Funkier Boreano F5 Elite Bibs and Arona Pro Shorts Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

(Bibs)

Hot

• Snaplocks front/back detach for quick “nature break”
• Very comfortable from the bib straps to leg the openings
• Compression fabric provides just the right amount of muscle support
• Good moisture control chamois
• Fits true to size and wide range of sizing
• UV protection
• Reflective elements around leg

Not

• Center bib strap shows when jersey is even slightly unzipped

(Shorts)

Hot

• Affordably priced
• Comfortable 2 cm wide yoga style waist band stays in place
• Compression fabric provides just the right amount of muscle support
• Good moisture control and comfortable chamois
• Fits true to size and wide range of sizing
• UV protection

Not

• Color limits jersey selection
• No reflective elements

Funkier Bike

Price: $130 MSRP (bibs); $59 MSRP (shorts)

How obtained: Company samples

Availability: Online

RBR Advertiser: No

Sizes: XS-2XL (bibs); S-2XL (shorts)

Colors: Black (bibs); Pink/Red/Black, Mint/Black (shorts)

Chamois: F-5 (bibs); B-13 (shorts)

Testing: Bibs and shorts tested on trainer and outdoor under tights for rides up to 3 hrs

Bibs or Short – Can’t Go Wrong with Either Choice

It’s been about two years since I last reviewed Funkier apparel, so I reached out to the company to see what they had new in their line. They sent me a pair of Boreano Elite Bibs, Arona Shorts and a host of summer jerseys. Since it’s still winter here in Chicago, I am holding of on testing and reviewing the jerseys, but I’ve put the bibs and shorts to the test both on the indoor trainer and outside under a pair of tights. While they are very different in price, chamois and design, they are both very comfortable.

Boreano Elite Bibs – Designed for Fast Nature Breaks

I’ve reviewed several women’s bibs that allow you to pull them down without removing your jersey when nature calls. The Funkier design uses snaplocks to unclip the bib straps from the shorts. This enables you to pull the shorts down, do your business, and then just pull up the shorts, clip them back to the bib straps and off you go.

I was able to get away with unclipping the back and leave the front snaplock fastened when going to the bathroom. Reclipping the strap to the bib was no problem, I just reached under the jersey, grab the strap, clipped and go. The snaplock lays flat and there was never an issue of rubbing or discomfort. It is secure…except for when I would foam roll my back after a ride. The rolling motion would eventually disengage the snaplock. But that’s a non-issue.

I didn’t care for the center strap design for one reason, if you unzip a jersey even slightly the straps show. Maybe if the straps were black, they wouldn’t be as noticeable.

Overall the bibs were very comfortable partly due to Funkier’s F-5 chamois. This is an Italian pad constructed from quick drying, antibacterial, high density foam layers. As I mentioned earlier, I tested the bibs on the trainer as well as outdoors under tights. Rides were both on the road and the trail for up to 3 hours.

At $130, the Boreano Elite is a higher end bib in the Funkier product line, but still very reasonable. The longer inseam, medium compression fabric and wide laser cut leg band makes for a streamline silhouette, great fit and performance.

Arona Shorts – Fits You and Your Budget

I’ve been exclusively wearing bibs for about 5 years, and wear shorts when product testing is necessary. My big complaint about shorts is the chamois moves around. But I was pleasantly surprised that the Funkier Arona shorts fit great and the pad stayed in place. Like the Boreano bibs, I tested the Arona’s both on the trainer and outside under tights. I never had an issue with chafing.

At $59, the Arona shorts are a steal. The combination of the 2cm wide waist band, B-13 pad and medium compression fabric, keep the shorts from moving around. Funkier uses their basic pad in the Arona shorts, which features 4-way stretch fabric that moves in all directions reducing the chance of chafing. I tested these shorts under a pair of tights on a 30-mile gravel ride and was totally comfortable.

My only issue with the Arona’s is the color/pattern. You need to purchase Funkier’s Spoleto jersey ($40 MSRP) to make it a complete kit, since it probably won’t go with anything else in your wardrobe. At $99 for jersey and shorts, you can’t go wrong. But I’d like to see Funkier have an option for the Arona short in solid black, giving customers more jersey options.

Bottom Line

Funkier offer something for every level rider. Their Boreano Elite bibs at $130 provide excellent comfort and a clever design that solves the nature break issue that keeps women from wearing bibs. The Arona shorts are well priced for the new or intermediate rider, at only $59. At that price, you can afford to finish the kit and get the matching Spoleto jersey.