Sportful Giro 2 Bibknicker review

Dressing for spring riding can be tricky. Do you go with full bib tights and risk overheating when the day warms up? Are summer bibs and knee warmers sufficient? Maybe you go with something in between like a bib knicker? The Sportful Giro 2 Bibknicker is the in-between option that works great for early season rides when a bit of skin exposure won’t leave you with frostbite.

The Sportful Giro 2 fit nicely into my wardrobe giving the ideal in-between option when the weather is cool but not frosty. I find on cold days in spring I am tempted to underdress in anticipation of warmer weather and in defiance of the long Canadian winter. While I often regret this choice, I could no longer justify making it with the Giro 2 bib knickers. They allowed me to show some skin and work on a bit of a lower calf tan while keeping all the important muscles warm.

The Giro 2 use an insulated compression fabric to ensure a snug and very comfortable fit. Especially at the knee, good uniform compression is welcome to ensure bunching is minimal and that knee dexterity isn’t affected. The eight panels that make up the bib knickers are well put together with flatlock stitching on important seams. The insulated fabric conforms well to the shape of the body.

In cold wind, the insulated fabric kept the legs nice and warm. In the sun, the black fabric definitely attracts some heat but so far this spring they have never been too warm. Perhaps on climbs longer than are found where I live I would choose something with a bit less insulation, but the protection from the wind down to the calves is very welcome.

Silicone elastic grippers hold the bottom of the knickers in place. If you have bulging calves you might find they leave a bit of a mark but the compression they provide was never uncomfortable and kept them where I wanted them. The bib straps held the upper part in place and were comfortable whether sitting directly against the skin or over a baselayer. The Sportful Comfort Pro chamois was comfortable over various distance rides. The Giro 2 have reflective Sportful logos and panel on the leg.

The Sportful Giro 2 Bibknickers were a very welcome piece in my wardrobe helping keep me happy out on the road as the season changed. While they will be stored away until autumn once spring begins to feel more like summer than winter, they will help extend my season once it’s the leaves begin to fall. The Sportful Giro 2 Bibknickers retail for $130.