These high-tech Italian race shorts have vents that open mid-pedal stroke for keeping cool and comfy over any distance.
These UYN Metarace Bibshorts have more technology stuffed into them than a rocket bound for Mars. Ironically, the thing I liked about them most was their ability to soften the onslaught of our potholed roads, which seem to be crumbling back to the Stone Age. I also liked how they use quick-drying 100% bio-based Natex fibers. See how they fare against the rest of the best cycling shorts.
Men’s Fitness verdict
There’s a lot to be said for effective ventilation in cycle shorts, and these are a bit of a game changer. Comfortable and clever, but they’ll cost you a pretty penny as a result.- Light and well vented
- 100% bio-based fibers
- Padding suited to long distances
- Technology doesn’t come cheap
- Unusual thigh panels
How we test cycling shorts
Our tester, bike enthusiast Matt Ray, pitted some of the best performing cycling shorts against each other to see how they compare in terms of comfort, features and new tech. He put each pair through their paces on a series of medium and long-range rides. These rides spanned across all sorts of terrain and weather conditions, including long, hot climbs, through summer showers and along wet, muddy, dusty and uneven trails to see how they hold up.
UYN Metarace Bibshort features
Just clapping eyes on the Metarace shorts told me it was something new, with their soft, lightly ribbed thigh panels, ventilated cuffs and visible high density insert in the chamois. On the hanger it looked pretty outlandish, but once on everything smoothed out and fitted as it should.
These are engineered in Italy, and the race-inspired attention to detail is noticeable. On faster, hotter rides I often find that the short around the lower thigh can get sweaty. The Metarace solves that through its innovative cuff, which stretches out during the push phase of the pedal stroke, opening up tiny ventilation holes in its Ventcuffs.
For me, the HD4P chamois insert was the real star here, with four density levels including one that’s been designed and tested to provide comfort over epic, multi-hour rides. It also took the sting out of bouncing through potholes and over degraded road surfaces
The bibshorts also features next-gen bio-based fibers and a 3D knit on the outer thighs and up the back (and Lycra on the seat for abrasion resistance). Despite all the added fabric and beefed-up insert, it felt no chunkier than traditional shorts, perhaps due to the Natex bio-fibers being 25% lighter than normal. They also have a natural bacteriostatic effect, so it’s goodbye to permafunk.
UYN Metarace Bibshort performance
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this futuristic-looking, pro-performance bibshort, but the fact it’s been tested on Italian speedsters does shine through. I felt that I could take on any distance my legs could back. At first glance I was concerned about the wide panel of fabric on the back but its Flowtunnels tech worked as promised and kept me surprisingly sweat-free.
Is there an alternative to bibshorts?
Bibshorts offer plenty of benefits for bike-riders, perhaps primarily in regard to bodily restriction, or a lack thereof. The idea is that by utilizing those slightly odd shoulder straps, you avoid the need for a traditional waistband. Waistbands can sometimes impede diaphragmatic breathing and generally offer less flexibility, which can negatively impact your performance on the bike.
However, we are ultimately talking about marginal gains here – something which is important for competitive riders, but might not be essential for the average casual cyclist. In which case, you may be wondering if there’s a slightly less ‘specialist’-looking alternative; a type of cycling short which can pass as regular streetwear? Fortunately, you’re in luck. Baggier, more rugged MTB shorts offer a far more familiar (and arguably cooler) aesthetic. Plus, if you have a habit of venturing off the paved road and onto rough, muddy terrains, this style of short will hold up far better than a bibshort. If you’re interested in something like that, allow me to point you in the direction of the Endura MTB Humvee Short with Liner – it remains my favorite example of the genre.
How can I get the most out of my cycling sessions?
Cycling is a popular entry-level way for people to start losing weight, but it can also be a pastime with adventure or competition in mind too. To get the best out of the experience, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear like these bibshorts, or perhaps even some infamous lycra attire (as explained here).
But it’s also about more than just having the right kit. To become a better cyclist, you need to upgrade your body too. Admittedly, this is a bit of a two-way street as cycling has plenty of health benefits, but there are additional exercises you could do to really target the aspects of your body which are most important for propelling your pushbike.
| Features | Dynamic Ventcuff cooling / bio-based Natex fibres / HP4D pad with four density levels |
| Color | Black |
| Sizes | Small – 2XL |
