Those crazy Kiwi's from Solo, known for producing high-contrast, design-heavy jerseys (much like TwinSix), entered the bib short arena last November with the "Lugged Big Short".
As we have commented on in previous posts, the bib short race is one filled with big names like Assos, Giordana, Castelli, and Rapha. And as you can imagine, the barrier to entry in entering the race at the high-end is not for the timid.
Leave it to a Kiwi to trudge head-long into the space, aimed directly at the names mentioned above.
After the jump, find out why we think this newest entry into the bib short game is worth looking at.
The good
The most important attribute that we noticed immediately is the detailed styling of the short. As we have commented in previous posts, the high-end Assos shorts and their frail chamois stitch patterns leave us un-impressed. On the contrary, the Solo "Lugged" has beautiful, high-quality stitching that looks to last forever.
Next, the chamois. One of the biggest measurements we use to determine the overall quality of the product, the chamois on the Lugged, is quite impressive. Solo calls it their Italian 'Aero Sotto' chamois---with no seams and exceptional breathability. After two weeks and over 200 miles, we have to rank it up with the best we have ever ridden. Not as comfy as the Rapha Bib Shorts over the long-haul, but darn close.
Lastly, the overall light-weight construction and handy little cargo pocket near the top-back of the short are things that we found to be impressive from such a newcomer in the space.
The snob in usAs we have discussed here before, most American's don't fit the traditional European sizing parameters that tend to follow the high-end clothing manufacturers, um, based in well, Europe. While the overall sizing was a bit more close than the likes of Rapha, our thighs felt the pinch of the overly tight silicon leg gripper and "petersham loop". No, we don't have Fabian thighs, but we would consider them---normal. While the grippers did a fantastic job of keeping the bibs in place on our leg, they did so at the cost of being a bit too tight. Our recommendation
Wonderful styling, sturdy construction and a mean chamois put this bib short in the top of our list---up there with our Panache and Rapha bib shorts. Priced at $205.00, you can buy them at the solo.cc website.
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