Sportful Bodyfit Pro LTD Bib Shorts and Snap Jersey Review

The Sportful Bodyfit Pro LTD bib shorts are one of the Italian brand’s top-of-the-range models, used by pros from the TotalEnergies and Red Bull – Bora – hansgrohe teams. Combining comfort and freedom of movement, they are also offered at a relatively reasonable price of €104. They are paired here with a lightweight and comfortable Snap jersey, pleasant to wear even in the heat. A high-end outfit that we tested on about ten rides in mid-summer.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

The Bodyfit Pro LTD bib shorts feature Sportful’s top-of-the-range chamois, the TC Pro, which is quite thick and made of multiple densities. But there is always an antinomy between bib shorts designed for long distances and those intended for competition: models that prioritize comfort are normally relatively thick, providing very good support to prevent long-term friction-causing slippage, whereas to achieve good performance in the moment, total freedom of movement is preferred. With the Bodyfit Pro LTD, Sportful has therefore sought to offer good support while allowing maximum flexibility. The bib shorts feature flat seams, silicone grip zones on the thighs for support without causing constriction, and a breathable AeroFlow Compress fabric on the legs with a slight compressive effect, in addition to offering a certain aerodynamic benefit according to the brand. The seams are arranged to prevent creasing, and the upper part is cut to allow the abdomen to breathe.

The Sportful Snap jersey is new this year, with modern colors and a fitted but not excessive cut. The ultra-light fabric feels very soft on the skin and is never compressive. The raw cut of the sleeves also causes no shearing effect on the arms. The three main pockets are complemented by a fourth zippered pocket, to secure keys or money. And despite the lightness of the fabric, even a fairly heavy smartphone doesn’t move around in the lower back during intense effort, which demonstrates the serious construction of the product. A silicone band at the bottom of the back further ensures good support. The Snap jersey is available in seven colors, starting from €70. The bib shorts are available in two colors (black or grey), starting from €104 currently on the Sportful.com website, for an outfit with a truly favorable quality/price ratio.

On the road with the Sportful Bodyfit Pro LTD bib shorts and Snap jersey

Obviously, testing cycling apparel is totally subjective. The feel depends first and foremost on how the clothes fit the body shape, as well as the riding style. And let’s face it, most of us choose an outfit based on its look, colors, or how we see ourselves in the mirror.

I don’t particularly like bib shorts that are too compressive, or those that restrict my pedaling movements. But I also don’t like chamois pads that are too thick, and even less those that end up sliding back and forth while pedaling. When I first put on the Bodyfit Pro LTD bib shorts, I was initially cautious, feeling a rather firm hold around the thighs and buttocks. Fortunately, the silicone band at the bottom of the legs doesn’t squeeze excessively, and the upper part doesn’t restrict the movements of the rib cage or stomach when breathing. The flat seams are never bothersome, and over the kilometers, these bib shorts stand out for their comfort, ideal for intense and relatively long rides. I haven’t tested the Bodyfit Pro LTD on rides longer than five hours, but its breathability seems perfect even in temperatures of 30°C.

The Snap jersey is light on the skin and feels almost like a t-shirt. The contents of the pockets are well-secured, whether it’s a smartphone, money, or snacks. The zipper is very easy to operate with one hand, allowing you to open the jersey more or less for ventilation. And you never feel restricted around the neck once it’s fully closed. The cut sleeves stay close to the arm and don’t flap in the wind, but their hold is quite loose. Even if you try to adjust them to a certain height on the upper arm (for tan lines!), they tend to slide down to the elbow. But this is also the current trend, with elongated jerseys primarily designed to improve aerodynamics.

Ultimately, the ensemble is comfortable and very high quality, with a finish that inspires ease and durability. The quality/price ratio of this Sportful outfit is particularly impressive, with the Bodyfit Pro LTD bib shorts being accessible for this level of range, whereas for this level of performance, you often have to pay at least 30% more from competitors.

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