{"id":63286,"date":"2024-05-04T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/a66d91de-456e-4bf4-b939-d16f2748b9ba"},"modified":"2024-05-04T17:59:40","modified_gmt":"2024-05-04T15:59:40","slug":"rapha-pro-team-training-bib-shorts-review","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/rapha-pro-team-training-bib-shorts-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Rapha Pro Team Training bib shorts review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Smarter-priced bib shorts from Rapha <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n <\/p>

Published: Saturday, 04 May 2024 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

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Rapha\u2019s Pro Team Training bib shorts are a more cost-effective option, sitting below the Pro Team and Pro Team Powerweave bib shorts. <\/p>

However, they are still intended as premium shorts, sporting the Pro Team moniker despite the \u00a365 saving over the conventional Pro Team shorts.<\/p>

Sadly, I\u2019ve been disappointed by the Pro Team Training bib shorts and found them to be a compromise over the more expensive Pro Team and even the cheaper Core bib shorts<\/a>.<\/p>

That said, one of my colleagues has had a notably better experience than I have, which makes the Pro Team Training bib shorts a qualified choice.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Rapha Pro Team Training bib shorts construction<\/h2>
Like other Pro Team kit, the design is close-fitting. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Rapha says the Pro Team Training bib shorts are closely inspired by the original Pro Team shorts, but with a more cost-effective construction. <\/p>

The predominantly nylon material is designed around a close fit that hugs the body, in keeping with the brand\u2019s other Pro Team-tiered products.<\/p>

The shorts are made with recycled fabrics, and are designed for an engaged, locked-in feel. Rapha says the shorts are \u201coptimised for long training rides\u201d.<\/p>

The shorts are recommended for use in temperatures between 18 and 32\u00b0C, identical to what the brand recommends for the Pro Team and halo Pro Team Powerweave bib shorts.<\/p>

\"Rapha
The straps sport a mesh design to help regulate temperature. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

A size and density-specific Pro Team Training chamois pad is specified, which lacks the perforations found on the Pro Team bib shorts\u2019 pad.<\/p>

The bib straps have a mesh design, which Rapha says has been optimised to regulate temperature.<\/p>

Substantial-feeling, silicone-backed and elasticated leg grippers keep the shorts glued to your thighs.<\/p>

There\u2019s no hiding the fact that you\u2019re riding Rapha bib shorts because there are two large brand logos in white on the side of the grippers.<\/p>

Rapha offers the Pro Team Training bib shorts in sizes XS to XXL in two colours \u2013 Black \/ White as tested here and Dark Navy \/ White.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Rapha Pro Team Training bib shorts performance<\/h2>
\"Rapha
The fit was spot-on. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

I tested a pair of size-large Pro Team Training bib shorts on both road and gravel rides of varying distances.<\/p>

The bib shorts were tested on four saddles \u2013 a Specialized Power, a Specialized Power Pro Elaston<\/a>, a Bj\u014drn Setka<\/a> and a Van Rysel R300.<\/p>

The Pro Team Training bib shorts fitted me excellently, with a close, form-fitting feel that\u2019s comfortable when assuming a riding position. The sizing and fit is identical to other Rapha clothing I\u2019ve worn.<\/p>

Unfortunately, I didn\u2019t find the pad to be comfortable on long-distance rides (over 100km) and I was generally aware I was wearing it. <\/p>

Although not overly thin, the pad has a cheaper, foamier feel compared to the cosseting chamois I\u2019ve experienced in other Rapha bib shorts.<\/p>

\"Rapha
The chamois pad was not a highlight, although this is a subjective area. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The pad was particularly uncomfortable when riding with the Bjorn Setka, a 3D-printed saddle that’s significantly firmer than the other saddles I tested the shorts with. <\/p>

While I typically get on with this saddle, I could feel my sit bones contacting the perch\u2019s padding through the shorts, which was particularly prominent when climbing.<\/p>

Chamois suitability is subjective, of course. Senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan agrees the pad is noticeable for its size, but says he has used it for 100-mile rides in decent comfort on a few different perches, even though the overall construction is less refined than some rivals.<\/p>

The chamois, saddle and rider all need to gel well for the best results, but that wasn\u2019t the case for me.<\/p>

I\u2019ve also never seen shorts use so many seams in their construction. While none of these dug into my body, I felt some bagginess around the front panels, where there appears to be an excess of material between the seams.<\/p>

\"Rapha
Branding is not subtle. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The leg grippers are functional but heavy-feeling and noticeable when riding. These are carried over from the first-generation Pro Team bib shorts. Fortunately, they didn\u2019t leave an imprint on my thighs.<\/p>

I prefer the lower-profile, graded, textured design of the latest Pro Team bib shorts, because these offer a sleeker and more comfortable interface with the skin.<\/p>

Again, though, it\u2019s worth pointing out that Ashley has fared better with his own set of Pro Team Training bib shorts \u2013 he likes the gripper design, demonstrating that comfort is very much down to the individual.<\/p>

Things improve at the bib straps, which I found comfortable when in a riding position and found them to be the main area offering ventilation in these shorts.<\/p>

On the topic of ventilation, the shorts felt warmer than their stated temperature range in general \u2013 they were fine down to 12\u02daC, but they wouldn\u2019t be my first pick for the warmest summer temperatures.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

How we tested | Bib shorts<\/h3>

I pitted six of the latest bib shorts, costing from \u00a385 to \u00a3200, against each other. I used the same protocol after testing budget bib shorts last year<\/a>.<\/p>

Each pair of shorts was subjected to a mixture of short and long rides on both road and gravel, with each of the shorts being tested on at least one four-hour ride.<\/p>

The shorts were assessed for fit and, where possible, I tried both a medium and a large to ensure I had the correct size.<\/p>

Each pair of shorts was tested on at least three different saddles. They were also tested with and without knee and leg warmers to see how they interact with them.<\/p>

The first ride was before the shorts were washed, so I could monitor if any properties changed in the washing machine.<\/p>

I took the top-performing shorts with me on a holiday to Portugal to see how they fared in warm weather and decide on a winner.<\/p>

Shorts tested<\/h4>