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review

Vermarc Tinto bib shorts

9
£63.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Comfortable, Italian-made bibs which are suited to the racer and mile muncher alike
Weight: 
180g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Vermarc know a thing or two about designing cycling kit being the kit suppliers to Omega Pharma Quick-Step among others and this technology and knowledge gets passed down the range. For instance the 'basic, standard cut' (as Vermarc describe them) Tinto bib shorts here feel and fit like some brands' full on race shorts.

The Lycra used is a heavy knit which should bode well in terms of durability though the real benefit is the compression it provides to your working muscles. Compression clothing has been shown to have positive effects in reducing muscle fatigue and while the Tinto shorts are not designed or marketed as compression garments the restrictive feeling is noticeable over longer rides.

The 3D-OF chamois is made by bonding a polyester micro-fiber cover material to the padding by an OmniForm process. In a nutshell, most pads' shape is created by heating metal plates which basically melts the grooves into the foam. The 3D-OF uses minimal heat being added directly to the pad rather than the plates. The grooves are then formed with sound waves that remove the cells and air from the areas which then compress to form the grooves. Why? Using high heat can cause the foam to harden when it melts and a solid edge isn't something you want in your shorts.

It all sounds great in theory but to be perfectly honest I've never really noticed any hard edges in any shorts I've ridden. Saying that though the Vermarc pad is soft and comfortable and remained that way regardless of how many hours I wore them. The varying thicknesses of the pad don't bunch or move about meaning there isn't any irritation and they are just the right depth to avoid hot spots.

The rest of the shorts are well put together with tidy stitching and well shaped panels. The mesh bibs aren't overly tight over the shoulders even though I'm on the limit of height recommended for our size medium samples. The legs are held where they should be by silicone grippers, a move we've seen on a lot of shorts being more comfortable than elastic.

Sizing wise, although an Italian brand Vermarc are quite generous with their cut. According to the sizing chart I'm borderline medium/large but the mediums came up fine. If you want a slightly more relaxed fit, go up a size.

Overall priced at £63.99 the Vermarc Tintos are a decent pair of performance bibs without the associated price tag. The quality from the Italian factory is second to none with a solid construction and tidy finish. The compression fit and comfortable pad are ideal for long rides where they work together to combat fatigue and make them an all-round good buy.

Verdict

Comfortable, Italian-made bibs which are suited to the racer and mile muncher alike

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Vermarc Tinto bibshorts

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Vermarc desribe the Tintos as a standard fit for everyday riding but they will stand up to whatever you chuck at them. Comfortable for long days in the saddle as well as a flat out hour or so.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

* Standard fitting

* 3D Pad

* Mesh Bibs

* Silicon grippers keeps the shorts in place

* Breathable fabric helps you keep cool

* 100% Made in Italy

* Sizes - S to XXXL

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

A really good pair of solid feeling shorts. Hardwearing and well built with really good performance.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The comfortable chamois and fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing that really stands out.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Overall I think the Tinto's are an exceptional pair of shorts for the money. They provide comfort, fit and durability for a very good price.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Whatever needs testing or Genesis Flyer, fixed of course!  My best bike is: Kinesis T2 with full Centaur Red

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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