Endura FS260 Pro Thermo Bibknicker bib shorts review

Endura’s FS260 Pro Thermo Bibknickers are three-quarter length bib shorts designed to be worn across a variety of winter riding conditions.

Being a thermal bib short means they provide extra warmth on colder days, while a water-repellent coating helps to keep the water out.

Endura Pro Thermo Bibknicker bib shorts specifications and details

The Pro Thermal Bibknickers are cut from Thermoroubaix fabric with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the outside. This fabric is designed to provide a combination of insulation, comfort and water repellency.

They’re highly breathable, which positions them well for fast-paced riding or racing when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

While the fabric offers lots of protection, they weigh in at just over 300g in a size medium – which is not very heavy for a pair of the best cycling bib shorts.

Even with the water-resistant treatment, they’re not thick, and don’t feel overly stiff or cumbersome, as some bib tights can.

Sizing is spot-on and, unlike some high-end brands with a dominantly racy cut, there's no need to size up: they fit true to size.

Endura Pro Thermo Bibknicker bib shorts performance

Riders are often divided about three-quarter length bibs – some love how they traverse the divide between bib shorts and bib tights, others prefer to use leg or knee warmers.

Once you’ve ridden in the Pro Thermo Bibknickers, though, it’s hard not to love them. Practically, it saves the need to use winter shorts with knee warmers, which means fewer overlapping seams and ultimately more comfort.

It’s in the comfort stakes that the Pro Thermo Bibknickers really excel. They feel great from the moment you put them on thanks to the well-executed thermal Lycra panels. Instantly, the quality shines through.

The Thermoroubaix brushed fabric feels luxurious and cosy, delivering a high level of insulation, effectively keeping the cold at bay down into single digits.

This toasty fabric, while it’s not windproof, made the Pro Thermo Bibknickers ideal for colder days – yet I found they remained breathable enough for winter racing, gravel riding and cyclocross duties.

The cut is fitted and the fabric provides good muscle support without feeling overly compressive. The fabric continues up around the lower back and midriff for extra warmth, and Endura has added a front zip for ease of donning.

The two-inch deep cuffs do a top job of keeping the legs in place without digging into the calf muscles.

On the rear, there are two reflective stripes that help you to be seen, while keeping the aesthetic classy and clean. There are also reflective logos on the thighs and a smaller one on the rear.

The PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) treatment sees rain roll off effectively in a shower. The treatment does a good job of keeping spray off your rear too.

In heavier, more prolonged rain, the fabric does eventually wet out, but that’s to be expected of water-resistant treatments such as this.

The stretchy bib section comes with wide-fitting upper shoulder straps that sit flat. The thinner mesh material used here means you don’t get overly sweaty, even when working hard or racing.

Inside, Endura’s pre-curved 600 Series chamois pad is a real stand-out feature. It’s cut with the Scottish brand’s 'Continuously Variable Profile' with gel inserts located in the sit-bone areas, while there’s an antibacterial finish to help guard against nasties such as fungus.

In short, I had no issues with this pad even after five hours in the saddle.

These bib shorts have been ridden in a variety of conditions, from milder autumn days through to chillier rides, and they’ve proven to be versatile. I was happy to use them for all but the coldest days, when riding at a slower pace.

Plus, even after lots of ride abuse and then putting them through the washing machine, these bibs continue to perform like new.

Endura FS260 Pro Thermo Bibknicker bib shorts bottom line

The Endura Pro Thermo Bibknickers are truly impressive, punching well above their price tag. They’re built for demanding conditions, and the durability and performance has shone through.

They deliver high-end performance and quality at a mid-level price point, and therefore offer very good value at under £100.