Exploration is all about getting farther off the beaten path. It’s a worthy pursuit but doing it right means being prepared. In developing the ADV series, Specialized first wanted to deliver great gear with comfort and performance features that accentuated and assisted the quality of that experience. Second, as always, innovation had to be part of the story, and the integration of the SWAT thought process into the garment was paramount in achieving this goal. The ADV SWAT Bib Short is an absolute gamechanger, putting everything you need out on the trail or gravel within easy comfortable reach, without having to resort to a sweaty backpack, or overloaded jersey pockets low on your back- bouncing around, while delivering the muscle and body support you need to endure long rides on variable terrain, as well as a chamois pad that allows you ride in comfort and control.

This lightweight bibshort has a slim cut and ergonomics that allow the piece to move and feel like a second skin. Articulated design ensures the perfect fit while in the riding position and full freedom of movement, even with thigh panels that carry large, elastic side pockets that are perfect for keeping nutrition within easy reach and since they are made of mesh, won’t have you overheating. Finishing off the legs, a silicone-infused fabric cuff provides a gentle, secure hold on the legs in order to ensure the perfect, shift-free fit even during heart pounding efforts on gravel with the mesh pockets loaded. The short section carries the triple-density foam of the Body Geometry 3X Contour Chamois with REPOC, which is molded to match the shape of your body and offers incredible fit, breathability, and comfort. The highly breathable perforated top sheet ensures excellent temperature and moisture control, while the multilayer foam/sheet variation keeps you comfortable and supported properly driven by the Body Geometry channel and support system.

As great as the lower half is, the bib upper carries the real genius of the design team. Specialized knows bibshort construction, as well as how the upper bib is often overlooked in terms of fit, support and comfort. These soft mesh bib uppers have proper stretch and hold in the cycling position, with strap binding providing a comfortable yet effective hold. This is a crucial aspect as this upper features three SWAT pockets on the back of the bibs below the yolk that can comfortably hold nutrition, tools, cellphone or water bottle under your jersey. By keeping these items against your upper body the load is quite stable and the mild compression and engineered stretch of the upper controls movement, stopping the loaded pockets from freely bouncing around over rough terrain. While there have been small radio and phone pockets used in bib uppers over the years, this design is a new path forward, and is so effective and original it’s been patented.

Incorporating the items you need may need at hand, or simply want carry without oversized saddle bags, backpacks or frame carriers, free's you up to perform better, offers you the opportunity to carry just the essentials, or add to other storage options for an even longer haul. Given the overall design and excellence of the bibshort itself, we see this as being an ideal option for fast 2-4 hour gravel rides or sub 6-hour speed events with your lightest set-up. On the other hand, it can certainly suit the adventure rider on a multi-day excursion where efficiency and easy access to food and water over long, arduous days with a loaded bike can reduce pace-denying stoppages and rhythm breakers. Either way, the innovative Specialized ADV SWAT Bib Shortswill be a great addition to your gear collection.