The Forza Italia 2 bibshorts are very good value in terms of performance against price. You're getting a lot of shorts for your money.

Bib shorts have to meet a number of criteria to be successful, especially on longer rides. You want the seems to be flat, the pad to be comfortable and the straps to keep everything in place without causing discomfort. If you can get all this for a decent price then you have yourself a great deal.

How do the Italia 2 bibshorts stack up? The answer is pretty well. The shorts are made up of 6 panels with none of the seams causing irritation thanks to the flat-lock stitching. The pad is described as a 'high quality comfort pad', and after 100km I found it was my legs, not my backside, that were complaining.

There are two other factors that make these shorts a standout product given the £40 price tag. The leg grippers do a good job of preventing the legs from riding up and the straps are made of white mesh to make them less visible through your jersey. Ok, so the last factor wouldn't necessarily appear on every rider's list of must haves.

The legs aren't the longest so won't suit all but that would be the only criticism. The material is a decent quality, the fit likewise is decent. For the price this is a very good pair of bib shorts that won't break the bank.

Verdict

Standout shorts for the money, with a very good pad.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Ride Forza Italia 2 bibshort

Size tested: Black, 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?

Anyone looking for a decent pair of bibshorts for the summer would do well to consider them. Considering the low price they would make a useful addition to any cycling wardrobe.

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

A quality pad is built in to the shorts and complemented by flat lock seams for a comfortable finish and fit. The mesh straps are designed to be less visible through your jersey.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The shorts are well made, the material used is a decent thickness so provides protection and comfort.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

I have used them on a reasonable length ride and for commuting and they have been comfortable regardless of the conditions.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Given the material and thick pad these shorts should last well.

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

With the thicker materials used this is never going to be the lightest pair of shorts but what they lack in lightness is made up for in performance.

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

The pad fits well and provides ample cushioning whilst the straps keep the shorts anchored without inhibiting the rider.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

For £40 this is a lot of shorts for the money.

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

Performance has been good and the shorts are on a par with a much more expensive pair.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fit and comfort have to be high on any rider's wish list when it comes to shorts, the Forza Italia's have it in abundance.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not much, the high waist might not appeal universally but this is a small gripe.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? I would indeed.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Great value shorts.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

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

I've been riding for: 5-10 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