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review

Morvelo Rip 'R bib shorts

8
£90.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Really comfortable bib shorts with a great padded insert and very good fit; stylish too
Weight: 
200g
Contact: 

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Morvelo made their name producing stylish t-shirts, then branched out into technical cycling clothing a few years ago and, considering their relative lack of experience have produced really good bib shorts with these Rip 'R shorts, easily rivalling the best offerings from the most well established rivals.

The most important element of bib shorts, and the bit we'll focus on first here, is the padded insert. Or chamois as it's more commonly called; we stopped using leather from the chamois goat a long long time ago, thankfully, but the name persists.

The Italian Dolomiti dual layer perforated insert has two levels of high density memory foam, and provides excellent comfort without much bulk. The two levels of foam work together. The first level aims to provide shock absorption for the hip and pelvic bones while the second layer of perforated foam ensures good ventilation to keep the insert dry. All sounds impressive on paper, but importantly in the saddle the insert works wonderfully.

I found them happily comfortable on my typical two-hour rides over a variety of terrain, and when I ventured out for long four to six-hour rides at the weekends there was no fall off in comfort. They're at least as comfortable as the inserts used by the likes of Rapha and Castelli, so top marks to Morvelo for getting the critical part of the shorts spot on.

Around the insert is a pair of shorts constructed from Power Lycra producing tight fitting shorts that are free of restriction in any area, thanks to cut and placement of seams. As with the matching jersey, Morvelo have used a wide elastic hem for the leg openings. This produces a very comfortable fit around the leg with none of the irritation or pressure of a narrow elastic band with silicone tape.

The bib straps are generously wide and just the right length to fit comfortably over the shoulders. They're mesh-lined, as is the large back panel, for maximum breathability over a base layer.

The shorts have proven durable, with flatlock stitching throughout holding everything together. And as with the jersey, the shorts have a Sun Protection Factor 50 to protect the skin in hot weather. There are slim, but long, reflective tabs on the back of the legs, which is a very nice detail for late evening rides, especially as we head into autumn.

The pattern is pretty bold on the shorts and you'll probably want to carefully consider the jersey you partner with the to avoid a clash. Best thing is to pair them with the matching Morvelo Rip 'R jersey to really look the part.

Verdict

Really comfortable bib shorts with a great padded insert and very good fit; stylish too

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Morvelo Rip 'R bib shorts

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?

We use Power Lycra from the long established Italian fabric experts M.I.T.I. (Manifattura Italiana Tessuti Indemagliabili) to create a snug compression fit that eases muscle fatigue and a dual layer perforated chamois that is designed to excel on 2hr - 6hr rides. They have also been extensively tested in short and harsh Crit and Cyclocross races as well as 24hr solo MTB races so we know they are incredibly adaptable and perform to the highest standard. Created from 2 levels of high density memory foam using the latest in aircell technology to reduce pressure points, the first level provides maximum shock absorption for the hip and pelvic bones leaving the perineal area without pressure for additional comfort. The second level of perforated foam allows for supreme ventilation and moisture management. The chamois is then covered with a soft but resilient outer layer.

Our Printed Gripper Elastic (PGE) keeps a firm yet gentle grip around the legs and the high stretch M.I.T.I. perforated mesh on the bibs provides maximum flexibility whilst keeping everything in its place. No matter what you ride our shorts will keep you rolling in comfort even if your legs and lungs are screaming you to stop.

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

Italian M.I.T.I. Spa Power Lycra

Italian Dolomiti dual layer perforated chamois

Compression fit for reduced muscle fatigue

Lightweight mesh straps for maximum ventilation

Printed Gripper Elastic (PGE) leg bands

Flat lock stitching

Heat seal label

Panelled construction for superior fit

Rubberised Morvelo seam tab

Reflective details

Sun Protection Factor 50

Handmade in Europe from Italian fabrics

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Great comfort and fit.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Nearly as good as the best shorts on the market.

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

Provided excellent comfort on short and long rides.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Really like the wide elastic leg openings. Look great too, but you do need to pair them with the matching jersey otherwise a nasty colour clash is unavoidable.

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?

Really comfortable shorts that look great when paired with the matching jersey.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

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: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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6 comments

Avatar
nadsta | 9 years ago
0 likes

Plain ol' black

http://www.morvelo.com/eight-five-cycling-shorts.html

More comfy that my Assos, Rapha Pro Team and Sportful body fit bibs-and cheaper than all of them

How often can you say that about a GB company?

Avatar
ajmarshal1 | 9 years ago
0 likes

They do classic styled bibshorts in black alongside their more outlandish designs. That's kind of the point of Morvelo though, different designs for people bored with the rest of the market and don't want to be just another all black cycleninja.

Another point I'd raise about their bibs is that Rapha lightweights aside which I believe are untouchable, they're the most comfortable I own by some margin.

Avatar
Chuck | 9 years ago
0 likes

I'm with Simmo here. I like Morvelo stuff but I'd be reluctant to buy some fairly spendy shorts that need to be worn with a particular jersey to not look a bit naff*.

*Yes, we all look naff in lycra anyway, who cares what anyone thinks, Aldi specials and knock-off football shirts are all you need blah blah blah

Avatar
Simmo72 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I like everything except the actual graphics, as above, very Chas Michael Michaels. I do like the logo, but the rest is a bit ott. I hope they do something for us more traditional 'any colour as long as its black' crowd as I do like this brand.

Avatar
belgravedave replied to Simmo72 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Just bought some more subdued Morvelo stuff (on sale) from Merlin.

Avatar
belgravedave | 9 years ago
0 likes

Reminds me of something Little Jimmy wore in Blades of Glory.

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