Invincible in the 2023 Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts?

The Slovakian brothers Martin and Peter Velits have invested more than 20 years of professional cycling know-how into their company, Isadore. Their products don’t just promise to make you faster, but also more comfortable. We tested the € 210 Cargo Bib Shorts, featuring a ceramic coating, compression fit, an ultra-endurance chamois, and a large back pocket.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Which are the best cargo bibs of 2023 – 13 cargo bib shorts in review.

The 2023 Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts | € 210

Specs & quality of the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts

Like the Isadore Women’s Gravel Bib Shorts, the men’s model is packed with tech designed to make your rides more enjoyable and safer. The legs feature a ceramic coating to prevent the fabric from tearing and thereby minimise skin abrasions in the event of a crash. Thanks to a DWR finish, the shorts are water- and dirt-repellent. Furthermore, the Coldblack finish is said to protect against UVA and UVB rays while also keeping the bibs pleasantly cool in direct sunlight, despite their black colour (we know, we know, black isn’t a colour;)). A special, Italian made chamois promises to keep you comfortable over hundreds of kilometres and the tight, compression fit of the bibs completes the package. The shorts have a very tight but pleasant fit. It feels supportive without being constrictive.
There’s one 27 x 15 cm pocket on the back of the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts, which, like the women’s model, is open on both sides – it’s only the overlapping fabric that closes the opening to some extent.

Cargo functionality of the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts

The dimensions of the pocket promise a lot of storage space, but since there is only one and it’s positioned on the back, the Isadore shorts aren’t quite on par with the cargo carrying capabilities of its competitors. Our items always stayed safely tucked away in the pocket. Nevertheless, we didn’t have a good feeling with our phones in the back when we blasted along on singletrack or bad roads. The pocket is also suitable for snacks and the like. However, since it’s just one big pocket, it’s difficult to find the exact snack that you’re looking for. The pocket is perfect for storing clothes, allowing them to protrude to the left and right. Sure, your aero advantage goes out the window in that case. But at least you’ll be comfortable and arrive to your date at the ice cream parlour without a red face thanks to the cooling technology and safely stowed gilet. When wearing a top, you can’t see that these shorts have additional storage space.

Pick up a new set of windshield wipers at the hardware store? No problem!

Safety/visibility of the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts

Thanks to the ceramic coating, the bibs promise to offer an additional level of protection in case of crash. We’ll just trust Isadore on that. As with the women’s model, the cuffs have a reflective print all the way around and there are reflective Isadore logos on the sides of the legs.

Wraparound reflectors on the cuffs and reflective logos

Comfort of the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts

With an ultra-distance chamois, a compression fit, coatings to fend off heat, rain, and abrasion, the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts certainly mean well. And it was noticeable, too, as the pleasant compression and temperature regulation left a positive impression. For riders who want less compression, Isadore recommend sizing up.
With Swiss textiles, an Italian chamois, and manufacturing in the European Union (Isadore don’t provide more details), the bibs could serve as a prime example of pan-European cooperation. Together with the ultra-distance chamois, the bibs offer long-distance comfort without rubbing. Of course, the chamois itself also relies on a special coating.
With their low-cut front section, the shorts also make easy work of the occasional pee break.

The chamois of Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts

The Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts are true specialists, and they’re packed with the latest tech. While they’re hardly recognisable as cargo bibs, they don’t offer enough cargo capacity to replace a jersey. Instead, the large back pocket works well for storing a rain jacket or other garment when you’re peeling off layers. The pleasant compression fit and comfortable chamois make the Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts the ideal companion for all those who enjoy long rides in changing weather.

Tops

durable, water-repellent and thermoregulating coatings
pleasant compression fit
back pocket is inconspicuous
generously sized reflectors

Flops

just 1 pocket with a specific use

For more info visit isadore.com.

The test field