The Lusso Aero50 bib shorts are far more comfortable than you'd expect for their very reasonable price. They're good for four-hour rides and longer, they're nicely understated and the detailing's nice except for one little thing.

Putting these UK made bib shorts on for the first time is like putting on an old set of slippers. The fit is generous but, unlike the old slippers, there are no baggy areas where the fit is less than perfect. A generous mid-panel means that the shorts sit quite high above the waist, a welcome detail as it starts the shoulder straps from the right place on the body to avoid any under-jersey tenting. The lycra is forgiving, with plenty of stretch for those with Hoy-style thighs.

The shoulder straps are wide and trimmed with a soft red accent piece that covers the overlocking. This red strip looks slightly too large when the shorts are off, but flattens out nicely when worn. Cut up the back of the body is decent, with good coverage around the lower back and kidney area, and a breathable mesh panel covering most of the middle back area.

At the leg end of things, elasticated cuffs with silicone grippers keep the shorts in position. I found the shorts to be fairly long in the leg, they give plenty of thigh coverage unlike a race short that stops well short of the knee.

The Coolmax Airflow pad is where these shorts have been comfiest. The four-layer chamois is a good option for long rides of four hours or more, yet also excels in the comfort stakes when on the rivet, hanging onto the wheel in front at the local chain gang. The pad also comes fairly high up at the front and rear, leaving lots of room for achieving a comfortable position when on the drops or taking a breather on the tops. The pad handles moisture well despite its thickness thanks to aeration holes in the chamois itself.

Styling is plain, which is to many a preference, with only the small Lusso logo on the left thigh and the red gripper band giving any sort of detail once a jersey is pulled on.

There are two small sections of reflective piping, a few centimetres long, stitched into the rear of the thigh area, which should give a small reflection when viewed from vehicles coming up from behind. It's a much better location than having garish print, and good that it's on a moving part of the garment.

The gripper band has been the only gripe with these shorts. On long rides, I've found myself feeling a pinch on my under-thigh and having to adjust the leg cuff. This is due to a hefty overlocking of the elasticated band, which has left a hard rib that caused minor discomfort. Any discomfort on long rides would be removed if these could be flattened during the manufacturing process, rather than being a hard tubular shape.

Verdict

Fantastically comfy for the cost despite a minor seam detail

Editor's note: The 2015 Lusso Aero50 Bib shorts tested should be available to buy in the shops from the 25th October, if you can't wait that long Lusso have stock and you can contact them direct via their website
www.lusso-clothing.co.uk

 

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lusso Aero50 Men's Lycra Bib Shorts

Size tested: Medium, black

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?

Aimed at the every-day cyclist who's looking for a comfortable UK made garment at a decent price.

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

4 layer chamois, long distance pad with breathability

Fast wicking, features a high lycra content for supreme four way stretch comfort

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Tweaking minor details in stitching could make these shorts a 9, verging on a 10.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Great performance for the price.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

No problems here during the test.

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

Not a heavy garment, even when wet.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Difficult to put a score on this one. On one hand, the shorts are supremely comfortable, but the niggle with the flat-locking on the leg gripper brings the score down slightly.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

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

These have become my go-to shorts for comfort and fit.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The overall comfort and style. Despite the stitching, the leg grippers are very comfy too.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Those hard over-locked bits in the leg grippers!

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?

These could have scored near a 10 in most sections with a slight change in their manufacturing process. Hopefully something Lusso will look at amending.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 183  Weight: 77kg

I usually ride: Kinesis Racelight T  My best bike is: Cervelo S2

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, club rides, general fitness riding,