Giro Chrono Elite Bib Shorts review

The Chrono Elite bib shorts sit at the top end of American brand Giro's range, boasting recycled materials, a supportive Elastic Interface chamois and plenty of on-bike comfort.

Although the price is relatively high, there’s much here to admire for both road and multi-terrain adventures.

The material has a nicely smooth feel and the chamois offers good support, but the price is high and sizing is limited.

Giro Chrono Elite Bib Shorts details

Like the matching Giro Chrono Elite jersey, the bib shorts come with Giro’s Renew Series billing.

This is brings a mix of recycled nylon and polyester, with a claimed reduction in carbon footprint. The recycled fabrics are Bluesign-approved: recycled nylon sourced from reclaimed fishing nets, alongside polyester created from recycled plastic water bottles.

Elsewhere, there’s an Elastic Interface chamois, UPF 50 protection on the main fabric, a mesh back panel, wide leg grippers and reflective details.

Only four sizes are available, however, with no XS or XXL versions on offer, so riders at the smaller/larger end of the sizing scale might need to look elsewhere.

The Chrono Elite shorts sit at the top of Giro’s three-strong collection, with the Chrono Expert (£119.99) occupying the middle spot and the Chrono Sport (£89.99) the bottom step.

Giro Chrono Elite Bib Shorts performance

While the Chrono Elite Bib Shorts may be pricier than the rest of Giro’s bibs range, they ooze quality, highlighted by the seamless, supple straps that sit flush on the shoulders.

A wide mesh area along the spine helps with wicking sweat, while the nylon and elastane main body blend felt breathable on my outrageously hilly all-day adventures in the 20°C heat of Madeira, Portugal.

They’re rated to UPF 50 to help block UV rays, while there are reflective details on the Giro logos to slightly aid visibility on the roads.

The sizeable leg bands and internal silicone grippers keep the legs in place with little fuss and no hint of tension.

The legs are fairly lengthy, heightening the aerodynamic appeal, while the fabric sits close to the skin with no hint of ruffling.

Internally, everything is tidy enough, with no rogue seam stitching, but I’d prefer more flatlock seams, as used on Lusso’s Paragon bibs (£160).

The Elastic Interface chamois is slickly attached to the main body, with Giro targeting the firm yet supportive pad at both road and off-road riding.

It’s easy to see why, with the pad proving capable of offering support for multiple hours in the saddle on both tarmac and trail, helped by two high-density foam inserts running either side of the perineum.

If the plain black or 'mica black' colourways don’t attract you, there’s also a ‘data mosh’ version of the Chrono Elite, the florid grippers being described, in Giro’s words, as "an exploration of the collision between floral and digital, audio and visual, smooth curves and static".

There’s also a pair designed in conjunction with American rider Andrew Jackson.

The big sticking point is the price tag, which has risen £20 since 2022. The aforementioned and handmade Lusso Paragons are similarly comfortable for £160 and the Endura Pro SL Bibs (£140) offer a choice of pad widths.

While the Elites are lighter and leaner, Giro’s own Chrono Expert bibs aren’t far off the level of performance delivered here. Those come in at £50 cheaper and also boast recycled materials from Giro’s Renew series.

Giro Chrono Elite Bib Shorts bottom line

The Giro Chrono Elites are top-drawer, luxurious bib shorts.

The supportive chamois and recycled materials are real plus points, but much will depend on if you think the latter points warrant the high spend.

Personally, I’d be happy saving the £50 and wearing the Chrono Expert.