I have yet to test these bibs on a randonnée, or anything approaching a long-distance ride, but my first impressions are good.
Up until a few years ago I’d resisted the idea of bib cycling shorts, until a friend presented me with a pair of Giordana bibs. I grew fond of those, until a crash shredded them.
My main concern with bibs, compared to shorts, remains: the extra disrobing involved when nature calls. Anything that can’t be accomplished by pulling down the front panel (in the case of male riders) requires doffing one’s jersey.
Other than that complication, and slightly more insulation, there’s no question that bibs add comfort, especially for waist-challenged riders.
The Gore ALP-X bibs are advertised as “off-road” wear, with the main distinction being “abrasion-resistant material” used in the side panels, though I’ll try to avoid testing that feature.
Inseam length is 28 cm (11 inches). There is a little side pocket that I don’t anticipate using, and reflective piping in rear seams. The gripper elastic in the hems is wide, spreading out pressure. The rubber grip, in the form of the Gore logo, is more comfortable than the full coverage found on most shorts.
The ALP-X “Man seat insert” is designed to cushion the blows associated with mountain biking, so it feels cushy, without being overly diaper-like.
I’ll report back after using these more. After a couple of weeks, I award this functional cycling attire a 4 star rating.
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Oh for the days of wool shorts and real chamois inserts. Shorts held up with braces, that’s suspenders to north americans. That lovely look you got when it rained and the wool got soaked and stretched from mid-thigh to below the knees. The sand paper texture of chamois that wasn’t creamed properly.
Then lycra came along and changed all that. thankfully. You can’t beat bib shorts or tights for cycling, a hell of a lot more comfortable.
Ha ha! I still have a pair of wool shorts (I’m a hoarder) with chamois like cracked cardboard.
The only problem with lycra is its life is limited by a tendency to become transparent. I recall someone I rode with some years back who was quite unfazed by this fact! 😉
Chicks dig it man!!
I got new ones in Idaho, eventually.
Why do you think I was referring to you? 😉
It is about time that I need to change my bibs, and I am very grateful I bumped into your blog. Thanks for the review, dude.
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