7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib short review – comfortable and compressive cargo bibs

7Mesh’s RK2 Cargo bib shorts are aimed at the longest and fastest gravel riding

7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib short review
(Image: © Graham Cottingham)

Bike Perfect Verdict

The 7Mesh Rk2 are comfortable and compressive performance cargo bib shorts although there are a few details that may put pocket power users and aesthetically conscious riders off

Pros

  • +

    Large secure cargo pockets

  • +

    Comfortable chamois

  • +

    Compressive fit

  • +

    Minimal and breathable upper

Cons

  • -

    No rear pockets

  • -

    Hems on pockets aren't sewn shut and can snag items as they are removed

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    Lots of seams

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The RK2 bib shorts are a new addition to the 7Mesh range for 2023, aimed at fast road and gravel. The shorts come in a pocketless or a cargo-friendly gravel adventure version and more importantly a brand-new female-specific model too. The Canadian brand says that the RK2s represent a total redesign and features a host of innovative features. 

The 7Mesh Mk3 shorts impressed us when we reviewed them, so are the new RK2 bib shorts able to improve on 7Meshs best gravel bike bib shorts?

7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib short review

The fit is compressive, particularly around the hips (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)

Design and specifications

7Mesh MK3 shorts have been constructed using an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric treated with cold black UPF to minimize heat build-up from the sun and give protection from UV rays. 

A bib short is only as good as the pad inside and 7Mesh has specced their Performance Force chamois with a front cut out for breathability and is made from recycled fabrics. The chamois is mounted on a floating layer within the shorts which has been a feature across all of the 7Mesh shorts and is designed to help keep the pad in place when riding.

Although 7Mesh has used what they call clean finish construction, to achieve the shaping and chamois mounting there are a lot of paneling and seams on show making them appear a little less aesthetically refined.

You won't find any seams around the raw-cut hem though which gives a smooth finish from shorts to skin. A silicone-dotted pattern on the inside adds a little more grip and sits comfortably against the skin. 

7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib short pocket details

The pockets have large capacity without being loose  (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)

The pockets are also very cleanly integrated into the legs, sitting flat and unnoticeable when they don’t have anything in them. When needed the pockets have loads of space to store items and have a folded bottom which helps the pockets expand to consume and securely hold items.

The RK2 Cargo bib shorts only come in black and XS to XXL for both men and women. The non-pocket version costs $30 / £30 less and comes in the same color and size options.

7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib short details

The RK2's feature a number of panels to achieve their fit (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)

Performance

I opted for a size medium which gives a compressive fit around the hips and legs which helps keep the bibs in position. This is important as the shoulder straps are only lightly elasticated and don’t feel like they contribute all that much to keeping the bibs in place. The tightness of the legs and the grippers on the hem ensures the longer short legs stay in position while pedaling too, something which I have had issues with previously when wearing 7Mesh bibs. The chamois is also locked in place too and I found it comfortable enough throughout my varying lengthed test rides.

The cargo pockets on the RK2’s are large enough to fit loads of stuff but maintain enough tightness to still securely hold small items. They are subtly integrated into the shorts so they don't shout ‘adventure time’ if you're heading out on a road ride. The only issue with the pockets is hem isn't sewn closed which can occasionally snag items as you pull them out. Despite not using the rear pockets on bib shorts that often it's still a feature that I missed on the RK2 Cargo bibs as I occasionally opt for a casual t-shirt rather than a jersey.

Visually they are subtle even with their larger leg outline logos. That said the extra seams around the crotch and slight wrinkling of material means they don’t look quite as clean as other bib shorts like MAAP’s Alt_Road or Velocio’s Cargo bibs. This has very little effect on riding or comfort performance, however with the premium pricing aesthetical nitpicking is justified. 

7Mesh RK2 Cargo bib rear details

There are no pockets on the rear of the shorts (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)

Verdict

The 7Mesh RK2 are very comfortable bib shorts with a well-considered fit and good compression levels. This makes them a great option if your riding frequently flips from fast road rides to long gravel adventures. The pockets are very subtly integrated into the shorts and offer plenty of storage while still being discreet when not in use. For some, the lack of rear pockets may be a deal breaker although the rear pockets on bib shorts never have a huge capacity anyway and are often rendered somewhat obsolete by jersey pockets.

While comfort and materials are up there with some of the best bib shorts, the underpants outline replicating seams, extra paneling, and the way the material wrinkles irks me a little. It's pure aesthetics and never a cause of discomfort, although I feel that considering the $280 / £230 price tag the finish could be a touch more refined.

Tech specs: 7Mesh RK2 cargo bib shorts

  • Price: $280 / £230
  • Materials: Body: 52% nylon 48%, elastane, Straps: 60% polyester, 40% elastane
  • Colors: Black
  • Size availability: XS to XXL
  • Weight: 195g
Graham Cottingham
Senior reviews writer, Bike Perfect

Graham Cottingham joined the BikePerfect team as our senior tech writer in 2020. With over 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for BikePerfect.

Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller

Height: 177cm

Weight: 71kg