Rapha Core Bib Shorts - Women's Review

The Rapha Core Bib Shorts are a lightweight, breathable, dense-knit bib short that moves with you. They feature good compression throughout, an unparalleled fit, and a sleek, flattering look. They offer an 8-panel design that molds to the female shape, a comfortable and effective silicone gripper, and laser-cut hems to keep them in place. They're durable and high-quality and offer a good value for the price, though they lack a drop seat function and pockets. The chamois itself, though effective, doesn't offer as much comfort as super-premium options, though we found these were more than suitable for most rides.

Comfort and Padding

The compression, malleable stretch panels, and soft, stretchy upper bib material all combine to create a very comfortable bib short. Both on and off the bike, the Rapha Core has a barely-there, second-skin type feel that allows for full range of motion. The silicone leg grippers hold the laser-cut leg closures in place without being too sticky, constricting, or uncomfortable. The straps sat nicely over our shoulders and didn't dig into our skin or chafe when riding. The seams are also strategically placed to prevent chafing, and the pad is a good width that doesn't bunch or cause discomfort during rides. The added compression throughout kept our legs fresh without inhibiting our pedal stroke.

However, compared to some of the premium bibs, the Rapha Core undoubtedly has some shortcomings when it comes to the chamois design. The pad is made from high-quality shock-absorbing foam with a women's specific design, but it lacks the 3D contours that we typically look for in an outstanding chamois. The chamois is also all one uniform foam type, rather than prioritizing denser, more supportive padding over the sit bones where you need it most. The foam is medium-thick, but lower density than some other high performers, and can sometimes compress throughout the duration of a ride, and doesn't have as good of “memory” as others. For the toughest efforts, it left us wanting something a bit plusher and more strategically constructed for the demands of many hours of riding.

Fit and Features

“Fit like a glove” was the first note that our lead tester made about the Rapha Core Bib Shorts. They have a second skin feel that's not too tight, and move well with your body when riding. They have the ideal amount of compression to reduce fatigue but not so much that they're working against you on each pedal stroke.

While the Rapha Core had the best fit of any shorts or bibs tested, they're a bit lacking in features. We love the simple, streamlined look and feel of these bibs, but they don't offer any pockets, which can be handy for stashing snacks and your phone. When paired with a jersey, we didn't necessarily need pockets. Perhaps the biggest feature we wish we had in these bibs is a drop tail function, which would allow for much faster and easier bathroom breaks. Most other bibs in the review offer this, and it's perhaps the most notable shortcoming of these otherwise all-around great bib shorts. However, they do have a perfect, sleek fit throughout that might be compromised by the addition of this feature.

Breathability

For hot, high-output rides, the Rapha Core had great performance, with some of the best moisture-wicking and fast-drying capability of the lineup. While the material is close-knit and highly supportive, it also has an airy feel that allows the material to breathe in hot conditions. The darker chocolate colored fabric also conceals sweat well, and the lighter color up top helps them absorb less heat in full sun.

While generally we thought the Rapha Core had excellent performance here, there are some slight tweaks that could perhaps make them better. While a mesh upper bib undoubtedly sacrifices a lot of durability, it does have some breathability gains compared to a solid material used here. Rapha could have strategically integrated breathable panels as some other shorts and bibs do, as well. Overall, their breathability was quite good.

Fabric Quality

Most cycling shorts are a blend of nylon and spandex or elastane in different ratios, and the Rapha Core Bib Shorts are no exception. They have just the right amount of stretch and feel supportive and smooth.

We experienced virtually no wear and tear on any aspect of these bibs throughout the test period, which was especially impressive considering we reached for them a lot during testing and took them on many multi-hour rides. The chamois itself isn't as high quality as other options, but it's still quite good.

Style

As mentioned, style is the winning trait of these bib shorts. The Rapha Core Bib Shorts took the cake in the style metric, topping the charts for their sleek look and ultra-flattering silhouette. You heard that right – we know that “bib shorts” and “ultra-flattering” don't often end up in the same sentence, but you'll have to trust us.

While we love the color options offered by this bib, it would be fun to have them in a full rainbow. We like the understated tones that pair with a wide range of jerseys, but they are more elegant than they are fun and whimsical.

Should You Buy the Rapha Core Bib Shorts?

If you're looking for a simple, streamlined pair of bib shorts to add to your outfit arsenal, these are a top choice. If you're a new cyclist, the cost might be overkill, but these have quality construction and will last for years as you grow into bigger rides. These wouldn't be our top pick for a high-performance bib short for ultra-endurance efforts, but they'll do the trick for most rides in a range of conditions.

What Other Women's Bike Shorts Should You Consider?

If you're looking for elite, race-level protection, consider leveling up to the Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short, which has a much better chamois, a drop seat function, and buttery-smooth high-end fabric. If you're looking to not break the bank but want something stylish, consider the Terry Hi-Rise Holster Short, which has a more laid-back look. But for most rides, from gravel to single track, we loved the comfortable and flattering fit and feel of the Rapha Core.