Rapha Women's Brevet Cargo bib shorts III review: well-designed and quick to dry

Rapha has updated its Brevet range, with the latest Women's Cargo Bib Shorts introducing an easy-pee design – a feature notably absent from the previous generation and a source of criticism among riders. Given that they are the bib shorts of choice for two-time Transcontinental Race winner Jana Kesenheimer, I was keen to see whether they lived up to their reputation.

Design details

Rapha says the shorts are constructed from lightweight, durable, high-performance Italian fabrics - a blend of 64% recycled polyamide and 36% elastane - chosen to withstand the demands of regular riding and repeated washing, something of a prerequisite for the best cargo bib shorts.

The upper section incorporates Rapha’s nature-break design, using supple elasticated bib straps. Rapha’s ‘nature break optimisation’ uses a simple pull-down system, now a familiar concept among premium cycling brands, allowing the shorts to be lowered without removing layers. The fabrics are engineered to recover their shape afterward, helping to maintain the chamois's correct position and comfort.

The chamois has been revised for Version III. Rapha describes it as a dual-density pad featuring an antibacterial topsheet and quick-drying foam layers, designed to maintain comfort and performance over consecutive days in the saddle.

Storage is generous, with four compartments built into the design: two identical thigh pockets and two integrated lower-back pockets. One of the rear pockets is zipped, providing a secure place for valuables.

Version III features fewer panels, low-profile flatlock stitching and laser-cut hems, all intended to improve comfort and reduce irritation on longer rides.

The shorts are available in sizes XXS to XL, with three colour options: Black, Dark Olive and Dark Forest – the latter two being muted military-inspired brown and green tones, which are often a favourite choice for gravel bike clothing.

Performance

I’ve been testing a size medium, as suggested by Rapha’s size guide. The fit is perfect, therefore, I’d advise using its sizing guide. I did find the leg length to be longer than average. If you like short shorts, these might not be the best choice for you.

The hot weather we’ve enjoyed recently has provided perfect conditions to assess fabric and chamois performance; on warm, consecutive days in the saddle, a poorly performing chamois can quickly become a source of discomfort, so its ability to manage moisture and maintain comfort is crucial.

Rapha’s ‘dual-density Endurance Seamless Chamois’ feels slightly stiffer than many pads I’ve tested. That said, it has softened a little after several washes. In use, I found it to be well positioned within the shorts, while the neatly finished edge transitions smoothly into the main body of the garment. Combined with the pad’s sleek surface, this has delivered comfortable, irritation-free riding over extended periods. While cycling I never sensed a build-up of moisture inside the shorts, indeed the pad is among the quickest drying (post-laundering) that I have comes across.

The main body of fabric dries remarkably quickly. Indeed, this fabric is wonderfully comfortable against the skin – not overly compressive but snug enough not to budge over the course of a long ride. The raw cut edges and subtle grippers look and feel great. Talking aesthetics, I love the understated branding too, though a subjective point to be fair.

The bib strap material is comparable to that used on Lusso’s latest Paragon Bib Shorts, feeling robust while still offering the stretch required for the comfort-break system to work. I’m less convinced by the cross-strap arrangement, though. It can take a little adjustment to get the straps sitting completely flat when first pulling on the shorts.

That is a relatively minor issue - once positioned correctly, the arrangement is extremely comfortable - but my main criticism is that it doesn’t offer quite the same freedom of movement as some other pull-down designs, such as those from Lusso and Velocio. This may be partly down to the crossover straps, although the slightly taller rear panel here could also be denying wriggle room. In fairness, when paired with the Brevet Jersey tested alongside it, the higher-back design makes sense, as the jersey itself is shorter than average in the body. Personally, I’d want a longer-bodied jersey and a lower cut short to aid easier calls of nature.

The storage offered by the Brevet Cargo Shorts is among the most generous I’ve encountered. When the bike's carrying capacity is limited, four pockets prove genuinely useful. Cargo shorts have been around long enough for manufacturers to have refined the design of thigh pockets. Maybe it’s no surprise then that Rapha has struck an excellent balance between capacity, reduced seam stress and security.

I felt confident carrying my smartphone, complete with a 6.7-inch screen, in the thigh pockets, with no fear of it sliding out. The fabric and attachment points showed no signs of being overly stressed, either. My personal preference is to use thigh pockets for snacks, but a phone provides a useful test of both seam durability and security for weightier items. There’s easily enough room for six regular-sized energy bars in just one single thigh pocket.

The rear pockets are less spacious, although no less practical. They comfortably accommodate items such as credit cards, a GPS cycling computer (removed from the bike when heading into a shop) and a multi-tool, among other essentials. There’s also an added sense of security for more valuable items (with one of these being zipped). For me, if I’m wearing a traditional cycling jersey, rear pockets may compromise on comfort. However, they are undeniably brilliant if you are wearing a more casual top, or use them for storing valuable items when leaving the bike for short periods of time.

The shorts feature integrated reflective detailing, although I'm not entirely convinced by its placement; positioned beneath the thigh pockets, it's ineffective when those pockets are full. Even empty, I wonder if the mesh pocket fabric (on the black shorts I tested) is partially hindering the reflective elements full potential?

VALUE

For me, the standout features of Rapha’s Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts are the chamois, the excellent main-body fabric, and the generous cargo storage. The comfort-break design is undoubtedly useful, but it isn't class-leading in my experience.

Among the key rivals, Lusso's £140 /$191 Terra Bib Shorts offer two cargo pockets, though they lack the brand's Paragon comfort-break system. Velocio's Adventure Cargo Bib Shorts (£219/ $299) feature the company's FlyFree design alongside three pockets, while 7mesh's MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts appear to be Rapha's closest rival on paper. Like the Brevet, they offer four pockets in similar positions, a dedicated Pull2P comfort-break system and a women's-specific performance chamois with higher-density foam. At £200/ $230 versus Rapha's RRP of £260/ 360, they may also represent better value. That said, I haven't tested the 7mesh shorts, so I can't draw meaningful comparisons on comfort, fit or long-distance performance.

Overall, Rapha's Women’s Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts impress with their comfort, storage and quality of construction. My only real reservation is the pull-down comfort-break design, which I found offered less freedom of movement than some rival systems. Whether that proves an issue will depend on individual fit, but at this price I'd be tempted to try the 7mesh MK3 before deciding whether Rapha's premium is justified.

Tech specs

• Price:  £260/ 360
• Chamois style: Endurance
• Storage: Four pockets
• Leg type: Shorts
• Colours: Black (tested), Dark Olive and Dark Forest
• Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL