Founded in 2014 by cyclist Ryan O’Reilly at the base of the Sperrin Mountains in Northern Ireland ‘Victory Chimp’ are a direct to consumer brand that might not be on your radar. Don’t be fooled by the quirky name as the product is designed to perform while offering a range for men and women in pleasing colours and designs.

Our shorts on test are from the ‘Out There’ collection aimed squarely at the adventuring/touring/gravel rider in relaxed cuts from good materials. But as we all know if you’re not stashing, you’re not snacking: so here’s a look at the cargo bib short on offer.

Materials and fit

The shorts are a six panel design made from a four-way stretch lycra that is very comfortable on the skin and not so thin it will disintegrate at the first sign of a thorn or scrape hiking your bike. I have smashed these about and pleased to say they are a hard wearing bib short.

The bibs have stood up to some serious Cotswold thrashing

Victory Chimp have managed to keep the short very comfortable, with lovely wide high stretch straps that accommodated my longer torso with zero dig marks post ride. The upper bib back section is perforated for breathability and holds the nice logo panel while the front sits comfortably on the belly, with a soft hemmed edge on what can be a difficult area to get right .

Flatlock seams are in all the right places and no discomfort was felt on long wet rides where any rub will inevitably show itself.

The fit is a real winner, longer in the leg

The pad itself I am familiar with, made by chamois manufacturer CyTech, the Endurance 2.5 HD is very comfortable for the long rides, and coupled with zigzag stitches it stretches where you need it.

The wide 50mm silicone grippers do the job holding the line above the knee just right. There’s good stretch there for different leg sizes and also holds well with warmers under.

Wide grippers do the job in comfort

Sizing, the chart was spot on for me at 6ft with a 34” waist the large was a perfect fit. Sizes small to XXXL are available, and we hear a women’s design is coming soon.

Cargo features

Storage-wise there are postcard sized stretch mesh pockets on either thigh When not in use, they sit pleasingly flush but can accommodate a decent sized grab bag of your favourite sweets but holds smaller bars etc snug, this feels about right in terms of volume, anything more and I would have it in a bag on the bike.

The cargo pocket size is spot on

Easy to get to on the move and the mesh, so far, is not showing wear/snagging from repeated stuffing over a few hundred kilometres of testing.

This gorgeous design on the inside of one pocket is unmistakably Ryan

Aesthetics

Branding is almost non existent save for a small tab above the pocket, a really nice touch. The colours on offer are navy (on test and a really great shade) and olive.

Plenty of space for all the essentials…

The Victory Chimp Out There verdict

Victory Chimp have produced a really understated nice short that has all the hallmarks of a quality product that will see you through some good miles. Price-wise it sits under the mega expensive options (these shorts are made in China) out there but that doesn’t detract at all from its comfort and performance. The cargo pockets really do work and the key comfort points have all been covered with thought.

If you’re looking for a well featured short at a reasonable price for adventures long or short then I would definitely recommend these shorts. The only downside is that a women’s version was not released at the same time.