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So many of my summer cycling adventures go beyond cities into rolling hills, winding roads, and beach fronts that take my breath away. While long rides can be full of beautiful views that make me want to go longer, the trouble is that I need to make sure my kit can support me on the mission. Especially in summer days, it’s moments like these that I’m reaching out for my Hummingbird Athletic Perfect Black Bib Shorts, designed for those hot days in the saddle, offering dryness, breathability, form fit, and comfort for every body.
As requested, many of you have asked me to review these bib shorts which were gifted by Hummingbird Athletic for me to review, so I’m happy to finally share with you why I’ll be spending my summer miles in these bib shorts.
Material & Design
One of the first things I noticed with The Perfect Black Bib Shorts is that they are made of light-weight high-quality breathable Nortex fabric that is pleasant on the skin and comfortable. Nortex fabric functions as a breathable material that removes excess moisture and sweat to help keep you cool. I found this function very true and impressed by it! The bib straps have a soft breathable mesh top that runs down the back so your skin is breathing and it snugs comfortably to fit your body type (read no squish or moving over breasts).
In the past, I’ve preferred compression fabrics to hold it all in but surprisingly HMGBRD managed to make this material form fitting with six panels fitting snuggly around the hips and leg while flattering my curves and also keeping it’s form over time and the chamois shift-free. The lycra thigh cuff is soft, stretchy, non pinching, and doesn’t ride up the leg.
Miles Performance
The longest I rode in these shorts is 55 miles. On that particular day, it was 80F degrees, humid, and the sun was shining bright. Needless to say, I was dripping sweat all over myself and noticed the shorts stayed dried and were easy to take on and off when using the bathroom – not at all like putting on a wet bathing suit! Toward the end, I did have a bit of friction and numbing “down there” but I strongly think that’s because I needed to put on more chamois cream otherwise I was totally comfortable as the shorts moved lightly and comfortably with my body.
The Perfect Black Bib Shorts Pros
To put things simply: bib straps are my favorite, they are pain free and rubbing free. They are stretchy enough but gently hold it all together as you move.
The chamois gives me what I call “apple bottom”, meaning that my bum looks perky and really good in them. The chamois does not shift as you move and is comfortable. Even on my hottest ride, they stayed pretty dry.
The Nortex fabric is quick drying, seriously quick and easy to clean. Probably a good fabric to have on you if you’re doing a tour and need something that drys really fast after a wash.
Lycra thigh cuff doesn’t run up ever and the hem line is high enough that tan lines don’t run too far down the thigh, so, less worry about tan lines for those summer shorts.
SPF proof. On the hottest day of my ride of 4 hrs under the hot sun, I felt the sun rays beam through the fabric, however, I did not notice any tanning or burning under the fabric considering how lightweight they are.
The Perfect Black Bib Shorts Cons.
Probably something many of us have trouble with bib shorts is bathroom accessibility. Unfortunately, I had to strip all the way down but at least they didn’t feel like a wet bathing suit when I put them back on.
The only thing that I think can be better is the chamois pad. I think it’s a 2D chamois and for me the foam felt excessive particularly between the upper thighs. The foam padding isn’t my favorite as I am particular to high quality 3D chamois so this could very well be a personal preference. I also found I needed more chamois cream especially on hot rides. I do sweat a lot so the more I sweat the more friction I create and the hotter my lady bits get.
As far as mileage goes, I would say you can get away with a good 65 mi day in the saddle with these but would need to reapply chamois cream. I wouldn’t recommend taking the chamois on a 100+ miles day journey as a personal preference.
Conclusion
Now that you know my experience, would I recommend these shorts? Absolutely yes. Not because they were a gift but I honestly think they are perfect for summer cycling and really help regulate sweat and body temperature. I’ve had experiences with various bib shorts that they get very wet and uncomfortable over time; making the seams rub, chamois soaked, difficult to put back on, and straps are painful at the end of a ride. Not these babies.
If there is anything I’ve learned of HMGBRD Athletic’s kit is that it’s perfectly functional for summer cycling. Thanks to the Nortex fabric that makes it so comfortable and versatile during other times of the year. Above I’m wearing the “You Spin Me Around Jersey” which is also very breathable and fast drying.
I’ve been very fortunate to work with HMGBRD over the last year and also know friends of mine who also support the brand who love it’s story, fit, practices, and fun designs. Feel free to ask me questions and visit my stories today on CGR’s Instagram as I show and share a bit more about Hummingbird Athletic Perfect Black Bib Shorts.