SQUIRREL_13211988
The Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III represent the third generation of Rapha’s top-line, race-style bib shorts.
Overall, the design is more refined than its predecessors, with the bib section, leg compression and general fit as good as you might hope.
The continued offering of mid- and long-leg options is also a bonus, while the price of £240 / $295 / €260 is higher than many of their rivals.
Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III details and specifications
The Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III feature a new chamois pad, which is said to include denser foam compared to the Pro Team Bib Shorts II, for increased support while reducing bulk.
It has a seamless design, with a web-like structure inside designed to help it conform to the body better than seamed sections might allow.
The leg section has a reduced number of seams compared to the previous shorts, aligned with a general thigh shape, and the fabric sees a 71 per cent nylon, 29 per cent elastane woven mix employed.
Rapha says this complements the tweaked bib section, offering a sensation of compression throughout the legs and lower back.
It says this benefits the rider’s 'engagement' (muscular recruitment and efficiency) and aerodynamics, although doesn’t offer comparative data on the subject.
The hems are laser-cut, with a lightly textured gripper – slightly less tacky than the Pro Team Bib Shorts II.
Rapha rates the shorts as suitable for use in temperatures ranging from 10-35℃ (50-95℉).
The Pro Team Bib Shorts III are offered in two leg lengths – regular (as tested) and long, which is cut 3cm longer than the regular version.
Priced at £240 / $295 / €260, these shorts remain at the pricier end of the spectrum. The Q36.5 Dottore Pro shorts (£250 / $340 / €250) are more expensive in the UK and US, but a touch cheaper in Europe.
Castelli’s Free Aero Race S bib shorts are a few notes cheaper across the board, though, at £199 / $229.99 / €199.95.
Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III performance
In a size large, I found the bib section suited my relatively long body well, with tension distributed well across the shoulders.
The bib section isn’t the lightest-feeling overall, but I suspect many would happily trade the slight extra sense of breathability for the well-supported sensation it offers.
It didn’t feel as though the bib section was pulling the chamois too hard up into the undercarriage, and I felt there was a little spare space around the hips and glutes, potentially great for those who are thicker-set than me.
That said, the legs still offer a good level of graded compression – not quite as locked-in as the Castelli Free Aero Race S Bibshort or Q36.5 Dottore Pro, but close.
Some might prefer the aesthetic or feel of the longer-leg option, but adding 3cm to my mid-length versions would have brought the raw-cut hem right to the crook of my knee – a sensation I dislike, and could cause chafing when sweat and sun cream are added to the mix.
By any objective measure, the chamois is fit for purpose – relatively plush-feeling in the right places despite its moderate size, and supportive for periods of time spent leaning over in an aggressive riding position.
It lacks the perineal pressure-relieving cut-out of the Maap Team Bib Evo’s pad, but I didn’t miss it.
The fabric felt light and cool on the skin when air passed over it, but it chattered a little under my sit bones between the two saddles I used during testing.
This made for a slightly distracting sensation, because I often felt compelled to shift around the saddle trying to stop it from occurring.
This small niggle aside, the Pro Team Bib Shorts III performed as I’d hoped – the leg grippers were comfortable, the fabric stood up well to snag-inducing wooden garden furniture (the kind you’ll find at coffee stops) and it returned from the wash without issue.
How we tested | pro-level bib shorts
For this test, we focused on the latest generation of pro-level bib shorts.
I tested the shorts on shorter control loops, plus at least one longer ride. With chamois comfort so subjective, I focused on identifying more objective differences between the shorts, including sizing, feature positioning and quality.
I had brands submit medium and large samples for testing, enabling me to comment on relative fit and sizing. In the end, size large fitted my 188cm (6ft 2in) frame best across the board – although, of course, your mileage may vary.
Testing was carried out on a Fairlight Strael 3.0 road bike with a Pro Griffon saddle, and a Scott Addict RC fitted with a Syncros Belcarra R perch.
Each pair of shorts was put through 40℃ (104℉) wash cycles with standard non-biological detergent, rather than a sport-specific wash.
Shorts tested
- Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III
- Maap Team Bib Evo
- Castelli Free Aero Race S
- Q36.5 Dottore Pro
Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III bottom line
The Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III are excellent pro-spec bib shorts, worthy of your consideration if you’re after a premium, racy option.
While the saddle-surface chatter was a small annoyance, and the bib section could feel slightly lighter for the hottest conditions, these are small issues in what is otherwise a strong third album from the British brand.
SQUIRREL_13211988
Product
| Brand | Rapha |
| Price | A$410.00, €260.00, £240.00, $295.00 |
Features
| Gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: XS-2XL Colours: Black/Black, Black/White, Green, Carbon |
