With an RRP of £75 these are starting to nudge into 'how much?' territory for many people. They certainly look the part, with a fishscale pattern complementing the black and grey panels.
Wide straps are comfortable and don't bunch, the pad is fairly modest but effective and antibacterial and there's a comforting smattering of marketing guff, which promises that the Resistex fabric will speed up evaporation, reduce lactic acid build up and improve circulation. Expect them to appear on the WADA banned list some time soon.
On the bike they feel very comfy and the performance is more than decent - but the fit is less than convincing.
Large is usually my size, but I would guess that Lusso's sizing is more British than Italian. The bibs were a little loose and the shorts tended to wrinkle up round the crotch and the bottom of the legs, not helped by a large leg hole and less than tenacious silicone gripping pads.
Although none of that caused any problems, I'd be tempted to try a size down for a snugger fit and a rather less Norah Batty-ish look.
Fit issues aside, these are a good quality short if you're looking for something a little different and fancy buying British.
Good quality shorts with a distinctive look, but it might be worth trying them for size before you buy.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Lusso Carbon Bib Shorts
Size tested: Black, Large
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?
Lusso specialise in classy, no nonsense kit and these fit that bill.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Great science blurb! "New for 2013 bib shorts feature the latest Resistex Carbon Fabric which speeds up the evaporation of perspiration, keeping you cooler, lowering 216 lactic acid build up which improves circulation"
Also:-
RESISTEX CARBON FABRIC
SEAMLESS ANTI-BACTERIAL CARBON GEL PAD
FLAT SEAMS, AIRTECH BIB
COOLGRIP LEGS
ANTISTATIC & UV RAY PROTECTION
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
They feel good, but the wrinkly legs don't look great.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Well made, sensibly designed and made in the UK.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very good.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Distinctive looks, comfy straps.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Rather loose fit, but that's a sizing issue.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe, but I'd try a smaller size.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Decent mid-range shorts but check the sizing before you buy.
Age: 42 Height: 5' 8 Weight: er....85kg
I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop, Dawes Century SE, Carlton Corsa My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides
This was a very good listing of bikes for under 1,000....
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