Rapha Pro Team III bib shorts Review: possibly the most comfortable bib shorts I’ve worn yet

The Rapha Pro Team bib shorts have been the brand's go-to pair of bib shorts for well over a decade now. In its third iteration, the shorts have gone through a large overhaul to enhance comfort as well as keep the style of the brand up to date. Let's see if they have the attributes required of best cycling shorts for men.

Construction

The shorts have primarily been built around the brand new bespoke Pro Team chamois. It is still a single density chamois pad, with this technology now featured across Rapha's entire road range, all the way down to the Core shorts. However this brand new Pro Team chamois is a denser and lower volume chamois than the previous single density offering. This has been done to reduce weight and bulk, reduce the chance of friction, and make the pad faster drying to limit moisture build-up.

Outside of that, the shorts are now made up of fewer panels to reduce the amount of seams and stitching while being designed to be both compressive and more supportive. A laser cut hem has also been used to enhance comfort with micro-silicone dots used for grip.

The straps are wide to help support the structure of the shorts better while mesh panels across the hip of the straps and between the rear of the straps further aims to maintain structure while enhancing breathability.

Sizes start at XS and go up to XXL. There are six colour options available, two of which are black but with different colour straps, while this Dark Purple and the Port options are updates added in the latter half of 2025.

The ride

I have long been a fan of the Rapha Pro Team bib shorts. I owned a pair of the first generation model and wore them to tatters over the course of 5-6 years.

This latest Pro Team III iteration is an incredible leap forwards from those shorts, and quite possibly one of the best pairs that I have had the pleasure to test recently; I wasn’t sure what to expect, as recent Rapha Pro Team items have left me somewhat underwhelmed, with the Powerweave bib shorts in particular a slight let down for the price.

Putting the Pro Team III shorts on, my mind was quickly put at ease. Whereas the Powerweave shorts are overly compressive to the point of discomfort, the Pro Team III are a far better balance between performance and comfort. The fabric has a compressive element, but not so much that it squeezes the legs into shapes. I also appreciate that a regular length is available, as I prefer a cuff higher up the thigh rather than the patella shrouding of the Long leg length that came as standard on the Powerweave model.

This compression supports the muscles well, but also does not constrict in any way whatsoever. The fit is beautifully managed with no excessive tightness or looseness anywhere, meaning that there is no fabric rubbing in any location that could lead to irritation. Raw cut leg cuffs are also fantastic and stay firmly in place on hairy or shaved legs.

Another big plus are the straps. They are a touch thick in some regards, and lack perforations, but they are far more breathable than the Powerweave ones, which got too warm. They share a lot in common with the straps used on MAAP bibs shorts, in that they spread pressure nicely over the shoulders for even distribution, and make for great all day comfort.

My favourite addition however is the brand new Pro Team chamois. I have always been a fan of the Rapha chamois, as the coverage avoids any friction, while the pad itself manages pressure well by using different thicknesses of the same density foam. This new chamois now uses a higher density pad, but anatomically remains the same shape and size so as to provide pressure distribution where it is required, and relief in areas where you don’t want as much pressure.

Paired with the straps and compressive material, it stays in place as your body moves allowing for a great rider to pad interface. This higher density material is also lower bulk, so when getting in and out of the saddle it’s a touch more comfortable. Vibration dampening is also superb, quite similar to the brilliant chamois that MAAP uses in the Aeon shorts, which I’m also a big fan of.

Having tested these shorts through summer UK heatwaves and into the beginnings of autumn, they are effective across a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Long 4+ hour days in the saddle have provided no cause for discomfort, while fast paced group rides test the shorts in a race style environment as well. Across every situation, they have excelled. I also adore the Dark Purple and Port colour options.

Value & conclusion

At £240 / $350, these are up there with the likes of the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism, Assos Mille GTS S11, Q36.5 Dottore Pro, and aforementioned MAAP Aeon model.

At this price point, there is 'much of a muchness' between shorts, with personal fit considerations often being the main factor. Colour preference and brand desirability are of course other factors, and in both those areas Rapha certainly performs well. From a pure performance and comfort perspective, the Pro Team III are as good as, or better, than the other competitors mentioned. The Dottore Pro is a little cooler in hot weather, but the leg cuffs can rise more, while the PNS Mechanism is a bit more difficult to take nature breaks while wearing.

There are of course more entry level priced options as well. Rapha’s own Core bib shorts are exceptional at £140 / $130, but the fabric is thicker and this is noticeable in warmer conditions.

While the Pro Team III bibs are expensive, in my experience Rapha shorts have a good tendency to be long-lasting in both performance and quality. So far that holds true here, and they have become the pair I gravitate towards for longer days in the saddle for both performance and how they look. They are not cheap, but I see them as being worth it in terms of value over time.