Spatzwear Convoy Cargo Bib Shorts

The Spatz Convoy Cargo Bib Shorts are the only shorts Spatz do – until now they've been known more for their winter and foul weather clothing. The Convoy shorts offer mesh pockets and a deep chamois pad, and give good comfort and storage for long rides in all kinds of conditions... so long as it's not boiling hot. They still err towards the thick and protective.

These shorts are aimed at more than just gravel riding – the idea is you would also reach for them if you're heading to do a local week-night criterium, but given the construction and slightly thicker material, I do think that they're best suited to long rides and off-road adventures.

> Buy now: Convoy Cargo Bib Shorts from Spatzwear for £199.99

They feature subtle logos and reflective side tabs, and feel thicker and denser than many such designs. They suit cooler weather, and while not windproof (or featuring any form of DWR coating) the fabric feels protective and well suited wet weather. It's not the best fabric for hot days, but will cover you for a wide range of spring and early summer conditions.

In fact, for thickness they're similar to something like Sportful's Fiandre No Rain Pro Bib Shorts, which are cheaper at £145 if protection is what you're after.

Rapha's Men's Cargo Bib Shorts are almost the same price as these at £215 and MAAP has a pair (the Alt Road Cargo Bibs) at £235, but even Rapha's own Core Cargo Bibshorts are far cheaper at £100. There are plenty of cheaper options too, such as the Altura All Roads Cargo bibs at £80.

Fit

There are just three sizes: S, M and L. The size guide runs from a sub 85cm/32in waist to 90cm/36in, and I found them true to the guide. I would usually be happy with a size small but for me, an XS size would have been ideal.

The legs are long – these stop on the edge of my knee cap, and the big (10cm) grippers work well on skin or warmers – which isn't a problem for me, but the bib straps are long too and felt loose.

For me, the straps should feel as though they are supporting the shorts when you're on the bike, and these just don't. Again, an XS size may have sorted that.

The chamois pad is also quite thick,which is great for endurance and comfort. It's also wide and extends into the upper leg, which I found perfectly comfortable. The longest ride I did was 210km, and the cushioning was impressive, especially over the off-road sections.

Cargo pockets

These feature two pockets on the back, positioned a little higher than jersey pockets are usually found. This is normal (presumably so they don't clash) but does mean you need quite flexible arms to access the contents while riding. They are not as deep as a typical jersey pocket either, but they're still enough for food items or spares such as an inner tube.

The pocket on the right leg is far more accessible, and a generous size. It's perfect for softer things, such as gels or food, and all these together let you head for a relaxed gravel ride without needing to wear a cycling jersey.

If your summer, like mine, features a few weekend rides towards a pub lunch, you can safely stow your phone and keys but wear a normal t-shirt up top.

Overall

The limited fit options mean these won't suit riders at the far ends of the scale, but the super-comfy pad and thickish fabric makes them great for a wide range of conditions – certainly typical UK conditions, which don't include a great deal of very hot days.

Verdict

Well constructed and comfortable cargo bibshorts, but limited for sizes and expensive