Sportful BodyFit Pro bib shorts review

The Sportful BodyFit Pro bib shorts may have an above average price-tag, but can they match this with performance and comfort?

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Sportful BodyFit Pro bib shorts are very comfy whether you're riding long or hard, although the colour scheme may be hard to match to the rest of your kit.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Comfortable pad

  • +

    Well designed bibs

  • +

    Sleek finish

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Colours may not be to taste

Why you can trust Cycling Weekly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The price may be slightly above par, but if there's one bit of kit you don't want to skimp on, it's bib shorts. Thankfully the Sportful Bodyfit Pro bib shorts deliver exactly the performance and comfort that you’d expect for this sort of price.

>>>Cycling bib shorts: a buyer's guide

The basis for these excellent shorts is the superb Total Comfort Pro pad, which offers the right level of padding to make long days in the saddle a breeze, without being overly bulky and getting in the way when riding hard in a low, aggressive position.

IMG_35446

The TC Pro pad is comfortable on long rides without being overly bulky
(Image credit: mike prior)

I was also impressed by the wide mesh bibs on the Sportful Bodyfit Pro bib shorts, which are both comfortable and supportive, with the wide strap meaning that there they never dug into my shoulders. The bibs are also finished cleanly, something which can be said for everything with these shorts, with the flat-lock stitching and smooth Aero Flow lycra fabric giving a really smart look.

>>>Review: Sportful R&D bib shorts

However despite the excellent comfort and performance, I'm not so convinced by the Sportful's choice of colours. As well as the blue, grey, and yellow shorts shown here, they're also available in grey and red, and turquoise, grey and orange. Admittedly these colours look really smart when paired with some of Sportful's 2015 summer jerseys (particularly the corresponding Bodyfit Pro Team jersey), but might be a little tricky to match with your existing cycling wardrobe.

IMG_35405

The colour scheme might not be to everyone's taste
(Image credit: mike prior)

Finally, as an added "pro" touch (these are the same shorts used by Alberto Contador and co. over at Tinkoff-Saxo, just without the luminous yellow colour scheme) there's even a pouch on the back of the bibs to hold your team radio.

For more details visit the Sportful website.

Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.