SQUIRREL_13955162 The Sportful Hyperepic bib shorts are impressive at first look, but it took only a few hours in the saddle to prove otherwise, with a chamois that let down what could otherwise be a good pair of bib shorts. On first fit, the bib shorts came up perfectly true to size, which I dont usually find with Sportful kit because it tends to be on the smaller side. The diamond-weave fabric may not be as soft as some women's bib shorts, but it certainly feels supportive with a good level of compression. Read more: I've tested countless women's bib shorts and these are the 4 things you need to know The Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts are available in this fantastic colour. Sam Voaden / Our Media The meshy white bib straps are very comfortable. Although they're linked at the upper back with a square of mesh fabric that doubles up as a radio holder, they dont offer any easy-pee functionality. Cut subtly into the thighs of the shorts, a cargo pocket adorns each side. While many riders will rejoice at this, they are unfortunately too shallow to fit a whole phone in comfortably. The rear strap section is attached by this central join. Sam Voaden / Our Media Admittedly, they managed to secure my phone for the duration of a three-and-a-half-hour road ride, but it was combined with a sense of paranoia that it could slip out at any moment. At the waistband, meshy panels are added to improve breathability. These were just as comfortable as regular fabric, although I couldnt discern any positive impact of having them compared to regular material. These mesh sections are designed to improve breathability, but I couldn't tell the difference from 'normal' fabric in this area. Sam Voaden / Our Media Where these shorts really fell down (not literally) was at the chamois. Sportful uses its own DMS Evo W chamois, designed originally for off-road riding with the Dirty Multi Surface acronym. I cant quite put my finger on why these gave me discomfort in my seat bones, followed by soft tissue, even after only a couple of hours. At first look, the pad seems just as thick as comparable shorts, but I think perhaps the density of the saddle area is lower, giving support that's more squishy than firm. The grippers use silicone dots. Sam Voaden / Our Media How we tested | Women's bib shorts Each pair of bib shorts was tested over multiple rides and laundry cycles in late spring and early summer, both on- and off-road. The key factors tested were comfort and functionality (not to forget style); the most crucial aspects of this cycling-wardrobe staple. The selection of bib shorts features standard and cargo bib options, reflecting the market demand for both options. Shorts tested Albion Womens ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts Ryzon Vela Cargo Bib Shorts Iris Escape Bib Short 2.0 Castelli Espresso 2 W DT Bibshort Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts Lusso Women's Paragon Comfort Break Bib Shorts The tricky thing is, everyone is different and what might work (or not) for me could be very different for you. The terracotta colourway is really lovely, and there are more safe navy and black options too. Even on hotter rides, these didnt get too patchy with sweat, which was quite the relief. The pockets are ill-thought through they don't inspire confidence that they have your cargo held securely. Sam Voaden / Our Media Apart from the chamois woes, lack of easy-pee design and shallow pockets, the Hyperepic shorts arent bad, but unfortunately these factors, teamed with the mid-range 180 price, mean I wont be recommending them to my cycling friends any time soon. Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts bottom line The Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts give a good first impression, but are let down in key areas. Sam Voaden / Our Media The Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts have some good features, but lack chamois comfort and easy-pee functionality. Add those flaws to the sub-par cargo pockets and the Hyperepic shorts dont quite live up to their name. Sportful Hyperepic Womens Bib Shorts specs Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL Black, navy, and terracotta colourways Sportful DMS Evo W chamois Two cargo pockets on thighs Mesh panel waistband Raw leg seams SQUIRREL_13955162