Price: $160
Size: XS-XL
Color: Orion Blue (women’s only), Black
Compression: Medium
Fit: True to size
Availability: Online
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Get Ready for Adventure in your Cinder Bib Shorts
I’m always on the lookout for new brands and styles of women’s drop seat bibs. Recently, I came across Rab’s Cinder bib shorts, and wow, I’m excited. But hold on, gentlemen, don’t navigate away just yet because these bibs also come in a men’s version — albeit without the drop seat feature.
Let me tell you a little about this British-based company, which is a part of Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd. They specialize in designing products that cater to the needs of active outdoor enthusiasts. Their motto perfectly captures their approach ― nothing fancy or over-engineered – just honest, hard-working pieces that you’d rather repair than replace.
From what I’ve gathered, the Cinder bib shorts mark the company’s first venture into designing a bib short, and they knocked it out of the park. They have taken the best elements from other bib designs and improved upon them. They have even addressed the drop seat feature in the women’s version.
I had the opportunity to test the Cinder bibs on several rides using my indoor trainer. Due to the subzero temperatures and snow, I have been confined to my pain cave. However, trainer rides are ideal for evaluating the chamois’ comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties ― all of which received high marks.
Features and Functionality
The Cinder bib shorts offer a range of impressive features. From the first touch, you’ll notice their softness thanks to the Flexile 250 fabric used in their construction. This fabric feels great and has quick wicking and high stretch properties, along with medium compression. Rab uses Matrix RX fabric around the hip and upper thigh to ensure durability. The bibs are designed with a contoured fit, eliminating any extra fabric in the front and providing ample coverage in the back.
For women, these shorts are high-waisted, offering excellent comfort and coverage. The back panel has laser-cut holes for added ventilation, while a silicon gripper print at the rear waist keeps the shorts in place. Additionally, a panel across the back keeps the straps in place when using the drop seat functionality. The only issue I had on the bike was a small gap between the panel and the rear waist hem. You can even see it in the pictures of the model. I suggest adding silicon grippers to the bottom of the perforated panel in hopes it stays in place. Nevertheless, the rear waist hem is sufficiently high to provide coverage, and when paired with a jersey, it remains concealed.
The drop seat functionality was flawless. I had no problem pulling the seat of the bibs down even after a sweaty trainer ride.
The company’s attention to detail is spot on. The inner leg panel wraps around, eliminating an inseam, thus reducing the chances of chafing. These bibs are geared toward gravel adventures, so they come equipped with four storage pockets. Each thigh features a large pocket suitable for carrying a cell phone or nutrition items, while two additional pockets are located on the back bib panel, perfect for storing gel packets. The leg hems are laser cut for a clean transition from shorts to leg. Silicon gripper printing is used at the hem to keep them securely in place.
Being six feet tall, with a 34″ inseam, my complaint about most bibs is the inseam. I want the inseam to be an inch longer for my build.
Comfort and Breathability for Long Hours in the Saddle
The Rab team carefully selected a gender-specific chamois that is exceptionally comfortable. The Elastic Interface Gravel Performance chamois is low-bulk and well ventilated. On a two-hour trainer ride, the next to skin soft fabric was comfortable and had no issues with chafing. Using elastic recovery and energy absorption materials, the chamois is perfect for taming bumpy gravel rides.
I’ll be packing the Cinder bib shorts for my trip to Tucson in February with The Cycling House. The itinerary includes the famous Patagonia 50-mile gravel route near the Mexican border. I’ll let you know how the bibs held up in my trip report.
Bottom Line
While I can’t speak for the men’s version of Rab’s Cinder Cargo bib shorts, I can confidently say the women’s design is incredibly comfortable. From the bib straps to the chamois, it is evident that cyclists were involved in the design, and women had input regarding the functionality of the drop seat. Excellent job, Rab team, and I am excited to see what other cycling gear they bring to the market in the future.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Leave a Reply