Review: Endura Women’s GV500 Reiver Bibshort

After seeing these shorts modelled by lots of cyclists at local café stops, I was excited to get my hands on a pair and try them for myself. My initial thought when they arrived was how high quality they were. The material feels smooth and premium, and the seams are well stitched. They look very ‘pro’.

I’ve not owned a pair of bib shorts with pockets before; I am now very much sold. Gone are the days of cramming endless miscellaneous items into my jersey pockets. There is ample room in the two leg pockets for a phone or some snacks. While stretchy, they hold items well, and I wasn’t worried about losing things mid ride.

Most importantly to note: the shorts’ ‘800 series conform EGM pad’ is substantial. I felt that this offered a good level of protection, and it seemed to dissipate the usual pressure points. Finding the perfect shorts for you is a very individual process.

The padding is quite bulky. While adding comfort, I found it a little too bulky for my shape. Endura does, however, offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which is a great way to find a pair that is perfect for your needs.

I tried sizes M and L in these shorts. Both fitted but I ended up wearing the M the most, as I found both pairs rather long in the leg. The leg cuffs did feel great on the thigh and were secured well by the grippy material on the inside.

I tend to prefer the cuffs slightly higher than they sat, but this is personal preference. It’s all about finding the right design for your shape.

If you have slightly shorter than average but quite athletic legs, you might find these shorts a little too long and thin. The bib section of the shorts is very comfortable and sits well on the skin. There are also another two small mesh pockets built in.

I found the shorts easy to manoeuvre for comfort breaks. They have been designed in a way that there are no unnecessary steps required to rearrange straps or tuck in extra material – unlike other bib shorts I’ve used.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a premium pair of shorts with plenty of storage and a quality feel, these are a definite contender. Although the sizing wasn’t perfect for me, these are by far the nicest pair of shorts I’ve cycled in, and I believe the price tag is justifiable.

Other options

Lusso Women’s Terra Bib Shorts £135

Made in Manchester, these shorts have stretchy, mesh straps and a high-volume, abrasion-resistant pocket on each thigh.

Altura Progel Plus Women’s Cargo Cycling Bib Shorts £75

Good value for cargo bib shorts, these have a mesh pocket on each thigh. They also have some reflective detailing.