SOUKE Performance Bib Shorts: Tested on Road, MTB Rides

I was recently provided with a pair of Souke Performance Bib Shorts with the expectation I would be doing a review. These shorts were provided free of charge. However in the past six months I have purchased pairs of the Performance and Entry Bib Shorts at full price. The pair I’m reviewing today was provided free of charge but I have not been compensated for my opinion. Souke has not had input into this review.

As a 188 cm (6’2″) tall, 92 kg (203 lbs) male, I have previously ordered Souke shorts in large; however the pair provided for this review and selected by Souke were extra large. Although I felt the large fit me well, these XLs fit me perfectly. The bib shorts were used in a combination of high-intensity 20 km time trials, mountain bike rides, road training rides and a 106 km endurance ride.

To say that I’m impressed with the quality of the Souke shorts would be an understatement. The straps are very comfortable and smooth, which do not cause any friction skin issues. They also have a very nice amount of stretch that holds them firm while you’re riding but does not make them feel tight. The material for the bottom and the legs is a nice mix of tightness and support, with an excellent gripper section at the bottom of both legs. The shorts stay in place and do not creep up or bunch up while in use. All of the stitching appears to be very well done, with no loose threads.

Of course it’s the chamois that can often make or break a pair of cycling shorts. I find the chamois in these shorts to be comfortable, a decent thickness and the material over the pad does not cause any friction issues. The longest ride that I have on these shorts has been about 4 hours on the road bike and there were no issues during the ride, or after. They also faded in the background during the two time trial events, despite holding a prolonged steady state position on aero bars.

The bib shorts that were provided to me were listed as ginger in the original order; however the tag on the shorts stated they were turmeric. I will confirm that the colour is nearly exactly the colour of turmeric spice. The colour of these shorts is the only thing that doesn’t excite me as they are too close to my normal skin tone and make me look like I’m almost not wearing anything. In the future I will stick with black.

The main thing I can say about these shorts is that when I’m wearing them, they completely disappear from my mind. They’re comfortable, they don’t cause any skin issues, the pad is supportive enough for long rides, and the straps are very supportive without feeling tight. I originally discovered this product by watching a YouTube video. Having already purchased two pairs with my own money, I will be putting in another order very soon.