Rapha Core bib shorts review

Although synonymous with its high-end clothing, Rapha’s Core line is positioned as an affordable option that the brand says “delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t”.

For the Core bib shorts, this includes the use of the chamois pad found in its higher-end Classic bib shorts, paired with a more cost-effective Lycra construction.

Overall, I’ve found the Core bib shorts to be a very solid option, available for a reasonable price, that doesn’t make too many concessions compared to the brand's higher-end range.

Rapha Core bib shorts construction

The predominantly polyester Core bib shorts are designed around a close, but relaxed fit.

The densely knit, high-stretch Lycra is claimed to be supportive and Rapha says it helps to increase modesty thanks to its opacity (albeit, many will rightly consider this a minimum requirement for the best bib shorts).

Rapha also says it has positioned the flatlock seams carefully to prevent chafing.

The shorts are recommended for use in mild to warm conditions, although Rapha doesn’t give a specific temperature range.

There’s a tried and tested single-density chamois pad installed, that’s also used in the brand’s Classic shorts.

Laser-cut soft silicone leg grippers secure the legs of the shorts in place.

The high-stretch bib straps feature a cut-out at the back, which Rapha says provides extra breathability versus a non cut-out bib.

Rapha offers the Core bib shorts in sizes XS to XXL, in four colours – Black/Black as tested here, Black/White, Dark Navy/White and Indigo/White.

Rapha Core bib shorts performance

I’ve been testing a pair of size-large Core bib shorts for the last couple of months over a combination of short and long rides on both road and gravel.

The Core bib shorts were tested on two saddles – a Fabric Scoop and a Forza Stratos.

The shorts mostly fit very well, close off the bike but comfortable when assuming a riding position.

I have experience wearing other Rapha bib shorts and found the sizing and fit to be near-identical, so you shouldn’t need to upsize or downsize.

One oddity I found is the Cores are rather high-waisted compared to the brand’s other shorts, but importantly I didn’t notice this when riding.

I could feel the left seam on the inside of the upper thigh when riding though, which caused some minor discomfort on longer rides, particularly when out of the saddle.

The Lycra used on the Core bib shorts feels heavier than the brand’s other shorts, but this didn’t lead to any overheating when riding in 25°C heat.

The pad is sound, but it’s not as comfortable as some of the others I've tested recently – both the Kiss pad in the Castelli Competizione and the 4 HF pad in the Alé Strada bib shorts trump the Core’s.

That’s down partly to the fact the pad wasn’t quite in the right position for my shape, and I’d have preferred it to come up a little further at the back.

It’s also bulkier than other pads I've tested, so it’s noticeable underneath you.

That said, the shorts were more than comfortable enough for a six-hour gravel ride, and the pad never transmitted any overly harsh vibrations.

The shorts didn’t ride up when wearing knee warmers, showing that the grippers perform well.

I was also unlucky to get caught out in extended drizzle, and the shorts protected my legs surprisingly well from the colder rain, rather than leaving me feeling immediately chilly.

The pad didn’t soften after initial washes, nor did the silicone grippers at the legs degrade over the test period, which bodes well for the shorts’ longevity.

While the bib straps aren’t uncomfortable, they could be improved with more stretch and I’d also like to see a mesh construction to promote ventilation. This was the main area of the shorts where I started to feel warm at 25°C.

Rapha Core bib shorts bottom line

Rapha’s Core bib shorts are a good-performing pair of shorts that’ll keep you in comfort over both short and long-distance rides.

The chamois is a little bulky and not positioned brilliantly, but it could be that the positioning is just not suited to me.

At £110, the Core bib shorts deliver impressive performance for the money, notably not giving too much away compared to Rapha’s higher-end options.