• Specification

• Price: £99.98
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Size tested: M
• Website: Chapeau
• UK distributor: Velobrands

The leg grippers comprise of an elasticated 30mm band with a sticky treatment on the inside to keep them in place and that combination works well. There’s also a nice bit of detail on the inside of the gripper with a piece of fabric which covers the stitching joining the band together, eliminating a possible area of irritation.

Out riding, I was initially a little put off by the chamois. It’s a fairly unconventional shape, and particularly long – to the point where I thought I’d somehow put the shorts on the wrong way round. It’s not that it causes any discomfort, but the front end of the pad extends up at the front way more than usual. Apparently it’s to help when the hips rotate on the bike but I didn’t feel there’s any huge advantage.

The final thing to mention at this point is that after several rides and washes, the shorts have kept their shape well and not showed any signs of wear on the sit bones.

Conclusion

The Chapeau Club bib shorts are well-suited to everyday use – club runs, commutes, sportives and more – with plenty of attention to detail and an overall finish which is fairly high quality. The price is a touch punchy but if you’re after something with a touch of style while offering solid performance for a multitude of duties, then these are worth a spin.

Pros

• Unique styling
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Chamois shape is a little odd