The Endura Pro SL bib shorts receive an overhaul for 2020, with new lumbar support, power straps, and a pad available in three different widths. Men’s and Women’s bib shorts are available, with the women’s Pro SL featuring Endura’s Drop Seat technology. The Pro SL has been around a while. Let’s take a look at the 2020 iteration to see how the Scottish brand have gone about bettering an already popular and road proven bib short.
2020 Endura Pro SL Bib Shorts
Endura have long been producing what they call the “substance of advantage”, pushing technology to the point where the UCI actually banned some of their aero kit because it offered riders such an advantage. Thus, it seems only right that the new Endura Pro SL bib shorts be modelled by Endura’s “disrupter in residence”, Graeme Obree, a man who is no stranger to the odd minor disagreement with the UCI.
The Pro SL bib shorts are available in a standard length and a 4cm longer version for tall riders. It now boasts the so-called “perfect fit”. This is an unverifiable claim of course, but Endura have made considerable efforts toward this lofty goal, offering 3 different pad widths to suit different pelvic shapes, saddles and riding positions. Endura’s 700 series pad has been developed through scientific testing in collaboration with bike fit experts gebioMized and rider feedback from professional riders. The narrow pad is for riders with a saddle width of <135mm, the medium 135mm-145mm, and the wide for saddle widths >145mm.
Endura’s Continuously Variable Profile technology provides supportive padding only where required, with all superfluous material removed to minimise bunching and friction and maximise moisture transfer and flexibility. The high stretch, fast wicking polyamide/Lycra face fabric and multi-density open cell foam sandwich with flame lamination bonding is said to provide outstanding stretch and moisture transfer while the 3D front mesh zone should aid air circulation.
The 2020 Pro SL bib shorts offer some degree of lumbar support with what Endura call an aggressive fit. This panel is made from high powered Italian fabric that wraps around your lower back and sides, holding the bibshort firmly in place and taking some pressure off the straps, giving them a ‘barely there’ feel.
The Italian Lycra used throughout has been treated with coldblack technology that is said to dramatically reduce heat build-up and provide UPF 50 protection. The women’s version, featuring Endura’s unique DropSeat technology provides a practical solution to the comfort break problem. A zip around the derriere region allows immediate access, meaning you don’t have to delayer every time you want to spend a penny.
The Endura road bib shorts feature a raw edge hem band with an inner silicone gripper to hold the shorts securely in place.
Pricing, Sizing and Availability
The 2020 Endura Pro SL bib shorts retail at £119.99 and are available direct from Endura and from selected Endura high street retailers. XS to XXL sizes cover a waist range of 74cm-104cm. The Women’s Pro SL bib shorts are a little more expensive at £124.99, accounting for the DropSeat feature presumably, and also offer three different pad widths. An XS to XL size range caters to waist sizes of 68cm-92cm.
