Ornot Cargo Bibs: So Good, You Barely Notice Them

Many a seasoned cyclist has said that a pair of well-fitting shorts are one of the most important pieces of cycling clothing you will buy. Or maybe I should flip that by saying ill-fitting cycling shorts are one of the worst purchases you can make.

There are just three contact points between you and your bike: your hands, your feet and your backside. From the hours spent in the same position on the road to the constantly shifting movements of off-road riding this contact point can mean the difference between happily riding all day and getting home in a world of chafed hurt.

I can remember it feeling like a right of passage getting my first bib shorts. Having first dipped my toe into the cycling world with a pair of non bib shorts this felt like a real commitment. Obviously it was partly fueled by wanting to emulate the pros (we're talking John Tomac, Mike Kloser, Ned Overend in the late 80's/ early 90s) but thankfully this was not a fad that dropped off the radar, this was an investment to comfort.

So it is worth searching for the bibs that work for you, and for almost all riders that will be a decent pair of bib shorts; these will offer better support and fewer pressure points than a pair of non-bib shorts. Whilst I may be preaching to the converted it is sometimes worth getting the obvious out of the way.

Which leads us to these recently revamped Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts.

Is it even worth mentioning that they are cargo shorts? I find it strange to believe there was a time, not that long ago, when people thought this type of shorts was a revolution. Traditionalists getting their bib shorts in a twist just because there was the option of moving your most grabbed items onto your shorts and maybe tucking your wallet and keys in some back pockets. Obviously each to their own and everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but for me I can't ever imagine buying non “cargo” bibs again. Unless I was racing a crit or time trial in a skin suit (which having made it this far in life without ever having felt the urge is unlikely) why would I say no to the option of carrying stuff in pockets on my shorts?

So that's the 'Why cargo bibs?' question answered, now onto 'Why Ornot cargo bibs?'

Have you heard of them...Ornot?

Ornot are new to me. As a rider in the UK I have to admit I haven't had contact with Ornot before, which is strange because I'm usually the kind of person who loves to hear about new bike companies, especially small clothing ones. But when I was told about Ornot I liked the ethos. In a world of heavy branding, massive logos and in your face graphics these guys are doing something different. Something more subtle. Ornot will certainly appeal to those who would rather their legs do the talking than the kit they are wearing. Which isn't to say they've wanted to cut corners, this is high end - high quality for those who know.

They also want to make as little impact as possible on the planet, too. With 1% of profits going back to the planet (via non profit organisations) and being certified Carbon Neutral they are making inroads into this that many companies aren't yet. All of which is to be applauded, but is it enough to make you ride in their kit?

First Impressions

Ordering new clothing online has inherent risks. One company's large is another company's medium, and if one thing has to be right with bib shorts it is the fit. Thankfully these came up just as expected. Reading the websites sizing guide I went for a medium and it was bang on. I'm about 33” waist and a fairly skinny 6'1” tall. I'd like to call it a climber's build but there is certainly not much to my thighs.Thankfully the wide leg grippers kept close to my legs without creating the dreaded baggy flap that used to come with some long shorts of old.

The fit around the thighs on these shorts is compressive without feeling restrictive, which is a careful line to walk but the Ornot bibs manage it well. The straps feel wide enough to support and are thankfully long enough and have enough give for long ride comfort. I've had shorts previously that tried to pull me into an aero tuck even when I was standing off the bike. The Ornots have no pressure points and every seam feels comfortable against the skin.

Fits Like an (Italian) Glove

Looking at the label it says they are made in Italy. Most of the Ornot clothing is made in the USA but I guess they are happier with the quality they can get from Italy with the shorts. It may just be cliches but these shorts do feel like the understated class of a tailored Italian suit. The material feels good to the touch and these shorts scream quality however they just do it very, very quietly. Obviously only time will tell as to how things last but going by first impressions these should stand up to plenty of use.

These shorts scream quality however they just do it very, very quietly.

The design is exactly what you would expect from a brand that prides itself on minimal/no branding. Apart from a small label that's semi-covered by the mesh on the side pocket there is no visible branding. Stealth all the way, with just a couple of obligatory, unobtrusive, reflective details on the back of the legs.

They come in a range of muted shades. Midnight Blue, the enigmatically named Cortado (dark brown to non coffee aficionados), Olive and obviously the traditional Black.

Hitting the Trail with Ornot Cargo Bibs

From the first time I tried these shorts on I was impressed. Comfortable from the moment of pulling up the straps, covering with a jersey and heading out for a ride.

Once on and spinning it was hard to notice the shorts, which is the highest compliment I can give. They just did their job and disappeared into the background of the day. Everything about them meant I could just focus on the riding rather than getting comfortable. I'd like to be able to add more but this really is what I want from a pair of shorts so it's hard to elaborate, but I will try.

The mid level of compression in the legs meant they were cosy round the thighs without being restrictive, no weird bunching up when you move around in the shorts.

The insert that you sit on will always be a key part of this comfort. The days of it being made of Chamois leather may be long gone but thankfully technology and fabrics have made great advances since then. Ornot call it their “Dense Endurance Chamois” and while I'm pretty sure it's not made of the Chamois antelopes leather it is pretty dense and felt supportive on all the ride distances I used the shorts for.

The side pockets are just where you'd want them to be. Totally flush when not being used but deep enough to hold what you need. For me this is usually my phone in the right pocket, ready to grab and shoot when a photo opportunity arrives, and maybe a gel in the left pocket. Or perhaps some litter that someone's left (pockets are also a good place to put someone else's gel wrapper that's been left, making the world a better place one wrapper at a time).

A small gripe is that the side pockets were a little tight for sliding my phone back into for those important mid ride picture opportunities. Maybe this is because they are new and the elastic needs to loosen up a little, but a couple of times I had to check the phone had gone in deep enough not to pop straight back out.

There are back pockets as well if you want to keep keys or anything else tucked away. I find these pockets can get a bit warm and sweaty from my back, but was chatting to a friend who swears that these pockets are his favourites. These pockets also open up the option of riding in a tech-T or flannel shirt (depending on weather and hipster preference) as you no longer need a cycling jersey with traditional pockets for your carrying needs.

Temperature wise they should be perfect for 3-season riding, depending on your climate. Here in the UK I'm sure they will be a bit cool in early spring and late autumn, and a bit warm in the hottest of summer, but this weight of material is certainly the best weight for the widest spread of temperatures.

Is it worth it, though?

There are a whole lot of shorts out there, from the budget brands who provide an ok short to the highest of high tech. Both have their fans, from those who say that you don't need to spend a fortune to get good shorts to those who say you can't put a price on comfort.

Pricing wise these shorts sit just above average for a quality pair of bib shorts, but nowhere near the most expensive. I'd actually say that they are good value. For me something can still be good value even if it carries a higher price tag, it just has to deliver enough to justify the price. Seeing as you can only wear one pair of bibs at once you may as well invest in your comfort. Life's too short for bad shorts, so choosing a pair like these makes sense.

One thing I really liked about these shorts is that they can be paired with any brand's jersey and you don't get the clash of logos that can come from riding with mis-matched kit. I'm sure the Ornot jerseys are real nice, but I like the option to pair these shorts with anything I choose. Some days it may be with an aero jersey and others it could be a tech-T.

The fit and comfort were great, whether just hammering for a short blast or heading out all day, I was very happy in them. The materials feel high quality and the construction is first rate. The best compliment for shorts is that you forget they are there. That they just do their job and it's only when you take them off that you remember that you're not chafed, battered or overly sweaty.

It used to be that only lower quality cycling kit was designed with minimal branding, but I like this change. It's good to see the idea of 'less is more' branding being offered at the higher end. The Ornot's brief was to design a great fitting all day cargo bib with minimal logos, and they've certainly delivered on that. Whether it is easy to stand out in a very crowded bib market is hard to say, but these shorts should definitely be on the list if you are looking for a new pair, especially if you want to be able to mix them with other brand jerseys. If you do try them you will see that lots of small details add up to a cargo bib that it is very easy to recommend.

Get them here for $218 USD.

Credits:

Words

Philip Diprose