• Specification

• Price: £129.99
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Size tested: M
• Website: Bontrager

The shorts are constructed from six shaped panels and the fit reflects the positioning of the Classique range. That’s to say it’s not a compressive, race cut, but not overly generous either – right in the middle. They’re comfortable both on and off the bike, and feel good on all-day rides, as well on more casual jaunts to the coffee shop.

The top half of the shorts are made from what’s called Profila Cool mesh which as the name suggests, helps with ventilation and wicking away excess moisture, doing a good job at both. The bib straps are also made from a lightweight fabric and are a sensible width, ensuring they lie flat – and comfortably – against the chest, back and shoulders. They’re finished with the same tricolore styling you’ll find elsewhere across the Classique range.

The pad – the Arcus inForm BioDynamic Chamois to give it its full name – is constructed from Aircell – essentially a foam of varying thickness designed to reduce pressure in the right areas, and with perforations which help it compress in use while also helping with ventilation. It works well and is well-suited to long rides thanks to the plush construction, though some riders may find it feels a little overbuilt at first.

In use, the shorts are most at home within an approximate temperature range of 12 to 18 degrees (though that will differ for some riders), which is a fair amount of the year here in the UK, really. While the fabric does a fair job at wicking, the fact it is thicker than most (particularly at this price point) mean that if the temperature’s higher, a thinner, lighter fabric would probably be more appropriate.

While certainly not specifically designed for wet weather, the shorts do a decent job in road spray and light rain, and so handle changeable weather well as long it’s nothing too dramatic. That said, during testing they did take a soaking in a heavy, prolonged shower, and subsequently took longer to try than other synthetic fabrics.

Conclusion

The Bontrager Classique shorts are well-suited to long endurance rides, thanks to the sensible cut and comfortable chamois, plus the classic styling gives the shorts a timeless look for riders who are demand quality but are put off by racier designs. The attention to detailing is also good, with smart but subtle details, but the slightly thicker fabric means the Classique shorts are better suited to spring and autumn rides, or cooler summer days, and the leg grippers could be better for the money.

Pros

• Classy, timeless styling
•  Attention to detail
•  Comfortable chamois for long rides

Cons

•  Better suited to spring, autumn or cool summer rides
•  Chunky leg grippers