Price: $329
Color: Black
Sizes: XXS-5XL
Fit: True to size, consult sizing chart
Material: 78% Polyamide, 22% Elastane
Pockets: Yes, two side pockets
Sun protection: UPF 50+ UV protection
Testing: Over 25 rides, including 100k gravel and road
Availability: Online
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Best Women’s “Nature Break” Bibs
Over the years, I’ve tested countless pairs of women’s bibs designed to make nature breaks quick and easy. Some designs work better than others. Well, Jelenew’s new Quick-Release Zippered bib shorts work the best.
The mechanism behind these bibs involves a distinctive buckle strap system. Positioned at the upper side of the hip are three loops for attaching the buckle, which allows for adjustable strap lengths. For a restroom stop, simply detach the buckles on both sides and unzip the rear zipper. This will enable you to remove the shorts without taking off your jersey. To put them back on, follow the steps in reverse.
To my delight, I could leave my jersey and hydration pack on during bathroom breaks. I didn’t have to fish the straps through my jersey. Instead, I grabbed the buckle, slipped it through the loop, and zipped up the back zipper. Fast, easy, and oh so convenient!
When nature calls, the rear zipper combines with unbuckling the bib straps to remove the shorts easily.
When unzipping the Jelenew Quick-Release Zippered bib shorts, a fabric backing ensures there’s no risk of chafing or accidental flashing the peloton. I’ve had concerns with other brands of zippered bibs about potential wardrobe malfunctions that could leave me exposed during a ride. Thankfully, Jelenew’s thoughtful design provides ample coverage, even if you forget to zip up or if the zipper breaks. During one test ride, I forgot to zip up, but luckily, a friend noticed and gave me a heads-up.
Exceptional Performance and Durability
Jelenew has not only cracked the code for quick bathroom breaks but has also managed to do so without compromising on the quality of the materials or performance. The bibs are crafted from POWER fabric, which offers stretchability, abrasion resistance, compression, and quick-drying properties, making them ideal for endurance wear. With UPF 50+ UV protection, you can enjoy long rides in the summer sun, knowing your skin is protected under the shorts.
The compressive nature of the fabric helps reduce muscle fatigue during long rides. The F130 Gavel Women chamois, designed specifically for gravel rides lasting over 8 hours, offers excellent comfort. My longest test ride was a 100k, and I was perfectly comfortable. The chamois utilizes high-density and superlight foams to cushion against bumpy gravel roads effectively. Also, the 3rd generation Skyve technology optimizes the pad’s thickness and shape to reduce friction during pedaling.
Utility Bibs
The icing on the cake is these bibs have storage pockets on each thigh. They are large enough secure to store a cell phone on one side and nutrition on the other. The pockets worked great on my longer 100k test rides when I needed to carry additional nutrition.
Silicon leg grippers keep the shorts from riding up and provide a smooth transition from shorts to leg. There is no sausage leg here, just a beautiful smooth line. To further provide a sleek silhouette, the top of the bib comes just above the belly button in the front and slightly higher in the back. The Quick-Release bibs don’t come as high up on the torso as the Jelenew Y-Back bibs I previously reviewed (read review here).
Available in extended sizing, XXS-5XL, I suggest consulting the company’s sizing chart before ordering. I found the bibs fit true to size.
Wash. Wear. Repeat.
When it’s time to launder these bibs, using a linen bag to protect them and other garments from the metal hooks is essential. Remember to wash inside out, as you should all athletic wear, allowing more water to flow over the chamois. The Jelenew rep sent me one of their branded linen bags, which I used a couple of dozen times when I washed the bibs. Be sure to wash in cold water and line dry. They come out perfect every time.
Bottom Line
These are the easiest to use nature break bibs. Jelenew Quick-Release bibs are the bomb! They’ve been my go-to bibs, and I grab them anytime I have an endurance ride. While pricey, the high-quality construction and fabric guarantee many seasons of riding comfort.
