Affordable kit that doesn't look cheap or perform poorly, what a concept.

Affordable kit that doesn't look cheap or perform poorly, what a concept (click to enlarge).​

Lowdown: Bontrager Circuit Jersey and Bibshorts

First thing I look at when choosing road cycling kit? Price. I don't care how fancy, schmancy the stuff is, it should not cost as much as an Armani suit (not that I'd ever buy one of those either). The idea that you can spend upwards of $500-$600 for a top-and-bottom bike riding combo is just silly. That's why the Bontrager Circuit jersey and bibshorts get such high marks. It's functional, fashionable, and reasonably priced kit. Check out our full review to learn more.

Fabric: Lightweight moisture wickingSafety: Reflective elements
Cut: Drop-tail, cycling specific designColors: Black, red, blue, yellow, white, geo-scope
Storage: 1 zipped + 3 open back pocketsSizes: XXS-XXL
Zipper: Full length YKKMSRP: $70
Fit: Semi-form fitRating:
4.5 Stars
4.5 out of 5 stars
Security: Silicone gripper around waist
Stat Box: Bontrager Circuit Jersey


Pluses

Minuses
  • Affordable
  • Hardcore racer will want tighter fit
  • Lightweight
  • Slightly loose sleeves
  • Thoughtful design
  • No waterproof essentials pocket
  • Moisture wicking
  • Some shoulder flap at higher speeds
  • Subtle styling
  • Full length zipper
  • Multiple color options
  • Ample storage
  • Good pocket security
  • Robust, easy-to-grab zippers

The bibshorts utilize mesh material on the back that helps keep you cool, while a well-made dual density chamois protects the nether region.

The bibshorts utilize mesh material on the back that helps keep you cool, while a well-made dual density chamois protects the nether region (click to enlarge).​

Chamois: Stratus inForm dual density padSafety: Reflective elements
Fabric: Lightweight moisture wickingColors: Black, white, geo-scope
Fit: Form FittedSizes: XXS-XXL
Security: Clean cut compression leg gripperMSRP: $105
Inseam: 9"/23cmRating:
4 Stars
4 out of 5 stars
Stat Box: Bontrager Circuit Bibshorts


Pluses

Minuses
  • Affordable
  • Chamois slightly thin
  • Subtle styling
  • Some thread fraying
  • Cooling mesh back
  • Bib straps a bit loose
  • Good chamois position
  • Lightweight
  • Good wicking
  • Thigh compression

Review: Bontrager Circuit Jersey and Bibshorts

Rapha's influence on the world of road cycling kit is undeniable. The U.K.-based high-end apparel maker ushered in the modern age of subtle, classic designs. Look around today and almost every kit maker (Bontrager included) has some version of the understated kit that Rapha helped popularize.

The design is subtle without being boring. Color options include black, blue, red, yellow, and geo-space.

The design is subtle without being boring. Color options include black, blue, red, yellow, white, and geo-space (click to enlarge).​

But in many cases that's where the similarities end. For example, a quick scan of the Rapha website reveals that $115 is the least you can pay for an adult-sized jersey, and the average is around $175. Bibshorts start at $150 and climb quickly from there. While I'm not saying Rapha's kit (or that of any of the other high-end brands) is totally unreasonable, the price disparity between it and something like the Bontrager Circuit jersey and bibshorts is a little hard to swallow. (And yes, Bontrager makes far more expensive kit, too.)

At $105, the bibshorts punch way above their weight class in terms of performance.

At $105, the bibshorts punch way above their weight class in terms of performance (click to enlarge).​

For $175 you get a jersey - and bibshorts. More importantly, though, the Bontrager Circuit kit looks and functions great. Over several months of testing, it's provided a solid combination of comfort, breathability, and performance. And don't confuse this with the budget-priced, flappy (and often loud) kit you find on the discount rack at your local bike shop. The jersey's fit is trim enough to appeal to all but the most hardcore of racers, while the styling is classic and subtle, just the way I like it. Sorry Led Zeppelin-jersey wearing dude… That's just not my stairway to heaven.

Continue to page 2 for more of our Bontrager Circuit jersey and bibshorts review »


There was some bunching at the shoulder, but generally the fit was spot on.

There was some bunching at the shoulder, but generally the fit was spot on (click to enlarge).​

The Circuit jersey's fabric is lightweight and wicks moisture reasonably well. And if things do heat up, the full length zipper allows you to completely open up. No ¾ BS here. Out back are three open pockets for food, a rain jacket, and whatever else you want to toss in. There's also a zipped security pocket that's big enough for an ID, cash, credit card, and/or smartphone. My only beef is that the essentials pocket is not waterproof, so don't forget the Ziploc baggie or whatever you use to guard against rain.

The fit is what I'd call semi-form fitted. It's not loose by any means. But also not so tight that you have to go on an all-lettuce diet to squeeze into the thing. Yes, I have experienced a little shoulder flap at higher speeds, but you wont get the belly billow so common on many loose-fitting club kits.

Matching cotton cycling hats can be added to the outfit for $20.

Matching cotton cycling hats can be added to the outfit for $20 (click to enlarge).​

The Bontrager Circuit bibshorts get similar high marks. Mesh material on the back helps keep you cool, while a well-made dual density chamois protects the nether region. Some may find the pad a little on the thin side, but it worked great for my backside. Leg inseams are reasonable 9 inches, and the clean cut compression leg grippers stayed in place and offered subtle muscle compression.

Bottom line, for a budget priced kit, the Bontrager Circuit pairing punches way above its weight class. Unless you're the type who just has to spend a lot of money on clothes, cycling or otherwise, this a great kit that wont break your budget or require you to display your preference in classic rock.

For more info please visit www.trekbikes.com.