The ODLO Galibier ladies bib shorts have an extremely comfortable chamois, even for very long rides. The widely spaced braces rest smoothly either side of your breasts, with no risk of coming undone or chafing as occurs with some of the mono-bib shorts.

The bib shorts feature an ‘easy on/off’ zip on the bum, which unzips a little too easily, resulting in unexpected bottom baring.

For long distance riders, chamois comfort can be the difference between an enjoyable ride and one you wish was over already. A regular cycle tourer and long distance rider, I have ‘tested’ many chamois and never found one that left me keen to get in the saddle the next day, until now. After several long days cycling in these bib shorts I experienced no discomfort at all. The Endurance 2 Super Air Seatpad is thin and made of high density foam.

The wide braces are imperceptible when you are on the bike, without the pulling or the occasional spontaneous un-doing of mono bibs. A good looking set of bib shorts with a laser cut hem. The anti-slip gripper band rests in place and is the right tightness, creating a smooth leg profile.

The high tech ODLO bib shorts come at a hefty GBP 125, which given the super chamois, could almost be justified. However, the bib shorts have one major flaw in the ‘easy on/off’ zip on the bum. Before I even left the house the zip came undone several times, making me rather nervous about testing them on the road.

Initially I trialed the bib shorts on the trainer, checking if standing position was unzipping the zip, or if it also unzips in the on-the-bike position. The zip consistently unzipped, no matter what position. In the end, mostly due to the super chamois, I put a safety pin across the top of the zip and then rode many kilometres in comfort.

Even if the zip didn’t come underdone, it’s not really clear what it is for. ‘Easy on/off’ doesn’t mean much when you’re a woman and have to take the braces off anyway. In conclusion, ODLO have gone a step too far with this function. The bib shorts are excellent without it.

The ODLO Galibier bib shorts are on sale at wiggle.co.uk for GBP 36. As long as you have a safety pin on hand, these are high tech bib shorts with a top quality chamois, at a sharp price.

Verdict

High performance bib shorts with an uber comfortable chamois and unsettling ‘easy on/off’ zip that unzips a little too easily.

Pros

– Extremely comfortable chamois.

– Well fitted shoulder straps that rest smoothly either side of your breasts.

– High tech material.

– Laser cut hem with an anti-slip gripper band that doesn’t make your legs look like sausages.

Con

-The ‘easy on/off’ zip comes undone very easily, when walking in the bib shorts and riding.

Weight: 140g.

Price: £125.oo, available  from ODLO.