Some riders simply prefer shorts without bibs. Maybe the straps feel restrictive, maybe bathroom breaks need to be quicker, or maybe layering a bib under a casual jersey defeats the purpose. Whatever the reason, going bib-free with a pro-level short requires a waist system that actually stays put through hours of pedaling and position changes. The FR-C Pro Short from Giordana addresses this challenge with a dual-retention approach: a light rolled elastic at the front waist provides secure tension without digging in, while a supple silicone gripper at the rear waist prevents the short from sliding down during out-of-saddle efforts.

The short uses the same HC50 fabric found in Giordana's bib shorts, a 220-gram lycra with 50 thread count that delivers supportive compression while maintaining breathability. Body Clone construction shapes the panels on a curve that matches the body's natural riding position, eliminating bunching and creases that develop when flat-cut shorts meet the bent geometry of cycling posture. The carbon-infused Ametista waist panel adds structure without bulk, and the 190 E woven elastic leg bands hold the short in place without the squeezing sensation that causes some riders to avoid non-bib options.

An anti-abrasion seat panel addresses the high-wear zone where saddle contact concentrates friction and stress over thousands of pedal strokes. The Cirro S chamois inside uses four-layer construction with aloe vera infusion for comfort on longer rides, providing the same pad found in the FR-C Pro bib shorts. A hydrophobic foam layer within the chamois repels moisture rather than absorbing it, maintaining comfort as ride time accumulates. Reflective tabs at the back of each leg add visibility for early morning or late afternoon rides when you might get caught in fading light.... Read More