Rapha pro bib shorts ,comfortable?

lincolndave

As per title really anyone else riding in these, are these shorts ok for 5 / 6 hour rides
I usually buy castelli but there quality has dropped a bit of late in my opinion , the rapha shorts have good reviews, how are the rapha for sizing ?
Thanks for any replies

webboo

I got a pair of classic bib shorts for my birthday in June and they are more comfortable than the newer versions of Assos bibs which is what I have worn for years. I have done a few 70/80 mile rides in them and they are fine. I wear a large in Assos and these are also a large although they are slightly longer in the leg. I’m 5’8” I can wear a medium in the Assos but have problems if I stand up straight.

mrb123

I have some Pro Team bibs but wouldn't buy them again.

The pad is very comfortable, however the fit isn't as good as some I've had, and the material has faded a bit over time.

The fit is a bit bigger than Castelli in my view, maybe half a size bigger.

Pactimo are my personal favourites. Excellent pad and build quality. Price is relatively reasonable if you get them on sale or use a discount code.

That said, bibs are like shoes, what works for one person might not suit another.

Ben6899

The incarnation of Pro bibs from a few years ago were the best fit, IMO, but the more recent versions are still great. And very comfortable.

I wear M in everything Rapha (except gilets - L) and M in Assos jerseys, S in Assos bibs/tights. If that helps at all!

lincolndave

Thanks for the replies lads, I think I will invest in a pair of mediums, I see they also offer a free returns

brundonbianchi

I’ve got 2 pairs. I find them to be really very comfy on a long ride. The only bibs I have that out punch them are Castelli Rosso Corsa Superleggeras.

sungod

lincolndave said:

As per title really anyone else riding in these, are these shorts ok for 5 / 6 hour rides
I usually buy castelli but there quality has dropped a bit of late in my opinion , the rapha shorts have good reviews, how are the rapha for sizing ?
Thanks for any replies

fwiw only castelli ones i've used are rosso corsa ones, i found the pad lost 'body' relatively fast, but the new pad design seems much better (though it takes much longer to dry after washing)

the aero race 4 bibs for instance, the superlegeras mentioned above also have the new pad but imho sizing on these is odd even for castelli, i'd go one size larger with them than the aero race etc.

hopkinb

I have assos, castelli (only rosso corsa, new and old pad), rapha core and rapha pro, and some chpt 3, which are castelli. My only advice would be to not buy rapha core, they aren't fit for purpose. The assos are the midrange short and are super up to 3 hours. The others work better on longer rides, not that I do so many of them.

feltf70

I find the Pro Team shorts very comfortable as well - for me, I wear the same size in Rapha shorts, as I do in Castelli.

slowmart

There isn't much comfort difference between core and Pro, with the core being my preference as the fit is better. However my Assos S9's have so far been the best shorts I've owned. I've come full circle. My old Assos are a little bit worse for wear than my Rapha shorts which are two years younger.

Comfort, build and material quality is top drawer on the Assos but I appreciate chamois are a personal preference.

mrb123

The new Galibier bibs must be worth considering, look like a really premium product...
https://galibier.cc/product/regale-shorts/

step83

slowmart said:

There isn't much comfort difference between core and Pro, with the core being my preference as the fit is better. However my Assos S9's have so far been the best shorts I've owned. I've come full circle. My old Assos are a little bit worse for wear than my Rapha shorts which are two years younger.

Comfort, build and material quality is top drawer on the Assos but I appreciate chamois are a personal preference.

I have some Core Cargo bibs, probably the most comfortable pair I have, I do like the fact the pad is effectively two pieces makes packing them away far easier.

Another vote for Galibier, I have a couple of bits from them, bibs are most excellent though I seem to be too small leg wise for them now.
I have a Mistral Gilet which is brilliant, water and windproof, high viz strip up the back and lots of reflective bits plus a handy pocket for pocketing things. I have a heavy weight winter jacket from them, been out -10 in that an a base layer then come back sweating like a pig.