the Race Bib Shorts come in several colors other than black, and being pre-dyed, the colors were rich and vibrant compared to others.

Our only real gripe with the Attaquer Race Bib Short is that the fit and Race Chamois make them better suited to higher-intensity riding than some of the more versatile models we tested. Specificity is nice if you mostly ride in an aggressive position or can justify having numerous pairs of bibs for different riding styles. If you’re looking for more of an all-arounder, the Attaquer All-Day is a better bet. But, if you ride aggressively and want some shorts to match, these are a great bet.

The Mission Pro is a cargo bib short with a total of four pockets. Each leg has a large pocket constructed of ultra-dense mesh that is stitched into the Dyneema panel extending down the outer thigh. Two smaller pockets are sewn into the rear base of the bib straps, similar to a traditional jersey. These pockets are made from the same super-dense mesh and honestly are not meant for frequent access — they are better for things that will stay put, like a wallet, keys, or a phone.

The Mission Pro’s fit is good, but we found it suffers from a bit of bunching along the medial glute when standing and on the bike. This is due to the different levels of stretch in the Lycra and Dyneema panels, which causes the Lycra on the other side of the stitching to deform a bit when following the contours of the body. This doesn’t affect comfort at all, but it’s safe to say these will fit and look better on folks with a bit more mass in the medial glute and upper thigh region. We also felt the Mission Pro runs a bit small, so we would recommend sizing up. 

The leg opening has a truly seamless fit thanks to silicone gripper material that is bonded directly onto the leg opening. This eliminated the need for a traditional silicone gripper attachment seam at the lower leg. Not only is the fit excellent, but the fabric has a perfectly flat and clean look thanks to this design. The strap system is a simple but effective three-piece design with seamless mesh straps and a panel that connects them at the upper back. 

The Italian-made Elastic Interface chamois is supple and perfectly situated to accommodate a wide range of riding situations and positions. The pad’s density provides just enough cushioning without ever feeling shifty or squishy during hard pedaling efforts. 

The Mission Workshop Mission Pro Bibs feel like they will outlast every other bib out there, and with Dyneema panels in the hip area, it’s likely they will even be able to withstand a crash or two. There is a bit of a trade-off in stretchiness to achieve this level of durability, but we found them to be comfortable and compliant for riding on any type of surface or distance. At $305, they are a premium option, but if adventurous riding on rugged roads sounds like your typical day out, the Mission Pro is a great pick.

If you’re after a pair of cargo bibs with a stellar seat pad, a more consistent fit, and a price that’s easier to stomach, the Ornot Cargo Bibs ($218) are our top recommendation.

Normally, we’d avoid designs with a low panel count. Fewer panels often don’t wrap the body’s form quite as well and leave you feeling like a stuffed sausage. But Velocio pulls off a fit that hugs the body with minimal panels. Two panels rise up front and meet in the middle, with a third, continuous panel arching over the backside. Together, they form a compressive short that reduces fatigue and minimizes the chances of painful chafing.

We had a minor ding notched against the lumberjack suspender straps. They aren’t as breathable as the rest of the bib, and the unpinned crossover strap design made it a little more awkward to wrestle into them than similarly designed straps. But once in the saddle, the straps found their groove and provided excellent and comfortable tension to keep the shorts and chamois in place all day.

Like many bibs, the Velocio LUXE felt tight when we first put them on, especially while walking around in them. After some initial skepticism, the shape sprung to life behind the handlebars. After a few washes, they loosened up a bit and started to form more to the body. If you find they still don’t fit properly, Velocio offers a 30-day Signature Guarantee. If you are between sizes or want a more relaxed fit, Velocio recommends sizing up.

Velocio makes some of the nicest cycling apparel in the industry, and the LUXE bibs are no exception. If you appreciate the added support of a highly compressive fit, these shorts will cost you but are definitely worth a try.

If you prefer a more moderate level of compression and/or ride in hot temperatures often, Velocio’s Ultralight Bib Shorts ($259) is a great choice. They look and fit almost exactly the same, but the lighter main body material breathes better when the mercury rises.

The Gallio long-distance pad is super-plush and soft to the touch, making the Camper Cargo a go-to bib short for gravel and rides on the less-than-primo pavement. The pad is also less dense and rigid than many other bibs we’ve recently tested, which results in a nicely cushioned feel and a natural supple fit. Despite its more pliable feel, the pad never bunched or squirmed around, although it isn’t quite as supportive as some of the denser pads we’ve tried recently.  

The straps are a simple and effective woven mesh design with plenty of hold and stretch. They converge in a V in the back, where they are reinforced by a small stitched-on patch featuring a message about the manufacturing of the bibs that ends with — no compromises. Indeed, these bibs don’t skimp on anything.

The pockets — one per leg and another in the lower back area — are made from a dense but soft mesh through which you’ll see reflective heat transfers of the Ostroy logo and a stylized image of the front end of a VW Bus. The large rear pocket can be accessed through an opening at each end, making it effectively two pockets in one. While these pockets are great and can hold plenty of cargo, the high position of the opening of the thigh pockets makes them a little harder to access while riding than those on the top-rated Ornot Cargo Bibs, for comparison.

Like all other Ostroy kits, the Camper Cargo Bib is made with sustainably manufactured Bluesign and Oeko-Tex-approved fabric. Thanks to their excellent comfort and convenient storage, long rides in the cargo bibs were blissful and convenient. The stitching quality is top-notch and remarkable for a bib costing less than $200.

This year, we’ve been banging out a series of 6- to 8-hour rides and anointed the Assos chamois as one of the most comfortable for big rides. The 8mm, dual-density “floating” chamois moved independently from the shorts, and it felt magical. The stretchiness and breathability of the fabric helped, too. It all worked together to create a product that undeniably felt great in the saddle.

These “summer” shorts are cut straight and lower across the waist and breathe exceptionally well in the heat. The suspender-style Xbib straps cross in the back and are stitched in the middle, which made them easier to climb in and out of than Velocio’s similar strap design.

We did find that the straps’ rough edges had a tendency to chafe the nipples, and we had to apply bandages after a half-day ride. To avoid this issue, we’d recommend wearing a base layer or being very conscious of your strap position. This issue kept these bibs from ascending to the top of our rankings. But the chamois is among the best we’ve ever used, and the fabrics have withstood aggressive use for over a year.

Over $200 is a lot to pay for a pair of bibs, but with the Assos Mille GTS C2 Bibs, you do indeed get what you pay for. It’s a high-quality pair of bibs that will last. If you’re not ready to commit to a $200+ bib, the Assos Mille GT C2 ($180) uses a slightly thinner chamois and has received accolades from other members of our staff.

Starting with the shell of the shorts, the Signature uses premium Italian-made compression Lycra with a five-panel design with two seams running down the outside of each leg. According to Velocio, the high-gauge material offers superior recovery and fit versus lower-gauge fabrics used by some of its competitors. We found that the Signature articulated perfectly to the shape of our thighs and glutes not only in a standing position but especially on the bike while pedaling.

The Signature bibs are also paneled and sewn to allow the shorts to move somewhat independently of the pad, therefore allowing the pad to remain more stable throughout the pedaling motion. Made in collaboration with Cytech EIT, it is a remarkably luxurious and adaptive pad that feels like nothing — in a good way. It stays dutifully attached to the body at all times and is situated perfectly to maximize cushioning and freedom of movement in an aggressive riding position. 

The straps are also excellent and consist of two seamless microfiber bands. These extend over the shoulder and cross in the back, keeping the shorts perfectly positioned while allowing excellent upper-body mobility. No matter how you move, these shorts move with you. Like other Velocio bibs, however, the straps can be a bit fiddly when pulling these on before a ride.

Velocio is committed to a more sustainable supply chain and produces the Signature bib short using 100% recycled lycra. Like all Velocio products, it’s delivered in recyclable packaging. 

While the Velocio Signature doesn’t try to do anything unusual, it confidently achieves near-perfect marks in all the important categories and avoids any strange issues that can affect an otherwise perfect day on the bike. At $249, it is not a budget-minded option, but for long and challenging rides, it is worth every penny of that price and then some.

Next, Pearl Izumi’s Levitate PRO chamois felt pillowy and soft yet maintained a slim profile in the right places to prevent bunching and chafing. After testing, we decided that this chamois would sit near the top of our favorite pads.

The premium feel of the chamois was backed up by a similar luxurious feel of the Italian PRO Transfer fabric, which had the right mix of compression and softness for longer journeys in the saddle. The pair of exterior pockets were also in the exact right location for access and remained unobtrusive.

Finally, the minimal laser-cut shoulder straps are among the best of the dozens of bibs we’ve sampled. They simply feel like they disappear while you are wearing these shorts.

One minor hair-splitting complaint that we had was that the drop-seat adds bulk to the rear panel of the Expedition PRO Bib Shorts. This wasn’t noticeable until tucked down low on the drops on the first descent in these bibs, but then it was there for the remainder of the testing period. It wasn’t anything super annoying — it was just noticeable compared to other cycling bibs. Another is that these cargo bibs only have two pockets and have less storage than other options, like the Ornot or Attaquer Cargo Bibs which have four.

Still, the Expedition PRO Bibs have a great chamois, comfortable straps, and easy access pockets for those long, adventurous rides. Perhaps the best feature, especially for those who struggle to take nature breaks while riding in other bibs, is the unique drop-seat feature.

By utilizing four-way stretch Lycra, the Cargo Bibs will conform perfectly to myriad body shapes in any riding position. The fabric is also pre-dyed for better color depth and longevity. In addition to the standard cargo pockets on the outer thighs, Attaquer includes two on the lower back. This provides ample storage space for your phone, snacks, keys, etc., even if you’re not wearing a cycling jersey with pockets.

Flatlock seams around the waist and bisecting the seating area deliver a smooth finish and excellent durability. We found this helps the Cargo Bibs remain stable and snug in all the right places throughout the most grueling rides. 

The grippers use a densely woven material with a dimpled application of silicone that keeps them locked in place perfectly around the quadriceps. The leg length hits a nice sweet spot, not too close to the knee but low enough to compress the quads for excellent support on long rides.

The straps use the same robustly woven construction as the leg grippers and converge high on the back, transitioning into a quite broad mesh panel running down the back. The straps are far more comfortable with a base layer but can be worn without one.

The dense, airy chamois is curved to follow the anatomy of the pelvis and offer even support regardless of whether you’re sitting upright on a steep climb or crouched down in the drops on a burly gravel descent. With a little chamois cream, the pad stayed perfectly glued to the body when riding out of the saddle or over rougher terrain. 

While there is a lot to love about these high-end cargo bibs, our biggest complaint is the neon pocket accents and logos. We’re much bigger fans of the monotone colorways and subtler branding of Attaquer’s other models or other cargo-friendly options like the Ornot Cargo Bibs.

At $290, the Attaquer Cargo Bib is a premium option that works well in a wide range of temperatures and is a great choice for endurance riding on a variety of road surfaces. It offers ample storage for snacks, tools, a phone, and other essentials. 

That impression extends beyond the aesthetics, as they are also very well constructed. Quality control appears to be top-notch, and we couldn’t find a single loose thread end and all the seams lay nice and flat. While the materials used reflect the lower price point, the main body fabric is made from recycled content and doesn’t look as cheap as some other lower-end bibs.

Overall, the upper design is relatively simple but works well. The shorts are fairly high rise in the front which helps to keep pressure off the abdomen. The straps attach in the back near the top of the shoulder blades to a broad mesh panel that provides pretty good airflow and then blends into the main body fabric.

We found the straps are snug when standing but provide just a light tension when in the pedaling position on the bike. The wide elasticized straps lay flat, feel comfortable on the skin, and are comfortable without a jersey — even though they are positioned over the nipples.

Specialized’s single-density Body Geometry 3D chamois is medium thickness but pretty soft and low density. Despite its plush feel, we never found it to squirm or shift, and it stayed in place very effectively throughout all of our test rides. The chamois is well-shaped, and we found it pads the sit bones well in any riding position, but given its lower density, we found it best for shorter rides in the 1-3-hour range. We found the perforated pad to breathe relatively well, too, and it drew moisture away from the body on hot days.

The recycled main body material wicks sweat effectively and dries quickly. As with other budget-friendly shorts, however, the Foundation doesn’t provide very much compression. Still, they stay in place and don’t shift while riding, mostly because of the tight leg grippers with silicone strips. The elasticized grippers are disproportionately tight to the point they make an indentation in the thigh, and you can feel the tension across the hamstring tendons, which could cause discomfort for some riders.

Folks with thicker legs, be warned. They are also a bit shorter in length by today’s standards, which may be an issue for taller or long-legged folks. It would be wise to try these on before buying.

Beyond that one notable quirk, if these fit you well, the Specialized Foundation Bibs are not only great looking but also a solid value for those just getting into the sport or operating on a budget. If you have larger quads, you might be wise to look into the Pearl Izumi Quest bibs, which have a more forgiving leg gripper design.