Sugoi RS Bib Short

The Sugoi RS bib shorts put in an excellent performance, keeping you especially cool and comfortable in hot weather.

I've had a pair of these shorts for three or four years now and they still get regular use. They're probably the best Sugoi product I've used and these new ones are even better, largely thanks to an upgraded seat pad.

Rather than being made from a standard Lycra, these have quite an open weave. Don't worry, it's not see-through in the slightest, but it does let more air in than normal. The difference is significant – not massive but certainly noticeable; you do stay cool in these, which is why they're best for hot summer days.

The bibs are lightweight mesh and they're so breathable that you barely notice them in use, and there's plenty of stretch so you can answer those long-ride calls of nature without any faff.

The hems at the bottom of the legs are elasticated with silicone grippers inside. I've used these over countless miles and they've never once ridden up no matter how sweaty the ride.

The pad is Sugoi's own Formula FX and it's a real success. It's stretchy so it doesn't rub when you move, it provides deep padding especially underneath your sit bones, and it's well contoured so it's not too bulky in those areas where you don't need the volume.

Holes run through the pad for ventilation while various channels provide more air conditioning. Combined with an antimicrobial face fabric that shifts moisture away effectively, this means you're very unlikely to get uncomfortably sweaty in these.

There are no seams or edges on the pad to bother you, and there's not even an inseam underneath it – Sugoi have arranged the panels to avoid this. Speaking of seams, they're flat-lock stitched throughout so they don't cause any discomfort at all, even if you're out on the bike all day.

One other feature you might like is the little pocket that sits on the small of your back. We're guessing you won't use it for a race radio to keep in contact with your directeur sportif in the team car, but it'll take an iPod, an iPhone or something similar, and you get an elastic loop on the shoulder to hold the cable. You probably wouldn't want to put anything bulky in there because it sits at the same level as your jersey pockets.

I really haven't got much negative to say here. The pair that I've had for several years (I have a whole lot of cycling kit to review so these don't get worn day in, day out, but they have seen plenty of action) have gone a little bobbly in one section of the seat but all of the stitching is still intact and there's plenty of life left in them yet. What I'm saying is that durability is good.

Verdict

Very comfortable shorts with an excellent pad for hot days in the saddle.