We’ll start the review of Bontrager's RL bibs by stating there are other options available alongside the Rasta stripe pictured, and we happen to love the paw print logo. Visuals aside, it’s clear that whoever actually designed the shorts (it may not have been Keith) clearly knows their onions.
- Highs: Superb leg grippers, elegant reflectives
- Lows: No real issues
The six panel construction is a great compromise between cost and comfort. More panels can provide a better fit, but the RLs prove six can work and work very well indeed when tailored as well as these. The money saved is probably what allowed such a superb gripper to be specced. The effect is wonderful: no restrictions in movement, no 'sausage leg' and sharp tan lines.
Subtle reflective tabs add a level of practicality and mesh bibs prevent overheating up top. More expensive shorts often have a more compressive Lycra, but with a great cut and attention to detail the Bontrager bibs barely lose out at all compared with pricier peers.