Want to know your Giara from your Fiandre? Here's eveꦍrything you need to know about the latest range of Sportful clothing
(Image credit: Sportful)
Sportful was founded in 1973, built on the roဣots of Italian underwear manufacturing house Manifattura Valcismon. Initially, the brand produced cross-country ski clothing after company founder Giordano Cremonese was left unsatisfied by the XC skiing kit that was available.
After establishing Sportful as a ski wear brand, the company began to develop cycling clothing in 1985, findi⭕ng its way onto riders from 🎶Ceramiche Ariostea, Maglificio Bianchi and Mapei.
In the 1990s, Manifattura Valcismon acquired fellow Italian clothing brand Castelli; both are now produced under the same roof alon꧒g with Karpos, an outdoor brand specialising in climbing, hiking and ski mountaineering gear.
As with any other cycling clothing bra🅷nd, Sportful clothing covers a range of performance levels, from the lower end of the spectrum all the way up t෴o the gear Bora-Hansgrohe race in at the highest level.
BodyFit Pro - the kit designed for Sportful's pro teams. It comprises tight, aero and technical kit that's ready to race everything from the Spr🐓ing Classics to time trials.
Fiandre - the ‘ready for anything range’ comprising versatile clothing to battle changing weath🍌er conditions.
Protection - rain and wind jackets to sta𒀰ve off the worst of thꦑe elements, no matter your riding plans.
Gravel - Comprising Sportful's Giara and SuperGiara ranges, the Gravel range caters to every definiti🔜on of the ever-evolving discipline. Giara is the bikepacking friendly, relaxed-fit clothing that puts comfort at the fore, while SuperGiara takes the best of the Giara range and adds extra performance.
Sportful clothing you can buy today
(Image credit: Sportful)
Aqua Pro jacket
When the rain pours, the Aqua Pro jacket shines
Reasons to buy
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Pro fit
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Zippered cuffs
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Stretch panels
Reasons to avoid
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No women's version
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Price
Taking aim at the best waterproof cycling jackets, the Aqua Pro sits 🌺at the top of the Sportful range of winter-proof clothing. Rather than using Gore's Shakedry material, the Aqua Pro uses a different seam-sealed GoreTex material to maximise waterproofing, then a slightly stretchier material is used across the shoulders, collar, hips and elbows to make it easier to get on and off, and improve movement capability whilst wearing.
The standout feature of the Aqua when compared to its competition is the zippered sleeve cuffs. This will surely make it easier to put🃏 on in the morning, but more notably, it will make it a lot easier to pull it off over your gloves when the clouds dissipate and the sun finally shines.
Sportful rates it for use above 10C/50F, which is a little warmer than we'd expect for such a deep-winter jacket, but assuming you pair it with a jacket like the Bodyfit Pro, then it'll keep you c🀅omfortable down to freezing and beyond.
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Winter socks
Toasty toes no matter the temperatures
Reasons to buy
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Pro fit
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Zippered security pocket
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Reflective detailing
Reasons to avoid
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No women's version
Available in white, black, black/red, black/neon, the ꦕSportful Winter socks do exactly as required, keeping your feet c💙osy during long cold rides.
Featuring Primaloft microfibre thermal insulation, the ankle 🅰cuff sits at approximately six inches: tall enough to keep you w♈arm, but just low enough to hide inside your overshoes.
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Fiandre Pro jacket
Highly breathable rain jersey
Reasons to buy
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Polartec fabric
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Taped seams
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Drop tail
Reasons to avoid
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On the bike only fit
Sportful's version of the rain jersey is the Fiandre Pro, made from Polartec’s NeoShell laminated wind and waterproof fabric — not𒁏 the Gore fabric used by Rapha and Castelli. It’s highly breathable, stretchy and, most importantly, it keeps the rain on the outside with fully taped seams and a waterproof YKK Vislon zipper.
Available in both short and long sleeve versions, the short sleeve ‘jacket’ sees the lower cuff stop just above the elbow with grippers to seal out the elements and a high-cut collar prevents the cold from sneaking in the top of the jackꦇet.
Both have three external pockets and a pronounced drop tail to ꦦprevent the spray from your rear tyre saturating your chamois. The jersey features an articulated cut; standing up it’s not all that comfortable, however when you reach for the bars, the shoulder hem falls into place, and the jersey hugs your form.
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NoRain warmers
Budge- friendly rain protection from the cold and rain
Reasons to buy
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DWR treatment causes rain to bead and run off
Reasons to avoid
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They will wet out eventually
Ava𝄹ilable in arm, knee and leg flavours, all three are made from the same DWR-treated, fleece-lined fabric as the NoRain shorts and tights. They only use a single seam to limit chafing and pinching and see silicon gripp🔜ers to prevent the warmer from falling down.
All three come in four sizes and feature reflective p𒁃iping and logos.
(Image credit: Sportful)
Fiandre NoRain Team bib tights
Rain-shedding tights
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Price
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Rain-shedding protection
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Not actually waterproof
Sportful’s NoRain fabric isn’t a laminated three-layer textile 🍸with a waterproof membrane in the middle; instead, it gets a 'proprietary nanotechnoloಌgy treatment' — translation: DWR.
The bib tights are made from fleece-lined lycra with the DWR exterior treatment, which causes water to bead and run off. They aren’t wat🍰erproof and won’t keep you dry like the Polartec fabric used in the Pro jacket, but they will keep the elements at bay for a while. Sportful has also used as few seams as possible, not only to prevent chafing but also to keep more moisture out.
At the bot𓃲tom, these t🍬ights see ankle zips to make them easier to pull on and peel off. Inside, the NoRain Team bibs employ a Sportful BodyFit Pro chamois so you can sit pretty for hours on end in the rain.
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Bodyfit Pro jacket
WorldTour-level insulated jacket
Reasons to buy
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Exterior pockets for easy access
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Race fit
Reasons to avoid
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Exterior pockets are mesh, so won't protect against weather
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No vents
The latest Bod𓄧yfit Pro jacket from Sportful🤡 takes learnings from other items in the range and combines them into a high-performance all-weather winter jacket. The frontal panels are windproof and water-resistant, while inside, Thermore fabric traps heat.
Now comfortable down to 5C/41F, the jacket's back, lower front and under the pockets are made usi𝔍ng NoRain fabric, designed to protect against rain and spray. There are three pockets at the back to provide easy access to the essentials, however, these are made from mesh so will do little to protect your belonꦍgings against the elements.
According to Sportful, the cut of the Bodyfit Pro Jacket has seen input from WorldTour pros and features a body-hugging cut to slip through the wind with minimal resistance. A silicon waist band on the bottom keeps the rear of the jersey in place, and three back pockets keep y🥃our snacks♍ easily accessible.
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Pro bib tights
Tights tailored to provide warmth in all the right places
Reasons to buy
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Total Comfort Pro pad
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Multi-weight fabrics
Reasons to avoid
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Price
The latest vers🅰ion of the Pro bib tights takes the former Bodyfit Pro tights and improves them iꦕn almost every way.
Thermal material is used throughout, with a brushed fabric in the front-facing panels, and a medium-weight fabric used at the rear to allow excess body𓃲 heat to escape. NoRain material has then been added to the shins to shed water quickly, rather than allowing it to soak down onto your socks.
The Total Comfort Pro chamois pad is designed ♕for maximum comfort all day long, and the integrated lumbar pockets will allow you to carry enough snacks for an equally long period. The knees are given an open dual-layer construction, with a breathable inner mesh that allows flexibility and temperature regulation, but the overlaid thermal fleece will keep them warm.
Reflective details are present throughout, most notably on the ankles, where you'll also find zippers for easy access, as we๊ll as water-resistant fabric.
(Image credit: Sportful)
SuperGiara bib tights
Bib tights for riding past where the tarmac ends
Reasons to buy
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Storage galore
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Cushy pad
Reasons to avoid
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Chamois may not suit aggressive riding position
The SuperGiara bib tights are what you get if the BodyFit tig🍨hts grew a moustache, 🔯started drinking IPA beer and traded 700Cx25mm tyres for 650bx55mm rubber.
With a thigh pocket for keeping extra tools and snacks at hand, the tights have double th🔥icknessꦚ fabrics over the knees to keep your joints warm and happy. In areas like the lower leg where less insulation is needed, lighter weight materials are used.
The SuperGiara bib tights have a DMS seat pad which is designed with a bit of extra shock absorption built in for riding over roughe♕r roads. Even though gravel riders tend to err more on the side of baggies, the SuperGiara tights offer as Sportful puts it, a ‘painted-on’ fit.
(Image credit: Sportful)
SuperGiara Thermal jersey
For when the gravel party continues after summer ends
Reasons to buy
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Windproof front
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Dual-layer thermal fabrics
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No more plastic front panel
Reasons to avoid
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Low windproofing rating
The latest Supe🌜rGiara jersey takes the former versio💜n and removes the plastic-looking panelling from the front to result in a more refined looking jersey for cold weather gravel rides.
Inside sees a brushed fabric for insulating warmth, and there are five pockets to store your essentials. The slim cut will sit 🍸well with roadies and should help prevent unwanted drag over those long-distance rides.
The downside of losing the plastic front panelling is a reduction in windproofing, so it might need to be paired with a wind vest on breezy days. Reflective detailing will keep you visible during low light conditions, and t﷽he jersey is rated for 8C/46F and up, but pair it with a jacket or gilet for additional versatility.
(Image credit: Sportful)
Fiandre NoRain Pro bib shorts
Keep your thighs dry and your nether region happy for longer
Reasons to buy
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Top-end chamois
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Brushed interior
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DWR exterior
Reasons to avoid
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No coverage for knees
Chop the Fiandre NoRain bib tights off at the knee and upgrade the chamoi🌄s and you basically have the Fiandre NoRain bib shorts. The Pro version also gets the brand's lay-flat bib-straps which work as the name suggests, and are perforated for 🅰added breathability.
They are a pro-level race-fit bib w🍌ith a raw cut leg band, and the bulk of the short is made from the fleece-lined DWR treated NoRain fabric. Instead of the BodyFi💫t Pro pad, the Pro version of the shorts has the Total Comfort (TC) Pro Chamois, which is lighter on the padding and features extended flaps to help prevent irritation in your nether regions on long base mile rides.
(Image credit: Sportful)
Pro Baselayer
A race-ready base layer with a splash of colour for good measure
Reasons to buy
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Vertical ribs for added comfort
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Designs are more than the usual boring black or white
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Custom designs also available
Reasons to avoid
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No women's version
The Pro Baselayer is Sportful's performance base layer used by pro riders such as Peter Sagan. Made with an updated fabric which sees vertical ribs th▨at not only improve fit, but also allow breathability to regulate the wearer's temperature and keep them dry.
The collar is designed to work with that on Sportful jerseys, and the design offers more than the now-common plain black or white base layers, althꦰough plain white is available if that's still your bag.
There's a tee (pictured) or a sleeveless version, and while there is a women's sports bra that shares the Pro moniker and much of the same te😼chnology, the tee shape is only available in a men's fit.
(Image credit: Sportful)
SuperGiara jersey
The jersey designed for high performance even after the road ends
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Specifications
Price: £90 / $135 / AU$180
Gender: Men
Reasons to buy
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Pro fit
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Zippered security pocket
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Reflective detailing
Reasons to avoid
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No women's version
Just about anyone can reap the benefits of owning a SuperGiara jersey. Whether you're an aspiring gravel racer, a hot-climate adventurer, or a roadie looking for a race-ready jersey. The SuperGiara iღs made in conjunction with Sportful's sponsored pro athletes to ensure a close fit and prevent wasted watts.
Reflective detailing throughout helps to increase low-light safety, and a taller central pocket is great for stashing larger items such as your mini pump or your rain jacket.&nbs♎p;
There's no women's specific SuperGiara jersey, but there are jerseys in the women's ra🗹nge that will likely suit the needs of women gravelistas.&nbs♊p;
(Image credit: Sportful)
SuperGiara bib shorts
Snag-resistant bib shorts with pockets for your swag
Reasons to buy
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Women's options
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Leg and lumbar pockets
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Reflectivity
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Gravel chamois offers increased upright comfort
Reasons to avoid
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Gravel-specific pad limits on-road use
The SuperGiara bib shorts brilliantly epitomise the SuperGiara range. Offering a performance bib short that would be perfectly suitable💃 for use on the road, but excels when the ride lengthens and the road surface roughens.
There is a version for bo♌th men and women, and while the women's version is limited to a single black colourway, men get a choice of black or brown. The men's version gets an all-new DMS gravel-specific seatpad that, for the time being, is exclusive to the SuperGಞiara bibs. Women get the extra cushy Total Comfort W pad that is also found on the Total Comfort W bibs.
An abrasion-resistant woven material prevents snags when sending it through the undergrowth, and the pièce de résistance is the addition of leg- and lumbar-pockets that you can use to stash anything from spare tubes to your mid-𒈔ride༺ banana, , just make sure it's a yellow one.
(Image credit: Sportful)
Light jersey
Lightweight jersey designed for height-of-summer racing days
Reasons to buy
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Reflective detailing
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Well-fitting laser-cut sleeves
Reasons to avoid
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No cam-locked zipper
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No women's version
Designed for the hottest days on the road, the BodyFit Pro Light jersey is made from extra-breathable material. There's a super stretchy material across the shoulde🌳rs which will ensure a skintight fit for maximum comfort and increased aerodynamic efficiency.
There's a choice oꦆf four colours (black, red/orange, cement/silver and blue), which all feature a two-tone colour block design. Weighing in at 🀅just 113 grams, the Light jersey is fast-wicking, quick-drying, and features laser-cut sleeves, three rear pockets and reflective detailing throughout.
(Image credit: Sportful)
LTD bib shorts
The last word in road-racing bib shorts
Reasons to buy
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Men's and women's options with colour choices for both
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Breathable mesh straps
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Flatlock stitching
Sportful's LTD bib 🌊shorts come out of the BodyFit Pro range, a🉐nd have seen a minor update with improved rear panel construction for better fit and function.
They are Sportful's road racing bib shorts de🐠signed for - and in conjunction with - Bora-ꦯHansgrohe riders. Using the TC Pro chamois for the men, and the TC Pro W chamois for women, the bib shorts are designed for racing in every regard. The AeroFlow Compress Lycra is designed to be form-fitting and supportive without being restrictive, and the flat-lock stitching will prevent chafing.
The two hidden radio pockets won't be too important for the majority of us, but it proves the LTD bib shorts are used by the best in the sport. There is a choice o♌f three colours -ꩲ black, blue and chocolate - for both men and women.
(Image credit: sportful)
Monocrom jersey
No two jersey is the same thanks to dip-dyed colouring
Reasons to buy
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Every single garment is unique
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Highly breathable
The Monocrom jersey might🌜 just be perfect for those who take pride in individuality. By double-dip-dying each jersey after construction, colours are absorbed differently each time, resulting in each and every Monocrom jersey having a slightly unique aesthetic, and rather than uniform block colouring, there is a distressed finish which adds to the character of each jersey. &nb𒉰sp;
Technically, the jersey features lightweight, high-stretch materials to ensure a close, comfortable and aerodynamic fit. A silicone waist gripper keeps everything in place, 🉐and as you'd expect, three rear pockets p⛎rovide ample room for your belongings.
No women's model, although Evo model offers similar performance claims
Designed with perf𝓰ormance in mind, the Pro Light socks are made from highly breathable materials including a Meryl Skinlife bacteriostatic yarn, which me♌ans it prevents bacteria from reproducing.
P꧅erfect for hot, hard days on the bike, such as racing and training, the Pro Light socks come🌳 in a choice of four kit-matching colours. The compressive cuff and midfoot band ensure the socks remain in situ.
These socks ar👍e used by Sportful’s sponsored athletes including Bora-Hansgrohe. However, women will need to look to the Evo W range, as the Pro isn’t available.
(Image credit: Sportful)
Giara jersey
A comfortable jersey designed for the rigours of all-day gravel riding
Reasons to buy
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Zippered security pocket
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Reflective detailing
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Men and women's versions available
Reasons to avoid
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Loose fit not to everyone's liking, but SuperGiara answers that
Designed for the rigours of gravel riding, the Giara jersey is the slightly looser-fitting sibling of Sportful's performance-mindꦍed SuperGiara range.
With a range of five colou💖rs on offer (black, grey, sea moss, blue atomic and sienna), Giara is claimed to be 'styled for any adventure'. The jersey offers a looserꦡ, all-day-comfortable fit. There are three pockets at the back, as well as a zippered security pocket.
Reflec♏tive detailing throughout improves low-light safety, and a silicone gripper around the elasticated waist keeps the jersey from riding up or twisting. The jersey is rated for temperatures of 15-degrees and up.
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(Image credit: Sportful)
Giara over shorts
Baggy shorts that are just as suitable on the bike as they are in the pub
Reasons to buy
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Casual looks
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Zippered pockets
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Women's options
The Giara over shorts are de✤signed to offer the perfect balance of off-the-bike casual ꦐaesthetic and on-the-bike performance.
There's a four-way stretch material to prevent restriction, and the DWR coating will keep light rain or puddle splashback at bay. With zippered pockets at the front, there's no chance of losing your phone and beer money while ripping through the trails, and then when you arrive at your destination, you won't look like you've just stepped out of theಞ WorldTour.
Both men and women get a couple of options each,🅺 both get a choice of black, but for those who want to add a splash of colour to their ride, men get 'chocolate', while women get 'sea moss' too.
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(Image credit: sportful)
Total Comfort bib shorts
Comfort by name, comfort by nature
Reasons to buy
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18mm padding
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Raw cut leg ending
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Men's and women's options
Reasons to avoid
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Single colour choice, unlike the rest of Sportful's bib short range
As the name suggests, the Total Comfort (and Total Comfort W) bib shorts are designed for maximum comfort in the saddle. A four-way stretch fabric adapts to the shape of the body, and the leg endings are raw cut and made from thermo-welded silicone, which essentially means they don't compress around the leg and instead o🦋ffer comfort-enhancing contour-adherence.
Rated🌳 for temperatures of 15-degrees and up, the Total Comfort bib shorts will see you through three seasons, especially if paired with Sportful's range of knee or leg warmers.
There's a women's version available at the same price, too, with women's specific bi༺b straps and Sportful's Total Comfort W chamois, which is designed fo🎐r trained cyclists undertaking everything from multi-day tours to pro races.
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Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, sk🎶iing.
Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2ꦑ021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine.
