After five years of extensive prototyping and testing, Norco has released its new Team DH bike. The high-pivot downhill bike has been developed with the help of four-time world champion Greg Minnaar, and double world champion Danny Hart.The Norco Team DH has been successful at the highest level already, with team rider Gracey Hemstreet racking up her first three Elite World Cup wins aboard an S1-sized prototype.The new bike offers 200mm of travel via Norcos HPV6 suspension system and is mixed wheel-size only, with no accommodation for a 29er rear wheel.Five years in the making The latest version of the Norco Team DH uses a high-pivot suspension system and i-Track adjustable idler wheel. Norco It has been 25 years since the first Norco Team DH was released, and the new bike was in the prototype and development phase for five years.The bike is centred around a high-pivot rear suspension configuration that uses an inverted four-bar (also known as upside-down FSR/Horst-link) to dictate the rear axle path. Downhill bikes such as the Forbidden Supernought use a similar system. The advantages of a high-pivot setup are that it maintains a more accentuated rearward axle path, which can help carry speed on rough terrain.The Team DHs shock is actuated by an additional pair of links extraneous to the four-bar system and Norco calls the whole package the High Virtual Pivot Six-Link (HPV6) suspension system. The six-link is a four-bar suspension system with an extra pair of links to actuate the shock, unlike a six-bar suspension system.The Team DH uses an idler to control the anti-squat characteristics of the bike, necessary because of the high pivot position. The idler system is an i-Track adjustable version, which enables the rider to tune the level of anti-squat and pedal kickback offered by the HPV6 suspension system.You can move the idler to find the best compromise between pedalling efficiency with high anti-squat (and the associated high levels of pedal kickback) and lower levels of anti-squat, which enables more pedal bob, but reduced levels of pedal kickback as the rear suspension moves.There is more adjustment on offer via a patented flip chip on the shock mount. It enables a change of 2.5% in the rate of progression in the shock actuation ratio as the suspension goes through the travel.The DH Team is supplied with custom shock tunes specified by Norco to work best with the bikes suspension.Frame geometry Greg Minnaar and Danny Hart have been core to developing the new Team DH. Norco The new Team DH pairs an aluminium front triangle with carbon seatstays and carbon chainstays. Norco says this allows for a stiffer front triangle and explains the carbon rear triangle was chosen to reduce unsprung mass, not alluding to its stiffness or compliance as a factor in the choice.There are five sizes on offer: S1S5. The five different aluminium front triangles are paired with size-specific rear centres to give all sizes proportionally similar geometry. The Team DH also includesreach-adjust headset cups for fine tuning the exact reach by +/- 5mm within each size.Norco says reach ranges from 418mm for the S1 up to 498mm on the S5 in 20mm increments. The rear centre is 440mm on the S1 and S2, growing in 2.5mm increments to 447.5mm on the S5.The head angle is 63 degrees on the S1 and S2 sizes and 62.5 degrees on the S3-S5.Builds Fox and RockShox builds are available as well as a frame-only option. Norco There will be two builds available the DH Team 2 Fox with a Fox 40 Performance Elite fork and a DHX2 Factory shock, and the DH Team 2 RockShox with a RockShox Boxxer Select D2 fork and Vivid Coil Base shock. Both bikes have a SRAM GX drivetrain and Maven Base brakes.Continuing Norcos Ride Aligned sizing philosophy, S1-S3 sizes are supplied with 160mm-long Praxis cranks, whereas S4 and S5 sizes get 165mm versions. Norco Team DH 2 Fox: $7,999 / $10,499CAD Norco Team DH 2 RockShox: $7,399 / $9,500CAD Norco Team DH frameset: $4,599 / $6,199CAD

Spanish sports director Eleuterio Anguita Hinojosas was expelled from the UCI Road World Championships in Montral after driving excessively fast during the junior men's road race so much so that his car briefly left the ground.A former professional rider in the 1990s and a veteran of 12 Grand Tours, Anguita Hinojosas was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (around 1,060) after the incident. Video of the incident was captured by a roadside spectator, and shows Anguita Hinojasas driving very fast along a straight length of road, between barriers thronging with fans. At one stage the car hits a bump in the road and the rear wheels leave the road to the clear astonishment of the onlooking spectators.Anguita was listed in the post-race communiqu as having breached Article 2.12.007.6.3, regulations or guidelines concerning vehicles movements during the race. The UCI's regulations say drivers should "drive in a prudent manner to safeguard the safety of riders in the race, spectators and other vehicles".A post shared by @lucascyclingblogA photo posted by Despite Anguita Hinojosas's explusion from the race, the Spanish junior team will leave Montral with a swagger, after Benjamin Noval of Spain came away with two gold medals. He took the first in the junior men's time trial on Tuesday, which saw him beat Belgium's Vic de Smet by six seconds over the 20.3km course. Two days later in the junior men's road race the same race which saw Anguita Hinojosas's driving antics Noval took his second gold. The 17-year-old, who is signed to Netcompany-Ineos on a two-year contract, beginning next year, soloed away on the final lap of the 134km race. He held off runner-up Simon Defrance of France by 42 seconds, while the chasing group was led in 2:12 down, by Sweden's Elias Wandel for the bronze medal.Noval, who is the son of Lance Armstrong's former domestique at Discovery Channel and Astana of the same name, will consider his victories recompense for the heartache he suffered last year in Kigali, when he crashed in the final three kilometres while looking like a cert for a medal perhaps even gold.

Active travel campaigners in Exeter have launched a legal challenge to prevent an upcoming Traffic Regulation Order to reopen the road, closed to drivers since the pandemic, without making it safe for cyclists

An inside look into Ben Healy's power data showed the phenomenal strength of the Irishman at the GP de Montreal on September 13th. Attacking from the peloton, he went solo with 20 kilometres to go before being caught by the favourites. Paul Seixas's final lap attack saw him and Isaac del Toro lead t...

State Bicycle Co. is heading into Fall with some new players to the game, some updates, new colors, and a brand new 4130 8-Speed. This refresh shows that State continues to make really great products at really great prices.For me, the headliner is the new 4130 8 Speed Road at $649.99. Its a drop-bar option for people who want a road bike without needing to make a major financing decision. Also crawling out of the past is the 10-Speed All Road Flat Bar, which States calling a complete throwback.On the dirt side, the 4130 Trail hardtail arrives in a very handsome Sagebrush Green, and the Raw Phosphate colorway (one of my favorites) is fully restocked. The UpgradesOn the exciting upgrade menu is the Seekrun wireless dropper, for which State is the exclusive US distributor. Further up the price ladder, we find that the Carbon All Road v2 gets a pretty Colorado Blue colorway and starts at $2,399.99 complete. The recently launched Carbon Road, which sold out quickly, is back and starts at a mere $2,799.99 with an aero-focused 1x package and a new crank developed with SRAM thats exclusive to State. I know a 1x aero road setup wont shock anyone in 2026. But an exclusive SRAM crank on a bike at this price point? Thats something pretty cool. Lets take a look at the goods. 4130 8-Speed RoadRetail: $649.99Reimagining their best-selling 4130 Fixed Gear, State launches a budget-friendly entry-level road bike. A perfect road bike for getting into road cycling, the commuter, or anyone who wants a fun, affordable ride. It uses a double-butted steel tubeset for the frame and has a classic look.It uses Sensah Reflex 18 integrated shifters and 700c x 38mm tires that can handle all the imperfect roads. The rim brakes keep it light, low-maintenance, and easy to maintain. Using common standards for components means easy sourcing, replacement, and upgrades. 4130 8-Speed Road Features1 Steerer68mm English Threaded BB ShellIntegrated 8-speed Shifters (42t front / 11-28 rear)Double Butted Steel Frame and Fork38mm TiresDual Pivot Rim BrakesColors: Sea Foam / Sapphire & Chrome / Black & Tan4130 All-Road Flat BarRetail: $899.99This bike slightly resembles the MTBs of old. I think thats the charm of the reimagined 4130 Flat Bar. It blends the past with some modern components. For instance, it comes equipped with UDH, Hydraulic disc brakes, and Microshift 10-speed shifting. Again, State makes a wonderfully simple bike that utilizes common standards. It also has completely external cable routing, which means easy maintenance, repair, and upgrading.The 4130 Flat Bar has 450mm chainstays across the entire size range. It comes stock with 650b tires that provide clearance for up to 2.4 tires. For those who prefer a larger wheel, you can run it with 700 x 2.25 and still have clearance. All of this means a versatile bike for a wide range of uses. 4130 All-Road Flat Bar Features650 x 2.1 Vittoria TiresUDH CompatibilityHydraulic Disc BrakesFull Chrome Finish KitColor Options: Black Stone / Schoolyard Yellow / Mint Chocolate ChipCarbon Road & SRAM 1x AeroRetail: $2999.99When State first launched their Carbon Road, the story was a big hit with you guys. It was an incredibly good-looking, serious road bike that was also super affordable. I mean, whats not to like? The updated version is specd with SRAM Rival shifting, trusted components, and the new custom 1x Aero crank (exclusive to State) from SRAM. A 48-tooth chainring paired with a 13-speed 10-46 cassette is the same stuff the pro peloton runs. You can also add an Enve wheel upgrade to the Carbon Road, which still only puts the build at $3999.99. Where can you find a value like that? Thanks, State Bikes!Carbon Road FeaturesFrame Weight: Standard (M) 1100g / SL (M) 820gSRAM Rival Shifting (1x and 2x options)Custom 1x SRAM Aero 48t Crank (State Exclusive)T47 Bottom BracketAero Tubing ProfilesMultiple upgrade options availableHit the link below to check out the value that State Bikes offers, or to scoop up one of these cool bikes.StateBicycle.com

Today, the UCI published an 8,000 word, 40 page document outlining changes that could improve the Future of Road Cycling. Suggestions include (but are clearly not limited to) a more coherent calendar, a structural reform of the economics of pro cycling, and safety scores for finish stretches in a bid to improve rider safety. Theres also talk of a financial fairness mechanism like a budget or salary cap, carefully managed growth of womens cycling, modernised fan engagement, and GPS trackers in races, and data-led equipment rules.How did we get here? Why was the document needed? And, what concrete changes will actually arise from its creation? Let me answer those questions. The backgroundIn February, cycling's governing body launched a wide-ranging consultation on the future of road cycling, pithily called the "Future of Road Cycling". The goal was to find ways to improve pro cycling, and to make it sustainable. Race organisers, riders, teams, other stakeholders and their umbrella bodies were all asked to contribute.It is now September, and on Friday morning, a press release plopped into my inbox sent by the UCI, promising a consultation that reveals a "broad consensus on safety, financial fairness, the calendar, and commercial and media rights". Along with this, an 8,000 word, summary of the main themes of the consultation was sent out, and I have now read all of it. It is quite the Friday page-turner, and has already been presented to members of the UCI Management Committee at the UCI Road World Championships in Montral.There's a lot in there, with 55 different 'stakeholders' (a horrible word) responding with detailed contributions, including Rapha and The Cyclists' Alliance, both of which we've heard from already. Interestingly, 26 race organisers responded, but not ASO, the organisers of the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espaa and Paris-Roubaix and others, and RCS, the organisers of the Giro d'Italia. While they were covered by their umbrella body, perhaps they think everything is working for them at the moment.Also, shout out to Niamh Fisher-Black, Simon Carr, Juliette Berthet, Jordan Jegat, Jonas Hem Hvideberg and the riders of Uno-X Mobility, and Ocane Mah, all of whom responded individually to the consultation, rather than relying on their teams or unions to do the responding for them. Good to see there are some engaged riders in the peloton.(Image credit: Getty Images)Everything boils down to five "pillars": the calendar and participation (competition format, events calendar, organisation of the racing and team pyramid, participation rules, internationalisation of cycling, and development obligations); the economic model (management of commercial rights; creation of new commercial rights and sharing of the value created; solidarity between levels; financial rules; regulations on rider transfers); fan engagement (digital platform; promotion; TV production; integration of AI and new technologies); safety (race course; behaviour; equipment; new technologies); and integrity of results (officiating consistency; anti-doping; technological fraud).There are essentially a lot of suggestions, which may or may not see the light of day, although this does appear to be a start, a solid jumping off point. The authors write: "The UCI is open to seriously considering these proposals, and the next step will be exactly that: in-depth, collaborative stakeholder consultation to turn the most promising ideas into a consensual, durable model for the future of professional road cycling." We await with bated breath for this consensual, durable model.CALENDAR AND PARTICIPATIONThe calendar and participation is the pillar that drew the most responses, with submissions calling for a more coherent calendar, built on geographical blocks, which makes sense. The summary talks of fewer overlaps and a clearer seasonal narrative, which is something that I've been calling for for a while, and is an area which has seen some success, with the Vuelta Femenina moving to after the men's Vuelta a Espaa next year, for example. There were also proposals for shorter stage races and a revised points system, along with new participation obligations for teams.ECONOMICSOn the economics of pro cycling, the part that has been the subject of heated debate, there was a lot suggested, with the consultation revealing "a clear will, shared by all stakeholders, in favour of structural reform". How that actually happens is the million dollar question, with the One Cycling project a thing of the past; Chris Marshall-Bell and Escape have reported that a new project, called the Collective Cycling Group is in the wings, bringing together teams trying to reform pro cycling.The UCI consultation reads: "Contributors converge on a shared diagnosis: cyclings revenues do not reflect its global popularity, teams typically depend on a single title sponsor and secondary sponsors for over 90% of their budget, and organiser cost escalation is outpacing revenue growth. Organisers generally support the concept of a shared commercial venture to maximise revenue."That is fair, but how that happens is a mystery, especially without the cooperation of cycling's most important race organiser, ASO, and the Tour de France. The UCI authors write: "The UCI also specifies that it recognises the commercial rights of existing organisers, and that any system for pooling rights will be based on voluntary participation and shared governance." That roadblock might prevent any wholesale reform, then.(Image credit: Getty Images)However, there was a lot of talk in the submissions of consolidation of commercial and media rights and some kind of financial fairness mechanism, so perhaps these are not utopian ideals and there is some kind of consensus on these being useful to the sport. Work on agent regulation and the transfer system is already underway, the UCI says. Interestingly, it also shoots down a franchise-system based WorldTour as it "is something that is contrary to the European sporting model and the sporting philosophy promoted by the UCI, and will not be contemplated".FAN ENGAGEMENTIn terms of fan engagement, there is "genuine optimism that cycling can convert its large but passive audience into active, loyal fandom, and that the tools to do so largely already exist". A unified digital platform is one suggestion for this, as well as standardised and better-quality data, as well as "calendar legibility". The growth of women's cycling is seen as a key area for expansion, as long as the "structural pitfalls" of men's cycling are avoided, which is interesting.SAFETYIt is no surprise that safety was the biggest concern for the riders who responded to the consultation. Apparently, the problems and credible solutions are largely agreed upon, and the UCI has a lot of the "necessary infrastructure" through its SafeR programme. GPS tracking rears its head here again, as well as safer race courses, and fewer vehicles at races. Cattily, the UCI report reads: "The UCI regrets that certain stakeholders claim safety is their priority while making decisions that contradict that objective."Suggestions for this include addressing course design, safety scoring for the final kilometres of routes, mandatory rider safety education, as well as reducing speeds through "data-led equipment rules". The UCI has already attempted the latter, through rules on the width of handlebars, and an attempt to introduce gear restrictions. (Image credit: Getty Images)INTEGRITY OF RESULTSOn integrity of results, the submissions largely were about better officiating, modernising anti-doping, and tackling technological fraud. Proposals included a VAR-style thing for commissaires, and using AI to find anomalies in biological passports.'HEALTHY TENSION' ALL ROUNDThat's the report, with a lot of agreement clear, but also "areas of healthy tension most notably the balance between generating new revenue and redistributing it, and the sequencing of cost control versus value-sharing". Those areas of healthy tension remain difficult to resolve. It remains to be seen what the next steps are, or if anything will be implemented.UCI president David Lappartient had this to say: "Road cycling is currently experiencing unprecedented growth. That success comes with responsibilities: to identify new areas for progress and to write the next chapter of our sport together. The first of these responsibilities is safety. It is not negotiable, and it will move forward at an even faster pace than the other parts of the reform."The result of this consultation is remarkable, both in the diversity and the quality of the responses received. What unites the different families of cycling is far more important than what can sometimes divide them. The report presented today lays the groundwork for the thorough, collaborative work still ahead of us as we build a new model for our sport. I warmly thank everyone who took part in this consultation, and I am confident about our continued work together."

Lidl-Trek riderMax Walscheid has confirmed his retirement from professional cycling after a career of over ten years. Despite having a contract for 2027, the rider will join the team's sporting structure. The German rider bids farewell to professional cycling on October 3rd in the Sparkassen Mnste...

Riding while on your period can be tough; the last thing you want to be worrying about is leaking or discomfort from the likes of tampon strings.The market has recently seen more brands trying to find a solution to bleeding and riding. The answer? Menstrual cycling shorts. These are essentially shorts with an adapted chamois designed for absorbing blood, they work a lot like period pants, which are now so commonplace youll find them in your local supermarket clothing aisle. Van Rysel, Decathlon's in-house high-performance cycling brand, has now produced its first range of menstrual cycling shorts, offering both a bibless model (which we have on test) and a bib short version. Ive got the bibless model on test, which retails at 34.99/39.99. The Ultra bib short model retails at 99.99/119.99. Design detailsThe pockets on the shorts are a nice detail (Image credit: Charlotte Broughton)On first look, I noticed straight away that the material was buttery soft (main fabric being 32% Elastane, 68% Polyamide). I was also pleasantly surprised to see the use of zig-zag style stitching for the chamois. Zig-zag stitching is often seen on more expensive cycling shorts and from my experience, is a lot more comfortable than a conventional stitch as it doesnt cause irritation. The chamois is also soft and Van Rysel says it can absorb 'up to 12 ml of liquid per use.' Thats about the same as a super absorbency tampon, a Mooncup can hold 29 to 30ml.The chamois is made of 6 layers, a base of traditional foam designed to offer comfort in the saddle, with a top layer made from two fabrics that absorb liquids; in the core is a membrane that traps liquid inside it. Whilst studies have shown high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) within some period underwear, Van Rysel confirmed that its shorts do not use PFAS and that toxicological tests have been carried out.There's also useful stretchy mesh pockets on the side of both legs. I used the 'Find My Size' feature on the Decathlon website which suggested I go for size M. These felt a bit of a squeeze at first, but they fitted well after the first use. Therefore, Id say they fit a touch on the small side as a size M is my usual go to. Performance The absorbency was impressive, and the shorts washed well (Image credit: Charlotte Broughton)During the testing phase I used the shorts both pre-menstruation and, of course, during. The first test was carried out on the turbo, for a 3-hour session, when I wasnt on my period. I find testing chamois when riding indoors to be a great determinant for how comfy they are due to the constant pressure and lack of movement. What I found most noticeable was how well my sit bones were supported. The chamois towards the trunk is very well padded. Likewise, the zig-zag style stitching also sat flush to my body and skin: ensuring no irritation occurred. Another design feature I appreciate is the length of the shorts. They are not short-shorts, sitting more than midway down my thighs. However, I do have very long thighs so this may not be the length everyone likes. The absence of irritating silicone grippers was also very welcome. The shorts didnt dig into my thighs nor ride up my leg. I have muscular thighs and often have to loosen off M size shorts if the elastic is particularly tight. When riding outside, I thought the pockets were great, storing items (in my case, a jam filled brioche) very securely. Unfortunately, I did find the waist rolled down, I expect a higher waistline would avoid this. The problem was exacerbated when paired with short 'womens fit' jerseys (for reference I have a medium length body and Im 173cm tall).I would also like more padding towards the front to protect the vulva and soft tissue better. However, given the entry-level price point, the level of support was not too disappointing. The material also shows sweat patches very visibly, which doesnt bother me, however, it may do for others. When used whilst cycling during my period I really experienced the benefit of these shorts. I found the chamois very absorbent. During my second day, I have a very heavy flow, one that has often soaked through other period products in the past if Ive done a long ride. At first, it did feel a little weird to free bleed into the shorts. But even after wearing the shorts for a long ride, the chamois had no issue in absorbing the blood. I didnt feel wet or damp in the crotch either. If you struggle with sensory experiences, this will be great news. After this ride I decided to see roughly how much blood was absorbed after wearing them for 3 hours and 25 minutes in total. So I ran them under the shower head and rinsed them out. A lot of blood came out. So I was very impressed with this main design feature.I washed these shorts with my other cycling kit, using a normal detergent with a laundry sanitiser at 30 degrees C. They washed well, and continued to work as expected. I did ring the blood out before washing when my period was heavy, as a pre rinse, out of personal choice.ValueAll in all, I feel these shorts are impressive for the price point and are fantastic for use when menstruating. The shorts do the job of absorbing blood really well. However, for me personally, I would far favour the bib shorts over the waist option. This is because the digging in and rolling up of the waist band was just too annoying for me to want to use them normally. I also feel that if you are someone who likes to use a cup or tampon, this basically 'free bleed' system might not be for you. Instead I suggest you take a look at the best women's cycling shorts guide to find something more suitable. Scoring breakdownDesignThese shorts are well designed in terms of the absorbency: I was blown away by how much blood they took in. However, the material showed sweat patches and the padding at the front wasnt very thick: somethingI know many women complain about. 6/10FitI used the Find My Size function on Decathlons website to choose my size which came out as an M. But when I first got them they were a squeeze, after washing and wearing they were a good fit, but small at first. The waist was also pretty tight and could be uncomfortable however.7/10AetheticsI just dont like the look of pockets on the side or waist shorts. Yes I understand the pockets are useful but purely from an aesthetic standpoint I dont like them and bib shorts are more flattering on my body.6/10PerformanceFor the absorbency alone these menstrual shorts are very good. But they would need thicker padding in the front and not to be waist shorts that roll down for me to feel the performance was worthy of a higher score. 7/10ValueImpressive value and thus accessibility coming in at only 34.99. Especially given you also save money by not using pads or tampons and opting for this pair of shorts instead. So in the long run, they pay for themselves! 9/10Overall35/50

Daniel Martinez picked up the win on stage 4 of the CRO Race, winning a small breakaway sprint as the attackers kept the peloton at bay to contest the win in Rijeka. Stage 4 took the race from Pula to Rijeka in an exciting stage featuring some 2350 metres of climbing all centered around the day's m...

Nothing ensures an enjoyable ride like a good chamois that keeps you comfortable in the saddle. When your bibs can also carry snacks, tools, and other items, thats just icing on the cake! Several years ago I tested 7meshs non-bib MK3 shorts, and they are still one of my most comfortable chamois that I typically save for longer rides. With the Cargo Bib version, road or gravel riders can haul a few extra items, and MTB riders can likely ditch their packs.I tested the MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts on my MTB, and paired with a water bottle, I was able to carry all the essential supplies Id typically put in a pack with no discomfort or excess bulkiness. Between the absence of a pack and the strap-style uppers, these bibs were a great option for staying cooler on hot rides.Editors note I hope you chuckle at my cheeky photos bookending this post As an MTB rider reviewing bib shorts, I had to get creative to show you a product thats entirely hidden while in use! Might as well have some fun with it!7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts Construction Features:7mesh designs a lot of their clothing to be versatile across different riding styles, and these bib shorts are a great example. The MK3 bibs are equally suitable for road, gravel, or MTB riders. If these bibs were MTB-specific, Id say a fly would be a great addition to them. However, I wouldnt expect a fly on bibs that are intended as an outer layer for road/gravel riders.The MK3 Cargo Bibs body is made from a Nylon/Elastane fabric blend and was designed to offer moderate compression with a skin fit. 7meshs Clean Finish tailoring keeps seams and stitching away from key areas that can cause discomfort.These bibs feature the same floating Elastic Interface Performance Space chamois as my older MK3 non-bib shorts, which is great You shouldnt mess with a good thing!The Performance Space chamois features high-density foam in the center channel and a breathable, perforated top layer. Mens and womens models get gender specific channels or inserts to avoid pressure points or discomfort. This chamois was designed to remain comfortable for long hours in the saddle.A significant feature of these bibs is the minimal uppers. The MK3 Cargo bibs have 45mm-wide soft elastic bib straps which leave most of your upper body uncovered. Slim, clean-looking raw hems on the legs support your muscles without feeling like elastic bands, and thin silicone grippers are printed inside to keep them in place.As for cargo, the MK3s offer three back pockets, plus large side pockets on both legs.7mesh strives to be eco-friendly, so these bibs are made using Bluesign-approved fabric, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric, recycled fabric in the chamois, and PFAS-free body fabric. The MK3 Cargo Bibs can be machine washed in cold water, but 7mesh recommends hanging them to dry.Ride Impressions: Fit/Comfort:Ive been riding the MK3 Cargo Bibs since mid-May. Im 5 10 with a slim build, and the size small bibs fit me great. The upper straps are snug but not too tight, and the legs are long but cut off high enough to overlap but not interfere with kneepads. The wide, flat hems on the legs are very comfortable. The body and belly cut both fit my torso well. The fit of the body is a bit looser than the waistline of my snug-fitting non-bib MK3 shorts, which is great. If my older MK3s were much tighter, they would not be comfortable.I like the moderate compression fit of the MK3 bibs, particularly on the legs. My muscles feel very well supported in these shorts: from the lower hems to the body area, everything fits nice and snug. For MTB riders, the snug legs also discourage kneepads from slipping downwards.While the seams surrounding the chamois are all hidden or minimized, there are some seams inside the hips, legs, and back that arent. The seams around the hips left impressions on my skin after each ride, but fortunately none of those unprotected seams caused noticeable discomfort.After all my test riding, Ive found the MK3 Cargo Bibs perfectly comfortable all around there are no issues to report! Chamois:7meshs Performance Space chamois is very comfortable, providing excellent saddle padding. Even on my third ride with a new Chromag Limber saddle (which is less padded than the Ergon seat I was riding) I remained comfortable for over three hours.Its not a particularly thin chamois, but I dont find it too thick. Its substantial enough to keep you comfortable throughout long rides, as intended. The floating construction seems to keep the chamois in position really well, and I never had problems with the chamois shifting around, bunching, or chafing me anywhere.Straps:The best thing about the suspender/strap uppers is how cool they are compared to bibs with back panels. I came home from one short, hot ride and realized I wasnt that sweaty then remembered I rode without a pack! Being able to carry ride essentials in the bibs, especially for those (like me) without frame storage, allows you to stay much cooler on any ride you can pull off with a water bottle. I avoid wearing bibs in the summertime, but I wont think twice about wearing the MK3 Cargo Bibs for any ride.The other thing I liked about the straps is how they remained comfortable when I did ride with a pack. I still wear hydration packs for most rides (and have to carry my camera pack often), and wearing them over the slim straps was never uncomfortable. Even the junction piece between the shoulders was easily forgotten during rides.Fit With MTB Shorts:Since I tested the MK3 Cargo Bibs riding MTB, I always wore them with shorts over top. With items in the back pockets, I noticed my Endura shorts had to sit a bit low in the back. I would have pulled up the waist a tad higher, but it was interfering with the pockets. Luckily it was only by a small margin, so my shorts were fine where they were they didnt slip down on the ride and the waist wasnt nearly low enough to restrict motion.When I wore my Patagonia shorts, they initially sat slightly overlapping the bottoms of the pockets. I loaded up the pockets and rode, and when I got home the shorts waistline had settled in just under the pockets. Again, the waist moved downwards so slightly that I didnt even notice.Only my pair of Yeti shorts, which have a higher rear waistline, sat over the rear pockets considerably. Thankfully, if you dont fill the pockets, this overlap isnt noticeable at all. Most MTB shorts will likely not be problematic with the bibs rear pockets worst-case scenario, you can still wear any shorts with higher waistlines if you leave the pockets empty.Cargo:I found the MK3 Cargo Bibs can comfortably carry an impressive amount of essential items. On an early test ride, I put Skittles in one leg pocket, a Clif bar in the other, and quickly forgot about both! The leg pockets hold small items snugly, and those items never sat right underneath the stuff in my shorts pockets.On a couple of rides, I put all the essentials Id typically carry in a pack in the bibs to see if anything felt obtrusive or annoying. Between the legs and back pockets, I carried a Clif bar, a small multi-tool, a large and a small Co2 canister, a dynaplug tool, a pack of spare plugs, my Co2 inflator head and valve core tool, plus a spare set of batteries for my Archer electronic shifter.I even tempted fate and put the multi tool in the middle back pocket, right on my spine. While I would say the multi-tool was noticeable, it was never annoying, and it didnt bounce around on my back while I rode. The worst I can say is that items in the back pockets may be noticeable, depending on what you put in there, but nothing I carried ever became problematic.Even riding with a pack and shorts with pockets, I put some energy chews in the leg pocket of the cargo bibs just for easy access. It also spread out my phone and the chews instead of shoving both in my shorts pocket. I did notice one thing cargo in those back pockets will get sweaty! Metal items like multi-tools or Co2 inflators might eventually start getting rusty, but I suspect it would take a while.The MK3 Cargo Bib Short sells for $250. Mens color options are Black, Deep Sea, or Purple Velvet. Sizes range from XS-XXL. Womens models are also available: The WK3 Cargo Bib Short retails for $230. Color choices are Black, Midnight Blue, or Peat, and they come in sizes XS-XL.7mesh.com