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review
£115.00
VERDICT:
Top-end bib shorts at a very competitive price
Weight:
192g
Contact:
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Sportful's Bodyfit Pro 2.0 LTD bib shorts are high-end without the ridiculous price tag. They're well made with a great chamois that is dense and well placed. The bib straps are supportive and wide, with comfortable grippers rounding out a great race-level design.
- Pros: Very comfortable for long rides, good value
- Cons: Umm...
Although £115 isn't peanuts, it's not really a huge price to pay for top-end bib shorts these days – the likes of Castelli, Rapha, Le Col and many more will happily take lots more of your cash for their fanciest designs.
Having ridden in these for a good few months, I can't really see the point of spending more. Compared with more expensive rivals, the Bodyfit Pro 2.0 bibs really shine. The comfort has been great on my longest six-hour rides, with a really good chamois, nice fit and plenty of breathability when the weather warms up.
Sportful has used a 220g Lycra for the main leg sections. Apparently, this is an AeroFlow Compress for 'smooth aerodynamics and muscle support'. With no wind tunnel for testing I can't comment on the aerodynamics, but the Compress aspect is definitely noticeable.
That slight compression from the leg sections might give some muscle support, but the main benefit I noticed was that the fit just felt spot on. Combine this with supportive bib straps and you've got a very comfortable pair of shorts.
The TC Pro chamois has some very dense sections that do a great job of cancelling out road buzz. I found the placement just right, with no chafing or pressure points.
The overall fit is good, if slightly long in the leg for my liking. I could comfortably fit into a size small for extra compression, but this is one of those cases where I'm right on the border between a small and a medium. (It's not me in the photos.)
The wide cuffs distribute pressure comfortably, and the silicone gripper holds them in place firmly but gently.
The bib straps sit comfortably at the rear, and there are two radio pockets.
Earlier I mentioned the price. It's still high, don't get me wrong, but it's much lower than so many other premium bib shorts: Castelli's Free Aero bibs are £150, and not too long ago I tested Neon Velo's Pro Fit bib shorts which are £170.
> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best cycling bib shorts
Although I find the Castelli Progetto X2 Air chamois slightly more comfortable on long rides, I'd say the Sportfuls offer better value as you're still getting a lot of great features for a comparatively low price.
With a comfortable fit, good breathability, a great pad and an even better price, these Sportful bibs are one of the best premium options on the market.
Verdict
Top-end bib shorts at a very competitive price
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Sportful Bodyfit Pro 2.0 LTD Bibshort
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for
Sportful says: "Pro riders often consider apparel an essential tool to perform their job. This bibshort is one of their favorite tools. Super comfortable even in intense racing, great fit thanks to fabric and construction that let it move with your body. For the rest of us, we get support, comfort and clean styling that allow us to enjoy each pedal stroke."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Sportful lists:
PRODUCT FEATURES
Legs in AeroFlow Compress for smooth aerodynamics and muscle support with structured finish
All flat-lock stitching for comfort and fit
220g Lycra for excellent support
Highly supportive lie-flat bibs for excellent comfort and ventilation
Seamless leg band with silicone grip
2 hidden radio pocket
TC Pro seat pad
Weight:195 g
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
6/10
Come up a little larger than expected.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Washed at 30 and kept them away from the tumble drier. Standard stuff.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
On long road rides, these remain comfortable and generally work very well. The fact that you forget that you're wearing them has to be the biggest compliment.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The performance on long rides was just perfect.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Maybe the leg length was a touch long for me, but I could solve that by going for the small.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Lower than most 'race-level' offerings. Even dhb's LAB bib shorts are £15 more.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
These do everything that more expensive shorts do. An excellent pair of shorts for a reasonable amount of money.
About the tester
Age: 24
I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Di2 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: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!
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