Pactimo Summit Stratos Bibs

The Summit Stratos Bib Shorts have a chamois that is thicker than most, yet unlike other big chamois we’ve worn, the Stratos avoids bunching and discomfort in the saddle. You’ll notice that thick chamois if you’re walking around the coffee shop, but that’s not why you buy these shorts.

You buy them for the Cerami-K body fabric that’s made from — you guessed it — ceramic to help dissipate heat on long, hot rides. It worked well enough that we didn’t notice heat build-up on super hot days, and as an added bonus, the material wraps around your legs snugly. Perhaps that helps keep the big chamois in check.

The lay-flat laser-cut bib straps are a must for any high-end bib shorts, and Pactimo’s version is exceptionally comfortable. The mesh back extends all the way up the shoulders, which is great for fit, but it does end up being a lot of fabric to contend with on hot days. Three-inch lay-flat leg bands are a nice touch to keep everything in place.

The Summit collection is the top of Pactimo’s line, so that price tag might be a stunner for consumers who have long associated Pactimo with affordability. As a trade-off, expect these shorts to last several seasons of hard riding.

But if these aren’t in your price range, Pactimo still offers plenty of affordable shorts with some trickle-down tech from the Summit Stratos.