RAPHA CORE CARGO
£110 Multi-purpose bibs with useful pockets and a moderate price
COLOUR Black, Navy/White SIZE XS-XXL
WEIGHT 198g
Rapha punts the Core Cargos as a dependable pair of everyday bibs for all types of riding, with the added bonus of pockets. They’re also more affordable than Rapha’s high-end Cargo shorts (£190). Unlike the Cargo shorts they aren’t water-resistant. However, they’re designed as an allrounder with additional pockets, which makes them ideal for endurance and gravel riding while large mesh side pockets allow you to stash everything you normally would in jersey pockets.
Rapha uses a midweight, dense-knit fabric for the legs and lower body, with 4cm-wide laser-cut silicone leg grippers. This is combined with high-stretch upper bib straps that are neatly configured with a cutaway back section. There are also two rear pockets on the lower back. Inside, the tried-and-tested chamois pad from Rapha’s Classic range keeps you comfortable in the saddle.
I never realised how useful side pockets are until now – it opens up ride options and means there’s no jersey pocket bouncing, especially off-road. I’m a complete convert. And it’s not just the pockets that sold me on the Core Cargos. These are a really forgiving pair of bibs that work well for a wide variety of pedalling duties both on and off-road. Their performance compares with many top-priced bibs yet is delivered in a more relaxed way.
Everything here is as it should be. The compression-free legs are the perfect length, the grippers work flawlessly and the upper bib, despite no mesh, never got overly hot. Don’t be taken in by the simplistic looking Classic pad, either. It utilises several layers of quick-drying foam that cushions your posterior whatever the terrain and duration of your ride.
These bibs do everything well without costing a fortune. They’re supercomfortable in a forgiving way and are true all-rounders that offer a great ride, wherever your adventures take you.