Better than ointment: the Endura GV500 bibshorts
15.7.2021
Cycling shorts are an important part of your cycling equipment. After a few hours in the saddle, you know why. And your buttocks can sing a song about it – or rather just howl in pain.
After two hours on my gravel bike I was a little, how shall I say? Well, I was sore in the crotch. It was my first slightly longer tour and I was still riding around with strapless bike shorts at the time. But somehow they always slipped a bit when cycling. A memory of times past gone. Thankfully.
To bibshorts or not
Today, I only swing into the saddle in bibshorts. Thanks to the straps, they don’t slip. The sitting comfort is higher and they additionally protect against wind and cold, especially around the kidney area.
The most important part of my bike shorts is the seat pad. Sitting as comfortably as possible on the saddle is the most important thing while biking – probably not only for me. Being sore in the crotch is the worst. The seat pad is usually a large-area foam or gel pad sewn into the cycling shorts. It’s designed to absorb shocks and increase comfort.
It’s cut is gender specific: men’s cycling pants usually have a much longer seat insert than women’s models. The padding is intended to protect the nerves and vessels running in the perineal area from bruising. I go commando in my bike shorts, so the seat cushion lies directly on the skin. This further prevents chafing.
Endura GV500 Reiver bibshorts
Since I’ve been riding with bibshorts, I’ve had models by Giro and Odlo on my buttocks. Recently I’ve been cycling with bibshorts by Endura on roads and gravel paths. The GV500 collection, which is designed specially for gravel, has been in the range of the Scots for a while now.
The stretch fabric of these bike shorts is designed for off-road riding. It’s said to be more resistant compared to the road models. But I don’t feel like trying it out and falling on the gravel at 30 mph. In addition, double-layered side panels are designed to reduce abrasions in the event of a fall. Additional mesh pockets on the thighs and waist provide more storage space. I can confirm, these bibshorts offer plenty of space.
Shop the look
I like to combine bibshorts with the foyle shorts from the Gravel collection. The zipper openings on the legs help ventilation and access to the front pockets of the bibshorts. Small detail with big effect: the product developers really thought of something.
When I look around me on the road and trail, I realise it’s easy on the eyes, too. Not only is the functionality of the equipment and clothing important, but the look seems to be as well. I’m no exception. If it looks good, it’s easier to ride. At least that’s what I think. The foyle shirt completes my Endura look. The quick-drying, lightweight shirt is made of a merino-polyester blend. And when it’s raining cats and dogs again, I put on a waterproof softshell jacket. It had already kept me dry in April and May.
First impressions
Whether it’s bibshorts or the foyle shorts, Endura apparel is top-notch, functional (details such as the zippers that give you access to the front pockets are small but nice) and good-looking. I like the somewhat casual British look. And if summer also shows its rainy side, the combination fits all the better.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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