What are the best cycling shorts for ultra-distance – long distance? Owlin Guide
Straps adapted for long rides
The straps must hold the bib shorts in place without causing discomfort. On the men's Ultra V3, the construction is designed to provide comfort and breathability. On the women's version, the detachable straps make nature breaks easier without having to remove the jersey.
Compact Fidlock buckle on the women's version
The women's version uses a compact Fidlock buckle. It makes it easier to open the bib shorts during nature breaks, with a system that is simple to operate, even after several hours in the saddle.
3 large reflective cargo pockets
Nutrition, phone, arm warmers, light windbreaker or small essentials: the 3 large cargo pockets keep what you need within reach. Their reflective fabric also improves visibility when light fades.
Wide grip with good support
The wide grip holds the bib shorts securely in place without an overly aggressive feel. It helps maintain a stable position over the kilometers, even when the ride gets long.
Leg fabric with support
The leg fabric provides stable support, without an excessive compression sensation. The bib shorts remain well-positioned, support the effort and maintain a feeling of control during long hours of pedaling.
Materials designed to last
The Ultra V3 uses main fabrics made from recycled polyester. A coherent approach with the Owlin vision: to design technical, durable and committed clothing, made to be used for a long time.
Pad and long-distance comfort
On a ride lasting several hours, the pad is one of the most important elements of the bib shorts. It must support pedaling, better manage pressure zones and remain comfortable when posture changes with fatigue.
Men's version
Teosport Manta pad, designed for long distances, long rides and prolonged efforts.
Women's version
Teosport menstrual pad, with integrated protection and comfort adapted for long hours in the saddle.
Pressure management
A construction designed to support the most stressed areas over the kilometers.
Versatile use
Road, gravel, bikepacking and ultra-cycling, with the same requirement for lasting comfort.
Men's or women's version: the same long-distance DNA
The Ultra V3 is available in men's and women's versions. Both versions share the same goal: to support long distances with stable, comfortable, practical and durable bib shorts.
The men's version focuses on the Teosport Manta Pad, the new strap construction, reflective cargo pockets and support during long hours in the saddle.
The women's version adds specific needs for female riders: a Teosport menstrual pad, detachable straps for nature breaks, and a compact Fidlock buckle.
In both cases, the idea remains the same: to allow riding for longer with more comfort, more autonomy, and more confidence.
The evolution of the Owlin Ultra bib shorts
The Ultra V3 is the third evolution of the Owlin Ultra bib shorts. A progression built on field feedback, long distances, and the most demanding races.
The first Ultra base
Bib shorts already designed to withstand very long hours in the saddle and validate Owlin's approach to ultra-distance.
The generation of confirmation
A generation that confirmed the solidity of the concept at the highest level, with benchmark performances in the most demanding ultra races.
It's your turn to write the rest
Developed to go even further, with more comfort, more support, and an even more refined construction for long rides, bikepacking adventures, and ultra-distance goals.
For which practices should you choose long-distance or ultra-distance bib shorts?
Long-distance bib shorts are not reserved for extreme races. They become interesting as soon as your rides lengthen, you go out for several hours, you chain days on the bike or you are looking for more comfort and autonomy.
Ultra-distance bib shorts take these same requirements, but push them even further: more hours in the saddle, more fatigue, sometimes less sleep, changing conditions, and a constant need for reliability.
Long-distance road
For multi-hour rides, brevets, long training days and personal goals.
Gravel
For varied terrain, long tracks, changes of pace and rides where comfort must follow.
Bikepacking
To keep essentials within reach and maintain comfort even with repeated days on the bike.
Ultra-distance
For long races, nights out, kilometers that fly by, and moments where the clothing should be forgotten.
What are the best bib shorts for long rides?
The best bib shorts for long rides are those that combine comfort, support, breathability and practicality. They must remain comfortable after several hours, not move over the kilometers and allow the cyclist to keep essentials within reach.
For a long-distance ride, these criteria improve comfort. For an ultra-distance race, they become essential. The Ultra V3 was designed precisely for this: to support long hours in the saddle, long rides, gravel, bikepacking and adventures where every detail counts.
The Owlin answer
Load your pockets, ride late, leave early. The Ultra V3 was designed for extended rides, summer adventures, long days in the saddle, and goals that demand more than classic bib shorts.
Technical specifications
| Model | Ultra V3 Men's and Ultra V3 Women's Bib Shorts |
|---|---|
| Use | Long distance, ultra-distance, ultra-cycling, gravel, bikepacking, road |
| Men's pad | Teosport Manta |
| Women's pad | Teosport menstrual pad with integrated protection |
| Pockets | 3 large reflective cargo pockets |
| Leg support | Leg fabric with support and wide grip |
| Men's straps | Comfortable and breathable construction for long rides |
| Women's straps | Detachable straps with compact Fidlock buckle |
| Main materials | Recycled polyester |
| Care | Machine wash at 30°C, delicate cycle, no fabric softener, no tumble dry |
More comfort. More support. More storage. More confidence to ride far.
FAQ - choosing long-distance and ultra-distance bib shorts
What are the best long-distance cycling bib shorts?
The best long-distance cycling bib shorts are those that remain comfortable after several hours in the saddle. They must combine a suitable pad, good support, comfortable straps, good breathability, and practical pockets. The Ultra V3 Owlin was designed to meet these needs on road, gravel, bikepacking, and ultra-distance rides.
Which bib shorts to choose for ultra-distance cycling?
For ultra-distance, choose bib shorts with a pad adapted for long hours in the saddle, stable support, comfortable straps, cargo pockets, good moisture management, and durable construction. The Ultra V3 Owlin was designed to meet these needs in both men's and women's versions.
What is the difference between long-distance and ultra-distance?
Long distance corresponds to multi-hour rides, long training days, brevets, or bikepacking. Ultra-distance pushes these constraints further, with longer durations, sometimes several days, fatigue, nights out, and an even greater need for reliability.
Which bib shorts to choose for a bike ride of more than 4 hours?
For a ride of more than 4 hours, opt for bib shorts with a long-distance chamois, stable fabric, comfortable straps, and good breathability. Cargo pockets can also be very useful for keeping nutrition, a phone, or accessories within reach.
Is the Ultra V3 Bib Short suitable for gravel?
Yes. The Ultra V3 is designed for long-distance road, gravel, bikepacking, and ultra-cycling.
What are cargo pockets on long-distance bib shorts for?
They make it easy to keep nutrition, a phone, arm warmers, a light windbreaker, or small accessories within reach. On the Ultra V3, they are also reflective to improve visibility when the light fades.
What is the difference between the men's and women's versions?
The men's version uses the Teosport Manta Pad. The women's version features a Teosport menstrual pad, detachable straps for nature breaks, and a compact Fidlock buckle. Both versions share the same long-distance DNA: support, reflective cargo pockets, comfort, and durability.
Can the menstrual pad be used for long distances?
Yes. The Teosport menstrual pad in the women's version is designed to provide comfort in the saddle and additional protection during periods. Depending on the flow, ride duration, and preferences, it can be used alone or with additional protection.
Does the bib short stay in place?
Yes. The Ultra V3 combines leg fabric with support and a wide grip to maintain a stable position over kilometers, without an overly aggressive feel.
How to care for the Ultra V3 Bib Shorts?
- Machine wash at 30 °C, delicate cycle
- Do not use fabric softener
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not iron
- Preferably wash in a laundry bag
- For the women's version, rinse the pad with cold water after menstrual use before washing
Functional, durable, committed. Owlin designs its cycling apparel for long distance and ultra-distance around a simple idea: technical, useful and durable pieces, designed to support every cyclist towards their goals.