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review

Vermarc Squadra bibshorts

9
£73.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Great bib shorts, designed in Belgium, made in Italy and to be worn worldwide
Weight: 
195g
Contact: 
www.vermarc.co.uk

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Vermarc have been making cycling clothing for almost 40 years and it'll be no surprise to find they are pretty good at it. The Squadra bib shorts are their top of the range cycling short and for good reason. Providing a decent fit, they are well made and involve a lot of black.

Although Vermarc is a Belgian company the Squadra shorts are actually made in Italy. This doesn't mean they are quite Italian sizes though; the medium I tested were fine and I normally prefer a large. This is also testament to their ability to stretch a bit beyond their limits.

The pad can make or break a pair of shorts. The appropriately-named pad in the Squadra shorts is designated LD, which stands for Long Distance. It is the newest and most advanced pad in the Vermarc line-up, designed for their top of the range shorts.

The special ingredient is a nylon microfiber in the outermost layer of the pad that incorporates Aloe Vera. According to Vermarc, the Aloe Vera is not added through a treatment but is part of the manufacturing process so it will last wash after wash without fading. Why you may ask? Well the reason is Aloe Vera will cool, protect and even heal the skin while it's in contact with the pad. A natural protection against bacteria and given how hot it can get in the saddle sometimes perhaps not a bad idea.

To complement this outer layer you have a thick, expanded memory foam. The divots create texture to aid ventilation and assist with perspiration management, so you're not left with the feeling of sitting in a rapidly expanding wet nappy. The pad is smaller than you'll find in some shorts but this doesn't diminish the support you get. The essential contact points are supported effectively.

There is enough movement in this area that even if you do move around on the bike you are not left feeling unsupported.

The legs are a reasonable length with an elastic gripper on the bottom to prevent movement. On the outside of the leg at the bottom this is presented with a white band for contrast. To keep everything in place up top the Squadras have mesh straps to avoid any moisture build-up.

The shorts themselves are made from 80% polyester and 20% elastane. This gives a nice stretchy feel and in turn makes them comfortable on the bike. The seams are flatlocked to prevent any unnecessary irritation. The mix of materials have been chosen not only for their elasticity but their ability to cover the legs and provide some muscle support.

In everyday terms, the Vermarc Squadra bibs are great fitting, good performance shorts that look pretty sharp. and all for £74. Sometimes simple attention to detail makes for a great overall package.

Verdict

Great bib shorts, designed in Belgium, made in Italy and to be worn worldwide

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Vermarc Squadra 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?

Designed for any road rider that is looking for a pair of bib shorts that offer comfort, fit and performance. Wrapped up for half the cost of some other brands available and you get a hint of how good the Vermarc Squadra shorts are.

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

A good hallmark of any bib shorts that provide a pad is that itself. This small piece of material can make or break a pair of shorts or come to think of it a ride. Appropriately named, the pad in the Squadra shorts is an LD shammy with the LD standing for Long Distance. It is the newest and most advance in the Vermarc line-up. Designed for their top of the range shorts.

Their special ingredient is the use of a nylon microfiber in the outermost layer of the pad that incorporates Aloe Vera. According to Vermarc, the Aloe Vera is not added through a treatment but is part of the manufacturing process so it will last wash after wash without fading. Why you may ask? Well the reason is Aloe Vera will cool, protect and even heal the skin whilst in contact with the pad. A natural protection against bacteria and given how hot it can get in the saddle sometimes perhaps not a bad idea.

To complement this outer layer you have a thick, expanded memory foam. The divots create texture to aid ventilation and assist with perspiration management. So you're not left with the feeling of sitting in a rapidly expanding wet nappy. The pad is smaller than you'll find in some shorts but this doesn't diminish the support you get. The essential contact points are supported effectively.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Over several weeks the Squadra shorts have proven to be durable and haven't suffered after washing.

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

They are light and you won't suffer any weight penalty for wearing these on long rides.

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

The mix of materials and the technology combine to great effect in making these shorts very comfortable.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

The price of these shorts, £74 represents very good value given how they perform and how comfy they are.

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

Above and beyond what you expect from shorts at this price.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfort and performance which outstrips several more expensive pairs that I've tested.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The only downside so far is when they have to go in the wash.

Did you enjoy using the product? Certainly did.

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?

More than a decent pair of shorts, offering performance, comfort and not bad looking.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
The seams are well done without being able to notice them. The mesh on the straps provides ample support with plenty of breathability. The mix of polyester and elastane in the bottom part of the shorts works well to offer plenty of cover and support. After several uses there is no sign of fade or wear and tear.
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
I have to say I have been very impressed with how well the Squadras have worked. They fit really well, you get plenty of pad support as covered above and you don't get that soggy feeling thanks to the moisture wicking of the shorts.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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2 comments

Avatar
bike_food | 9 years ago
0 likes

Yay you showed the pad, please keep doing this when reviewing shorts and tights.

Avatar
Jez Ash | 9 years ago
0 likes

That pad looks and sounds a lot like the one in the Alé bibs I tested (and some Giordana ones I'm doing now). I knew these two brands were part of the same group... Is Vermarc as well?

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