Following up on yesterday’s review of the Santini CX Bib Shorts, I rode my brand new Giordana Tenax Bib Shorts today for the first time. These are luxury bibs. The lycra fabric is soft and supple and similar to the feel of my Castelli Y bibs. The Stratus O.F. insert is made from a contoured foam that is thicker and a little more rigid than most pads you will find today. Putting on the Tenax bibs, I thought to myself that these are very nice cycling shorts.

I purchased a pair of XXL Tenax bibs and I am 6′-4″ with a 36″ waist. They fit very well, but I would not have minded an extra inch in height. All in all, they are very comfortable. Taking them out on a 30+ mile ride today I was quite happy with them. However, I have to admit, after riding the Santini CX’s yesterday, I was expecting the Stratus O.F. pad to fit in a similar way, but with a little more sponge. That was not the case. The Stratus O.F. pad felt a bit rigid the entire ride and while the fabric feels absolutely great everywhere else, the pad was a little disappointing to me…especially after spending $125 for a pair of these bad boys. Don’t get me wrong, I love these shorts. But, comparing them to the Santini’s, I would actually choose them if I had to choose between the two.

Since these just got the Editor’s Pick in Bicylcling magazine for best Top of the Line Bib Shorts, I am going to switch the order that I wear them next week and wear the Tenax bibs on Monday and the Santinis on Tuesday to see if that makes a difference. I will keep you posted.