GripGrab AquaRepel Water-Resistant Bib Shorts

GripGrab's Aquarepel Water-Resistant Bib Shorts are designed for riding through the transition from autumn to winter, or for the end of the cold months as we enter spring. With various weatherproof panels and a comfortable chamois, they're ideal for when the weather takes a turn, either on their own or as part of a layering system.

For more ideas on the best kit for these changeable days, check out our guide to what to wear for autumn cycling.

The biggest issue I find the moment a membrane is added to a pair of bib shorts or bib tights is that you lose a fair amount of the natural stretch afforded by just the Lycra-like fabric alone, which means movement can feel restricted, and they can also feel tight around the legs if your thighs are on the large side.

GripGrab has only used waterproof fabric on certain sections, though: the front panels that run around the side, and the lower back – areas likely to be exposed to rain or road spray. This allows the rest of the shorts to stretch, giving a better all-round fit, which doesn't feel all that restrictive. GripGrab does actually say the waterproof panels also have four-way stretch, and I certainly found these much more comfortable than a lot of shorts of this style.

In other areas that are a bit more sheltered, like the inside of the thighs and around the waist, you get the polyester/elastane material backed with a fleece fabric to keep you warm.

The three-layer softshell panels have a fully waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane sandwiched in the middle, and their protection is impressive, with heavy rain struggling to get through for around an hour or so, and holding out much longer in lighter drizzle. It's hard to gauge exactly, as water can enter through the non-waterproof panels, although that is slowed by the fact that the entire garment also has a PFC-free DWR treatment – depending on wind direction, spray from passing traffic and so on.

You'll certainly stay drier than wearing standard shorts, but they aren't infallible. Even when wet, though, they do keep you warm.

With minimal seams they are also very comfortable, and there's plenty of length in the legs, which are held in place by grippers that aren't too compressive.

The straps have plenty of stretch to give a snug fit on your upper body, and are wide, too, which means no pressure points, while a rear mesh section completely covers your back.

The only thing I would like to see is a little more height on the front section, to cover your stomach more when riding in cool conditions.

Inside you get a chamois from Elastic Interface, well known for supplying pads to many clothing manufacturers, and on the whole I tend to get on with them very well. This Liege HP model has two different densities of padding in a shape to suit your saddle, with a central channel for pressure relief.

The padding is thicker than some, but it is designed for long distance riding where a slightly more upright position and therefore more weight on the saddle is likely.

Size-wise, GripGrab's chart is honest and realistic, so just take a look at that before buying, and as for quality I can find no faults with these shorts at all.

At £124.95 I wouldn't expect to, mind.

That said, Stolen Goat sells its Orkaan Weather-Resistant Bib Shorts for just 5p more, £125, and they too are water resistant and come with a fleece lining for warmth. We haven't reviewed them but having worn much of Stolen Goat's winter kit I find the quality and fit to be very good.

And the GripGrabs are certainly well priced against some of the competition, like Gore's Transition bib shorts. They are water resistant and windproof, and Steve was generally impressed even though they have a few niggles, but they cost £169.99.

Conclusion

The GripGrab Aquarepels are a quality pair of bib shorts with well-positioned panels to keep the worst of the weather out, without restricting movement; GripGrab has created a good balance here. It has also gone for a top-notch pad suitable for those slower, longer off-season rides.

Verdict

A comfortable pad and well-positioned panels make these ideal for the transition to the off-season