The Specialized SL Pro women's bib shorts have become a go-to favourite in the cycling wardrobes of our female writers.
Existing for several seasons and impressing at every opportunity, the SL Pro Bibshorts were improved still further for 2017, earning them a place in the Editor's Choice line-up.
The Specialized Women's SL Pro women's bib shorts are a top-end option and they come with a selection of named and patented features.
The two key fabrics used are VaporRize and Cold Fabric. The former is a lightweight, moisture-wicking material, while the latter is used specifically on dark-coloured fabrics to help keep core temperature low while allowing for the coverage of a deeper hue – something we all want in bib shorts unless we’re channelling our inner world champion.
Deflect UV50+ treatment keeps skin safe from harmful rays.
The cooling treatment does seem to be work – we wore these on sweaty hot climbs and always felt that the clothing was working with us rather than against.
'HookUp' design works a treat
One of the most notable features of the Specialized Women's SL Pro bib shorts is the HookUp design. Nothing to do with Tinder, this is a magnetic clasp at the rear of the bibs which unclips in seconds to allow for quick bathroom breaks on or after a ride.
The HookUp is user friendly and makes taking a comfort break a breeze – even if your pockets are loaded.
Specialized SL Pro women's bib shorts hook up design
The bib straps have been updated for 2017 with a lighter and more ventilated material that also looks a little more premium. There's a nice yoga band-style crossover at the stomach too.
The key thing that has always set the Specialized Women's SL Pro bib shorts apart from any other offering is the leg grippers. Indeed, they can hardly be called grippers since what’s so special about them is that they don’t 'grip' and create the hated sausage-leg look that no rider wants.
Wide leg grippers upgraded
At the cuffs, Specialized has gone for a very wide, fold-over leg gripper. In the 2016 editions these featured tiny silicone dots, which this year have been upgraded, using a slightly more robust treatment along the entirety of the cuff.
The wide fabric band still sits comfortably. If anything, the new style is an improvement as former iterations did tend to ride up a bit and these don't do that at all.
Silicone treatment on the inside of the cuff on the Specialized SL Pro women's bib shorts
The pad is the Body Geometry SL Pro Women’s Chamois – which features multi-density padding that’s been placed to look after soft tissue and nerves.
This is a fairly race orientated pad, in that it’s notably thinner than most, but we used these shorts for rides of up to six hours with no more discomfort than that which is par for the course.
The Cobra Blue (which we tested), Turquoise Fade and Team Red options really do require a matching jersey unless you're happy to accept the ‘6 day cyclist’ mismatch with pride - but pair them as a set and you've got a pretty cool, bold look.
The RRP on these is £140, and they come in the Cobra Blue pictured, and Torch Yellow.
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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
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