Fizik

Fizik has a long history with successfully using spinal flexibility as a factor in saddle design with its semi-custom line of saddles shaped to suit riders' biomechanics, rather than asking riders to make a saddle shape work for them. The Bull, Chameleon, and Snake distinctions are well-known and respected, so it only makes sense that as its next project, Fizik would address the part of kit that comes in contact with the saddle the most. The resulting Link R3 bib shorts includes its own Bull, Chameleon, and Snake inserts shaped to integrate with their corresponding saddles.

Fizik's spine-focused approach to saddle design has made its lithe, minimal shelves stand out for years amongst more generic offerings. Taking rider's biomechanics into consideration and developing saddles that fit riders' builds as they are has meant that Fizik users don't have to suffer through long break-in periods or push through pain to ride with a high-end saddle. With the firm's mastery at sit-bone comfort, we aren't surprised that Fizik turned its attention to the piece of kit that has the next-greatest impact on ischial comfort with a line of bib shorts.

The Link R1 Chameleon Bib Shorts incorporate the brand's Spine Concept design philosophy and luxury details, making them race-ready for cyclists with moderate flexibility. For reference, Fizik designed the Chameleon Bibs to correspond with the brand's Antares saddle, but the shorts are so comfortable and well-tailored that they're just as capable of pairing with any other saddle.