jeans , but once they were on , they fit like a glove around every curvature of my lower body , and I thought , “ now that looks pro !”
• No leg squeezes . It ’ s as if the whole design is just one squeeze that comfortably wraps itself around your legs . No problems with sticky ends or shorts riding up . I guess that ’ s why it says elite in the name . I tested this pair of shorts at Attakwas Extreme , a course that is known for being physically and mentally uncomfortable . I can confirm that the right set of bib shorts can change your entire perception of a long day on the bike , and these did the trick !
• Rainproof . No chafing from my side .
Cons :
• It ’ s like putting on a pair of jeggings . I definitely don ’ t recommend putting them on right after a shower , if you ’ re lying down in a tent , or in a public bathroom – unless you don ’ t mind the little dance to get them in the right place .
• Fits so well that readjusting is tough . So , if it ’ s pinching anywhere , you end up pinching yourself still more before you can actually move the shorts to the place you want them . However , once they ’ re there , they are lightning fast .
Women ’ s Tinta Flyweight Jersey
Hands down my favourite cycling top ! Perhaps it ’ s because I ’ ve had some breakthrough performances in it this year , but more so because when I put it on , I forget that it ’ s there . It fits me so well – not too long , and it has a band at the bottom of the top that sucks everything in . The pockets at the back are reachable , and I can successfully stuff enough snacks into it to get me through a six-hour race . The breathability helps moderate my body temperature in hot weather , and dries extremely quickly in the rain . I am obsessed !
Available for R1499 here on the Ciovita website .
Women ’ s Apex H1 Flyweight Jersey
This top is built for speed , and I swear I feel faster when I wear it , just because of the cut and feel . A slightly tighter fit with only the necessities on it , this lightweight design even comes with a reflective trim under the back pocket , which is ideal for road rides or training rides before the sun rises . I like to take this top out during my interval sessions , because it was designed for this , so why not look the part !
Available for R1699 here on the Ciovita website .
Available for R3699 here on the Ciovita website .
If I have to give an overall opinion , having tested both bib shorts thoroughly , they are now my top two choices for bibs , and I would recommend both to cyclists looking for a good pair . It comes down to your budget , and what style of riding you are doing – if you are planning to spend a lot of time in the saddle , then these are an investment you won ’ t regret making .
Moving Up to the Tops
The next logical step is to look at what to wear with your bib-shorts . Cycling tops have become a form of expression , with the array of colour options , but for me , it ’ s all about the fit . I have a short torso , which means that most cycling tops are way too long and just look baggy on me . So , just like my bib shorts , I want my cycling top to fit like a glove . Yes , you might see a stomach roll if I bend over , but the point is that for it to be comfortable , it needs to fit right , almost like a second skin .
Women ’ s Strisce Supremo Race Fit Jersey
This one comes in a close second ... Similar to the tinta , it has the band at the bottom which keeps me looking skinny , even on the worst days of the month , and the only difference is that this one has a more relaxed fit . I love how the design stands out – it is my early morning go-to when I need cars to see me . It also almost always gets a comment on the group rides , which makes me feel like I am a moving advertising billboard . Quite fun !
Available for R1299 here on the Ciovita website .
Women ’ s Race Fit Series
Last but not least , the reason I selected this entire range is because for the Absa Cape Epic , Ciovita customdesigned the # SheUntamed tops for us to ride in . The Absa passion red survived the ultimate test during eight days of ultra distance mountain biking , but it ’ s the comfort of this kit that stands out to me the most . I tend to retain water during week-long stage races , and to have your kit not fit you by day five is not a great feeling ! Through the rain , heat and mud , these tops won the trophy for kit resilience , so they now hang in my cupboard with pride , and really do make me smile every time I put them on .
Available for prices ranging from R1199 to R1699 here on the Ciovita website .
The reason I am so particular about my cycling top fit is that what I carry in my pockets is ‘ precious cargo ,’ especially when you are racing . If anything were to fall out of my pockets , it could mean the end of my race , especially if I am presented with a mechanical . Where the pockets lie is important , too – if they are too high on my back , I end up with an arm cramp , while too low and everything bounces and hits me in the back when I descend , making me one unhappy camper . Picky , much ? Yes , 100 %, but for good reason !
Recently , thanks to some massive help from Ciovita Athlete Manager , Jessica Wilkinson , I have managed to try on just about every top available in their range , and from there I have selected four tops to review .
A Pleasure to Wear
In the end , we all want to put our cycling kit on and feel a sense of pride , comfort and confidence , and for that reason , Ciovita is really ‘ a kit for the masses ,’ but my definition of that has changed completely since racing in their kit . It caters for all riders , whether you like loosefitting or ultra-lightweight tops . They have created bib shorts that can stand the test of the African elements , and have added colours and designs that help us express ourselves through the clothes we wear . It ’ s been an absolute pleasure testing with Ciovita , and I can ’ t wait to see what else they bring to the table .
About the Author
Sarah Hill is a pro elite rider and has been racing bikes since she left school , all while studying exercise science , sports nutrition , exercise physiology , coaching and sport pyschology both in SA and the USA . She has raced competitively across all disciplines , including XCO , downhill , marathon , gravel and stage racing , and has raced the ABSA Cape Epic three times . Sarah was also given the opportunity to race for the international Liv factory Racing Team for a year in 2022 . Her goal is to empower other female athletes who want to pursue their dreams .
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