Sweet Protection Crossfire Bib Shorts

The Crossfire bib shorts from Sweet Protection are very well made and feel unbelievably light; the pad ain't bad either, but I've tested some really good shorts lately for around half the price.

• Pros: Excellent construction, durable material
• Cons: Pricey, pad better for shorter rides

You're probably only talking 20-30g less than the opposition, but the Crossfires feel unbelievably light when you hold them up and that continues when you put them on.

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You know you are wearing them as the slightly compressive feel from the fabric gives your muscles a squeeze, plus the fact that they come up a little smaller than most brands means you notice the bib straps when you are stood up off the bike, but that's it. There is plenty of stretch in the material, so they never feel restrictive.

The legs are held in place by simple leg grippers that don't use any form of silicone or elastic, but as the material is so taut it doesn't really need it. The good thing is that you don't get any pressure on your thighs on longer rides.

The bibs use a mesh fabric for sweat wicking at the rear before they turn to Lycra at the front, which gives them loads of stretch for a comfortable fit. The straps are wide enough that they don't ever dig in either.

The heart of any shorts is the pad, and the Crossfire's is a pretty good one, although Sweet Protection doesn't really go into a lot of detail of who it's made by or any other info.

I like the minimalistic approach to the shape and padding, with just two saddle shaped areas of denser foam compared to the rest, and a simple channel running down the middle. There is no bunching of any fabric or anything although its thinness works better for shorter, faster rides as when the hours started adding up it didn't quite have the same level of plushness as some I've tried.

Just like the Crossfire jersey I also tested, the quality of the stitching is absolutely spot on. It is very well put together and feels to be very durable. That goes some way to justify the £129.99 price tag, although the Lusso Lead Out shorts I've also tested recently, which cost £65, and the Caratti Sports at just £40 both offered just as good comfort levels as the Crossfires.

> Buyer's Guide: 24 of the best cycling bib shorts

Overall, I like the Sweet Protection bibs, they are comfortable and very well made, but you can get the same ride qualities for a lot less – though they are currently reduced to £105.99.

Verdict

Brilliant build quality and decent levels of comfort, though that comes at a price