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review

Giant Elevate Bibshort

8
£124.99

VERDICT:

8
10
High quality bib shorts from a high quality name, which unfortunately you can't really miss...
Weight: 
163g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Giant's Elevate bib shorts are perfect for competitive riding as well as long hot summer days in the saddle, and represent very good value for money too. The branding will put a few off, but like the Elevate jersey I was also testing, they're a high-quality piece of kit.

  • Pros: Summer leg length and construction, supportive fit, good chamois, value
  • Cons: A little tight around upper thighs

The Elevate bib shorts form the second part of Giant's self-branded jersey-short combo, and in many respects my comments about the top half are to be repeated here. You'll need to decide if you mind wearing a bike brand's name so prominently on your leg – but if you decide that you don't mind, you're getting a seriously good deal here.

> Find your nearest Giant store here

A summer cut and lightweight, low profile design are at the forefront of things with the bib shorts (as they are with the jersey). The TransTextura fabric is breathable and flexible, and a little denser than in the jersey, which adds to the bib shorts' resilience and its SPF50 properties and – frankly – comfort too.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts.jpg

They're still light against the skin, though – nobody can call 163g heavy – and the fit around the legs (the panelling, especially) is well thought out: compressive yet unrestrictive. You feel supported around the quads, hips and lower back because of the high-tensile fabric, which aids the feeling of high performance.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_logo.jpg

Medium bib shorts usually fit me perfectly, but here I found the top section of the thighs a little tight, which caused slight rubbing on long-range rides. That said, my legs have bulked up a bit recently (I can thank rowing and overeating for that), so that needs to be taken into account with the fit, which is otherwise excellent on me.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_riding.jpg

The hems are perfect, with an elastic band doing the gripping in the absence of any silicone insert. This results in a really comfortable fit on the skin, without the potential to rub like some do. The seams that join this to the panel fabric are flat and low profile, so there's less chance of chafing there too.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_gripper.jpg

The leg section joins to a laser cut upper that's very flexible, and able to stretch comfortably to my long torso with no discomfort. To be honest, it's one of the most comfortable bib sections I've come across – perfect for either long summer days or high-intensity efforts. It helps keep breathability high so the jersey can do its work, and dries quickly too when at a café.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_straps_front.jpg
giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_straps_back.jpg

The hidden gem, though, is the pad. It's an Etxeondo model (E.I.T. Urraki Multi-Density Comp, in case you're interested in the details), and Giant says it's been adopted by the Giant elite race teams – a marker of quality if ever there was any.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_pad.jpg

For my money, I found the graded sections brilliant at relieving pressure points, and there's a channel down the centre – presumably for perineal relief. There are five separate foam thicknesses and densities strategically positioned, including a generous frontal section for a little added 'manhood' protection.

It's all covered in a microfibre fabric that Giant claims is breathable and antibacterial. There are no perforations, although you can feel indents under the cover fabric which indicate channels for improved airflow internally. I found it especially good at dealing with high-intensity 40km efforts, but longer rides are no issue either.

giant_elevate_bib_shorts_-_rear.jpg

It truly is a pro-level chamois, and that makes the Elevate bib shorts' value even more impressive at £124.99. Comparing them with Le Col’s top-end HC bib shorts, for example, you have to view the Elevates as a bit of a performance bargain. Sure, they lack the luxury edge of the £180 Le Cols, but all the racy performance is right there. Similarly, Rapha’s Pro Team bib shorts claim to do the same fundamental job of the Giants, yet you’re paying close to £200.

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best cycling bib shorts

It's just a shame that the branding is so prominent, which could automatically limit the kit's appeal unless you ride a Giant (or don't care).

Verdict

High quality bib shorts from a high quality name, which unfortunately you can't really miss...

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Giant Elevate Bibshort

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

Giant says: "For all-round riders who demand the latest technologies, elevate is the smart choice. Designed and engineered with high-performance materials. and optimised for comfort in the racing position, elevate helps you get to the finish line fast."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Features (from Giant's website):

- TransTextura™ fabric enhances heat ventilation, quick moisture transfer and drying

- Laser-cut seamless bib straps provides ultra-soft feel and comfort

- High stitching count features superior comfort and durabilitySoft-feel Italian fabric provides best compression and breathability

- E.I.T. Urraki Multi-Density Comp chamois, tested and adopted by Giant Pro Teams

- High stretched elastic gripper

- Reflective details for visibility

- Race fit

- UPF 50+

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

No problems here.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Almost perfect as a performance-led bib short – the compression is especially good.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Despite the light nature of the bib shorts, the quality finish should ensure a decent lifespan.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

As a race fit they're spot on, although the very top sections of the legs could be a little too tight in a medium on me.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Sizes about right, race fit permitting.

Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10

163g is light enough, for sure.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

Despite the slight tightness I felt around the very top of my thighs, which could lead to a bit of rubbing, I thought they were very comfortable.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Quality bib shorts like these at £124.99 should be about right, but in the presence of products that cost upwards of £170 but don't necessarily stand out, you have to say value is very good.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Very easily.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Summer leg length and construction, supportive fit, good chamois, value.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

A little tight around upper thighs, prominent Giant branding.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No, I don't ride a Giant bike so I personally think it would look out of place.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

There's no doubting the overall quality and value of these bib shorts, but the branding will put some off.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 28  Height: 188cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016)  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

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