Stefan Frey
· 14.06.2026
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With the Essential Bib Kit M Gonso offers a versatile pair of cycling shorts designed for ambitious leisure cyclists and sporty touring cyclists. The focus is clearly on comfort, functionality and versatility – from a quick ride after work to a longer weekend ride.
The trousers feature a close-fitting yet not overly compressive cut. The stretchy technical fabric hugs the body snugly whilst remaining flexible enough for long days in the saddle. The pad design is classic: soft, flat and without pressure points – even in a forward-leaning riding position.
The fabric offers excellent breathability and effective moisture management. Particularly in warmer conditions, the fabric ensures that sweat is quickly wicked away, keeping you dry and comfortable.
At the heart of every bike is the saddle – and here Gonso offers a solid solution for medium to long distances. The saddle is ergonomically shaped, sufficiently firm yet not too bulky. It therefore provides noticeable comfort on the road as well as on moderate gravel or forest trails.
The seams have been deliberately kept to a minimum and are neatly finished to minimise chafing. Combined with the flat leg hems, this results in a very comfortable overall fit.
Gonso deliberately avoids frills – instead, the design focuses on the essentials. This is particularly appealing to cyclists looking for straightforward, reliable trousers without unnecessary extras.
| Grade | |
| Comfort (40%) | 2.4 |
| Seat cushion (30%) | 3.0 |
| Facilities (20%) | 2.8 |
| Quality (10%) | 2.5 |
| Overall mark | 2.7 |
The Gonso trousers made a generally positive impression in our test. The pleasantly soft, opaque fabric and the neatly finished seams are a testament to their solid quality. The waistband sits at a standard height, whilst the wide leg cuffs keep the trousers securely in place – though this comes at the expense of comfort when putting them on.
In terms of fit, this model has a rather slim cut: the trousers feel a bit tight, particularly around the upper body. Taller and heavier riders over 1.80 metres tall would therefore be better off choosing a size larger. Although the padding feels a bit bulky and not very stable at first touch, it performs well on the bike with a good fit and decent comfort.
One clear advantage: taking a toilet break is delightfully straightforward and requires no acrobatic manoeuvres. Another strong point is the wide range of sizes. With options up to 6XL, Gonso caters to a particularly broad spectrum of riders – something that is by no means a given.

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