B'Twin 700 Black/Red bib shorts

According to the blurb, B'Twin 700 bib shorts are 'perfect for long and intensive road cycling' and for the most part, I'm inclined to agree. However, the variably padded insert, shared with B'Twin's flagship 900 shorts, works best in stretched and tucked racing and fast-sportive riding positions, rather than more upright touring stances.

These shorts cost £20 more than B'Twin's 500 model, and the difference doesn't simply boil down to buttock-defending gel-filled, variable density padding. Just as seemingly identical chromoly tubesets can have different personalities, the same applies to six-panel polyester/Lycra shorts. These are noticeably stockier than the retail giant's 500 series, which bodes better for longevity, tangles with terra firma etc, while the seams and stitching are that bit flatter.

The bib and braces sections were for me, the biggest improvements, affording one's vital organs much better defence against chill, while the supple, perforated mesh offers superior support and is much easier to slip on/off.

Now let's take a closer look at that insert. Made from polyurethane, polyethylene and polyester with 3% Nylon and Lycra, it's best described as islands of raised padding with a series of comfort channels/groves running in between.

Each section has its own specific density: buttocks and groin areas thickest, minimal on the inner thighs to avoid chafing. Between the fingers, their texture's closer to light, airy foam than squidgy gel and resumes its original shape in seconds while our old friend silver chloride maintains a hygienic environment.

Standards of performance have largely lived up to expectations but with a few surprises along the way. Fast blasts and longer road outings have been delightful, the fabric allowing unrestricted movement and optimal cadence while the pad was akin to a good house guest - pleasant company without being remotely obtrusive.

Mild clamminess around the crotch is pretty much inevitable, even with the best fibres and cutaway perches, though this never became unpleasant. Similarly aggressive cross country mountain bike set-ups proved similarly harmonious but more relaxed touring configurations (most notably the Univega) resulted in an unexpectedly raw buttock after only twenty-five miles.

Swapping the saddles from a Swift to B17 pattern made little difference and slightly disappointing since I've always been able to alternate between my fleet without giving shorts, tights or three quarter lengths a second thought.

Verdict

Performance road shorts with a very modest price tag but pad seems less versatile than their 500 siblings