Vermarc Prima bibshorts sit on the second rung of the Vermarc collection, yet offer a performance and comfort level that would be fitting for the top rung of many other manufacturers.
I've been wearing these shorts for a couple of months now, and they have worked their way to the front of the drawer such is their comfort level.
On first donning I was immediately impressed by their aesthetics: nothing too garish, just a plain black bib with one small logo on either leg. I thought they looked very classy. This was matched by the materials, with different panels on the shorts using different materials for compression, cooling and anti-abrasion. This last feature came from the inner leg, which rather than using standard lyrca, instead had an embossed fabric, similar in look to a thicker woven material. It felt a little nicer to the skin, and looked really cool. Premium would be a good word to use I think.
The pad was Vermarc's Long Distance (LD) pad, their top of the range pad, and it has an Aloe Vera infusion, offering the natural goodness of Aloe to comfort your skin down there. It's hard (impossible) to compare and contrast at the same time how this works against a normal pad, but I do believe I had less irritation, and hence more comfort, over longer rides with this pad. Aloe also offers a natural anti-bacterial barrier, so if you have a longer commute, or even, dare I say it, wear them for a couple of days without washing, this fabric helps to keep pad-based nasties at bay.
On longer rides they maintained both shape and comfort levels, with the pad providing enough padding in the right places to make 6hr rides hassle-free.
Quite thin bibs keep the shorts up, and while I prefer a thicker strap I didn't find this either uncomfortable or irritating in any way. They are partnered with a thinner material on the back to aid wicking and ventilation.
At the bottom, rather than relying on silicone to keep the legs in place, the Prima shorts have a longer, 45mm, cuff with gentle elasticity. This works and feels very nice, although they aren't the longest of shorts in the leg, so your tan lines may be a little uneven.
A comfy pad, nice aesthetics, and great fit all add up to an excellent pair of shorts. While at £92 they are not cheap, it's hard to call them expensive. They performance well, so they will be worn regularly. They're therefore good value for money and a solid investment for the wardrobe.
Verdict
Comfortable over longer distances; great performance with a sensible price tag
road.cc test report
Make and model: Vermarc Prima bibshorts
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?
The Vermarc Prima bib shorts are aimed at the rider who spends solid time in the saddle, with a 'Long Distance' pad, an Aloe vera infusion, and a mix of different panel structures they are a technical short that promises comfort over longer miles. They've done this sufficiently well to have risen to be amongst my short of choice when it ride time comes.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
They feature a Long distance pad, complete with Aloe Vera infusion for comfort and protection.
Silicon grippers keeps the shorts in place, whilst the requisite flatlock seams help avoid skin irritation.
various grades of breathable fabric helps you keep cool, whilst providing enough warmth in early mornings.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
I've done the best part of 1000km in them and so far all seams are holding rock steady.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Comfortable, from the grippers at the bottom to the bibs at the top.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very impressed with how well they cope with longer rides.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
They are by no means cheap, but offer solid value for money, and will be worn again and again.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Really well. Comfort in the saddle was all day, and the Aloe helps keep everything fresh.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Comfort and style levels in equal measure.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
I thought they could do with being an inch longer in the leg, but thats more aesthetics and tan-line compliance really.
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?
Well worth looking at if your LBS stocks them, and if they don't, then it's well worth asking them to.
Age: 37 Height: 176cm Weight:
I usually ride: Rapide RC4, Raleigh SP Race, Hoffman BMX My best bike is: Rapide RC4
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: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Adventure-packing, crossing-countries
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