Löffler W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL: Women's cycling shorts from Austria put to the test

Löffler has always attached great importance to local production and transparency when it comes to the origin of materials and supply chains. In this way, the Austrians are exactly in tune with the current zeitgeist - and have been for many years. 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 W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL from its individual parts - and that is really something special in this day and age.

Löffler W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL: Special padding from SQlab

Löffler also uses the special, extremely thin and dense padding from German ergonomics expert SQlab for its new long-distance trousers. This measures just 6 millimetres in thickness and is identical to the padding from the Men's version, which we also tested have. The density is 360 kg/m3. By comparison, the 12.5 millimetre thick padding of the Gorewear trousers has a density of only 200 kg/m3 in the middle layer, making it one of the firmest in the test. Provided you have a 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.

Slight weaknesses in the details

Some of the other details of the Löffler W 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.

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 these shorts apart from the best 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 in the long run. We would tend to recommend a size smaller for the Löffler if you like to feel more tension on your skin.

Löffler W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL: Info and price

• Price199,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight (M): 164 grammes
• Sizes: 36-46
• Made inAustria
• Equipmentseamless mesh straps; wide cuffs; reflective; towelling back
• Special features6 mm thin SQlab padding
• Upholstery Length/width/hardness: 20 cm / 18 cm / hard
• Leg length (measured from the trochanter major): 26.5 cm

Evaluation & conclusion

• Wearing comfort (40 %): Grade: 2.5
• Seat cushion (30 %): Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (20 %): Grade: 2.0
• Processing (10 %): Grade: 1.3
• Overall grade: 1.9

Top long-distance upholstery, but weaknesses in detail.

Even with the women's version, the Löffler W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL, you can feel the attached leg cuffs with every pedal stroke, and the trouser legs are very short, which not every rider likes. The straps roll in when you put them on and need to be adjusted precisely. The Löffler bibs have a high waist and a terrycloth back panel for protection. The padding is an excellent choice for frequent cyclists.