German brand ROSE have a large portfolio of products besides bikes. These include the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts, which have 2 leg pockets and a back pocket with zipper. Priced at just € 84.95, they’re the most affordable option on test. Can they keep up with the much more expensive competition?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Which are the best cargo bibs of 2023 – 13 cargo bib shorts in review.
Specs & quality of the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts
The ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s bibs are soft and pleasant to the touch, though the material still feels robust. As with the other bibs on test, the workmanship of the ROSE shorts is excellent. They come equipped with one leg pocket per side, each measuring approximately 8.5 x 15.5 cm. The third pocket is located across the lower back and measures approx. 17.5 x 10.5 cm, relying on a 13 cm wide zipper. Considering the low position of the back pocket, it could interfere with your jersey pockets. So, if you choose to wear these bibs together with a jersey, it’s better to use the bibs’ leg pockets only and stick with the jersey pockets. The available storage space is rounded off by a mini pocket on the strap, which is great for keys.
Cargo functionality of the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts
In terms of storage space, the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II shorts are the VW Golf in the test field. Inconspicuous, but capable of stowing a lot! While the leg pockets can store everything you want to have within reach during a ride, the back pocket is best accessed while stationary because of its zipper. The leg pockets always kept our smartphones, purses and snacks safely stowed away while riding.Thanks to the discreet black design, these cargo bibs can easily fly under the radar, unless you’ve got the pockets stuffed full.
Safety/visibility of the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts
The prints on the left leg and on the right butt cheek are both reflective. They look very stylish the way they shimmer in daylight, almost like an oil-slick finish. Nicely done!
Comfort of the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts
The R CLASSIC+ CARBON W chamois is said to be made for female anatomy and medium to long distances. There are carbon fibres incorporated into the fabric of the chamois, which should have a thermoregulatory effect. While we had no heat build-up during our test rides, we weren’t in the Sahara either, with temperature hovering at around 26° C. In those conditions, the chamois delivered what ROSE promise. It’s relatively thick but soft, blending in well while riding.Unfortunately, the seams of the straps were slightly scratchy. If you don’t wear a sports bra or undershirt underneath them, things could get uncomfortable.
The chamois of ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts
The ROSE UNPAVED bib W II shorts offer enough storage space for everything you need while on the go. Thanks to thoughtful details like a zip pocket on the back and the small pocket on the strap, you can keep everything orderly with your keys separate from your snacks. If you’re into gravel grinding, but also enjoy road riding and the occasional bikepacking trips, these women’s cargo bibs are the right choice for you. Moreover, their price is unrivalled at € 85.
Tops
comfortable fit, suitable for long days in the saddlelots of storage spacereflective printsprice
Flops
Seams on the straps can be scratchy
For more info visit rose.com.
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Which are the best cargo bibs of 2023 – 13 cargo bib shorts in review.
All cargo bib shorts in review: Café du Cycliste Chloe POC Rove Cargo Bib Shorts
