Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain 2 Bib Short

The Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain 2 bib shorts are a lightweight design, developed for changeable conditions. Water-repellency is a relative term, but on balance I'd say Sportful has got it right here – after all, it's senseless to have a waterproof membrane if it leaves you feeling wet and clammy, which some can. My one note of caution would be to check Sportful's sizing chart carefully before purchasing. I generally slip effortlessly into mediums, to the point where it's become my default. These come up a touch smaller, which left me feeling a little 'trussed up' around the crotch after 35 miles or so.

• Pros: Rain repelling, thin but rugged fabric
• Cons: Size up smaller than your 'usual'

The first thing that struck me about these shorts was just how thin the fabric felt, yet it's still rugged and dependable. It's essentially a polyamide/elastane mix (80/20%), and the weather-cheating texture is also quite apparent.

Thankfully, this extends to the buttocks and lower back. The absence of stitching reduces the risk of discomfort and, ultimately, chill should you get caught sans guards along wet roads.

Interestingly, the fabric has a much higher rating for windproofing than waterproofing, but I needn't have worried. As expected, light to moderate showery rain tended to bead up on the surface and roll away before it got a chance to seep inside.

How long it can hold out depends to some extent on the intensity of rainfall (and as folks will point out, legs will get wet in any case), but I’ve had 35 minutes of persistent, moderate rain before the shorts have turned damp. By that point and with a moderate breeze, bargain on 30 minutes before they’re nigh-on dry; faster when the temperature hits the low 20s.

Pad

The Bodyfit Pro Seat Pad is apparently designed in partnership with professional riders and reckoned Sportful's most comfortable long-distance model. Variable density, Coolmax for breathability/odour management and a silver anti-bacterial treatment fit the bill nicely on paper.

In common with several others I've tested, fresh from the packet it felt like the proverbial loaf of bread, but within a few miles the padding density and shape aligned very nicely with my own contours, at least riding my fixed gear winter/trainer and traditional road bikes.

Switching over to my tubby tourer, which has a more upright stance, revealed a slight tendency for the pad to bunch up within the saddle's cutaway. This was something I noticed when shuffling about, but it wasn't overly irritating or problematic.

That aside, comfort was uniformly good, on and off road, to around the 35-mile mark. Much further and the thought that I would probably have been better with a large than my default medium became rather apparent around the crotch. I've done a couple of 50-mile outings, but by the close it's been a relief to get home... That said, there's been no hint of chafing or nastiness, suggesting everything else added up nicely.

Elsewhere, detailing is what I'd expect from any decent bib shorts: mesh bibs for breathability, flat seams, lazer-cut legs and silicone grippers.

Overall, everything behaves harmoniously and has lived up to the hype. I've done 400 miles, over varying distances and conditions. The thin fabric and generous leg grippers have kept everything perfectly aligned, allowing me to drum out 95rpm on the fixed for as long as I cared to.

Sizing/fit

According to the size chart, the medium looked the closest fit in all but the leg. I have a 33.5in inseam, the mediums are 32.5in. This resulted in a slightly shorter, almost '80s style look, but otherwise I didn't feel constrained. The bibs have plenty of give and movement generally, unrestricted, with no hint of gathering/bunching.

Nonetheless, as I said above, after 35 miles or so I was feeling a little 'constricted', and I'm convinced large would have been a better choice. My fault not Sportful's, but a reminder to scrutinise the chart rather than simply 'adding to cart'.

Washing/durability

Sticking to the 30-degree machine cycles, they've emerged pretty much packet fresh, with no hint of fraying, bobbling of similar deterioration. Not that I'd expect that at this stage, or of a garment of this calibre.

Nonetheless, I've been indulging in a fair bit of mixed terrain fun, often through overgrown bridleways. Thorns and similarly prickly foliage have latched on but failed to make any impression on the fabric's integrity, which bodes well for the long term.

Value

Okay, it's not outrageous, but £90 is still a lot to part with. For that I could have two pairs of B'Twin 900 Cycling Bib Shorts, if I could get hold of a pair... (We tested the 700s a couple of years ago.)

At the other extreme, though, there are models twice the price, such as Pearl Izumi's Pro-bib shorts at £189.99.

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best cycling bib shorts

Crucially, I wouldn't describe the Sportfuls as a bargain, but I wouldn't suggest you're being short-changed either. They are very competent, and – provided you've got the sizing nailed – will deliver in every respect.

Verdict

Competent shorts with some lovely touches, but check the sizing chart carefully