Tried and tested in the professional peloton by the riders of the CANYON//SRAM team, previous iterations of our Souplesse bibs have set the standard in women’s racewear. Just like all other women’s bibs, however, they’ve all shared a common drawback: bib straps make it impossible to quickly remove mid-ride without removing your jersey.

The new Women's Detachable Pro Team Bib Shorts solve this problem with a breakthrough magnetic clasp technology at the bottom of the mesh upper section that can be released with one hand, enabling you to relieve yourself without removing your jersey. Positioned neatly just below the rear pockets of your jersey, the clasp is constructed with injection molded plastic for long-lasting strength that ensures it will never come undone. It is attached to the shorts with a resilient grosgrain fabric which, in turn, is bonded to the mesh upper section of the bib short. A thicker section of fabric is positioned between the buckle and the skin for padding. The system allows for quick removal without any compromise in comfort or performance.

The bibs also feature a redesigned chamois pad with a fully moulded, seamless construction created through years of research into women’s comfort in the saddle. Designed specifically for racing, the new pad uses a lightweight, high-density foam that balances support and speed for a race-winning advantage. The shorts themselves are made with a softer fabric, which balances compression and comfort perfectly, cut and shaped to wrap around your legs in the on-bike position. A minimal seam construction creates a streamlined shape that avoid fabric bunching at the hip while low-profile leg grippers provide support at the thigh. The re-shaped upper is cut from a high-stretch, mesh fabric that is fast drying and high wicking while flat, bonded seams prevent any chafing.

“Personally, I’m a big fan of the leg length on Rapha shorts, which come to just above my knees. The leg bands are wide with silicone microdots, which grip securely without digging in or causing the dreaded sausage leg … I can say hand on heart that the chamois is exceptional. I’ve ridden it multiple times in a range of conditions and each time it’s achieved the pinnacle of chamois comfort: I’ve forgotten I’m wearing it. ”

4.5/5 Aoife Glass, bikeradar.com

“Rapha’s New Souplesse Dropper Bibs Feel Like You’re Sitting on Clouds.”

Molly Ritterbeck and Taylor Rojek, bicycling.com

“Going to the loo is always such a palava … it was reassuring to find that they allowed for efficient comfort breaks … all complemented by a fabric that felt so light and soft, almost like having a second skin since it moulded smoothly around my skin without riding up, thanks to the firm leg grippers.”

4/5 Maria David, Cyclist.co.uk

“I tested the shorts during the course of a 750 km week in Denia, Spain. Of the pairs I wore that week, these by far had the best chamois, particularly around the sit bones…”

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan, cyclingweekly.com

“…they're so good that they're sure to earn their place in anyone's wardrobe … Excellent bib shorts for comfort, and comfort breaks.”

★★★★☆ Tass Whitby, road.cc