Attaquer is a fashion-forward cycling brand from Sydney Australia that produces premium cycling kit inspired by art, music, and fashion. The self-described ‘disrupters’ have some out there designs but cycling kit demands more than bold aesthetics to compete with the best gravel bike bib shorts.
As you can probably guess from the name, the Attaquer All Day Cargo bibs are designed for long rides. These are the second generation of the All Day bibs which see the addition of some en-vogue cargo pockets, updated tailoring, and only 100 percent recycled materials being used. I have been putting the Attaquer All Day Cargo bibs to the test to find out if these high-fashion bib shorts feel as good as they look when the miles start racking up.
Design and specifications
Attaquer has used a 4-way stretch 100 percent recycled material and proudly boasts that they are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. The paneling is held together with flatlock seams and the 4cm leg grippers have a fine silicone pattern to help keep them in place. A breathable light mesh material is used for the back panel which the 4.5cm shoulder strap is mounted to.
Mounted below this rear panel and positioned on the lower back are two rear mesh pockets. There's a cargo pocket on each leg, the right is made from a mesh material while the left uses the same material as the bib leg.
The two-piece contoured chamois is Attaquer's own ergonomic design and the pad’s layout is a little different from those I have used in other bib shorts. The front section of the chamois has thicker padding while the rear of the pad is slightly thinner.
Compared to some of the more lairy designs, Attaquer has kept the aesthetics of the All Day Cargo bibs a touch more understated. They come in a choice of Burnt Orange, Grey Smoke, Black, Pine (tested), and Topaz. Branding is also reasonably understated with an Attaquer logo on the right leg and a small logo on the left leg and rear of the shorts. The All Day Cargo bibs come in six sizes for both women and men.
Performance
The quality of the All Day bibs is fantastic, having put a lot of miles into these they are still looking brand new. All the stitching is intact, the material is still flawless, and the pockets haven’t developed any bagginess. The colors still look great and there’s no peeling or cracking on any of the logo's after many washes.
These are my first bibs from Attaquer and I found the fit to be true to size, based on the size chart I went for a medium and the sizing was spot on giving a comfortable fit and well-calculated leg length. They offer a good middle ground of compression, supporting muscles and ensuring a smooth finish while still being comfortable enough to wear on long rides. I expected the Attaquer chamois unusual padding layout to better suit aggressive riding positions due to its forward-positioned padding however it’s been very comfortable across a range of saddles across gravel, MTB, and road bikes. The shorts leg cuffs stay locked in place while pedaling and the straps sit neatly across the shoulders without any bunching.
Both cargo pockets on the legs have enough elasticity to hold items securely, with the left pocket feeling a little tighter and the right mesh pocket having a bit more stretch for bulkier items. The rear pockets give plenty of storage space, although their slightly higher position on the back and shallow angled openings make it a little harder to reach around and get your hand into them compared to other shorts I have used.
It's hard not to compare Attaquer with Australia’s other well-known premium fashion-inspired cycling Maap. I have previously tested the Maap’s Alt-Road Cargo bibs and I found them very comfortable and loved the aesthetic, ultimately questions on quality and general pocket layout dropped the overall score. In comparison, the Attaquer All Day Cargo shorts are just as comfortable, look equally as good, and haven’t yet raised any questions on durability. On the subject of premium bib shorts I have to mention the Velocio Utility cargo bib, personally I think the Velocio offering has a slight edge when it comes to performance but lacks the aesthetical detailing which makes the Attaquer bibs stand out from the crowd.
Verdict
The Attaquer All Day Cargo bib shorts have become a new go-to when heading out the door for a ride. Well-considered tailoring gives these bibs an excellent fit and the chamois ensured I was comfortable on the bike no matter how far the ride took me. The storage options cover all my pocket needs and the Pine color with contrasting neon ensures the styling is on point without being too brash or loud.
When you’re spending upwards of $300 / £200 on a pair of bib shorts it becomes an investment, crashes happen and Attaquer offers a 40 percent crash replacement service. Although this softens the blow when you hit the ground in your nice kit, I would prefer a free repair service similar to Rapha and Velocio offered as a more sustainable option.
Tech specs: Attaquer All Day Cargo bib shorts
- Price: $290 / £230 / $370 AUD
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Colors: Burnt Orange, Grey Smoke, Black, Pine (tested), and Topaz
- Size availability: XS to 2XL
- Weight: 221g (medium)
