On trips to continental Europe over recent years, I’ve seen Ryzon kit everywhere, and now having test-ridden a pair of the brand's bib shorts, I can see why.
If you’re looking for refined, sleek women's bib shorts that’ll deliver the support you need over longer rides, the Velas could be the ones for you.
From the moment you put these bib shorts on, the luxuriously smooth fabric and excellent cut are evident, with a true-to-size fit and compressive, figure-fitting fabric. The raw leg hem is excellent, at a mid length, and kept securely in place thanks to a wide band of gentle silicone dots that don’t irritate the skin.
There are four cargo pockets – one on each thigh, big enough for a phone or snacks, plus two smaller pockets at the base of the back – so you could opt for either a jersey or technical T-shirt, depending on your mood.
These are well constructed from a very fine fabric, not prone to snagging unlike some alternatives, and are cut so well into the main body of the shorts that you don’t even notice they’re there when you’re not using them.
Up top, the fine-mesh bib straps are comfortable and aid breathability. Ryzon has opted for an Elastic Interface chamois, covered with a super-soft microfibre, which it claims is suitable for rides of up to seven hours. On test, the chamois proved very comfortable, with the thicker, higher-density centrepiece flanked by a much thinner layer, giving ample support.
If you’re interested in the eco credentials of your kit, Ryzon has got you covered. The shorts use recycled polyamide incorporating ECONYL, which is generated from nylon waste such as fishing nets and carpets, and recycled elastane. They are also made in Europe.
How we tested | Women's bib shorts
Each pair of bib shorts was tested over multiple rides and laundry cycles in late spring and early summer, both on- and off-road. The key factors tested were comfort and functionality (not to forget style); the most crucial aspects of this cycling wardrobe staple. The selection of bib shorts features standard and cargo bib options, reflecting the market demand for both.
In terms of value, the Ryzon Vela Cargo bibs are comparable to many rival shorts of the same ilk at £170 / €190 / $220. There are certainly several bibs priced considerably higher than these that have come up short in terms of fit and comfort. If you want to forgo the cargo pockets, the standard Vela shorts are £155, which is good value for shorts of this quality.
The only thing that lets down the Ryzon Vela bib shorts is the lack of an easy-pee function. I am surprised to see Ryzon doesn’t have any easy-pee bib shorts in its women’s offerings, because most brands now offer at least one pair of easy-pee bib shorts in their range.
However, Ryzon has easy-pee bib tights with elasticated cross-over bib straps, so we can only hope this design makes its way into the bib shorts soon. It would make the Vela Cargo Bib Shorts five-star contenders.
Ryzon Vela Cargo Bib Shorts bottom line
I’ve been mightily impressed by the Ryzon Vela shorts' fit, comfort and eco credentials, but they would be the perfect shorts if they had an easy-pee design.
Ryzon Vela Cargo Bib Shorts spec
- Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
- Black, grey, olive, cream and green colourways
- Recycled material construction
- Raw leg seams
- Four cargo thigh and back pockets
