Hydration packs basically didn’t exist until the late 1980s when CamelBak introduced its first models. They quickly gained popularity in the 1990s, and the brand became, and continues to be, synonymous with wearable hydration systems. CamelBak remains one of the leaders in the market, offering a wide range of models, including two versions of the cycling-oriented Chase hydration vests. The Chase Race 4 is the smaller of the two, intended to be a streamlined, low-volume option for carrying water and the essentials during rides and races.

The Chase Race 4 has a total storage capacity of 4 liters, with a large portion of that space occupied by the included Crux 1.5L water bladder. The remaining 2.5 liters of gear capacity is split into several pockets and compartments. The bladder is separated in its own sleeve, closest to the back, for stability. The outermost compartment opens wide with three internal pouches for tool organization, plus a bit of room for bulkier things like tubes or an electric tire inflator. In between, a deep stretch pocket is intended to hold a hand pump or an extra layer. There isn’t very much space for gear, but we found it easy to pack all the regular essentials, and that’s about it.

On the chest, each strap has a large zippered pocket big enough for modern smartphones, as well as a stretch mesh pocket for other small items. The zipped pockets are top-loading, and we didn’t find them quite as easy to access as other designs, but they can fit a considerable amount inside. The straps and back panel of the Chase Race 4 are made of a 3D Grid Mesh that provides respectable breathability.

The Chase 4 comes in both men’s and women’s versions. On the men’s we tested, the sternum and side straps offer a massive adjustment range, and the Chase 4 is claimed to fit chest sizes between 28″ and 46″. We were right in the middle and had no problem finding a comfortable and secure fit. We did find, however, that with a full bladder and gear, the Chase became very round, reducing its comfort and stability. And, given its low volume, it was quite easy to overstuff this pack.

The 1.5L Crux bladder was generally easy to use, featuring a large screw top, a fill handle, and a quick-connect hose. The shorter-than-average hose length took some getting used to, however, as it caused the nozzle to point down. It was still effective for drinking, but the clips and it’s position were a bit less ergonomic and user-friendly while riding, comparatively.

Despite a couple of minor quirks, this low-volume pack is a solid option for riders or racers seeking to carry water and essentials. At $126, it’s competitively priced, functional, and comes from a brand that so many riders already know and trust. There are better options if you’re looking to carry a lot of food or bulkier layers, such as the CamelBak Chase Adventure 8, for example. However, if you’re moving quickly and packing lightly, the Chase Race 4 could be a great fit.

We just caught our first glimpse of USWE’s new Vest VST ($189 incl. 2-liter bladder) at Sea Otter 2026. It’s very lightweight with a true vest-style design using USWE’s No Dancing Monkey harness with ample storage and an adaptable hydration system to suit varying needs and preferences. While it is not technically cycling-specific, it is meant to be a versatile, multi-sport pack that spans everything from trail running and hiking to mountain and gravel biking. 

The USWE VST has an 8-liter storage capacity divided up between the main storage compartments on the back and the wealth of pockets on the chest. Despite all that storage, it maintains a slim, relatively aerodynamic profile, and the stretchy materials expand to accommodate your cargo. USWE sells the VST on its own, and buyers can pick either a 2-liter water bladder or running-style soft flasks, both of which are options at checkout. Depending on where you purchase, it may also be sold with one or the other option.

The construction of the VST is quite similar to that of the Velocio hydration pack. The straps and back panel are made of an open-air mesh type material, and the outer body is a soft, stretchy polyester/spandex blend. It is very lightweight at 253 grams (size large, vest only), and it has very little structure. We found the lack of structure to be an asset, however, as it conforms perfectly to the body, with a nice wrapping hug. 

Sizing is critical with the VST, and it comes in 5 sizes, so most people should be able to find a snug, secure fit. Based on USWE’s fit guide, we went with a size large for our 39-inch chest measurement, and the fit was spot on. There’s tension adjustment on both sides to dial in the fit, and with the broad, vest-style chest straps and NDM harness, this pack is super comfortable and very stable. We’ve used it for MTB, gravel, and trail running, and it stays put.

On the back, the VST has a separate sleeve for the water bladder. There are two zippered pockets, a cavernous top-loading option, and a similarly large bottom-loading compartment. Both are wide-open inside and will swallow up all of your tools, tubes, snacks, and a layer or two. It’s a bit of a free-for-all, but we found it works just fine regardless.

On the chest, both sides have the same pocket layout. There are actually three layers of deep mesh pockets, one of which is intended to hold the optional soft flasks, which are more of a running thing. On top of those pockets, there is also a zippered pocket that’s both stretchy and quite deep. These pockets easily hold a phone, a pair of gloves, or loads of snacks in easy reach while riding. It seems to us like there are a couple of chest pockets too many, but there’s definitely no shortage of storage.

We were most impressed by the comfort and stability of the USWE VST. It’s very light and offers ample storage while remaining streamlined and relatively breathable. It strikes us as one of the most versatile options that can easily span disciplines from running to cycling. At $189 with the 2-liter bladder, it’s not cheap, but it’s a one-vest quiver for multi-sport endurance athletes. It comes in three colors, including white!

Premium cycling apparel brand Velocio started making packs in 2025, including the aptly named Hydration Pack. This pack is somewhat unique, with an extremely low weight, airy materials, and a super streamlined, training- and race-oriented fit. It is arguably the best option for weight-conscious road and gravel riders seeking a lightweight, breathable, and slim-fitting pack for high-intensity, long-distance rides or races.

The first thing that stands out about the Velocio pack is its super light weight. The airy mesh and stretch materials used in its construction weigh just 285 grams, including the reservoir. That translates to a slightly higher level of breathability, as the materials allow more air to pass through them than others we’ve tried. This also means that it has very little structure or padding, although that doesn’t really matter once it’s snugly strapped to your body. This thing has a very sleek, jersey-like fit that’s seemingly a bit more aerodynamic than the competition, too.

Additionally, those super-light materials don’t feel the most robust. That’s not really a problem if you’re mostly sticking to paved or gravel roads, but it makes us less inclined to use this pack for mountain biking. The bladder in the version we tested feels quite round on the back when full; however, Velocio updated the bladder with a baffled version in response to rider feedback.

The 1.5-liter bladder should make it easier to skip the first couple of aid stations in your next gravel race. The pack also has roughly 1.5 liters of gear storage, and we found it easy enough to stuff the essentials like a pump, plugs, tools, and tubes inside the large zippered pocket on the back. Zippered pockets and stretch mesh pockets on the vest straps can also fit a regular-sized phone, or all of your high-carb gels on race day for quick access.

With the first run of Velocio’s Hydration Packs, the brand made them in two sizes, S/M and L/XL. With two sizes, they skipped side adjustments and cut a little weight, but they ran a bit small overall and were best suited for trim, cyclist body types. Fortunately, Velocio has already moved to a four-size run, S-XL, which should provide a wider fit range. 

While the original version only came in black, the updated versions are also offered in spruce (greenish) and madder brown (reddish) color options, which may help keep your water a tad cooler for longer. For riders seeking to carry more water while keeping weight to a minimum, this pack is a super streamlined, lightweight, minimalist’s dream and a very compelling choice.

The Restrap Race Hydration Vest is frankly one of the heaviest around, and not the most breathable on the back. But this hydration vest is handmade in the Yorkshire Dales in England, where there’s a 6-month rainy season. So, it is also the vest Cory grabs if the weather is going to be foul. Or frankly, even if there’s a chance of rain.

The Restrap’s main body is made with a waterproof black X21 fabric. Both its main rear pocket and phone chest pocket feature waterproof zippers. So even though its seams are not sealed, it keeps contents quite dry, even in extended rain.

The classic nylon webbing straps provide a secure fit when cinched down to the body, ensuring it stays in place as you ride. However, the two chest straps also feature a short, stretchy elastic section, allowing for a slight give to prevent limiting movement or chest expansion as you breathe. The secure fit also provides more adjustability than most. This allowed Cory to comfortably fit in the smaller of the two available sizes, while his larger chest often limits him at the bigger end of several other hydration vests.

The orange lining of the phone pocket and main rear pocket are small details, but something we found helpful when searching for gear inside. The colored pull tabs (current ones are orange on the front & rear) also make it easy to locate the zipper pulls when you reach down, even when riding and participating in adventure racing at night.

The classic mesh pockets on the straps receive a lot of use for carrying quick-access snacks, the phone pocket, of course, and the main rear pocket to keep clothing dry. Two stretchy mesh pockets on the back can easily carry a couple of extra water bottles (or tall boys) when restocking before camping for the evening.

Osprey is one of the biggest names in outdoor packs of all kinds, and the brand has been making hydration vests for a few years now. The Escapist Velocity 6 ($150) is the larger of the two options in the lineup, offering 6 liters of total storage, a 1.5-liter water bladder, and a “gravel-oriented, vest-style fit.”

As the name suggests, the Escapist Velocity 6 has a total storage capacity of 6-liters. That’s spread out across the three-pocket layout on the back, plus several chest pockets. The main compartment on the back has a sleeve to hold the included 1.5-liter water bladder. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket for smaller items, and a fairly cavernous space for bulkier things like a wind jacket or spare gloves. 

Moving out, a smaller zippered compartment with a mesh organization pouch is a good size for slimmer items, and we liked it for holding our tools and tubes. A zipper across the bottom of the pack opens to reveal a mid-sized compartment with a removable tool roll inside. We found the tool roll to be a bit fiddly for our taste, so we pulled it out and stashed a light jacket inside instead. Osprey also included a LidLock, which easily and securely attaches a half-shell helmet on the outside.

At the front, the chest straps have 3 pockets each. The zippered pockets easily secure a phone or similarly sized items, with quick and easy access on the move. On top of that, there are two stretch mesh pockets for energy gels or other things you don’t need secured behind a zipper. A small sleeve on each strap is also intended to hold sunglasses by the arm. All that to say, there’s ample storage for full-day missions, but the pack remains quite streamlined when it isn’t maxed out, too. 

The 1.5-liter Osprey Hydraulics water bladder is easy to remove, fill, and clean, and the magnetic sternum strap attachment is quite convenient. We found, however, that the stock hose felt a bit short, and would have preferred more length to make it easier to drink.

The Escapist Velocity 6 comes in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, giving riders the ability to find a relatively proportional fit. Based on the size chart, our 39” chest measurement fell squarely in the L/XL’s fit range. The side straps offer a few inches of adjustment, and the dual sternum straps snug things up across the chest. The sternum straps can also be moved up and down slightly to optimize their position on the chest, although the range is somewhat limited by the sunglass holder sleeves. 

Like most similar packs, the Escapist Velocity 6 has an open mesh backing to promote airflow and provide a touch of padding. The main body of the pack is made from a 100% recycled ripstop nylon that seems both tough and durable. This pack has a slightly more structured and substantial feel than most we tested, but that also equates to one of the heaviest weights, too. At 550 grams, this thing is almost double the weight of the ultra-light Velocio Hydration Vest.

Still, if you’re looking for a hydration vest to carry your water and gear for any length of ride, the Escapist Velocity 6 is a great option to consider. It’s made with the attention to detail and quality that Osprey packs are known for, in a comfortable, stable, and well-organized package. Looking for something a little smaller? Check out the Escapist Velocity 3 with 3 liters of cargo capacity.

The High Above Supernatural is a premium hydration vest pack made in the USA from super-tough and highly weather-resistant materials. This pack is designed specifically for the mountain bike crowd, offering ample space for water and gear while withstanding abuse and changing weather conditions. Yes, it’s expensive, but the quality materials and craftsmanship mean that it could be the last pack you ever need to buy — just like everything else High Above makes.

The Supernatural has significant storage space, with a total capacity of 6 liters, four of which can be used for gear. That all fits into the main storage compartment, which is primarily wide open, but has a large zippered pocket with a key clip and two stretch, drop-in tool pockets, plus straps on both sides to keep pumps in place vertically. A bungee on the outside of the pack can secure a jacket or knee pads, along with an optional strap system for attaching a helmet. Additionally, the large stretch pockets on the front of the vest straps keep a phone or nutrition handy while you ride. 

The Supernatural comes with a baffled 2-liter bladder, so on top of gear for an all-day mission, you can bring plenty of water, too. The folding/slider top with a wide opening makes it easy to fill and clean. All that water and gear storage means that this pack can be heavier than the others, but even with a full bladder, tools, snacks, and a jacket, it always remained stable — even when riding rough and steep terrain.

The Supernatural has a fairly large fit range. The two sternum straps have a relatively wide range of tension adjustment and can be moved up or down for optimal chest positioning. At the sides, a zig-zag strap system allows for a sizeable range of torso/chest circumference adjustment.

The primary feature that distinguishes this pack is the 400D Challenge EPX shell fabric. This fabric is thicker and a little stiffer than others, but it feels like it could protect you from a knife attack. It also repels water quite well, fending off light to moderate showers and puddle splashes with ease. The sturdy YKK #8 waterproof zipper also helps prevent moisture from entering.

High Above clearly intended to make a pack that could stand up to the elements and the rigors of riding rough trails in the forest, and we think they definitely succeeded in that mission. Those rugged materials add up to one of the heaviest vests we’ve tried, but at 575 grams including the bladder, it’s not exactly “heavy”, either. Beyond that, it’s hard to look past the price, of course, as this is the most expensive vest-style hydration pack around. That said, it feels bombproof and capable of providing years of faithful service, so we expect most riders will get their money’s worth over time.

The Apidura Racing Hydration Vest was Cory’s first cycling hydration vest and the one he uses most often, despite a couple of minor quirks.

This vest simply feels lighter on the back than almost any other vest he’s tried, and it breathes well and dries relatively quickly after he gets sweaty. Its 3D mesh back and straps are especially well-ventilated and feel open, yet the fit remains quite structured and secure while riding.

It also has a slim profile that sits close to the body, which feels good when riding, but also means it can fit under a rain jacket or even a winter jacket if it’s not stuffed excessively full. Even though it is low-profile and lightweight, it still offers a generous 2L water capacity for long, hot days, with a bladder made by Apidura that works well and is easy enough to keep clean.

The biggest annoyance with this vest is its limited hose routing, which is hindered by the fixed magnetic holder on the lower right side of the chest strap. This means that the hose and nozzle ultimately end up pointing downward, sitting annoyingly against the stomach while clipped to the magnet. This is similar to the orientation of the hose on the CamelBak Chase Race 4.

The solution is relatively simple: a separate clip-on magnetic buckle (perhaps borrowed from another vest)… then you could clip to the left shoulder strap. Or more simply, ignoring the magnet and looping the hose through the upper sternum strap instead.

Another tiny pet peeve is the long bungee straps on the side that fine-tune the torso fit. These honestly worked well but were prone to flapping in the wind. This has since been remedied with the 2nd generation of the Apidura Racing Vest, which has nylon webbing side adjustment straps.

Still, the Apidura is a lightweight vest pack with a breathable construction and just the right amount of storage and water capacity for your most epic adventures.

The Rogla 5 is a new cycling vest pack from the German pack specialists at Deuter. We found it to be super comfortable and very stable while offering a well-organized mid-sized storage capacity for people who want the option to carry more than the low-volume packs can fit. It has a couple of minor quirks, but nothing that would keep us from recommending it to anyone interested in a vest-style pack.

With a total storage capacity of 5 liters, 3 of which are for gear, the Rogla hits the “Goldilocks zone” for storage. The main compartment is fairly roomy, but it’s not nearly as spacious as the High Above Supernatural. You need a slightly more organized approach if squeezing an extra layer, gloves, and a jacket in there, but it all fits pretty easily when done correctly. Plus, it has some organizational pockets inside to keep tools separated and prevent you from fishing around inside. A set of tucked-away bungees on the outside of the pack are there to attach bulkier items, like knee pads, a jacket, or a helmet. 

The 2-liter water bladder occupies part of the storage space when completely full, but it doesn’t dominate it. The Hydrapak bladder has a user-friendly fold/slide top. The nozzle comes with a removable cover that you can either leave on to keep dust off your nozzle or remove entirely. The hose slots into a non-magnetic clip on the upper sternum strap. The lack of a magnet didn’t bother us, but the centered clip location took some getting used to.

On the chest straps, two long zippered pockets can easily swallow your phone and all of your snacks. Both are large and can hold plenty of stuff, with all of it secured behind a zipper — no drop-in pockets here.

Deuter doesn’t specify a chest size range. We got along well with it, but didn’t seem that far away from maxing it out with a 38-inch chest measurement. Although we were near the upper end of its fit range, it remained quite comfortable and impressively stable while riding — even when stuffed with water and gear. 

Overall, we think the Deuter Rogla 5 is a great all-around option that should serve adventurous gravel and mountain bike riders well. It’s not the raciest, but it’s comfortable, well-organized, and a solid choice for those who want the option to pack more than the bare minimum.

USWE has been producing vest-style packs for moto, running, and cycling for years, and is one of the most common brands we see on other riders. The brand’s tag line is “no dancing monkey”, a reference to the feeling of an unstable pack bouncing around on your back. Being one of the earliest brands to market their vest-style packs specifically towards cyclists, they became a go-to choice for early adopters of cycling vests and continue to be a popular pick, with numerous models to choose from.

The Outlander XC 2L is one of the brand’s smallest packs with a minimalist design geared toward fast and light XC, gravel, and road riding. It comes with an average-sized 1.5-liter water bladder that occupies nearly all of the pack’s storage space when it’s completely full. That leaves a somewhat tight 0.5 liters of space to stuff a few essentials into the pack. You can squeeze quite a few slim items into it, like a mini-pump, CO2s, a multi-tool, and a well-placed tube, but it’s tight. Comparatively, it’s much easier to fit lots more gear into any of the other packs listed here.

But that’s also kind of the point. In fact, the Outlander is technically not a “vest,” and it doesn’t have any pockets on the straps. You’ll need to keep your phone, gels, and other quick-access items elsewhere. This pack is primarily meant for holding extra water and making it easy to drink — you’ll still need to use your jersey pockets or cargo bib pockets to keep essentials handy.

USWE’s No Dancing Monkey (NDM) 4-point harness involves a unique X-style strap system that meets in the center of the chest with a single buckle. The circular buckle is extremely easy to use, making it quick to take the pack on and off, which could be particularly helpful if you need a hand-up mid-race. That said, we found these straps to be the least comfortable of the bunch by a tiny margin. That’s mostly down to personal preference, but we preferred the pressure distribution of the other packs’ more vest-like strap designs. 

One notable feature of the USWE pack is its extensive range of strap adjustability. The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the lower/side strap connection has two attachment points to accommodate larger or smaller chest dimensions. It’s a quick and easy adjustment to make and should make the pack work for most people. Oddly enough, our 38-inch chested tester fell exactly in the middle of the 33 to 43-inch chest size range and it felt too snug in the small setting and on the verge of being loose in the large setting. 

This pack’s small size means it has one of the smallest footprints on the body. making it a bit cooler to wear with less surface area contact. It’s also the least expensive option we tried, making it a good value for anyone who wants a good way to carry more water on rides. Its gear storage is very limited, so be sure to check out USWE’s huge range of other options for carrying more gear.

Cory first rode with the new Canyon x Millet Sharp vest during the Traka 100, a very rainy and muddy five hours out on the bike. It was cool enough that he didn’t necessarily need the vest for extra food & water, but wearing it meant he didn’t need to stop at the feed station to refuel, and could keep on spinning the pedals through the muck. He’s kept reaching for it ever since.

The highlight of this hydration vest is that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it soon after you start pedaling — even starting out with 1.5L of water and a bunch of snacks inside. It is not especially light, but it fits securely and doesn’t move at all while riding. And the rear pass-through mesh pocket is the best we’ve found for quickly stashing a rain jacket or armwarmers while riding. It even has enough space to stash a spare bottle from a race feed station, bulkier snacks, or a can of Coke from a mid-ride gas station resupply.

We appreciate that the zippered chest pocket is lined to keep sweat from fogging up a phone screen/camera. However, the pocket is not fully waterproof, so its contents can still get wet in heavy rain. Size-wise, with a 102cm (40.2″) chest, Cory was at the comfortable upper limit of the L/XL. That leads us to believe this vest will work best for smaller riders, especially since the hidden side bungees do a good job of making it even smaller.

Ultimately, it doesn’t have the best ventilation of the vests we’ve tried, but the PowerNet fabric against the body dries quite quickly. But at the same time, those tiny white mesh pockets collect dust & mud as you ride, and it’s really difficult to clean. Our test vest started white, but it’s probably going to be grey from this point on.

Do you want to look the part without spending a fortune to do it? Then you might want to check out the Knockaround Campeones. At $55, these affordable shades look a lot like the full-frame Oakley Sutro, yet they cost about a quarter of the price. They provide great coverage, a stable fit, solid optics for the price, and they come in so many frame and lens options that it could make your head spin.

The Campeones have a sturdy frame and a full-frame design. They provide extensive coverage with a lens that measures 142 x 62 mm (including the frame), offering protection from the sun, wind, bugs, and other potential hazards to your eyes. The nose pad is adjustable to fit varying bridge sizes and shapes, with non-slip rubber to keep the glasses in place. The arms also have textured rubber ends that hold them securely at the side of the head.

Knockaround’s KnockTerra lenses are intentionally non-polarized, offering exceptionally clear optics. They don’t boost contrast quite like fancier lenses from bigger brands, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice unless you’re a sunglass snob. The lens is also water and oil-resistant, and provides UV400 protection and impact resistance. They also come in a wide range of frame and lens color combinations, so you can probably find something you like.

While large in coverage, the Campeones are only moderately wide in fit. They could be a bit snug on wider heads. While grippy and secure, the textured rubber arms can also feel a bit harsh on the skin when slipping them on and off. The arms are also fairly long and straight, so they could potentially conflict with some helmets. During testing, we found they contacted the shell on one helmet, but were fine when worn with a different one.

Those concerns are only minor, especially considering the bargain price of the Campeones. Knockaround also makes a huge variety of shades for casual wear and other sports, all of which are priced similarly. We’ve also tried the Torrey Pines golf glasses and the Mount Evans Aviators and were generally impressed — for the price. And at those prices, you can pick up a pair of Campeones for riding and three more pairs, and it would still be less expensive than many of the premium options.

Much like the Sledge, the Tifosi Rail ($80) is another great value in a market dominated by higher-priced competitors. These big, bold, frameless sunglasses provide excellent coverage and good optics and come with three lenses included (or a single Fototec lens) at a very reasonable price. Tifosi also makes the Rail XC with slightly smaller lens dimensions and the Rail Race, which has vented lenses.

On the face, the Rail sunglasses could easily be mistaken for a more expensive pair of shades. The cylindrical lenses have been optically decentered, and the optics are clear and distortion-free. With dimensions of 138mm x 59mm and a curved, wraparound shape, they provide excellent coverage and shield the eyes quite well with a massive field of vision, and it is difficult to see any part of the frame or edges of the lens. The three lens options, Smoke, AC Red, and Clear, provide all the options you need for any lighting conditions, and lens changes are very quick and easy. The darker Smoke lens is great for bright, sunny days, the AC Red works great for medium brightness or mountain biking in changing light conditions, while the clear is a great option for dim light or overcast days. Tifosi also sells the Rail with a single Fototec lens that adjusts tint depending on the lighting conditions.

Given the frameless design, the minimal frame elements include only the nosepiece and arms. Both have hydrophilic rubber touch points that grip well even when sweaty, and the nosepiece is adjustable to accommodate different nose bridge shapes for a personalized fit. The arms are fairly long, so it is possible they could contact some helmet shells or retention systems, though we didn’t have any issues with the helmets worn during testing. The frameless cylindrical lens doesn’t provide the most structure or rigidity, and we found them to be a little less stable than some other models over rough terrain. On smooth surfaces, especially when road biking, or for those with wider heads, they stay in position quite well.

For a budget-friendly model, the Tifosi Rail doesn’t disappoint, and we feel anyone seeking a large coverage, frameless pair of sunglasses for cycling should consider them. They may not have the brand recognition or “cool-factor” of glasses that cost double, or more, but they perform nearly as well at a fraction of the price.

Oakley has been at the forefront of the sunglass market for decades, creating boldly styled models with excellent optics. In the mid-1970s, Oakley started as a small brand producing motocross accessories and offered their first sport sunglasses in 1984. Since then, they’ve become one of the most popular brands in the business, with models made for everything from casual wear to cycling. They sponsor many cycling teams and athletes and are one of the most common sights in the pro peloton or any mountain bike race. The Oakley Sutro Lite ($214) is the half-frame version of the ever-popular full-frame Oakley Sutro. Oakley also makes the Sutro Lite Sweep, which is very similar but features a lens that is angled at the bottom, making it less squared off.

While most brands are making lenses with great optics these days, Oakley’s Prizm lenses stand out in a crowded market as being just a cut above the rest. Not only do the cylindrical lenses provide crystal clear, undistorted vision, but the Prizm technology does a wonderful job of boosting contrast and making the world appear to be in high definition. We tested both the Sutro Lite and Sutro Lite Sweep models with Prizm Black (11% VLT) and Prizm Sapphire (12% VLT) lenses, respectively. Both lenses worked very well for their intended bright light purpose, but also proved to be surprisingly versatile on mountain bike rides and trail runs when encountering mixed light conditions. Of course, Oakley offers a wide range of lens options, including Prizm Trail, Prizm Road, and even Prizm Golf, that are optimized to meet specific needs.

The Sutro Lite has a large but not enormous lens that measures 139mm x 58mm, as does the Sutro Lite sweep (just with a different lower lens shape). The look is reminiscent of some vintage Oakley Blades but with a more modern appeal. They wrap around nicely without sitting too close to the face, and the field of view is excellent, with virtually no frame or lens edge visible, no matter how hard you try. Protection from the wind and debris is also great, whether you’re hurtling down a backwoods trail or your favorite road descent.

The half-frame is made from Oakley’s O-matter material, and it extends across the top of the lens and connects to the nosepiece. The arms are straight and fairly long at 138mm, with flexible ends that are covered in grippy, hydrophilic Unobtanium rubber. The nosepiece also has a removable Unobtanium rubber pad, and it comes with 2 thicknesses so you can swap it out for your desired fit. It is worth noting that the length of the arms does mean they may conflict with some helmet shells or harnesses, so it may be worth trying these on with your helmet(s) to see if they get along. In addition to the regular fit model we tested, Oakley also makes a Low Bridge Fit version for those with a lower nose bridge or high cheekbones.

While the Oakley Sutro Lite and Sutro Lite Sweep are quite expensive and only come with one lens, their optics are second to none in a market full of strong competition. Not only that, they look great and can easily transition from your bike ride to the beach, or even coaching your kid’s baseball team.

If you’re seeking goggle-like coverage and performance, the POC Devour ($300) is about as close as you can get to riding in goggles while wearing sunglasses. Originally designed to pair with and launched alongside the POC Kortal mountain bike helmet, the Devour offers some unique design features that make it an excellent option for any type of mountain biking, or for gravel and road riders seeking a full-coverage option.

POC has been producing quality eyewear for years, and their experience shows in their excellent lenses. Made by optical specialist Carl Zeiss, the cylindrical lenses provide crystal clear, distortion-free vision, with the Clarity MTB Silver Mirror lens we tested providing a great contrast boost and versatile lens tint that works well in the changing light conditions often encountered on mountain bike trails. An additional clear lens is also included with each pair for dimmer light conditions, and POC offers the Devour in an assortment of different frame colors, lens tints, and reflective coatings.

The main thing that stands out about the Devour glasses is the massive lens size. Measuring a whopping 177mm x 66mm to the edges of the lens and 148mm x 58mm for the frame, these are some of the largest sunglasses on the market, and they cover a lot of real estate on your face. They are nearly as large as a pair of goggles, except they sit off the face and avoid the warmth and stuffiness of foam padding. Still, they allow a decent amount of air movement with vents across the top of the lens and a slightly off-the-face fit that keeps fogging to a minimum. The lenses are also treated with Ri-Pel to protect them from dirt and shed water, plus an anti-scratch coating.

Hidden behind that huge lens is a full frame that holds the lens with six small tabs that hook over the edges from the back. The field of view is absolutely huge, but the vertical portion of the frame by the sides can be seen in the periphery if you look hard enough. The arms are dropped slightly to avoid contact with modern high-coverage half-shell mountain bike helmets like the POC Kortal, and the ends of the arms curve down behind the ears to prevent conflict with helmet retention harnesses. The arms are also adjustable for length, with four positions to fit varying head dimensions. Unfortunately, the nose piece is not adjustable, but the rubber pads grip the nose well and help keep the glasses super stable when riding over rough terrain.

At $300, these sunglasses certainly don’t come cheap, and we’d love it if they came with a hard case to protect your investment. Regardless, we feel the POC Devour is an excellent, albeit expensive, option for anyone seeking the coverage of goggles in a modern-looking pair of sunglasses.

For more information, check out our review of the POC Devour sunglasses.

Read Review: Roka San Remo Air Review: Same High-Performance, More Laid-Back Style

The Roka San Remo Air ($190 – $220) represents a noticeable stylistic shift for the brand, blending its high-performance lenses and functionality with a more relaxed, retro-inspired aesthetic. Rather than the angular, sporty look that’s common across much of Roka’s performance lineup, the San Remo Air has softer lines and a subdued appearance while remaining purpose-built for cycling and running. 

We tested the San Remo Air for weeks on rides, runs, and even night sessions. Overall, we were impressed with its combination of lightweight comfort, stability, and versatility. At just 23 grams, these half-frame shades essentially disappeared on the face yet remained secure thanks to adjustable titanium-core arms, grippy rubber contact points, and multiple sizes of interchangeable nose pads. 

The lens has dimensions of 142mm wide x 55mm tall. It’s large but not quite as huge as many of the oversized glasses that are so common today. Still, we found it to provide great coverage and protection on all of our rides and runs. The flatter 5-base cylindrical lens also has a more subtle wrap that maintains good airflow and helps minimize fogging.

There are numerous lenses to choose from, but we tested the Photochromic Carbon lens and felt it was excellent. With a massive visible light transmission (VLT) range of 15% to 88%, it transitions from nearly clear to dark enough for full sun, making it highly versatile and adaptable for everything from bright midday rides to low-light trail runs and night rides. As expected from Roka, the optics were super crisp and clear, with relatively quick tint transitions. With the photochromic lens, we always had the right lens.

There are lots of great cycling sunglasses on the market these days, and the San Remo Air stands out to us as one of the first Roka models that balance style and performance equally well. For riders seeking lightweight, stable, and highly versatile eyewear with a more casual look, check out the San Remo Air.

One of the latest models from Oakley is a collaboration with Meta, creating the first performance AI sunglasses on the market. The Oakley Meta Vanguard ($499) combines a large, sporty shield for the eyes with Meta’s Artificial Intelligence, a camera, and open-ear speakers. Additionally, they aim to appeal to cyclists and runners by including integrations with Garmin and Strava. There’s quite a bit to unpack here.

Firstly, these are performance sunglasses, and they have a bold, somewhat futuristic, signature Oakley style. The big wraparound lenses provide heaps of coverage and deliver the top-tier optics that Oakley’s Prizm lenses are known for. They currently offer four Prizm lens options to choose from: Road, 24K, Black, and Sapphire. They are on the heavier side compared to glasses without batteries, speakers, and a built-in camera, but the arms and adjustable nose pads kept them impressively stable on our faces. As sunglasses alone, they performed excellently on the bike, but there’s a lot more to these shades.

The Meta Vanguard performs all of the same functions as casual AI glasses like the top-tier Ray Ban Meta Wayfarer. They are connected to Meta AI through the Meta AI app, which opens up a world of connected functionality. By saying “Hey Meta…”, you can ask questions and get responses, or provide commands for photo/video or the speakers. You can also set it up to send and receive calls and texts, allowing you to communicate with others while riding.

The 12 MP camera is centered in the lens, and it shoots still photos and video with the push of a button or a voice command — you don’t even need to take your hands off the bars to document your activities. The camera is intended primarily for use with social media, so it shoots in the portrait/vertical orientation only. The video stabilization is impressive, but the image quality falls short of the best action cameras. For a pair of sunglasses, however, it’s really quite good, and super user-friendly to boot.

The open ear speakers are one of our favorite features, allowing for chats with Meta AI, phone calls, or listening to your favorite music. We found the sound quality to be very impressive, and the open ear design allows you to hear the world around you. Like the camera, you can control the music with voice commands or a tap of the temple. The Garmin and Strava integrations are mostly related to activity sharing, with photos and overlays of stats. When paired with your Garmin, you can also receive real-time feedback on key metrics, such as pace and heart rate. We found it to be somewhat limited, but it’s fair to assume that additional integrations will likely be added over time.

The Vanguard glasses come with a rigid case that doubles as the charging dock and a battery bank. Battery life is quite solid, with a claimed range of 6 to 9 hours for the glasses, plus up to 36 hours of charge stored in the case. We never even came close to fully draining the battery, even when shooting videos and playing music the whole ride.

These glasses aren’t cheap, but when you consider you’re getting a quality pair of sunglasses, a camera, speakers, and AI capabilities all in one, we definitely don’t think they’re overpriced. If you’re ready to combine sports and Meta AI, these are currently the only game in town. We recommend them for the camera and speakers alone.

Read Review: First Look: Smith’s New Syncline Sunglasses are Extra-Large and In-Charge

One of Smith Optics’ latest models, the new Syncline sunglasses ($197 – $237) lean hard into the oversized eyewear trend. These shades deliver massive coverage, a bold aesthetic, and a fit that’s purpose-built for riders seeking maximum protection and a modern look. One of the largest glasses in Smith’s lineup, the Syncline’s huge cylindrical shield lens provides goggle-like coverage while still managing to look relatively streamlined on the face.

At 148mm x 65mm, the large lens provides a huge field of view and excellent coverage from sun, wind, dust, and trail debris. We feel this makes them especially appealing for mountain or gravel biking, or any faster riding where eye protection is critical. For comparison, the Syncline is just a tad smaller than POC’s massive Devour sunglasses, and they dwarf the Smith’s Wildcat.

The Syncline has a full-frame design with the lens attached at the top and bottom. Smith’s Evolve frame material is bio-based, and it has a robust feel. They have what the brand refers to as a large fit, which we can confirm. These shades will likely be a bit wide on those with smaller facial structures, and the huge lens will dominate the face as well. 

But for larger heads, like ours, the Syncline fit brilliantly. The grippy Megol rubber on the arms and the adjustable nose pad kept them secure over rough terrain. An integrated rubber bumper on the upper frame keeps them rattle-free if they contact your helmet, while the dropped arm position helps reduce interference with modern MTB helmets. 

Smith’s ChromaPop lenses continue to impress. We tested the Chromapop Slate lens, which did a good job of boosting contrast and enhancing visibility in varying light conditions. The 35% VLT was also great for mixed lighting and moving in and out of shadows. Smith also offers the Syncline with five different Chromapop lenses, including a photochromic option, and it comes with a spare clear lens, too. 

Stylistically, the Syncline is unapologetically big with a distinct look that stands out both on and off the bike. Riders embracing the trend toward larger coverage sunglasses will likely appreciate the Syncline’s look; we’re pretty big fans.

Smith’s new Syncline is aimed squarely at riders who prioritize coverage, protection, and quality optics, while not shying away from a bold aesthetic. If that sounds like you, give the Syncline a look.

We’re just going to come out and say it. We really didn’t expect to like the Vallon Watchtowers ($169). After checking them out on the website, they just didn’t seem like a style that we’d normally choose to wear. That changed the moment we put them on, however, and instantly became enamored with their unique retro-yet-kinda-modern aesthetic.

Based in the Netherlands, Vallon sunglasses are relatively new to the U.S. Market, but are more common in Europe. The brand makes a full line of sunglasses for men and women, all of which seem to have a neo-classic style. In the lineup, the Watchtowers are the sportiest and have the most extensive coverage, making them the obvious choice for cycling and other high-velocity activities.

The sturdy frame surrounds the whole lens and is made from a sustainable nylon-6, which is 85% recycled fishing nets. The frame has a pronounced wraparound shape that sits fairly close to the face, helping to keep sun and wind at bay. Rubber on the tips of the arms, along with textured silicone nose pads, does a solid job of keeping the Watchtowers from moving around. They also come with three sizes of nose pads, so you can swap them out if needed to dial in the fit.

The shatterproof lenses are made by the optics experts at Zeiss. Like other Zeiss lenses, these cylindrical shields provide stellar, crystal clear vision and a pleasant contrast boost. The Silver lens we tested actually has a brown tint with a 14% VLT and a highly reflective silver mirror finish. We were quite impressed by the performance of the lens, particularly in bright conditions, and always appreciate the warming effect of brown/amber lenses. While these worked well for most of our riding, we do wish that Vallon offered some lighter lenses for riding in low light conditions — all of the options are between 13 and 14%.

The Watchtowers come with a microfiber cleaning and storage bag, but unfortunately, they don’t come with any sort of protective case. Still, we shoved these glasses in ski packs numerous times, and they’ve held up well to our abuse. Beyond the Watchtowers, we’ve also had a chance to try the Vallon Howlin’ glasses and were equally impressed. If you’re looking for something a little different, Vallon is a brand worth checking out. The prices are more reasonable than some of the high-end competition, and they look great, too.

Leatt only recently entered the performance sunglasses market, and we’re already impressed by what they have to offer. We tested the Leatt RideViz Pro ($153 – 186) sunglasses, which blend a large-coverage, full-frame design with quality photochromic lenses. These versatile shades performed well across a wide range of light conditions. 

Built around a cylindrical lens and a lightweight biopolymer frame, the RideViz Pro offers a broad field of view, good airflow, and a secure fit when the trails get rough. Available in two sizes with size-specific lens curvatures, Leatt has something for smaller and larger heads alike. Both sizes measure 60mm tall, but the large is 145mm wide, while the small is 135mm. 

We found the tall, wraparound lens provides excellent vertical and peripheral visibility, while adjustable nose pieces and rubberized contact points help keep the glasses stable and comfortable on rough rides. They stayed planted through wet, sweaty rides and chunky descents without slipping or creating pressure points

Leatt offers the RideViz Pro with several different lenses. We tested the photochromic option, which offers a claimed 25%–90% visible light transmission range. In use, it proved to be highly adaptable and a real one-lens quiver that worked for all conditions. From low light at dusk to full sun mid-day, this lens was always the right tint. We noticed a tiny amount of distortion at the extreme top and bottom edges of the lens, but it wasn’t an issue while riding.

Riding in cool temperatures and high humidity in the spring and fall, we found the fog resistance to be impressive. Through long climbs, sweat, and rain, the lenses stayed impressively clear. Minor fogging appeared occasionally, only when stopped, and it cleared almost immediately once moving again.

We experienced some helmet compatibility issues with some, but not all, of the helmets used during testing. This likely won’t affect everyone and will vary significantly depending on your head shape and helmet model. 

Despite that, we found the Leatt RideViz Pro to be easy to get along with, dutifully protecting our eyes on mountain bike rides. If you’re looking at these shades, we recommend the photochromic lens so you’ll always be prepared for any light condition.

Do you love cool and innovative technology? Maybe you like photochromic lenses but think they don’t change tint fast enough? Chamelo’s tech-heavy sunglasses might be right up your alley. The brand makes several different pairs of sport-oriented glasses, but the Chamelo Shield ($200) proved to be our favorite. These shades combine sporty, high-coverage glasses with cutting-edge tint-changing “electrochromic” tech. You can adjust the tint by simply sliding your finger along the temple, or set it on Autopilot so it adjusts tint on its own, and much more quickly than any photochromic lens.

What really sets the Chamelo Shield glasses apart is the tint adjustment technology. You can change the tint instantly between 17% and 54% VLT with a tap or slide of your finger on the right temple. You can also press a button to turn on Autopilot mode, where the tint adjusts automatically to changing light conditions in under a second. That’s way faster than most photochromic lenses, which take around 20 seconds to adjust. That said, the VLT range is somewhat narrower than many photochromic lenses. And, you have to charge the tiny battery in the glasses every so often, but Chamelo claims it lasts for 52 hours.

Aside from the unique technology built into these shades, the large, cylindrical lens provides clear, distortion-free vision. The “Fire” lens we tested has a grey tint with a flashy reflective coating. The tint provides a cooling effect in bright sunlight, although we found it doesn’t boost contrast quite like some of the other premium brands. Still, the 140 x 60 mm lens provides excellent coverage and effectively blocks the elements when you’re riding at speed. The adjustable rubber nose pad accommodates varying nose bridge dimensions and allows the user to position the glasses as needed, while the rubber arm tips help keep them stable on the face.

The little battery and associated components need to make the Shield glasses tint-adjustable, adding a touch of weight compared to lighter models. Still, 36 grams is quite respectable, and we assumed they’d be heavier until we put them on the scale. The biggest drawback to these shades is that they require occasional charging, but this is a common issue with any modern battery-powered cycling product, such as lights, computers, derailleurs, or dropper posts. Even if you forget, they still work as glasses, just without the tint adjustability.

The Chamelo Shield glasses come in white and black frames with the Fire lens, or with a more subtle black smoke lens on the black frame. Do you enjoy listening to music while riding? The Music Shield is basically the same set of glasses with small speakers in the arms. Sounds gimmicky, but they have been getting rave reviews from major media outlets.

Interested in the tech but don’t want to charge a battery? The Chamelo Falcon are auto-tint-adjusting glasses that power themselves with a tiny solar cell. They adjust tint even faster — Chamelo claims 0.1 seconds! We tried them, and the response time was truly impressive. It was essentially instantaneous when going between direct sunlight and shadow.

Tifosi has been producing performance eyewear since 2003 and has grown a reputation for making quality sunglasses at affordable prices. While many of the brand’s options have some late 90s futuristic styling, the Tifosi Sledge ($80) is more in line with modern trends and is a large-lensed, full-frame model that’s suitable for any type of cycling or other outdoor activity. It can be purchased with either the single Fototec lens we tested, or it comes with three lenses: clear, AC Red, and a darker option. Tifosi also makes a half-frame version, called the Sledge Lite, that comes in similar colors and lens options.

Selling for half the price, or less, than most high-end cycling shades, it would be reasonable to expect a reduction in optical quality from the Sledge’s lenses. While they may not boost contrast quite as well as some other brands, we found the optically decentered spherical lenses to provide super clear, distortion-free optics that are nearly on par with the more expensive competition. The Fototec lens we tested changes tint depending on the lighting conditions, with an impressive visible light transmission range of 14% to 74%, making this a great option for anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it pair of shades that’s suitable for all lighting conditions. Should you choose the interchange version of the Sledge, you get three lenses that have you covered for all situations. The lenses are a little more challenging to swap than some other brands, but it becomes easier with a little practice.

The large lenses measure 135mm x 56mm and wrap closely around the face, providing an excellent shield for the eyes and protecting them from wind and dust very well. Four small vents at the top of the lens provide ventilation and help prevent fogging. The durable frame is made of Grilamid TR-90, and there are hydrophilic rubber pads on the nose and arms that provide a stable and secure hold, even when wet. The frames are slightly heavier and stiffer than some other options, but their performance on the road or trail is comparable to that of more expensive competitors. They also come with a zippered hard case and a microfiber bag for cleaning and storage.

Given their lower price point, the Tifosi Sledge gives surprisingly little to complain about. The close fit and wraparound style of the lens/frame, however, may make contact with some people’s cheeks and/or brow, and the nose piece is not adjustable to optimize the fit. While it isn’t necessarily distracting or problematic, it is possible to see the edges of the frame in your peripheral vision. They are also comparatively a little bit heavier at 37 grams.

Still, we think the Tifosi Sledge is a great pair of cycling sunglasses that should meet most riders’ needs without breaking the bank.

Smith Optics has been making high-quality eyewear for some time, and the Wildcat ($217 – $277) is one of their most popular models that has been a staple in their lineup for several years. The Wildcat has recently been dwarfed by the new Smith Syncline glasses, but they still work well for any activity, whether that’s road, gravel, or mountain biking, paddleboarding, trail running, backcountry skiing, you name it.

Smith established itself as one of the leaders in the sunglass market some time ago, thanks in large part to the quality optics of their Chromapop lenses. Similar to Oakley’s Prizm technology, Smith’s Chromapop lenses provide crystal clear, undistorted vision with nicely enhanced contrast. They offer the Wildcat with several different lens options, with VLT% ranging from 10% for the Chromapop Black lens for dark conditions, down to 30% for the Chromapop Opal Mirror lens for more moderate brightness (other replacements are also available for lower light conditions). They also sell them with the Photochromic Clear to Gray lens we tested, which has a range of 20% to 85% VLT, making them a highly versatile option for changing light conditions. Each pair also comes with a spare clear lens for use on overcast days or in the deep, dark woods, and lens changes are fairly quick and easy.

The Wildcat’s large cylindrical lenses measure 140mm x 62mm, providing a very large, but not excessively wide shield for the eyes. The lens is curved, but not dramatically, so they are a bit less prone to cheek and brow contact than models that wrap around tighter to the face. This also allows for a bit of air movement behind the lens to help prevent fogging, while still blocking the direct force of the wind, dust, and debris quite effectively. Despite their size, they still manage to be fairly lightweight at just 28 grams.

The frame is constructed from a hybrid of Grilamid TR90 and TPU, and it is a bit more flexible than some other models. This makes lens changes relatively easy, and it makes the glasses fairly forgiving to head size and shape. The Megol-coated arms and nosepiece do a fine job of holding the Wildcat secure in use, and the 2-position adjustment of the nosepiece makes it easy to dial in the fit for your face. They also come with a zippered hard case and a microfiber cleaning bag.

They aren’t exactly inexpensive, but we feel the Smith Wildcat is still a decent value given its ability to work for virtually any outdoor activity you choose. With large coverage, great optics, and cool style, they’ll help you see clearly during any type of cycling or other outdoor activity and will look good doing it. Those with smaller faces should check out the Smith Bobcat for a similar style and performance in a smaller package.

The 100% brand has roots in the motocross scene dating back to the 1980s, and over time, they have grown their product offerings to include mountain bike apparel, protective equipment, and eyewear. They offer many models of cycling sunglasses, all of which feature quality lenses and bold, flashy styles. The 100% S3 ($149 – $190) is one of their latest models, essentially combining design elements of two other models, the more curvy S2 and the angular Speedcraft, into a great-looking, high-coverage pair of shades.

It all starts with the lenses, and 100% uses its own HiPER lens technology that is intended to enhance contrast, boost color, and enhance detail. We tested the HiPER Crimson Silver Mirror lens with a 14% VLT that works best for bright conditions, but the amber tint proved to work well enough in medium and changing light conditions as well. We found them to work as advertised, boosting greens and browns while handling the transitions from light to shadows well. 100% makes a large range of lenses with different tints and reflective coatings, including those for low light and a photochromic option, and replacements range from $30 to $60, depending on the color and lens technology. Each pair also comes with a spare clear lens that’s easy to swap out for riding in low light.

The large cylindrical lenses of the S3 measure 145mm x 60mm, and they provide excellent coverage. They block wind very effectively, and two small air scoops at the bottom of the lens allow for a small amount of air movement to keep fogging at bay. The 5.5 base curvature wraps around nicely without getting too close to the face, and the frame across the brow sits high enough that there are no distractions in your field of vision. The lenses are also scratch-resistant, and a hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment helps repel water, dirt, and oils, making them easy to keep clean.

The half-frame design consists of a large nose piece that snaps into the lens and a tough TR90 frame that extends across the brow. The S3 has relatively long and straight arms,130mm from the hinge and 150mm measured from the edge of the lens, so that’s something to consider as they may make contact with some helmet shells or harness systems, depending on the shape/model of helmet. The textured Ultra-grip rubber on the nosepiece and ends of the arms does a great job of holding the glasses securely on your head, and they come with an additional nosepiece that can be swapped out to adjust the fit if needed. A zippered hard case holds the glasses and spare lens, and a microfiber cleaning/storage bag is also included.

The Stone Grey colorway we tested is by far the most subdued option in 100%’s array of options that include bright-colored frames and reflective coatings. So, if you’re seeking a big, bold pair of shades to match your kit, riding style, or attitude, the 100% S3 might be the perfect fit. If you’ve got a smaller face or are looking for something a little different, 100% has a wide range of other options that may suit you even better.

KOO is the eyewear branch of the Italian helmet brand, Kask, and they have been making cycling sunglasses since 2017. They’ve steadily been growing their product offering and presence in the cycling world, and they now have several models geared towards all types of riders, along with goggles for MTB and snow sports. The KOO Demos ($180 – $225) is arguably the least flashy of all their models, which has been “specifically designed with road and off-road cyclists, adventure-seekers, and cyclocross racers in mind.”

While KOO may not be a household name like some of the more popular brands, they clearly made every effort to produce some high-quality eyewear. The frames are made in Italy, and they use lenses from the renowned optics experts at Carl Zeiss. The cylindrical lenses are super clear and free of distortion, and they come in an assortment of tints and reflective coatings, as well as a Photochromic option. We had the chance to test both the Turquoise (11% VLT) and Red Mirror (23% VLT) lenses and found both to be impressively versatile across a large range of light conditions. They don’t seem to boost contrast quite as effectively as some other brands, but they do a great job of cooling harsh light and bringing up the colors a bit.

The 143mm x 60mm lenses are a great moderate size that should play well with most face sizes and shapes. They are large, but not enormous, and they work well to shield the eyes from the brunt of wind and/or debris. Peripheral vision is mostly great, but the lower edge of the frame can be seen when looking down at a sharp angle. When looking straight ahead, as most of us do most of the time, there are no distractions. A total of 4 vents, 2 at the bottom and 2 at the top, promote airflow and keep fogging to a minimum.

The full frame is made from a tough-feeling plastic, with most of it visible save for a small portion that is hidden behind the lower corners of the lens. This gives them an edgy, modern look, not unlike the 100% S3, for example. The arms are dropped slightly and are relatively straight and of a moderate length, with curved ends and grippy Megol rubber that grabs the head well. The nose pads also feature the same grippy rubber with some texture added, plus they can be adjusted in two positions to customize the fit. Koo also includes a second nose pad that can be swapped out for smaller nose bridges. On the road or trail, the Demos are impressively stable on the face, staying put through the roughest of rock gardens or bumpiest washboard gravel.

The KOO Demos are offered in a whopping 13 different frame and lens combinations with opaque and crystal frame options to choose from. They also sell a full array of spare lenses, and lens swaps are surprisingly quick and easy. If you’re tired of looking like everyone else and want to try something different, KOO’s cycling sunglasses are definitely worthy of consideration.

The Julbo Edge ($265) is a newer model in the brand’s extensive lineup of performance sunglasses. While it shares similar aesthetics to their popular Fury sunglasses, they are a bit more angular, and they have a unique floating lens that is connected to the frame with a magnet just above the nosepiece. They are undoubtedly quite flashy, they are offered with several different lens tints/technologies, and they provide good optics, albeit at a relatively high price.

Aside from their looks, one of the most striking things about the Edge is the magnetic lens. Not only does it make it incredibly easy to swap lenses, but cleaning them is a breeze when they’ve been detached from the frame. Magnetic lens technology has come a long way, and thanks to small clips that secure it, it seems highly unlikely that it would ever come off unexpectedly in use. The Edge only comes with one lens, but Julbo sells additional Reactiv lenses ($160) or a clear lens ($45) for those looking to switch it up. They also come with a zippered storage case with a slot for a spare lens and a microfiber cleaning/storage bag.

The lens is fairly tall at 64mm, but it is one of the narrowest lenses we tested at 130mm wide. It wraps around enough that the edges of the frame aren’t too visible in the periphery unless you look for them. Still, they might be on the narrow side for those with wider/larger faces, but those with smaller heads may find these to be a refreshing departure from the width of many other models. Otherwise, the fit is quite good, and they feel very light on the face with a weight of just 24 grams. It is worth noting that the frame/lens may make contact with some people’s noses, depending on the flare of their nostrils. The full frame is mostly obscured from view behind the lens, and they have an almost frameless look to them. The arms are moderate length and play well with helmets, with Grip Tech rubber tips and an adjustable nosepiece that holds them securely in place.

We tested the Reactiv 1-3 Light Amplifier lens that changes tint depending on the light conditions with a large VLT range of 17% – 75%. This makes them suitable for virtually any lighting conditions you may encounter, and they really do help to brighten things up in the shadows. The optics are super clear and distortion-free, as expected at this price point. Compared to the High-Contrast lens we tested on the Julbo Density, however, we experienced lens flare in direct sunlight and an occasionally distracting reflection from the coating of the inner lens. Not a deal breaker by any means, but notable in comparison, and we would expect the other lenses to perform differently.

Those with narrower faces or anyone seeking a pair of glasses that’s super easy to clean and swap lenses could find a lot to like in the new Julbo Edge. With quality, light-amplifying optics, a light-on-the-face feel, and a bold, flashy style, you’ll be seeing clearly and getting noticed at the same time.

Oakley has a long history of creating wild, futuristic-looking sunglasses, and the Encoder Strike ($293) is one of the most recent examples. While not nearly as wild-looking as the Oakley Kato, the Encoder borrows some of its design elements while also harkening back to the original Razor Blades for a unique retro-future style. They are different from the regular Encoder, as the Strike version features six vents across the top of the lens to add some ventilation, and the bottom of the lens is cut a little straighter. As with all Oakley cycling sunglasses, they have great optics thanks to their Prizm lenses, and they are also quite expensive.

Visually, the Encoder Strike makes quite an impression. The large, reflective, spherical, frameless lens is bright and bold with unique curves around the nose and across the top of the lens. There are few other glasses, except those made by Oakley, that look quite like these. The outward curves of the lens seem like it would be airflow-related, but structurally, they lend some rigidity to the frameless design. Holding that lens to your face is tasked to a pair of stiff, O-matter arms with Unobtanium rubber grips and an Unobtanium rubber nosepiece that is hidden inside the lens. They also come with a second, thicker nose pad, along with a zippered case and soft microfiber cleaning/storage bag.

When it comes to optics, Oakley’s Prizm lenses are top of the heap. Not only are they crystal clear, but the color boosting and contrast enhancement is some of the best, if not the best, on the market. We tested the Prizm Road lens with a 20% VLT and found it to be excellent for bright light conditions while remaining versatile enough for use on mountain bike rides going in and out of the shadows. Oakley also makes an assortment of lenses for specific uses, including Prizm Trail, Prizm Field, Prizm Jade, etc., that are designed to meet the needs of different users.

A notable aspect of the lens on the Encoder Strike, however, is that the curved part of the lens by the nose and at the brow causes some distortion if/when it comes into view. While riding, our eyes are looking forward most of the time, but certainly not always. This distortion was most evident when down in the drops, for example, and looking up, as the curved upper position of the lens and the lens vents would come into view. Additionally, the oversized nosepiece is also quite noticeable. You get used to it, but at first, it is a bit distracting.

Beyond that, the Oakley Encoder Strike is a bold, flashy model that you’d expect from a brand that’s been constantly redefining sunglass style for decades. While they are expensive and the looks won’t be for everyone, those who are willing to take the leap will be rewarded with quality Oakley optics and eye-catching style.

The 100% Hypercraft SQ ($129 – $160) is one of many models in the brand’s extensive lineup of cycling and performance sunglasses. While they are still quite bold and flashy, these frameless shades represent a pretty dramatic shift away from the more frame-heavy designs the brand has been producing for years. There are three different models of Hypercraft glasses, with the SQ (square) falling in the middle in terms of lens size. These super lightweight glasses have great optics and a somewhat futuristic look that’s sure to get noticed out on the road or trail.

One of the first things that stands out about the Hypercraft SQ is its shockingly lightweight. At just 21 grams on our scale, they are so light that they essentially disappear when you put them on. This is mostly due to the frameless lens and the thin, minimal arms that keep weight down to a minimum. Despite their light weight, they still have a moderate-sized 138 x 58mm lens that provides loads of coverage but avoids being excessively big on those with medium to smaller faces. The SQ in the model name stands for square, and while they aren’t exactly square, they are notably less angular than the regular Hypercraft or the Hypercraft XS (for small faces).

Our experience with 100%’s Italian-made lenses has always been positive, and that continues with the Hyercraft SQ. The cylindrical lenses provide excellent, crystal-clear optics, and the HiPER lens technology helps enhance contrast relatively well. The Red Multilayer Mirror lens we tested has a 21% VLT and works great for everything from full-blast sun to mixed lighting in the forest, plus they come with a clear lens for low light conditions. Changing lenses is also quite easy with the minimal frame elements. They also stay fog-free thanks in no small part to the slightly off-the-face fit and a couple of small top-of-the-lens vents that allow some air circulation.

Given the frameless design, the frame elements are limited to the thin UltraCarbon arms and the snap-in nose piece. The tips of the arms and nosepiece both feature Ultra-grip to keep them in place. While the glasses do stay secure for the most part, especially on road rides and smooth gravel, we did find they bounce around a bit more than some other models over rough terrain. This is primarily due to the frameless design and cylindrical lens, which doesn’t provide as much structure or stiffness to squeeze against the sides of the head. Also, the Hypercraft SQ comes with two nose pieces, and even the wider one has a relatively narrow fit.

All that said, the 100% Hypercraft SQ is an impressively lightweight set of frameless cycling sunglasses that we feel is best suited to road cycling. The optics are excellent, and they’re so light you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing them, yet they’re flashy enough that everyone will notice that you are.

Made at 1Up’s factory in Wisconsin, the Roof Rack ($300 to $325, depending on the color) is an aluminum rack that grabs both tires with two easy-to-operate ratcheting wheel clamps that hold bikes with no frame, fork, or rim contact. The design epitomizes minimalism, and the timeless, industrial aesthetic is unmistakable.

The 1Up Roof Rack can also convert to a hitch rack if your vehicle or storage needs change in the future. It’s a good thing, too, because 1Up racks are durable enough to outlast whatever you’re driving right now. All of 1Up’s bolts and fasteners are made of stainless steel, which is a big step up from the plastic bits often used by other manufacturers.  

The 1Up Roof Rack can be mounted to any factory crossbars by opting for the standard mounting brackets that sandwich around the crossbar or to T-slot style racks by opting for the flush mount kit. Either way, installation is a snap, using just a hex tool included in the packaging. 

Ergonomically, the 1Up Roof Rack was designed to be a hitch rack. The lower to the ground it sits, the easier this rack is to operate. With the rack up high, it’s a bit tricky to simultaneously leverage one arm down while keeping the bike from rolling toward the opposite end of the tray. After a few times using it, however, it became easier and more intuitive, but still not quite as easy as the Kuat Piston SR, for example. Releasing the arms is much easier — simply press the levers near the middle of the tray and push the arms outward.

1Up recently came out with a one-handed release lever system, which makes it much easier to open the wheel arms on the Roof Rack. This is an option at the time of purchase, adding $70 to the price tag.

The advantage the 1Up has over most other roof racks is that its extremely narrow profile helps mitigate some aerodynamic drag, improving your vehicle’s fuel economy while also looking quite streamlined. When not in use, the Roof Rack folds down to a very low profile, measuring just 2.5 inches tall. 

1Up offers a sleek aftermarket solution to security, which is a simple wheel lock that slides through the cutouts in each arm and spokes of each wheel. It’s a deterrent, not meant for long-term security, but it looks better and, we’d argue, functions better than a cable lock, which can be cut easily and adds quite a bit of weight. 

The 1Up Roof Rack is designed for tires up to 3”, but that can be extended to 5” with the 1Up’s fat tire spacer kit, sold separately. 

At $300 to 325, the 1Up USA Roof Rack is a truly solid value, considering it’s made in the U.S., will likely be the last rack you’ll ever need to buy, and can be adapted to work as both a roof and hitch rack. There will be a learning curve for operating this rack quickly and gracefully, but once it’s dialed in, it will be a trusty companion for all your epic adventures.

The Yakima HighSpeed ($349) is a premium, streamlined, and user-friendly fork-mount roof rack. It will work with any type of fork, whether it uses a quick-release skewer like those on older road bikes or a thru-axle like those on most modern road, gravel, and mountain bikes. 

Installing the HighSpeed is quick and easy, as it comes fully assembled and can be mounted without tools to virtually any type of crossbar in just a few minutes. The universal heavy-duty straps secure the HighSpeed’s tray to your crossbars and are adjusted to the correct tension by turning a small thumb dial. The HighSpeed is also sleek and lightweight at just 11.5 pounds, so you can remove and store it between trips easily. It can also be converted to integrate with T-slot crossbars using Yakima’s Smart T-Slot kit (sold separately). 

Switching between axle types is no complicated process when using the HighSpeed. For instance, you can carry your rim brake quick-release bike to a group ride on Wednesday night and your trail bike on Saturday. The fork mount hardware seamlessly adjusts to fit all relevant axle diameters.

Once the fork is secured to the HighSpeed, the TorqueRight knob clamps down on the entire mounting mechanism to ensure a strong and stable hold for your bike. The TorqueRight knob also prevents over-tightening of the skewer on the fork dropout. You’ll hear a nice clicking sound, alerting you when you’ve reached sufficient torque.

Users of the previous generation of the HighSpeed reported some issues with 12 x 100 thru-axle forks not feeling secure. Updates to the design have fixed this, and we had no trouble mounting a Cervelo Aspero gravel bike with a 12 x 100mm thru-axle fork to the HighSpeed.

An integrated cable lock extends from the back of the tray and is a bit on the short side, but since the front wheel is stored inside your vehicle, it doesn’t need to extend as far as with wheel-on racks. The cable is pretty thin and really acts as more of a deterrent. No lock cores are included, which is a bummer. We’d rather Yakima simply include them, even if the result is a higher price tag. 

The HighSpeed’s tray accommodates up to a 50” wheelbase and 5” diameter tire, and its low profile minimizes hatch interference in the back. The weight limit of 40 pounds on paved roads and 24 pounds off-road means that this rack is ideal for carrying road, gravel, CX, and XC bikes without venturing into any truly gnarly terrain. 

At $349, the Yakima HighSpeed is a premium option that is a bit of a niche design since most racks have gone away from requiring the removal of the front wheel, including Yakima’s excellent HighRoad. That said, if you want an ultra-secure mechanical hold on the front of the bike, a wheel-off rack is the way to go, and the HighSpeed is the best we’ve tested.

The Kuat Trio ($249) is a fork-mount roof rack with a high-quality build, a secure, bolt-on connection to your vehicle’s crossbars, an integrated cable lock, and a sleek, minimal profile. There’s only one issue: out of the box, it’s not compatible with most disc brake road or gravel bikes made in the last five or six years because it doesn’t come with an adapter for a 12 x 100mm thru axle. Fear not. This can be ordered directly from Kuat for an extra $30. Still, it’s a head-scratcher and an extra expense that seems easily avoidable. 

Installing the Trio was easy and intuitive, following the online instructions accessed by scanning a QR code neatly tucked into the box. The Trio bolts to virtually any crossbar system, whether factory, aero, or T-type. We like bolt-on attachments, as they just feel more solid than belt-on. Just be sure that if you’re routinely removing the Trio between each trip or for the off-season, you retain all the hardware so you can quickly mount up when you want to use it again. 

The 3-way mount system is easy to use and works perfectly to secure our quick-release fork blades. In the back, a sturdy ratcheting strap holds the rear rim in place. Overall, the bike felt very stable and secure in the Trio, and we never noticed any excessive bike movement, even during windy drives on the freeway. After the ride, we were able to secure the bike quickly using the integrated cable lock and the included key. 

Like all racks from Kuat, the Trio has a classy, rugged finish that sets it apart from other brands and helps it complement higher-end vehicles. It also comes in two color options.

At $249, plus $30 for the hardware to make it compatible with modern drop-bar bikes, the Kuat Trio is on the lower end of the price spectrum. Still, it’s a quality roof rack that will withstand years of use in all conditions and provide an excellent user experience.

The Kuat Piston SR ($598) derives its name from the struts that make it effortless to release the cradle arms by tapping a lever at the base of the arm. The piston-actuated struts are Kashima-coated with a ratcheting function to keep the cradle arm under tension, securing your bike at high speeds and over rough surfaces.

As you may have guessed, they look boss and lend an air of superiority to this rack, which is much deserved. The OneTap cradle arms slowly span open to a fixed position and then ratchet back down onto the bike tires, never touching the frame or even your fancy rims. 

The Piston comes fully assembled. The installation process took all of 5 minutes, from opening the box and scanning the instructions QR code to hoisting the bike onto the roof of our test vehicle. This rack will mount to virtually any crossbar system, whether factory, overland, T-channel, or aero-shaped. Using the included hex tool, two sturdy metal brackets bolt onto the vehicle’s crossbars. While some companies use thick rubber belts to strap the rack to the cross bars, we feel a bit more confident in a bolt-on design with regard to both security and overall lifespan.  

Thanks to Kuat’s FastFit Wheel Chock system, the Piston SR cradle arms adjust to any style of bike and wheel size, from BMX to fat bike. It has one of the easiest and largest fit ranges of any roof bike rack. The adjustment is easy to understand at a glance and requires no tools, allowing you to dial in the ideal setup for any bike in seconds. The Piston SR also takes security seriously by integrating a 10mm cable lock into a compartment in the middle of the tray and coating the cable with a soft polymer that is easy on your bike’s paint.

The Piston SR features an ultra-durable matte black powder coat called Tiger Drylac, giving it not only a rugged and stylish look but also protecting it against corrosion throughout its lifespan. As for the moving parts, Kuat uses stainless steel and automotive-grade hardware, so you can be confident that the Piston SR will also operate smoothly forever, no matter how rough the weather or roads may get. 

The Piston SR can also be converted into a hitch rack, in conjunction with an adapter. So, if your vehicle choice or other storage needs change, this rack will adapt gracefully; however, you’ll need to purchase the hitch rack adapter ($198). 

At $598, the Piston SR is an ultra-premium option that is certainly overkill for many riders. So, who’s it for? Anyone who is willing and able to afford it, really. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s also the most user-friendly roof bike rack on the market, and its rugged construction makes it a worthwhile investment for those with the cash.

Allen released the original Smart Suction Roof Rack last year, and now, the brand has released the new Smart Suction Go ($299). While it functions similarly to its predecessor, including the pressure monitoring app, the Go is less expensive, lighter, more compact, and even more convenient. For these reasons, we’re calling it our favorite of the suction roof racks on the market today.

The Smart Suction Go takes Allen’s high-tech suction concept and packages it into a smaller, simpler, and significantly more affordable option. At $299, the Smart Suction Go costs $200 less than Allen’s original Smart Suction rack while retaining the main feature that made the system stand out in the first place — Smart Suction.

This fork mount rack is designed to carry a single bike up to 35 pounds and is compatible with 9mm quick-release and both 12mm and 15mm thru-axles — adapters are included. This means it will work with most road, gravel, and mountain bikes (under 35 pounds), straight out of the box. The rear wheel attaches to a separate mount, so it will fit most wheel sizes, tire widths, and wheelbase lengths, too.

Like other suction-mounted racks, it attaches with strong suction cups directly to a vehicle’s roof, rear glass, or van door. It does not require crossbars, a hitch, or permanent hardware; it installs in seconds, and you don’t even need tools. That’s a big selling point, especially if you’ve got a vehicle that doesn’t work well with traditional racks.

Another big selling point is Allen’s Smart Suction system, which uses pressure sensors built into the suction cups to continuously monitor the integrity of the suction connection when in use. If suction pressure drops, users receive alerts through the app, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.

Lastly, the two-piece design makes the Smart Suction Go lighter and far more compact than the original. This thing only weighs 6.5 pounds and is 9 inches tall with a 15-inch triangular footprint in its compact storage form. It essentially disappears in the trunk of your car or garage until you need it.

Allen is doing its best to quell the skepticism of suction-mounted bike transport with its Smart Suction racks. The new Smart Suction Go is impressively compact, versatile, and convenient, and its pressure-monitoring system will put your mind at ease. You can learn more about it in our coverage.

SeaSucker is one of the originators of suction racks, and the Talon MAX ($335) is one of the best of its kind, as well as one of the most convenient roof bike racks on the market. While attaching a bike to the roof of your car with suction cups may be intimidating at first, this rack has been getting rave reviews for many years, including when we reviewed it some time ago. The Talon and others like it have proven their ability to safely transport bicycles.

The Talon MAX is comprised of two pieces. The front is home to the fork mount, which utilizes three heavy-duty suction cups with a pull strength of 210 pounds to secure it to the vehicle. The three suction cups are attached to a 1/2″ thick HDPE panel with the HUSKE fork mount. The MAX kit includes an adapter for all of the most common axle sizes on modern road, gravel, and mountain bikes. The rear cradle is separate and attaches to the roof with a single suction cup, securing the rear wheel with a Velcro strap. According to SeaSucker, the strap is long enough to fit most fat bike tires.

With a small footprint, the Talon MAX can fit on the roof or rear glass of most vehicles. The suction cups require smooth, clean surfaces and will hold onto metal, glass, and fiberglass. With two separate pieces, the Talon is very adaptable and can be attached in a variety of ways — on top of the roof, over the back window, on the trunk — it’s up to you and your vehicle. It also allows for easy adjustment of the wheelbase length, making it compatible with a wide range of bikes.

It’s very quick and easy to install in just a couple of minutes using the vacuum suction pumps on each suction cup. These have a remarkably secure hold on the roof, although you’ll want to check them regularly if you leave the rack on the car for extended periods. It’s equally easy to remove, and it comes off in just a matter of seconds. Unlike traditional roof racks, the Talon doesn’t require any crossbars, nor do you need any tools to install it. All you really have to do is have an appropriate surface to attach it to and the correct axle adapter to fit your bike.

One significant benefit of the Talon MAX is its compact size and lightweight design. This rack takes up almost no space in your garage or the trunk of your car, and it’s small and light enough to throw in your bike travel bag and bring with you on trips. You can stick it on the roof of your rental car if you’re traveling with your bike.

Whether you’re an infrequent rack user, have a vehicle that doesn’t work with more traditional roof racks, or you’re looking for a portable rack for travel, the SeaSucker Talon MAX is a great option to consider. It’ll work with just about any vehicle and most bikes up to 45 pounds. It may be disconcerting at first, but the suction connection has a proven track record of safely transporting bikes for many years.

SeaSucker also sells the Talon in a two-pack, offers two- and three-bike roof racks, as well as racks for skis, fishing poles, and other accessories.

With counteracting arms holding the front wheel, the Thule UpRide ($400) securely holds any bike without contacting its frame or fork or requiring the front wheel to be removed. After having had a few bikes blemished by racks over the years, backing over, and leaving behind a couple of front wheels, it’s nice to know that the UpRide makes this impossible while still providing stable and easy carriage of your bike. 

The initial installation of the UpRide is fairly simple and took about 15 minutes. Subsequent installation and removal are much quicker — closer to 5 minutes. After the initial assembly and installation, all that’s required to install or remove the UpRide is to tighten or loosen three clamping points and shimmy the rack on or off the crossbar. With this simple installation and removal, you’ll have the choice to leave the UpRide on your roof for the season or remove it between every use or between stints of frequent use. The UpRide is lightweight and folds up fairly flat for easy storage. 

The UpRide looks like no other roof rack on the market, and it does require some education in order to use it efficiently from the get-go. Thule offers a great how-to video explaining the counteracting arm system. In short, there is an order of operations that should be followed to make the process easy, and once it’s been repeated a few times, it’s second nature.

That said, in a perfect world, you’ll use the UpRide to transport one bike or one type of bike (road/gravel/MTB), as the arms must be adjusted to accommodate different wheel sizes, adding time to the loading process when you switch between different genres of bikes. Comparatively, the Yakima HighRoad avoids this complexity entirely and is easier to use when switching between bikes.

The strap that secures the rear wheel is oriented diagonally, which increases the contact area with the rim for better stability and eliminates excess pressure on the skin of carbon fiber rims between the spokes. 

Like any roof rack, the UpRide is ideal for vehicles with lower roof heights or taller individuals who are comfortable lifting their bikes overhead. Using the UpRide with a compact SUV, we found it easier to load the bike by opening the front passenger doors and stepping up onto the trim next to the passenger seat to get closer to the UpRide to operate the front arms more easily. 

The UpRide has a load limit of 44 pounds, which is quite high and likely only precludes some e-mtbs. Thule also tests its racks to high standards, including durability tests, wear and tear simulations, and exposure tests to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the real world. 

The Thule UpRide features a built-in locking cable that extends out of the rear of the tray, but you’ll need to purchase the lock core separately. The cable serves as more of a deterrent for short periods when you leave your vehicle unattended, and it would be easy for an experienced thief to cut if given the opportunity. 

Without contacting your bike’s frame or requiring the removal of the front wheel, the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles ($350) ensures a sturdy, stable perch for your bicycle on the roof of your vehicle. Thanks to its namesake — an aggressively ergonomic handle shaped like brass knuckles — you’ll have plenty of leverage for securing the front wheel, no matter the size or accompanying tire volume. 

The BrassKnuckles does require some easy assembly prior to installing it on your vehicle. In fact, the assembly took about the same amount of time as the installation, but in total, it took about 15 minutes from unboxing to hoisting our bike up to secure it to the rack and hit the road.

The BrassKnuckles can handle any type of bike, from an aero road racing rig to a fat bike, with a weight limit of 45 pounds. That weight limit is plenty high, considering how much of a struggle it would be to get a 50-pound e-bike onto the roof of a car.

That said, the BrassKnuckles, like most roof racks, works best on traditional sedans and wagons with lower roof heights. Even at 6’ tall with long arms, we resorted to opening the doors and using the trim as a booster to get enough leverage to secure bikes onto this (and almost every) rack. 

You can mount the BrassKnuckles on virtually any type of crossbar, whether it is from the vehicle factory or made by Thule, Yakima, or, of course, RockyMounts. When not in use, it folds down very flat and has a super-low profile that rivals that of fork-mounted racks, which require removing the front wheel. 

The effectiveness of the BrassKnuckles ergonomic handle will depend a bit on the size of your hands and fingers. For those with large hands and thick fingers, rest assured that the openings are generous enough to provide a comfortable and secure grip. If you have smaller hands and more slender fingers, it might be a bit less comfortable to operate, but it will still provide great leverage. 

Although likely redundant for security purposes, the Brass Knuckles features a backstop for the front wheel, so once the front wheel is secure, it is held in place with pressure from both the front and rear. A ratcheting strap holds the rear wheel to the tray in the back. Taking it a step further, a ratcheting strap wraps around the front rim, so it’s safe to say that this rack ensures stability and security on even the roughest roads. 

While it may not be the most attractive rack on the market, the tray and cradle arms of the Brass Knuckles feature a semi-gloss black finish that will look good for years and retain its luster through even the wettest and dustiest conditions. One of our editors used this rack for several years before it started to show any signs of wear.

The Allen Smart Suction Bike Rack ($499) joins a small number of roof racks using suction cups to attach to the vehicle. Popularized by SeaSucker, this type of rack scores points for convenience, ease of installation and removal, and surprisingly secure hold. That said, the suction cup connection can be difficult for many people to trust. With the Smart Suction Bike Rack, Allen eliminates the guesswork of the connection with pressure monitors and a smartphone app.

Best known for its affordable trunk and hitch-mount bike racks, this new model is Allen’s only rooftop rack and its first product utilizing the Smart Suction system. What makes it “Smart?” Allen has developed a smartphone app with sensors that monitor suction pressure in real time. With this system, you can ensure that your rack and your bike that’s attached to it are firmly secured to the vehicle. If the system detects a loss of suction, it sends you a notification, allowing you to remedy the issue.

While having an app for a bike rack may seem a bit odd, we found that it actually provides peace of mind. While SeaSucker’s suction racks have proven that the suction cup system is secure and reliable, it’s hard not to be a bit skeptical of them. Having an app to monitor the suction pressure can help put your mind at ease and keep you from stopping to check the bike and rack every 15 minutes.

Like the SeaSucker Talon, the Smart Suction rack attaches to the roof with several heavy-duty suction cups. It installs quickly and easily on smooth, clean surfaces, such as glass or metal, and can be positioned on the vehicle in various ways. Using a pump system, these high-strength suction cups have a very solid hold when attached properly. If they’re not, the aforementioned app will notify you.

The Smart Suction holds the bike by the fork and comes ready to fit 9mm QRs, and it includes adapters for 12mm and 15mm thru-axles. With an adjustable length, it can accommodate wheelbases ranging from 902 to 1,320mm, meaning it can fit just about any bike in your garage, assuming they weigh 35 pounds or less.

Which brings us to our minor complaints about the Smart Suction rack. First, it requires batteries to power the pressure monitors, and you also need to add another app to your phone and pair it. That’s not a big deal, but it’s something to consider, depending on your tolerance for technology. Compared to the SeaSucker, however, the initial setup is a bit more time-consuming, it weighs a few pounds more, and it is considerably larger. It’s still fairly compact for storage, but not nearly as portable.

And, even at its current sale price of $499, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the SeaSucker Talon MAX. That said, the Smart Suction rack is still quite versatile and convenient, and if the suction pressure monitors provide you with peace of mind, then it may be well worth the extra cost. Still, we’d recommend checking out its more affordable and compact sibling, the Smart Suction Go

Crankbrothers is better known for its mountain bike components and tools, but in recent years, the brand has been growing its gravel lineup. The Crankbrothers Candy Lace ($170) shoes launched in the spring of 2024 and are a very impressive effort for the brand’s first gravel and XC shoe. We got our hands on a pair just after they came out and quickly set about testing them on both gravel and XC rides.

One of the first things that stands out about the Candy shoes is how good they look. Style isn’t everything, but these are some seriously classy-looking shoes. They look nearly identical to the Giro Empire XC, but cost $200 less. We especially liked the black color we tested with the contrasting gum soles — and the lace closure — that gives them a timeless appeal. They also come in blue and white.

Our size 43.5 (10 US) test pair fits perfectly true to size with a nice, snug fit for our tester’s relatively low-volume feet. Slipping into these shoes is super easy with the laces loose and a tongue that opens up nice and wide. While laces are a little more cumbersome to deal with than BOA dials, they are comfortable and make it easy to get perfect tension over the top of the foot. An elastic lace retainer also keeps the ends tidy while you ride.

The fiber-reinforced nylon midsole is stiff enough for just about any type of riding short of professional-level racing. It doesn’t feel like any energy is wasted through sole flex, yet it is a bit more forgiving to the feet on longer or rougher rides. Other than the cleat box, the entirety of the sole is covered in Crankbrothers’ MC1 rubber with fairly aggressive tread lugs. This rubber is relatively soft and provides a touch of cushion when you walk and a great grip on rocks or loose dirt.

The synthetic uppers are heavily perforated over the toes, sides of the foot, and the tongue, and the Candy shoes breathe better than expected. The front of the toebox and the heel cup are also nicely reinforced for added protection.

So, while the new Candy Lace shoes aren’t the absolute stiffest or lightest, they happen to be the least expensive and arguably the best-looking shoes we tested. If you’re looking for comfortable, versatile, and affordable all-around gravel shoes, look no further.

The Empire VR90 was a staple in Giro’s off-road shoe lineup for years and gained somewhat of a cult following among gravel riders. The updated Giro Empire XC ($375) builds on that legacy and continues to deliver top-tier performance and impressive comfort on par with its predecessor.

Giro didn’t stray too far from the formula that made the Empire VR90 an iconic gravel and cross-country mountain bike shoe. That starts with the uppers. Built with a one-piece Teijin Evofiber synthetic leather material, the Empire XC is supple and supportive. These shoes are comfortable out of the box, and after a few rides, they conform perfectly to your feet. Still, they provide excellent lateral support and overall stability when mashing on the pedals.

Although BOA closures may be dominating the high-end of the cycling shoe market, laces still work well and appeal to many riders. Not only do they give the shoes some retro vibes, but they also happen to look classy and timeless. Aesthetics aside, laces are also super comfortable. We found it easy to get even tension over the top of the feet with no hot spots or pressure points. They may lack the on-the-fly adjustability of BOA, but we were too comfortable to care.

Our size 43.5 test pair fit true to size, with a relatively average width and volume that is perhaps a touch more accommodating than the previous version. Inside, Giro’s excellent SuperNatural footbed comes with three levels of arch inserts to optimize the support and the fit even further. This level of customization is appreciated, but also expected in a high-end shoe.

The carbon composite plate provides race-ready stiffness but miraculously avoids feeling punishing underfoot. When combined with the secure uppers, these soles provide excellent pedaling efficiency for your next race or long-distance ride. A Sensor rubber tread has been co-molded to the carbon plate, providing ample traction and respectable walkability for such a stiff shoe.

The one-piece uppers are very comfortable, surprisingly tough, and super easy to clean, but they aren’t the most breathable. You’ll want to look at other shoes if airflow is high on your list of priorities. At 720 g for the pair (size 43.5), they’re also around 100 g heavier than many similarly priced shoes.

The Empire XC continues to prove that laces will never go out of style and that comfort and performance are not mutually exclusive. From race day to daily training rides or your next gravel fondo, these shoes look good, feel great, and perform alongside the best of ’em.

Hear us out. The Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO ($285) shoes aren’t the least expensive shoes around, but we feel they are an excellent value for the level of performance they deliver. In a market where top-of-the-line carbon-soled shoes often break the $400 mark, the price tag of these shoes bucks the trend while still delivering in pretty much every department.

The Expedition PRO is Pearl Izumi’s top-tier off-road shoe made for discerning cross-country and gravel riders and racers. As such, it boasts a stiff 1:1 EX PRO carbon sole that doesn’t flex at all under power. Whether you’re mashing all day in a gravel race or out for a fun journey with friends, your pedaling effort is certainly not being wasted.

Up top, the synthetic leather uppers are quite supple and conform easily to the feet. The dual BOA L6C dials pull tension evenly and allow for independent adjustment over the mid and forefoot. The soft TX laces, lace guides, and padded tongue are also quite comfortable over the tarsal bones.

The tongue is not gusseted, so these shoes are incredibly easy to put on and take off, but they can drift a bit from side to side. We never had issues while testing, but depending on how tightly you wear your shoes, the tongue has the potential to move around a bit.

We found the fit to be true to size in length, with an average but accommodating width in the forefoot. Lots of smaller perforations in the uppers provide respectable airflow, especially above the toes. A hefty toe bumper and reinforced heel offer a good level of foot protection for such a light and stiff shoe of this style.

Off the bike, the Expedition PRO performs much like similarly stiff gravel shoes. TPU rubber lugs at the toes, heel, and around the cleat box provide respectable traction. Still, these shoes are super stiff, so walking isn’t their forte, but they get the job done. The exposed carbon on the sole is also prone to scratching, so you’ll want to be careful when walking around in rocky terrain.

Our only other complaint about these shoes is that the heel cup is quite firm initially, and it took a couple of rides to break in for our sensitive heels. Beyond that, we were impressed by the top-level performance of these mid-priced shoes. If the price of other race-ready gravel bike shoes is tough to stomach, check out the Expedition PRO.

Okay, so the Shimano S-Phyre XC9 ($480) shoes are technically made for cross-country mountain bike racing, but that’s exactly what makes them our top choice for gravel racing, too. They are super lightweight, very stiff, well-ventilated, and fit like a glove. They are also very expensive but potentially worth the asking price for high-performance riders and racers seeking maximum efficiency and marginal gains.

The foundation of the S-Phyre XC9 shoes is the super-stiff carbon midsole. These soles don’t flex (like at all), so all of your precious pedaling power goes straight into the cranks. The synthetic uppers conform very nicely to the feet with a wrap-style tongue and dual BOA Li2 closure that hugs snugly but doesn’t constrict.

In the well-shaped heel pocket, a textured material helps prevent any unwanted heel movement when you’re laying down surges of power. Hundreds of perforations in the uppers also allow air to move around the foot and breathe in warm conditions and during high-intensity rides.

On the bottom of the shoes, Shimano’s ULTREAD XC rubber covers nearly all of the carbon fiber except for the cleat mount area. If and when you’re forced off the bike and need to walk or hike the bike, the carbon won’t get all scratched up, and the grippy rubber lugs provide great traction.

They also accept toe spikes and are a popular choice among cyclocross riders for racing in muddy conditions. While the soles provide good grip, the midsoles are super stiff, so walking or hiking in these for an extended period isn’t the most pleasant experience.

Our test pair fit perfectly true to size in length. The uppers have some give, and they break in over the first few rides, but they are pretty low-volume in the standard width. Fortunately, Shimano also makes a wide version of the S-Phyre XC9. At 616 g for the pair in size 43.5, these are some of the lightest shoes we tested, which almost seems surprising given how stiff and comfortable they are.

At $480, the Shimano S-Phyre XC9 shoes are a significant investment in race day and training speed. They’re definitely not the right choice for everyone, but if you’re seeking to maximize your efforts and shave some seconds off the clock, this is our recommendation. You can learn more about them in Zach’s review.

Rapha may be better known for its high-end cycling apparel, but it’s been making some of the best shoes on the market for several years. The Pro Team Powerweave Gravel ($580) is its top-tier off-road shoe with the price tag to match. This shoe recently got a complete redesign, improving on its predecessor in several ways. It looks nearly identical to Rapha’s Pro Team road shoes, but with some gravel-specific features.

The namesake 3D woven upper, or Powerweave, is at the core of these shoes. This woven synthetic material not only looks great, in a unique kind of way, but it also helps make these shoes incredibly breathable. Not only that, but they are impressively comfortable as well since the woven material easily conforms to the shape of your foot.

The only obvious drawback we can see is that the rigors of off-road riding may impact its longevity. We experienced some early fraying in the previous version, so we were happy to see the addition of 40% TPU yarn to the weave to boost durability. Still, the texture of the material does tend to hang onto dust, dirt, and mud a bit more than smoother uppers.

Fit-wise, the supple Powerweave uppers are very accommodating to varying foot shapes and widths. The width and volume are pretty average, but the material has a bit of give to it. The stock footbed also has adjustable arch support, so you can further customize the fit. It is worth mentioning that Rapha states the shoes run small and suggests going up a half size. Our size 44 test pair fits just a tiny bit longer than a typical 43.5 in most other brands.

While many companies use a single-dial system to “lace” the shoe shut, the Explore Powerweave uses BOA’s incremental Li2 dial platform. The two-dial system creates a custom fit around both the forefoot and instep. Combined with the Powerweave uppers’ sock-like fit, these shoes essentially become an extension of your foot. We took them straight from the box for a 40-mile ride and had no issues whatsoever.

The carbon midsole is stiff and felt plenty efficient on the pedals. We never noticed any flex under power, yet the soles didn’t feel harsh underfoot. These shoes could mix it up in a long-distance bike race one day and embark on a multi-day bikepack tour the next. At the same time, they walk pretty well. Thankfully, the tread is toned down a bit compared to the previous version, but the Vibram Megagrip rubber still provides plenty of off-the-bike traction.

At $580, the Pro Team Powerweave Gravel Shoes are undoubtedly a splurge. But if money is no object and you want shoes that look, feel, and perform fantastically across the board, these are certainly worth checking out. We’ve got more details here.

Specialized makes some of the best products in the industry across all genres of cycling. The Specialized S-Works Recon ($500) is one of its top-of-the-line shoes designed for XC and gravel riding and racing. Of all the shoes we tested, these are the most like their road bike sibling.

They are essentially the S-Works Torch road bike shoes with some more aggressive toe/heel lugs and “pontoons” around the cleat box. In most ways, that’s a good thing, but it does have its downsides.

When Specialized launched the redesigned S-Works Recon shoes in early 2023, they didn’t just update the shoe. They completely overhauled it. Lots of changes were made with the goal of creating an ultra-high-performance off-road shoe — but one of the biggest was the fit.

While the previous version was quite narrow, the current version has a significantly wider forefoot that should work well for many more riders. The narrow-footed among us, however, might find them a bit roomy.

Specialized also ditched the Velcro strap by the toes and now uses two BOA S3 dials to pull tension evenly over the foot. This system cinches the sleek-looking seamless synthetic uppers nicely around the feet and only adds to their classy (read: expensive) looks. What Specialized hasn’t done away with is its Body Geometry technology. While it may sound like a gimmick, it does work to align the foot and lower leg more naturally.

The midsole is a super-thin and super-stiff carbon plate that’s borrowed directly from Specialized’s top-shelf road racing shoes. This gives the Recon some of the stiffest soles you can imagine, and there’s absolutely no wasted pedaling power when these puppies are on your feet. It also means that they aren’t the most forgiving, a tradeoff for their ruthless efficiency.

Specialized tried to “off-road” the soles of these shoes by adding some toe and heel lugs as well as “pontoons” that border the cleat. While they are okay for walking around on flat surfaces, they are not great for hiking, and the exposed carbon on the soles gets scratched easily when you come anywhere near sharp rocks.

At 590 g for the pair in size 43.5, the S-Works Recon are some of the lightest off-road shoes we’ve tested. They’re also one of the stiffest and a great choice for performance-oriented riders and racers who want to look fancy, especially if you have wider-than-average feet. We’ve got more info in our launch coverage.

Sidi enjoyed many years as one of the premier cycling shoe brands in the industry. In recent years, however, they’ve been surpassed by numerous competitors, but Sidi is staging a comeback. The new Sidi Dominator X ($370) is a great example of the brand’s recent efforts to win back some market share. This shoe builds on the legacy of the iconic Dominator shoes of our youth, but with an improved fit, modern materials, and the same performance that made them legendary.

Sidi’s older shoes took a bit of time to properly break in, and even then, their fit was polarizing to say the least. With its latest road and off-road shoes, Sidi has moved to what they’re calling a Millennium Fit. This is based on a revised last with a slightly shorter and wider toe box for a generally roomier and more accommodating fit. The goal is to fit more riders comfortably without sacrificing performance, along with a better fit straight out of the box.

Having used Sidi shoes extensively in the past, we can honestly say the Millennium fit is a drastic improvement. They fit more naturally and comfortably immediately, and didn’t require weeks of break-in to mold to our feet. That’s also a testament to the shape of the footbed and sole underfoot, as well as the WYVE uppers. The WYVE fabric has a tough and somewhat structured feel, yet it conforms nicely to the feet.

Our test pair fit true to size in length, and the Millenium fit is about average in terms of width. The roomier and more accommodating fit doesn’t mean they are higher in volume, though, as these fit our tester’s low-volume feet without issue. The tongue design is fairly traditional with light padding and perforation for ventilation.

Sidi uses its own NUUN dials for the closure system, with one for the lower and midfoot, and another for the broad instep strap across the upper foot. This wide strap can be adjusted side to side to optimize its position on the foot, and it works very well to distribute pressure and tension over the upper foot and tendons, where wires can often dig in. This closure makes it easy to lock our feet into these shoes

With an 8 of 12 on Sidi’s sole stiffness scale, we expected to notice a tiny bit of flex under big power, but that has not been the case. The XC33 carbon composite sole feels rock-solid and efficient on the pedals. The cleat adjustment range is ample, and most gravel and XC riders should be able to find a suitable position. The aggressive lugs on the outsole provide lots of traction on loose surfaces, and a bit of rocker in the sole allows for a reasonable gait, despite the stiff soles.

We think the Dominator X is a big step forward for Sidi, but these shoes are not without fault. The NUUN dials work well, but they are a bit less user-friendly than BOA Fit Systems. You need to flip them up to turn them and down for riding, plus you need to press a small tab to release. Adjusting them on the fly isn’t quite as straightforward, and it takes two hands to loosen them when taking the shoes off. At 410 grams per shoe (size 43.5), they’re also a bit heavier than most shoes in the price range.

Still, these shoes are quite comfortable, efficient, and they look pretty good, too. We think it’s a step in the right direction that will help put Sidi back on people’s radar. You can learn more about them here.

The problem with most cycling shoes is, well, they feel like cycling shoes. Somewhere, somebody thought that in order to eke out the watts, feet should be locked inside a coffin. To maximize power, it’s not uncommon for cycling shoes to squeeze into a stiff, narrow fit that runs long for some amount of comfort.

Why do we love the Quoc’s Gran Tourer XC Lace ($290)? They feel normal. The width is natural, the length is appropriate, and the heel stays locked in place. This fit is most noticeable on all-day tours where every other part of the body is begging for mercy. And when you finally pull into the coffee shop, the Gran Tourer is classy enough to brush off the pain in style.

A traditional lace-up cycling shoe, Quoc’s Gran Tourer might look too nice to dirty up. But when the weather is in full mud season, this is the shoe we reach for first. Encased in a protective TPU rand, the synthetic upper is waterproof (up to the rand) and incredibly durable. And if you prefer the convenience of BOA closures, Quoc also makes the Gran Tourer XC ($310).

We wore them on a late-winter 50-miler where the gravel turned to mud, and the mud turned to ice. We rode, we grunted, and we walked a lot. At the end of the day, the shoes were caked in mud, but our feet remained dry. Back home, we rinsed them under the hose, and they washed off looking unscathed.

Flip them over, and the sole is a great combination of durability and protection. The rubber sole wraps the entire bottom of the shoe. The traction is soft enough to walk in, yet they still show little evidence of the miles we’ve put on ours.

The Gran Tourer XC Lace isn’t the stiffest of the bunch, but if you aren’t overly concerned with watts and KOMs, they hit the sweet spot of pedaling efficiency and comfort. And for most riders, that’s exactly what they want and need. At $290, they’re a little spendy but not over the top. You can easily drop $400 on carbon platform racing shoes, but they probably won’t last as long as Quocs.

One of the lightest shoes we tested, Shimano’s RX8 ($300), at 265 g per shoe, has a killer price-to-weight ratio. Shockingly, these shoes are lighter than the Shimano XC9 and $180 less expensive. They also happen to fit like a glove, have soles stiff enough for racing, and do pretty well when you’re forced off the bike and have to walk.

There isn’t really a huge difference between these shoes and Shimano’s models marketed as cross-country mountain bike shoes. The primary differentiation is honestly the colors and “graphics” on the uppers. And that’s not a bad thing, given that the brand’s XC shoes are some of the best in the business.

The RX8 has supple synthetic uppers and a BOA Li2 dial that tightens nicely over the instep. Down by the toes, a small Velcro strap aims to add some tension over the forefoot.

The carbon composite soles are plenty stiff — a hair less stiff than the XC9 — with a stiffness rating of 10 on Shimano’s scale. You’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference between the two, and they certainly don’t lack in pedaling efficiency.

A lugged outsole covers the carbon midsole for durability and off-the-bike traction. These shoes walk and hike reasonably well for what they are. They also happen to be relatively well-ventilated with ample perforations in the uppers to let the feet get some air.

The Shimano RX8 is a staff favorite and our go-to shoe for fast rides and races where stiffness and low weight are the priority. They strike a strong balance of comfort, stiffness, performance, and durability. Now, if we could only get Shimano to put a second BOA over the toes.

We feel the Fizik Terra Atlas ($180) strikes a nice middle ground between comfort, versatility, and performance at a more approachable price point. It doesn’t deliver the race-focused feel of some higher-end models, but its balanced ride quality makes it a solid option for a wide range of disciplines, from casual XC rides to gravel adventures and bikepacking trips. Riders chasing podiums will want to look elsewhere, but for others, the Terra Atlas is easy to live with.

Underfoot, a nylon shank provides pedaling support, and Fizik rates the sole stiffness at 5 out of 10. Compared to the ultra-rigid Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon, the Terra Atlas definitely flexes more under hard efforts. Still, it never felt overly soft or inefficient, and we didn’t experience the foot or lower-leg fatigue that can sometimes come with overly flexible soles.

That added flex pays off when it’s time to hike or walk. The forefoot bends naturally, making off-bike movement feel much less awkward than in stiffer shoes, while the rubber outsole grips well across a variety of terrain. The cleat track also provides plenty of fore-aft adjustment to suit different fit preferences and riding styles.

Right out of the box, the supple uppers impressed with their comfort. The fit feels true to size in terms of length, while the overall shape is slightly roomier than some other Fizik models — but not venturing into wide territory. A single BOA dial tightens the asymmetrical upper and tongue, drawing tension from the top of the foot down toward the forefoot.

We found this closure system works reasonably well, though dialing in perfectly even tension can take some fiddling, particularly near the toes. The overlapping wire routing occasionally catches on itself, making micro-adjustments less smooth than we’d prefer. And while the soft upper material is undeniably comfortable, it doesn’t provide the best lateral support.

Ventilation is solid thanks to extensive perforations throughout the upper and tongue. Like similar shoes, however, foot protection is fairly minimal, so you’ll want to watch those pinky toes when tackling rough or technical terrain.

The Terra Atlas delivers a comfortable, adaptable ride for non-competitive cyclists. If your rides lean toward the more casual and/or adventurous side of the gravel spectrum, they’re definitely worth a look.

The Five Ten Kestrel BOA ($230) represents a significant departure from the brand’s more gravity-oriented mountain bike shoe line. Known more for its legendary flat pedal shoes, this is the first stiff-soled cross-country/gravel shoe that the brand has made. We’ve been riding in a pair off and on for the past year, and it turns out that they’re a great pair of shoes that’s plenty stiff and offers a bit more foot protection than most.

Unlike more expensive shoes that typically use carbon fiber, the Kestrel BOA uses a glass fiber midsole that’s plenty stiff and helps to keep the price down. It might be a touch less stiff, but we never noticed a lack of pedaling efficiency or support or felt the soles flexing under power.

Five Ten also added some serious lugs to the sole made from Stealth Marathon rubber. While this is one of the firmer compounds they make, there’s no lack of walking/hiking traction due in large part to the aggressive toe and heel lugs.

The upper is comprised of a couple of different synthetic materials. A tough, Cordura-like fabric wraps around the whole shoe and allows for decent breathability over the toes and sides of the midfoot.

That’s wrapped in an abrasion-resistant material around the toes and capped with a thick rubber toe bumper to provide some serious rock strike protection. The heel also has a healthy amount of reinforcement along with padding around the ankle cuff, making these shoes more protective of the feet than others on this list.

Five Ten chose to use a BOA dial to tighten the shoes over the upper foot and two Velcro straps to secure them over the mid and forefoot. This system is quick and easy to use and allows you to snug the shoes around the whole foot. The Velcro straps do make us a little wary, however, as they tend to wear out more quickly than other closures — ours are still fine after a year, though.

It’s also worth noting that the fit of the Kestrel BOA is more voluminous than others. They aren’t too wide, necessarily — there’s just quite a bit of volume. We found that replacing the thin stock footbed with a thicker aftermarket option helped tremendously to dial in the fit for our lower-volume feet.

Beyond that, the Five Ten Kestrel BOA shoes are an excellent first XC/gravel effort from the brand. These rugged shoes are quite versatile, with uses spanning from trail and cross-country mountain biking to long and adventurous days on the gravel bike. Anyone with somewhat higher-volume feet seeking something a bit more protective than typical gravel shoes will find a lot to like here.

Velocio’s LUXE bib ($299) is supremely comfortable in every way. The fabric used by Velocio — a blend of 57% Polymide, 43% Elastane — dubbed “LUXE”, perfectly balances supple stretch with support and compression. The straps are seamless and joined with a mesh panel across your back, keeping the shorts perfectly positioned over your longest rides. The leg openings are raw cut to prevent chafing and allow freedom of movement in the quads and hamstrings. The proprietary “long-distance” chamois, developed with Cytech, is dense and supple, providing excellent breathability without a hint of friction anywhere. The LUXE is without fault and is a stellar choice for any challenging ride or tour. 

The fit of the LUXE is, well, ridiculously luxurious. With a three-panel design and minimal seams, there are no puckering, bunching, or irritating sections of material at all. The length of both the straps and legs is perfect, giving just enough stretch to stand comfortably, and covering just the right amount of the quadriceps muscles with an exceptional and supportive fit around the glutes. Unlike many premium bib shorts, the LUXE is not excessively articulated to the riding position. So, they are perfectly comfortable when standing up, either out of the saddle or off the bike. 

Velocio’s aesthetic is minimal and stylish. Two tiny logos are the only branding on these bib shorts, and the LUXE will pair well with jerseys from any brand. The LUXE is offered in six tasteful, subdued colors, which is great since you might end up wanting multiple pairs of these. They’re so good, in fact, that you may end up retiring a few pairs of your old shorts once you try them. 

The LUXE fabric is special. It instantly feels like a second skin from the moment you put it on, with just the right balance of compression and stretch. The fabric also manages moisture and temperature incredibly well. On a memorable test ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) in North Carolina, temperatures were all over the place. This ride entailed climbing up steep slopes out of Asheville in balmy conditions at the start, into a wintry mix of fog and wind along the upper sections of the BRP, near Mount Mitchell, with a long descent back down. Despite varying temperatures and conditions, the LUXE fabric helped maintain a perfect temperature and effectively controlled moisture throughout the entire ride. 

At $299, the Velocio LUXE are certainly expensive bib shorts, but they are more reasonable than some high-end offerings from other brands. After testing them rigorously and having a great experience with them, we feel they are a solid value, even at a high price point. 

Check out this article about the Velocio LUXE collection if you’re interested in learning more.

For riders who are beginning to challenge themselves with longer bike rides but may not be convinced that bib shorts are worthwhile, the Pearl Izumi Attack ($125) is a great entry point. At their retail price, they are a value-packed option from a company that’s been producing quality cycling apparel and bib shorts for decades. 

Leveraging its track record of producing great bib shorts, Pearl Izumi was able to transfer many features and design elements of their most expensive bib shorts into the entry-level Attack. Reduced paneling and seams, and using raw-edge bib straps promise enhanced comfort along the legs and torso. Pearl Izumi’s excellent Elite Levitate Chamois pad provides optimal moisture transfer and breathability.

Given the lower price point, we found the fit of the Attack to be impressive, especially when compared to bib shorts that cost almost triple the price. The leg length of 10.5” is perfect, and the compression of the Select Transfer fabric is up there with the best bibs tested. The straps are also well-designed, staying flat against the shoulders and never bunching or irritating the skin. The pad is suitable for rides up to 3 hours and stays dry and comfortable in warm conditions. 

Offered in five color options, including solid Black and Navy, with only a single small Pearl Izumi logo, the look is subdued and timeless. These shorts are sure to go along with virtually any jersey and won’t ever go out of style.

It’s likely that if you invest in a pair of the Pearl Izumi Attack, they won’t be your last pair of bib shorts. They deliver on all the promises that bib shorts make, like better support, decreased pad friction, and better overall comfort on longer rides at a fraction of the cost of the high-end competition.  

In a word, the latest Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts ($228) are luxurious, which alone is reason enough to love them. They also have a host of details and features that make them a must-have for any adventurous cyclist who tests the limits of what their gear can withstand. Starting with the basics, the Cargo Bib Shorts are sewn in Italy using high-quality fabric that hits the sweet spot between flexible freedom and supportive compression. The fabric is Oeko-Tex certified and produced with recycled content using safe, environmentally responsible methods. 

What impressed us the most was the fit. With just enough leg length to cover and support the quads, and a pad location that makes for a stable but streamlined seat atop the saddle. The high-density endurance pad was excellent, providing cushioning and support throughout the longest adventure rides while taking the edge off sharp bumps on less-traveled pavement and chunky gravel roads. The best cycling kit just stays out of the way and allows for total freedom in pedaling, shifting weight fore and aft, and standing up out of the saddle, and the Cargo Bib Shorts achieved that and are also just supremely comfortable.

The straps are simple, effective, and go completely unnoticed, with a wide, stretchy, and seamless construction. The leg grippers take a similar approach, with a moderate length, laser-cut openings, and a subtle, soft silicone pattern applied to the inside. We found these bibs best suited to mild weather, between 60 and 85 degrees. They are dense enough to use with leg warmers and stay comfortable on a dry day in the 50s, but also breathe well enough to work in the low 90s.

Of course, with cargo pockets on each leg plus two on the back, there’s plenty of space to stash your gummy snacks and pocket computer. This level of storage is great if you just want to wear a t-shirt instead of a tight jersey for a casual ride around town, or you’re loaded up for a gravel century. The leg pockets are roomy and easy to access, and the updated color-matched material is sturdy enough to withstand being loaded up to the brim on even the bumpiest roads. Even for straightforward road rides, we enjoyed using the leg pockets to store snacks, wrappers, and a phone with easy access while rolling.

They also look great, with four tasteful colors to choose from and minimal branding, and that’s by design. Ornot’s founder, Matt Quan, started the brand in response to feeling like a “rolling billboard” whenever he suited up in his racing team kit, adorned with countless sponsor logos (our podcast is worth a listen). As it turns out, plenty of cyclists felt the same way and have adopted the minimal Ornot aesthetic, helping the brand to a successful decade-plus run up to this point. A fringe benefit of the near-zero branding is that the Cargo Bibs pair well with jerseys from other brands.

If you are looking for a super comfortable pair of bibs, the competitively priced Ornot Cargo Bibs are worth a shot. Even if you’re not specifically looking for cargo bibs, the pockets won’t bother you, and who knows, you may become a convert to this functional cycling fashion trend. You can learn more about the latest Ornot Cargo Bibs here.

The Castelli Endurance 4 bib shorts ($175) are the next step in the evolution of the brand’s mid-range workhorse bibs. Featuring Castelli’s range-topping Progetto X2 Air Seamless Chamois, the Endurance 4 is a traditional, but refined pair of bibs. The objectives Castelli set for the Endurance 4 were exceptional seated comfort and moisture control, along with a great fit.

While the Endurance 4 achieved the first two objectives, its fit wasn’t especially impressive relative to the best bib shorts out there. This is simply due to the relatively high prevalence of seams in a traditionally constructed bib short like the Endurance 4. More seams give rise to more puckering and bunching of the fabric, especially around the medial glute area. This is something that Castelli understands, and it’s on display in the Free Aero Race, which costs a bit more but uses a more advanced fabric that requires much less stitching and fits much better in the legs and glute area than the Endurance 4. 

All that said, the Endurance is a great choice for long rides, especially in warm conditions. Castelli’s Endurance Evolution fabric stays dry and cool, and there is no better pad than the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. The traditional mesh straps articulate well around the torso without pinching or grabbing. While straps have evolved beyond traditional mesh in higher-end bibs, these mesh straps are without any fuss or issues. 

Castelli did not use traditional silicone grippers on the leg openings of the Endurance 4, opting instead for its Giro3 gripper, which is very comfortable because it relies on compression, not surface friction, to hold the lower hem of the shorts perfectly in place. It’s worth noting that this is a somewhat delicate design and may lose effectiveness if the Endurance 4 is machine-dried repeatedly. 

Another small niggle with the Endurance 4, and most Castelli cycling shorts, for that matter, is the heat-transferred logos, which can peel and look a bit sad after about one season. Thankfully, Castelli has moved to a stitched rubber medallion logo on some of their more expensive models, which helps enhance perceived quality and longevity. 

At $175, the performance of the Castelli Endurance 4 makes it a solid value. If you’re looking for a moderately priced bib short with a world-class chamois and excellent moisture control, these are a good choice.  

The Black Bibs are designed by Starlight Custom Cycling Apparel, which has been making custom kits for race teams and bike shops for over 20 years. The goal of The Black Bibs is to compete with more expensive bib shorts but at a much lower price point. The Black Bibs Ultimate ($80) is their mid-range option, which is double the cost of The Black Bibs Original offering. 

The brand’s mission statement holds that quality cycling kit has become prohibitively expensive and that by doing away with labels and other “B.S”, The Black Bibs will allow more riders to enjoy cycling, regardless of their budget. This approach is certainly commendable, but we don’t necessarily see these shorts as only for people who can’t afford something better. But it’s worth considering that $80 actually sounds about right for a foam pad sewn into a pair of Lycra shorts, whether you’re a college freshman who just discovered road riding or a retired physician who rides 15 hours a week.

Still, it’s fair to ask what is missing from these $80 bib shorts, compared with options for a pair costing 3x as much. To understand the difference, you’d need to test ride or at least hold both types of bibs side-by-side. The Velocio Luxe, for instance, uses more refined materials, which in turn facilitate more advanced design, and feature a more luxurious and expensive pad. The Black Bibs Ultimate, on the other hand, uses proven, albeit less exotic fabric, which requires a more traditional design that incorporates significantly more stitching. Essentially, these bibs are as good as anything from 20 years ago, but not as good as the best bibs being developed nowadays. 

Getting into the specifics, The Black Bibs Ultimate is made using 80% polyester and 20% spandex. The pad is sourced from DR Pad, based in Italy, and is triple-density 80-95-120 kg/m3. Thickness is from 2 to 15mm, and a carbon antistatic layer is applied for increased comfort. The straps are a simple mesh, and the bands at the leg openings are silicone-infused to provide a gentle grip. The fit is good, considering that the fabric is not heavily articulated or especially supple, therefore requiring more stitching, which results in some slight puckering and bunching along the seams. 

The somewhat slippery fabric and positioning of the pad create a tendency to slip forward on the saddle, requiring occasional shifting of the body for maximum comfort. For this reason, these wouldn’t be our first pick for racing, as this would be at best a distraction, and at worst could compromise your ability to ride powerfully in a super-aggressive position for sustained periods. 

Cycling has enough status symbols, and bib shorts don’t need to be another one. The Black Bibs deserve credit for offering a product with zero branding. It seems weird to pay for something and then be a rolling billboard for that product every time you leave the house. Instead of logos, The Black Bibs come in Navy or Black, as well as tall and short inseam lengths, long strap options, and the Ultimate 3D ($110) with a 3D-printed seat pad. The Black Bibs also sells less expensive models, including the original bibs ($40), Plus bibs ($65), Adventure bibs ($85), along with some jerseys, socks, and more.

If you are looking to ride more and spend less, and aren’t concerned with brand names, The Black Bibs Ultimate are a great pick. You can learn more about The Black Bibs in this article.

Castelli’s value-oriented Competizione 2 Bib Short ($150) incorporates many features of its more expensive offerings, at a much more accessible price. The fit is still excellent – a hallmark of all Castelli bib shorts – and the construction quality is top-notch as well, meaning you’ll get a lot of great rides out of these bib shorts.

The Competizione 2 features the Kiss Air2 pad, which is amazingly comfortable, thanks to its stretchy, soft skin-care layer that provides total freedom of movement with minimum bulk, according to Castelli. After testing, we can confirm it’s soft against the skin whilst on the saddle and agree that the Kiss Air2 pad is less bulky than the higher-end Progetto pad, and feels better able to contour to the body. The stability and moisture control of the Kiss Air2 isn’t quite up to the Progetto’s level, but it is still excellent.  

The fit is race-oriented with longer-than-average leg length and nicely articulated panels that create a smooth, aerodynamic fit in the riding position. Aerodynamic fabric, dubbed “Vortex” by Castelli, flanks the outer legs. While it is hard to quantify its aerodynamic properties, it is definitely comfortable and breathes very well. 

The straps are a traditional mesh design with excellent stretch and a fabric soft enough to forego a base layer and wear directly against the skin. The Giro4 leg grippers are some of the best in the industry and have been used on Castelli’s most high-end bib shorts until very recently. 

Out on the road, the Competizione 2 does the job it is there to do. These bibs provide comfort and support thanks to a great overall fit and features that would grace the range-topping offerings of many of Castelli’s bib shorts from a few years back. If you are looking for a more affordable option with some of Castelli’s best technology included, check out the Competizione 2 Bib Short. 

At the high end of the price spectrum, Pearl Izumi only just recently launched its new premium, race-ready apparel lineup, which includes the Pi PRO/BLACK Bib Shorts ($350). These shorts combine high compression, aerodynamic texturing, an excellent seat pad, and a modern fit. If you’re racing or just seeking peak performance on fast-paced rides, the PI Black bib shorts offer heaps of muscle support and may even save you some precious watts.

They might carry a high price tag, but the new PRO/BLACK bibs are a decidedly high-end piece of kit. The Italian stretch-woven material is shockingly light, with our test pair weighing in at 161 grams in a size medium. At the same time, it’s VERY compressive. These bibs are so compressive that they’re a bit of a struggle to pull on initially, but that translates to maximum muscle support and benefits circulation, too.

Raw cut hems are lined with a subtle bonded texture to keep them firmly in place, while the seamless shoulder straps are barely even noticeable against the skin. The paneling and cut of the shorts are heavily articulated for the riding position, with minimal seams. The PRO 3D Levitate Chamois is also quite dense and impressively stable and comfortable in the saddle. These are race-oriented shorts, of course, but we found it to be well-suited to neutral body positions on long gravel rides, too.

The material on the thighs includes a ribbed texture, which is intended to disrupt airflow over the quads, which is claimed to improve aerodynamics. While these types of claims are easy to call dubious, there is testing data to back up the watt savings and efficiency gains. Lots of other brands are incorporating similar textures in their raciest apparel for a reason. Will you notice it on the road? Probably not, but it can’t hurt.

We also appreciate the modern, longer inseam and subdued style with minimal branding. These bibs pair very nicely with the Pi PRO Black Short Sleeve Jersey or the supremely ventilated Mesh Jersey. If you appreciate high compression and potential aero gains, these are worth checking out. You can learn more about the Pi PRO/Black lineup here.

Rapha’s original Pro Team bib shorts were a hit when they launched in the mid-2010s. While they remain a great pair of bib shorts and a hallmark of the Rapha line to this day, they aren’t loved for their durability, and depending on your preferences, might not offer quite enough support for on-the-rivet riding. Rapha seemed to be on a mission to not only sort these liabilities but convert them to assets in the latest iteration of their race-ready bib shorts, the Pro Team Powerweave ($400).

Our first impression wasn’t the best, and we felt that perhaps these bibs were actually too stiff and compressive. The straps dug in a bit, and while the fit of the shorts was great, the legs felt a bit grabby and resisted expanding and bending around the legs as they moved through the pedal stroke. Over time, repeated wear and washings, this feeling changed, and the Pro Team Powerweave began to fit and move much more comfortably. Would it be better if they were super comfortable out of the box? Yes, but the patience paid off.

One aspect of the Powerweave that we loved from the get-go was the pad comfort. It’s no surprise, as Rapha has had this figured out for a long time, but the pad felt especially stable and malleable, just perfect, really. Rapha describes this pad as a “low-profile” design, but don’t take that to mean that the ride will be harsh. It’s a Goldilocks combo of dense support and flexible contouring that felt great all of the time. 

Rapha’s Powerweave material helps shed weight by a claimed 20% from the original Pro Team bibs. However, unlike other ultralight bib shorts, the Pro Team Powerweave doesn’t compromise on compression, durability, or versatility. The materials and build quality give these bibs a rugged feel that will hold up to a ton of abuse, whether you’re riding road or gravel, and machine-washing them day in and day out. For an ultralight bib short, the Powerweave also performs admirably in a wide temperature range, not just the heat of summer.

Rapha is still playing it safe with style. The toned-down, minimal look still works, and has been copied by so many of Rapha’s subsequent competitors, that it just doesn’t help Rapha stand apart anymore. That said, these bibs look the business when paired with a full Rapha jersey, with the Powerweave material’s texture accentuating the legs’ musculature while also providing excellent support. Its function and form come together.

A new 7-panel construction means that not only is the Powerweave still Pro Team snug — aimed at riders who stack miles and stay relatively lean — but also has a clean, aero fit. For riders with more mass, we’d recommend sizing up. With an articulated fit for aggressive riding positions, these bibs didn’t budge when riding in the drops or with a flat back and deep elbow bend. The pad is positioned so the rider’s pelvis is supported when rotated forward, helping achieve a more powerful, aero riding stance.

At $400, you’d have to consider the Rapha Pro Team Powerweave an “investment” to justify the cost. While the price is steep, the comfort, performance, and durability are on par with any other bib shorts in this price range. If price isn’t an issue and you’ve already got a few Rapha jerseys hanging in the closet, then the Pro Team Powerweave will, of course, be a great addition. 

The CONCEPT Bib Short ($349) is ostensibly Velocio’s range-topping model, even pricier than the LUXE, which is the winner for the all-around best bib short in this test. The CONCEPT is Velocio’s race-focused offering, promising improved pedaling motion, a highly compressive fit, and aerodynamically optimized performance. 

The race-oriented fit of these bibs is clear from the moment they’re put on. The fabric is highly compressive, and the straps feel short when standing upright. Once you’re on the bike, the CONCEPT feels more natural and comfortable, but if you’re on the cusp of sizes, we’d recommend going up, not down. One small critique we had of the fit of the previous version was the leg length. For a bib short aimed at aero gains, the legs were fairly short. Velocio has addressed this with the redesigned CONCEPT, covering more of the quad muscles for a more modern look, fit, and even more aero gains.

Improved pedaling motion comes from a custom-designed, multi-density, race-ready chamois developed with the seat pad experts at Elastic Interface. This multi-density pad had a graduated thickness, and its race-ready design has a minimal feel that is best suited to more aggressive, racy body positions. We found it provided excellent support and cushioning where it was needed without any bulk due to excess material. While it is hard to say if pedaling in the CONCEPT bibs felt noticeably different or better compared to other high-end bibs, it certainly felt stable and fluid. 

Overall, the CONCEPT is a great pair of cycling bib shorts, but they were bested in the comfort department by Velocio’s own LUXE model. That said, if aero gains and compression are your priorities, the Velocio CONCEPT is certainly worth a look. 

Endura’s Pro SL Power Bib Short ($250) is designed to bring blissful comfort to your longest rides. With a high-density 700 Series Pad, these bibs are intended to be comfortable for those all-day epics yet are billed by the brand as race-ready, too.

The “premium lightweight fabric mixed with Lycra” isn’t the most descriptive, but we found it fits perfectly and provides wonderful support and compression. The fabric is also pre-shaped with a multi-panel construction to nicely conform to the body. That supportive, secure fit, along with gentle silicone grippers on the hem bands, ensures the shorts stay firmly in place hour after hour. 

The construction is well thought out with well-considered paneling and minimal seams. The straps are also low-profile and go almost unnoticed, but they did a great job of keeping the shorts and chamois in place. We experienced no pressure points or irritation, and seated comfort only improved the longer the test rides went. The high-density 700 Series chamois is race-inspired, and we found it to be quite comfortable. That said, we are somewhat partial to the 800 Series EGM pad we’ve tried in the previous version of these bibs. 

At $250 US, the Endura Pro SL Power offers a moderately priced option compared to many similar bibs that cost $50+ more. The Pro SL Power is also available in regular and long lengths to dial in the fit to your needs, along with three solid and low-key color options to suit your preference. 

POC’s latest foray into cycling apparel is impressive; its Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts ($200) have an undeniably comfortable chamois. The patent-pending “Novus” pad is visibly wider than most, and in our hands, it gave the impression that it could potentially be too thick. POC states that its gel-infused, multi-density pad is the result of extensive research involving saddle pressure mapping and consultations with physiotherapists, gynecologists, and bike-fitting experts to create male and female-specific pads unlike any other.

Indeed, the perceived thickness of the pad disappeared once in the saddle, and we had to really pay attention to notice where the pad stopped. It provided firm support under the sit bones without any noticeable edges or significant changes in pad density or thickness. Even on rough gravel, we never bottomed it out. What was the most amazing, though, was that the seemingly thick pad off the bike transformed into one of the best-feeling chamois pads we’ve used on the bike.

The main body’s fabric felt right in the middle of the spectrum on breathability vs. durability, being heavier than some and lighter than others. On a particularly balmy, humid ride, we noticed airflow whenever a gust blew from the side. The bibs stayed put with middle-of-the-road compression and well-executed, comfortable silicone leg grippers.

The cargo pockets were perfectly suited for gels and snacks, and the shoulder straps went unnoticed while riding, supporting those pockets and keeping the chamois in place. They didn’t require any trickery while donning the bibs to keep them from getting twisted. The length of the Cadence Cargo Bib is on the shorter side by current standards, but well within the range of aesthetics for road cycling.

Our only real nitpick is that without a middle, vertical seam in the dead center of the shorts, they lay strangely in the front while riding in an aggressive position. Many shorts like this develop a horizontal fold right above where the chamois ends in the front, which the POC Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts did as well. But again, this is not specific to POC.

For $200, the POC Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts are a solid value, especially considering the impressive Novus chamois.

For some riders, durability is a priority, and for those riders, the Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO ($325) might be the bibs they are looking for. Made with a super tough CORDURA material, these cargo bibs are geared toward gravel and adventure riders seeking kit that is made to stand up to some abuse. The latest version of these bibs is a big step up from its predecessor, with more storage, tougher materials, and a killer seat pad.

If you’re a gravel rider or adventurous cyclist, Pearl Izumi had you in mind when redesigning the Expedition PRO bibs. If you’ve ever crashed on gravel, brushed up against a tree trunk, or encountered unavoidable trail or roadside branches on your rides, then you may already be aware that many bibs are made from flimsy materials. We’ve ruined enough pairs of bibs to know that thin, lightweight, and stretchy materials can shred easily.

That’s why Pearl Izumi made the main body of these bibs with Armourtech CORDURA. While it isn’t the softest or the most supple, it’s exponentially tougher and made to withstand your trailside scrapes and gravel road washouts. It’s also relatively supportive, with a moderate level of compression for those long days in the saddle. The 10.5-inch inseam length was also appreciated for leg coverage and sun protection. And, while the material may be tough, the shoulder straps are among the softest and most comfortable we’ve worn, essentially going unnoticed while riding. The raw cut leg grippers with tiny silicone dots also helped to keep the shorts comfortably in place.

Pearl Izumi’s latest PRO Levitate 3D chamois is a triple-density pad that’s among the best we’ve tried from the brand. It is undoubtedly an endurance-oriented pad intended for all-day comfort and the less aggressive body positions associated with most big, adventurous rides. That said, the shorts held it in place well while providing excellent sit-bone cushioning over rough pavement and buzzy gravel roads.

While the previous version of these bibs had limited storage, Pearl Izumi increased the number of pockets to four. One pocket on each thigh and two on the lower back have you covered, whether you’re wearing a tight-fitting jersey or not. While most cargo pockets on the legs are made of mesh, Pearl went with an even tougher ripstop CORDURA material. The pocket on the left thigh offers security with a zipper closure and is ideal for things like cards or a car key. The drop-in pocket on the right has you covered for a phone or snacks you want to keep handy.

At $325, the new Expedition PRO cargo bibs certainly aren’t cheap. That said, they’re significantly tougher than most and will stand up to abuse that would send other bibs to the trash bin. If you’re notoriously tough on gear, then these durable bib shorts could be well worth the asking price.

Giro’s recently revamped Chrono Elite Bib Shorts ($220) deliver supreme comfort and are made with Bluesign-approved recycled fabric. While the construction of this bib short is fairly traditional and straightforward, the fit is better than most bibs that are crafted this way. Many bibs that feature similar amounts of stitching tend to pucker around the medial glute. These bibs stay nice and tidy in this area, giving the posterior better support and a more athletic appearance. 

The Chrono Elite pad is made by Elastic Interface and has four density zones to provide the optimal balance of firm support and supple cushioning wherever and however you are riding. It’s positioned perfectly to prevent it from sliding forward and provides plenty of material to protect the soft tissues around the sit bones. The pad has a reasonable width from side to side, allowing freedom of movement in the pedal stroke while remaining stable and locked in place on rougher roads. 

Tall, laser-cut gripper panels provide a luxurious compressive hold on the quads. A generous but subtle application of silicone inside each gripper panel ensures that the legs don’t ride up for better muscle support and aerodynamic performance. Laser-cut straps lay perfectly flat against the torso, ensuring comfort whether riding with or without a base layer. The bib straps converge at the upper spine, at the top of a mesh panel that helps maximize cooling on the sweat-prone lower back.

The main panels of the shorts extend up fairly high, all the way to the naval area. This might be a different feeling compared to other bib shorts, but it does offer a nice amount of support for the lower back and lower abdomen and offers a bit of extra protection in slightly cooler conditions. 

Branding is minimal, with a retro-inspired squared logo on each leg. While it technically does feature “Giro” 8 times in total, the Chrono Elite isn’t going to get much attention. That’s something we like in a pair of bib shorts, and it makes it easy to mix these bibs with a jersey from a different brand. Small reflective tabs are built into the rear-facing seam of each leg for improved visibility in low-light conditions. 

Overall, the Giro Chrono Elite Bibs are a solid value at $220 and arguably one of the best available at that price point. While not trying to do anything unusual, these bibs quietly get all the important things right. There may be better options for rides in conditions like extreme heat or rough gravel, but for any long and spirited road ride, the Chrono Elite is more than up to the task of keeping you comfortable and moving fast.

While Rapha’s best-known bib short is the Classic II, the Pro Team line is arguably its more advanced offering. Adopting a more race-inspired fit and design, while retaining the comfort and coming in ~$50 US less than the Classic II, the Rapha Pro Team Training ($210) is a compelling option for both racers and avid recreational cyclists.

Rapha’s Pro Team line is bifurcated into a racing kit focused on aerodynamic gains and a training kit designed for pouring on big miles day after day. So, it’s not surprising that the Pro Team Training bib shorts are supportive and luxurious. The fabric is lightweight but fairly dense, and adapts to a wide range of temperatures, so you can head out early in the morning and ride comfortably into the heat of midday. 

The chamois pad is size-specific and has a very structured, dense, supportive feel. As the miles pass, the pad becomes more comfortable and compliant. While it doesn’t match the seamless feel of the Velocio Luxe, the comfort is excellent, given that the Pro Team’s fabric and construction are more traditional. On that note, the Pro Team Training bib shorts use plenty of stitching and paneling. Happily, this does not result in any bunching, pinching, or loose-fitting sections. 

The fit is compressive but not overly tight, which makes sense for bib shorts intended for very long rides on successive days. The white straps are a nice touch since they stay invisible beneath lighter-colored jerseys. Most importantly, they are comfortably stretchy and soft, whether paired with a base layer or worn directly against the skin. Leg length is traditional, a bit shorter than many contemporary bib shorts. Thankfully, the Pro Team Training is available in a long length for taller riders. 

For knocking out big training rides in style and comfort, the Rapha Pro Team Training Bib Shorts are a solid choice. At $210, these are expensive, but still considerably less than many other high-end options. If you’ve always been curious about Rapha bib shorts, these would be an excellent introduction, as they balance all the best aspects of Rapha fit, comfort, and style. 

Ocean & San’s luxurious Solution Bib Short not only makes the perfect pairing for their comfortable All Day Shirt but also takes full advantage of the most advanced materials and technologies, meaning they are an excellent pick for any type of road riding. Constructed from 200 gsm performance Italian fabric with four-way stretch, the Solution Bib Short is sold in either cargo or traditional styles without pockets, in two color options – navy and black, and in both men’s and women’s versions. 

We found the fit to be excellent, with a great leg length to ensure anyone wearing them will look and feel great on their bike, along with a high level of comfort comparable to that of high-end shorts from more well-known brands. The material has ample stretch to allow for excellent freedom of movement while providing light compression and ample support, and the 7.5cm leg grippers keep them confidently in place on your quads.

The triple-layer elastic interface pad incorporates Eco Carbonium, an antibacterial fabric that helps to keep things fresh while providing seated comfort as good as or better than any other bibs in the mid-$200s price point. The pad’s location and size are perfect, providing ample support at the sit bones with zero excess bulk towards the front. 

The 4.5cm-wide straps are thin and soft, lying flat and unobtrusively across the shoulders, back, and chest, while successfully balancing stretch and hold to keep everything in place and irritation-free. This makes The Solution Bib Shorts a great choice for warm days when base layers are unnecessary. 

We’re excited to see what Ocean & San come up with as they grow and develop a larger customer base. They have a unique take on cycling apparel, but the Solution Bib Short will please anyone who wants to look great while riding in total comfort on any type of road or gravel ride.

You can learn more about Ocean & San products in our review of the All Day Shirt and Solution Bibs.

The premium cycling apparel brand Le Col recently entered the gravel market with its new ARC collection. This range of gravel-focused threads aims to meet the demands of the growing gravel and adventure riding market with the quality and performance that Le Col is known for. The foundation of the kit is the new Le Col ARC Cargo Bib Shorts ($270). Combining premium comfort, functional pockets, and a refined design, they are a great choice for gravel and long-distance riders.

Crafted from a blend of 62% polyamide and 38% elastane, the fabric felt impressively soft, smooth, and luxurious against the skin. Its four-way stretch offered excellent freedom of movement with a light level of compression, ideal for those who prefer comfort over firm support. We found the highly breathable fabric to be very quick drying and best for riding in warmer conditions. Despite the soft feel, this material stood up well to crashes, surprising us with its durability.

Along with the luxurious material, the fit and craftsmanship were top-notch. The generous leg length was especially beneficial for our long-legged tester, and the raw-cut leg grippers with silicone dots helped keep them in place. Inside, flat seams eliminated the chances of chafing, and the “multi-terrain performance chamois pad” was perfectly attached and impressively stable. This multi-density pad has a bamboo microfiber top sheet, and it kept us comfortable on long gravel rides while managing moisture effectively.

The bibs feature wide, seamless shoulder straps that balance support and comfort impressively well. Though the straps aligned with our tester’s nipples, they were soft enough to avoid irritation, even without a base layer. A mesh panel across the upper back aids breathability while supporting the rear cargo pockets.

Like any cargo bibs, storage is a primary feature. The large thigh cargo pockets — made from the same material as the shorts — blended in visually while holding smartphones, snacks, or gloves securely. Two equally large rear pockets sit low on the back. While hard to reach under a traditional jersey, they could be handy when paired with looser tops without built-in pockets.

We also appreciated the sleek and understated style of the ARC Bibs. The colorways are tasteful and paired well with other pieces in the ARC collection and from other brands. The subtle reflective logos on the thigh pockets and back enhanced visibility in low light without detracting from the minimalist look.

Overall, we were impressed by the comfort, functionality, and clean aesthetics of the ARC Cargo Bib Shorts. At $270, they’re a premium piece of kit, but we feel they offer the comfort, performance, and style to match.