After launching their first knee pads, DHaRCO are now expanding their range with bib shorts featuring an integrated back protector. At first glance, it sounds like a clever solution: less gear, fewer things to forget before heading out. However, the concept doesn’t come without its drawbacks.
At €159.99, the value is hard to argue with, especially given that comparable back protectors frequently retail for a similar figure on their own. In return for your money, you get bib shorts with small storage pockets, a seat pad, and integrated CE Level 1 back protection. Alternatively, DHaRCO also offer the padded shorts without the protector, leaving the insert pocket empty. This version costs €129, while the RHEON back protector is available separately in two sizes for €59. There’s also a women-specific version. Unlike the men’s version, this one does not include a fly opening that is present on the men’s model.
The bibs are made primarily from a nylon-elastane mesh fabric and features a Coolmax performance seat pad. For back protection, DHaRCO rely on RHEON, an impact-reactive polymer that remains soft and flexible but stiffens on impact, aiming to combine protection and comfort. You can wash the padded shorts on a gentle cycle at 30°. However, make sure to remove the protector beforehand and clean it by hand.
The DHaRCO Enduro Bib Shorts on Test
After finding a quiet corner in the office to get changed, the DHaRCO Enduro bib shorts immediately impress with a comfortable fit.
The straps, length, and overall fit feel well balanced. On the bike, the pad sits exactly where it should, and the bib remains comfortable even while pedalling. For MTB bib shorts worn under trousers, the seat pad is relatively thick – something your sit bones will definitely appreciate.
The integrated RHEON back protector is clearly the highlight. It sits neatly against your back, is barely noticeable while riding, and is one of the most unobtrusive back protectors we’ve tested so far. On the trail, it hardly gets in the way and manages to combine protection with excellent comfort surprisingly well.
The deep rear pockets keep their contents securely in place, but on our 1.90 m tall tester wearing size XL, they end exactly at waistband height. This means energy bars can slip under the waistband or get uncomfortably pinched, which becomes annoying while pedalling. It’s also a shame there’s no zippered pocket, for example for a house key you only need at the start and end of your ride. The side pockets initially seem practical with their cargo-bib design, but in everyday trail use under MTB trousers, they’re only of limited use. At least with tighter-fitting MTB trousers, it’s almost impossible to access the thigh pockets properly while riding without pulling your trousers down or taking them off altogether.
The biggest drawback, however, lies in the concept itself. For day rides, weekends, or short trips, the integrated solution works really well because it offers additional protection without the need for a separate protector vest. On longer bike holidays, though, it only partially replaces a standalone back protector, since you’re unlikely to wear the same bib for several days in a row. For riders who wear back protection on every ride, some practical planning is required. Longer trips will call for a spare protector or a mid-trip wash after a day or two. Alternatively, owning multiple pairs and swapping the protector into a fresh bib each time is a perfectly viable solution.
Conclusions about The DHaRCO Enduro Bib Shorts With RHEON Back Protector
On the trail, the DHaRCO makes a convincing case for the integrated back protector concept. The RHEON protector is unobtrusive and comfortable throughout, and the execution is better than the premise might suggest. Real-world use brings the trade-offs into focus, though: pocket design and day-to-day accessibility have their limits, and longer trips will often still call for a dedicated back protector. The DHaRCO is best understood as a capable weekend specialist rather than a universal solution, and within those boundaries it performs with confidence.
Tops
- unobtrusive, very comfortable back protector
- comfortable fit with well-designed straps
- fair pricing for bib and protector
Flops
- concept only partially practical for multi-day tours
- rear pockets awkwardly positioned depending on body height
- no zippered pocket
Alle weiteren Infos findet ihr bei DHaRCO.
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Words & Photos: Robin Ulbrich