KETL Mtn Canyon MTB Bib [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Game-changing comfort, breathability, and pocket storage—KETL Canyon Bibs are the no-pack, all-day ride essential you won’t want to take off. Don't believe us? See what our customer has to say!

Overview

I’m not going to bury the lead here: if you’re thinking about getting the Ketl Canyon bibs, just do it. They’re incredibly comfortable, super breathable, and you won’t want to wear anything else while spinning cranks.

From long days in the saddle on an XC bike to downhill days on my enduro rig to flying around the mountain on an e-bike, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than on a mountain bike. Prior to getting the Kelt Canyon bibs, I had always worn chamois shorts. I thought that bibs were for roadies and the lycra-obsessed. And why would I want to wear overalls under my biking shorts? Wouldn’t they be hotter? Wouldn’t they feel weird? Wouldn’t it be annoying to have tools and snacks bouncing around in the back pockets?

But when I tried to buy a pair of the Canyon shorts and they were sold out in my size, I decided to take a chance and try out the Canyon bibs. All my other Ketl gear had been fantastic (tomfoolery pans, vent touch gloves, virtue shorts, vent shorts, vent pants, and the escapade jacket), so I figured I didn’t have anything to lose.

Maybe I secretly have some roadie blood in me because from my very first ride in the Canyon bibs, I was converted. I worried that the extra material of the bibs around my torso would make me overheat (I run very hot when I bike). But the Canyon bib breathes like a dream. I was also worried that the lack of a waistband would feel odd and that the straps would chafe. After the first 100 yards of my first ride, I never thought about the bibs again. They were just there, seamlessly blending into the ride and the bike. The waistband didn't bunch up like with shorts and the grips on the legs is fantastic and they stay put perfectly. 

Before trying the Canyon bib, I was also skeptical about putting my phone, tools, and snacks in the back pockets. I thought that anything in there would bounce and rattle all the way down the trail. Maybe that would work for roadies who ride paved streets and for hardcore XC racers who are willing to sacrifice some comfort for convenience, but not for me. I don’t know what kind of magic that Ketl worked with these bibs, but I never once felt or heard anything I put in those pockets. I’ve typically carried my phone in the middle pocket, snacks in a side pocket, and then two CO2 cartridges, an inflator, and a tubeless repair kit in the other side. I’ve even put a water bottle in the center pocket and completely forgotten it was there during a 3-hour ride. The last thing I’ll say about the pockets is that they’re really accessible and have completely eliminated any need I have for any pack. 

Perhaps most importantly, the chamois is fantastic. Truly elite among chamois. They got it just right—not too much cushioning while also being comfortable for 2-3 hours in the saddle. I also don’t rush to take them off the second I get home, like I do with my other chamois.

One note on sizing. I found that they run a little big. I’m generally in between a medium and a large (6’0” and about 185), but I’m a solid medium in these.

Final Thoughts

If you've made it this far, you're obviously interested. Just order them and experience the magic for yourself. I've already bought a second pair and will almost certainly have a third pair by the end of the month.