The Chapeau! Ladies Pave Bib Shorts (yes, that exclamation mark is part of the name) are an understated looking pair of road cycling bib shorts that at first glance look simple, but pack in the features.

At the top end of the Chapeau! bib shorts range, the Ladies Pave bib shorts come with two different chamois pad options: a green pad for riding in a more upright position (for example on a mountain bike) and a red pad which is specifically designed to cushion your undercarriage when you are down on the drops in a more aggressive stance.

I took the Pave Bib Shorts with the Red Pad option out for some intense rides, and got on very well with them. The chamois pad is made from different thicknesses and densities of foam, and provided great support underneath without moving about or creasing while I rode. It didn’t feel too bulky, and stretched and moved with me on the bike.

Made from a sleek black stretch fabric in a goes-with-anything black, one thing I really liked about these shorts was the length. At 5 foot 8 with long legs, I often find that road cycling shorts come mid-thigh, but the Ladies Pave Bib Shorts came to just above the knee.

They stayed in place thanks to a wide, thick elastic band with silicone grippers. Personally I’m not a massive fan of this type of band, as my legs are not particularly thin or toned, so I do often find it causes leg squidge. However, in this case it wasn’t too bad looks-wise, and when riding was secure and comfy.

The fabric itself is quite thick and firm, which provided great support for the leg muscles yet was breathable. It’s also proving robust, as it hasn’t deformed, stretched or snagged in its weeks of use so far.

Chapeau! have added a few reflective details on the thigh and derriere to aid with on-road safety, and have opted for the simple braces style of bib strap rather than some of the complicated strap and buckle contraptions you find on other ladies bib shorts. The high back, made from a lighter and more breathable stretch mesh fabric, kept the straps in place.

As a UK size 12, I tried the Medium bib shorts and found the fit good, so I’d say the come up true to size.

Verdict
A comfortable and classic pair of performance women’s road cycling bib shorts, that work exceedingly well for long hours in the saddle.

Pros
– Firm, supportive stretch fabric.

– Simple bib straps that stay up.

– Effective and comfortable chamois pad for road riding on the drops.

Cons
– Plain colour (I like my kit a bit brighter!).

– At £119.99 they aren’t cheap, but according to Chapeau! are super durable and will last you ages.

Price: £119.99, available from Chapeau!

By Aoife Glass.