Bontrager Circuit Bib Short

Bontrager's Circuit Bib Shorts seem to tick all the boxes on paper, but in reality they just lack any real sparkle for the money. Those with 'sprinters' thighs' will struggle for room too.

Over the years that I've been doing this job it's noticeable how much better the clothing has become at all price points. There are brands that are nailing the entry-level market with awesome products at great value, while you've got the top end stuff which can make your eyes water, purely on price, though, as the fit and comfort is often second to none. The Bontrager Circuits don't really fit in either of those two markers, and don't stand out in other respects either.

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Someone once said to me, 'Always start with a positive.' It's a struggle to be honest, the Circuits aren't a bad pair of shorts, they just aren't really shouting out anywhere.

They do feel well made, certainly. They seem a durable pair of shorts with the majority of the stitching looking very robust, although even here there are a lot of stray threads left over at the end of the run where the finishing is a bit rough. Not really what you'd expect from a pair of 70 quid shorts.

Bontrager claims the Circuits are designed 'for rides of varying length and intensity', but while they are all right for those short, sharp blasts of an hour or so, when your weight is on the pedals rather than the saddle, anything longer and you start to find the pad is bulky. It's quite comfortable but a little too soft, which means on those long, steady rides you start to find bunching and discomfort. They aren't the worst shorts I've ever worn but they aren't the ones I'd reach for first out of the wardrobe.

The shorts themselves are made up of many different panels, which allows them to move with you as you ride. The outside of the thighs uses a mesh material which gives a little extra room for movement, but unfortunately that's overturned by the leg grippers. They are tight for anyone who doesn't have average sized thighs. In fact my upper leg looked like a joint of meat with the string wrapped around it ready for roasting.

The longer I rode, the more noticeable this became. Everywhere else the fit was fine, so it wasn't like the Bontragers were too small or anything.

> Check out our guide to the best bib shorts here

At £70, the Circuits are up against some strong opposition, with dhb's Aeron and BTwin's Aerofits both better in terms of comfort and performance – and price.

Verdict

Pretty average shorts for the money that don't really cater for cyclists' large thighs