Women's cycling shorts reviewed: EKOI's performance women's bib shorts – featuring a top-quality chamois

The EKOI Perf Gel Power is designed to impress as a high-quality pair of cycling shorts suitable for both intensive training and competition. Thanks to their women’s-specific cut and anatomically shaped Power Gel seat pad, the shorts are designed to offer a high level of comfort even on longer rides.

Zip for a toilet break

A key feature is the practical zipped back opening, which makes it easy to take a quick break without having to take off your jersey or shorts – a particularly useful detail for long rides.

The soft, bi-elastic fabric is designed to adapt perfectly to the movements of cycling and, combined with high breathability, ensures a comfortable body temperature. Moisture is effectively wicked away, whilst mesh panels on the back and front provide additional ventilation.

Laser-cut leg cuffs with silicone grips ensure a secure hold and a snug fit, designed to prevent slipping. The seamless, elasticated straps also offer the perfect balance between stability and freedom of movement.

Another highlight is the built-in UV protection (UPF 50+), which shields the wearer from intense sunlight in summer conditions.

EKOI Perf Gel Power – Information & Price

• Price: €91.23 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 183 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs, single-elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband, zip (pee-friendly)
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 16 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length*: 28 centimetres

EKOI Perf Gel Power – Review & Verdict

The trousers fit surprisingly well right from the start: they sit comfortably around the waist without feeling constricting, the straps sit comfortably, and the padding is also impressive, with its well-balanced positioning and excellent comfort. The low-cut waistband at the back makes the otherwise slightly scratchy zip practically redundant. With the right technique, you can even pull the trousers down whilst they’re zipped up: hook your thumbs into the back of the straps and, whilst squatting, pull the trousers down over your bottom – this worked surprisingly well in our test.

Then, however, came the let-down: at least in the sand colourway, the trousers fall short when it comes to opacity. In the mirror, the sewn-in label was almost legible through the fabric – a clear no-go. At least the problem seems to be colour-specific; darker versions appear to be far less of an issue. Our verdict is therefore mixed: comfort, fit and performance are all spot on – if the manufacturer were to use double-layered fabric in the seat instead of a zip and get the transparency under control, the overall package would be close to perfection.