Endura Pro SL II bibshorts review

The first generation Endura Pro SL bibshorts were already a multiple test winner. What has Endura done to improve on that with the new Pro SL II?

Endura Pro SL II bibshorts

Endura Pro SL II bibshorts

(Image credit: Cycling Studio)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Endura’s original Pro SL bibshorts were already top notch. The Pro SL II upgrade hasn’t changed any of the features which made them so comfortable, including their three pad size options, but has improved the leg grippers and aesthetics.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Three pad widths available

  • +

    Understated design

  • +

    Two leg length options

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Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Non-flatlocked seams

  • -

    May need to size down for a close fit

  • -

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This year, Endura has updated its Pro SL bibshorts. The new Pro SL II has a more understated look than its predecessor. It still has three different pad width options to suit different hip bone anatomies, saddles and positions. Endura suggests pad options for popular saddles, but you can also get a custom fit at certain bike shops.

On the surface, the Endura 700 series pad looks less structured than many, but this hides a complex internal design which is really comfortable. Rather than sections of different foam depth, the pad thickness varies smoothly, with plenty of depth under the sitbones and less where it is not needed.

>>> Endura Pro SL women's bibshorts review

Endura's pad is available in three widths

You also get two leg length options with hemless leg ends and hidden internal grippers that keep the legs in place really well. Bibs are also wide and comfortable with a sewn hem and mesh fabric. Endura doesn’t flatlock its seams though. I’ve never found this to be a problem, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you do find raised seams uncomfortable.

Watch: Bibshorts buyer's guide

Endura uses a compressive fabric with coldblack treatment to reflect infrared light and make the shorts cooler on hot days. It also has an SPF50 rating. Sizing is more UK than some other brands though, so you may need to size down for the compression to be effective – it’s worth checking Endura’s size chart. Fortunately there are six size options between XS and XXL, so along with the three pad sizes and two leg lengths there are lots of options.

>>> Movistar get fitted by Endura for their new 2017 kit

External décor consists of a white Endura logo on the right hip and black lettering on the legs, so the Pro SL II bibshorts will go with whatever jersey you want to wear. All in all, the Pro SL II is a nice update to what was already a very good pair of shorts.

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Paul Norman

Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.

He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.