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review

Kalf Flux Chevron Mens Bib Short

9
£84.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Great performing bib shorts with a very reasonable price tag
Weight: 
189g

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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These great-value Kalf Flux Chevron bib shorts, from the new brand available exclusively through Evans Cycles (check out my review of some Kalf summer mitts here), offer very good comfort levels married to a quality chamois.

As Kalf states, any bib short is first measured by the quality of its pad. If it can't stand up to the punishment of long rides and damp out harshness from the road and saddle, the rest of the garment is relatively superfluous.

> Find your nearest Evans store

Happily, the Elastic Interface Flux chamois is well up to the task. It's a decent size, and the covering fabric is dual density, which Kalf claims helps collect and expel moisture. Kalf must have faith in the fabric, because there aren't any ventilation holes, and it's well-placed it would seem: I had no sense that I overheated or sweated more in this key area than I otherwise would.

Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short - pad.jpg

The high-density foam is effective at eliminating road buzz and maximising comfort, although it's not graded in the same way that you find in the likes of Castelli's excellent Progetto X2 Air pad. Nevertheless, it's well proportioned and doesn't feel over-plump, so although it looks a touch basic, it's not something you notice while riding. A century sportive settled any fears on that front.

Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short - riding.jpg

The legs are medium length (a relief for me – I like to cultivate my tan lines a little further up the leg than the current trend of longer bib shorts), and feature flatlock-stitching, as well as textured grippers at the leg to ensure a comfortable adhesion, using the chevron styling to form the pattern.

Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short - back.jpg

Invisible to the eye is a thin internal band that supports the elasticity of the grippers. Although not a big issue, I found that it's noticeable at the end of the legs. It's not uncomfortable, but there are numerous examples of brands that don't feel the need to include thin bands, instead relying on the natural elasticity of the fabric to apply the form fit. That aside, the rest of the Lycra fabric is supportive in a performance-fit manner without feeling restrictive.

Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short - gripper.jpg

The bib section features a flat band on the shoulders for extra comfort and elasticity. Kalf says the bonded bridge at the top of the back helps pull the waist of the shorts inwards while freeing up neck space; in practice this is successful, helping to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably across the shoulders. In fact, you barely notice it, which is just about the highest praise you can give to a bib section. The straps also feature nods to the distinctive chevron design, with flashes of coral visible in the bib bridge and in the grippers.

Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short - back full.jpg

A light and airy mesh-like fabric covers your rearside, and as a result they're cool shorts to wear, offering a little protection for chilly mornings but really stepping into their own when the temperature rises.

> Buyer's Guide: 18 of the best cycling bib shorts

Comfortable, high performing and well considered, their construction quality is very strong despite feeling summer-lightweight in bulk, with all material returning well after a series of washes. Throw in the competitive £84.99 asking price and they're a great value option. There's a matching jersey – you can glimpse it in the pics, review to come – if you like the coordinated look.

Verdict

Great performing bib shorts with a very reasonable price tag

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Kalf Chevron Men's Bib Short

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?

Kalf says: "The Kalf Flux Chevron Men's Bib Short is the result of hundreds of hours of development both on and off the bike. The unique bonded bridge on the bib straps is designed to pull the fabric of the shorts into the body without pressuring the rider's neck. The newest warp knitting technology in the Lycra provides compression, durability and moisture wicking at a minimal weight.

"Any short is measured by its pad and the Elastic Interface Flux pad with its dual layers of X-TRACT fabric and high-density foam is designed to keep you both dry and comfortable.

"Detailing on these shorts includes reflective logos and internally printed straps."

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

Evans lists these features:

Flux Chamois - The Elastic Interface Flux pad has been developed through extensive testing, resulting in a uniquely curved and comfort-enhancing chamois. The proof is obviously in the sitting, but if you want to know the details here goes. It's made from a double layer structure of EIT X-TRACT fabric to help collect and expel moisture, and combines all-way stretch with a special high-density foam to maximise comfort and performance. The pad has a central channel to relieve pressure from the perineal zone and allow for unimpeded blood flow.

Reflective details - Moving away from the recent trend to all things fluoro, our designers have added reflective details – often very discreetly – to bring visibility without visual assault.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very good, no complaints.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Excellent – good pressure grading and all-round effectiveness. Decent chamois too.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Wooden garden furniture wariness aside, great.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

A lovely, comfortable fit with spot-on leg length for me.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
10/10

The medium was just right for me. Was also slim around the waist, which is ideal in performance bib shorts.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

Certainly not heavy at 189g.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

The chamois is very good, while the hidden leg bands were my only gripe. Otherwise, top notch.

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

£85 for a pair of bib shorts of this quality is an absolute steal. Worth every penny.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Respond very well.

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

Brilliantly. Nothing much more to say.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Style, fit, cut, comfort, performance.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing, except those leg bands that, to be honest, get forgotten about after a while.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes – I already have.

Use this box to explain your score

A well-rounded pair of performance bib shorts that have no real weak points for the price.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 188cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016)  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

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1 comments

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Cupotea | 6 years ago
1 like

I bought a pair of these the night before my first ever century and the performed wonderfully. The chamois did have a slight moose knuckle appearance but I trust this will mellow after a wash but zero saddle pain where normally I would suffer a little over 60 miles.  The length is longer than anything I've bought before but being tall and skinny I assume this is just the first pair that are correct for me.  Leg grippers are effective and comfortable though they can require minor adjustment when you first put them on as the longer than normal grip area can cause them to roll over themselves slightly.  Once in place, they're perfect and go unnoticed. Saving the best for last, the bibs. Oh, the bibs!  I have a slightly wonky pancreas and sustained pressure on my abdomen can cause discomfort. These are perfect. Slightly lower cut than normal (in my opinion a good thing) and you forget they're there. Whilst providing plenty of support they seem to distribute pressure amazingly well. They are in the next price bracket to my normal shorts but I will certainly be getting more.

I also got the chevron jersey, which is fantastic but check the rear pockets are big enough for you, and the chevron socks which are very comfortable and seem whiff resistant.  

For info I'm 6'3" 33 waist and all three items were XL. If you're a lanky git who struggles for a nice fit I'd give these serious consideration.

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