Rapha Women's Core Shorts

Given a female cyclist's comfort break concerns, many women choose the ease of use of waist shorts over bib shorts, despite the increased comfort and performance of the latter. But it is perfectly possible to find high performance waist shorts, as these Rapha Women's Core Shorts prove. They're superbly comfortable, extremely well made and reasonably – for Rapha quality and design – priced.

The Core shorts are part of a new range from the company, aiming to offer the same high performance of the Women's Classic Shorts but with a lower price. A sort of 'Tesco Value' for Rapha – or maybe 'Waitrose Essentials' would be more apt.

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The idea is that they have the same quality and even the same female-specific Cytech pad as the other – higher priced – shorts, but a slightly different aesthetic.

The Core shorts are made from a slightly denser fabric than the Classics, with a gentle leg gripper on the laser cut legs and gripper tape at the rear of the waist. The front panel of the waist is both lower than the back and flat, made from stretch double-layer fabric rather than elasticated. I didn't find any problems with the waistband curling over in use, although other users have commented on this in the past. And there was no muffin top or sausage leg going on.

In wear, they stay put without the migration that can happen with some waist shorts. Leg length is similar to the regular Classic shorts (the Classics are also available in a shorter length), making them slightly on the longer side for my own personal preferences, but perhaps perfect for those who have longer legs (I'm 5ft 5) or who prefer more coverage.

As mentioned, the pad is the same Cytech female-specific pad as in Rapha's other women's shorts. I found it superbly comfortable for a variety of ride distances, from commuting to a 100km sportive, but always unobtrusive. It's just a touch on the low profile side at the rear for use with a firm saddle, which may prove to be an issue for racers.

Overall, this is one genuinely comfortable pair of waist shorts. The fabric is a good blend of supportive and stretchy, and will especially appeal to those who prefer a denser weave with no 'show through'. The sizing and stretch is forgiving of seasonal size fluctuations, and the waistband and leg openings sit securely but without impinging on comfort or aesthetics.

Price-wise, this is clearly an expensive pair of shorts, but compared with other premium brands such as Castelli, Gore, Etxeondo and Assos, the Core shorts mostly come up as an equivalent to lower priced products from these brands – as indeed they are positioned within Rapha's range. With Rapha's fit, attention to detail and quality, they are a safe investment for those with the money to look beyond the mid-range.

> Everything you need to know about cycling shorts

It really is hard to find fault with the Core Shorts at this price and level of quality. These are premium shorts at a mid-range price.

Verdict

An outstanding blend of style, comfort and premium performance at a mid-range price