Results tagged “bibs”

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.

Over the last year, we have done our best to try the latest and greatest cycling bibs available. Yes, the market segment is somewhat dominated (on the high-end) by Assos, Giordana, Castelli and such--but we are always looking for the underdog. The "underdog" being a company that doesn't have the market-share, reach, or marketing, but still excels in craftsmanship and "engineering". To that point, we have reviewed the Panache Eleven Bib Short (excellent summer bibs) and the 2XU Elite Cycle Bib Shorts (super price and super chamois).

To be honest, the brand Pearl Izumi just simply fell off of our radar. As we are snobs, our taste for the cycling upper-end steered clear of the mass-marketed companies like Sugoi and Pearl Izumi. When Pearl launched their new, made in Italy, P.R.O line featuring their anatomic transfer fabric, we took note. Not just because of the price tag (a full P.R.O kit will run you $500), but because they are actively targeting the higher-end cyclist. Yes, the discerning cyclist is a whole different class of rider than their normal mass-market class of rider that doesn't mind the larger sizing and neon-blaze green color scheme's. The high-end rider can smell a loaf a mile away.

With that, let's tell you what we liked:

Overview
Known for their high-performance compression wear, 2XU has been steadily beefing-up their line to accommodate a full range of clothing, with and without compression. Since we consider ourselves somewhat of self proclaimed bib snobs, we didn't hesitate putting a pair through the paces.

The Good
The craftsmanship feels like a nice Assos or Giordana that we have in our closet, and the 2xu.com site states that they are made with "Swiss dimpled airflow technology and Japanese extreme moisture management fabrics". We did like how the straps seemed to blend into the body when we settled into our riding position. Like most high-end bibs, they (straps) will be a bit tight and awkward until you reach over into a riding position.
The fabric is one test, but for our money, the chamois better do the talking. While the "Fusion Pro Chamois" didn't feel as substantial as that of the Rapha Bib Short or Assos F.I. Mille S5 Bib Shorts, after several weekends of 80+ miles, they totally and completely surprised us. We now wonder what is so special in the Fusion Pro material? It has us wanting more information.

The Snob In Us
Truly, these are remarkable bibs, except for one thing. We found the area that joins the chamois to the inner thigh material very, very tight. Not so much uncomfortable on the bike, but when off the bike, we felt a bit uncomfortable. Our guess is that this is a carryover from their compression heritage with a very functional purpose: help blood-flow and reduce muscle damage.

Our recommendation
While Assos, Giordana, and Rapha make a wonderful bib with fantastic chamois providing unparalleled craftsmanship, 2XU has completely caught us off guard with the Elite Bib Short. Retailing around $60 less than similar featured Assos, we are adding 2XU to our new favorite list. You can find them at www.gearandtraining.com for $140.

Overview
Sometime around July, we stumbled across a newcomer to the cycling apparel arena, Panache Cyclewear from Boulder CO. Entering the established cycling apparel marketplace with the likes of such household names such as Assos, Giordana, Pearl Izumi is a fairly daunting proposition. After all, most of these companies have been in the business for 30 plus years, have extensive R&D operations, pro-level endorsements, and a loyal rider-base.

We were in need of a pair of bibs, so we purchased the Panache Eleven Bib Short from their online store and started to ride.