Löffler cycling shorts with SQlab padding: High-tech cycling shorts made in Austria put to the test

Even if the Löffler brand doesn't make a big fuss about it, the Austrians knit the majority of their yarn in their own knitting mill in Ried im Innkreis, just 40 kilometres from the German border. This is also where the new Löffler M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL from its individual parts - and that is really something special in this day and age.

Cushion for frequent - or long - travellers

Löffler also relies on the special, extremely thin and dense padding from the German ergonomics expert SQlab for its new long-distance trousers. It measures just 6 millimetres in thickness. The density is 360 kg/m3. By comparison, the 12.5 millimetre thick padding of the Gorewear trousers has a density of just 200 kg/m3 in the middle layer, making it one of the firmest specimens in the test.

Provided you've got a little bit of muscle, this pad is an excellent choice for extreme tours and long marathon laps because it simply doesn't sag. However, beginners and occasional cyclists may well experience painful kilometres in the saddle - it simply lacks the habit effect.

Some of the other details of the Löffler M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL are not quite up to date. The leg cuffs are wide but classic and the seams - although pleasantly flat - are also more numerous than on some other test candidates.

Typical Löffler: large reflective prints and the soft towelling trim on the lower back, which absorbs sweat but can quickly become sweaty on hot days.

Cuffs and straps

Complaining about the Löffler M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL is whinging at a high level - you have to admit that at this point. And yet there are a few points that set them apart from the best trousers in the test.

Löffler is one of the few manufacturers to use very wide and comfortable, but not seamless, cuffs. You can feel the different stretch of the materials between the leg cuffs and trouser legs. The cuffs sit tightly on the legs, while the fit on the legs and seat is rather loose.

The airy mesh straps are also not entirely convincing. They roll in a little when you put them on and need to be properly adjusted. During the ride, they tend to slip sideways at the shoulders, which is a little uncomfortable over time. We would tend to recommend a size smaller for the Löffler if you like to feel more tension on your skin.

Löffler M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL - Info & Price

• Price199,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight (L): 183 grammes
• Sizes: 44-56
• Made inAustria
• Equipmentseamless mesh straps; wide cuffs; reflective; towelling back
• Special features6 mm thin, very firm SQlab padding
• Upholstery length/width/hardness: 20 cm / 18 cm / hard
• Leg length (from trochanter major): 29.5 cm

Evaluation & conclusion

• Wearing comfort (40 %): Grade: 2.6
• Seat cushion (30 %): Grade: 1.0
• Equipment (20 %): Grade: 2.0
• Processing (10 %): Grade: 1.3
• Overall grade: 1.9

Top workmanship and great cushioning for long distances. Weaknesses in detail

Löffler relies on the very firm SQlab padding, which is only 6 millimetres thick, for its top shorts - a top choice for seasoned marathon racers. Some details of the M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL are not perfect: The mesh bib straps could sit a little tighter and slip a little to one side, the wide attached leg cuffs with sticky silicone can be felt with every pedal stroke. Overall, the shorts could do with a little more stretch.