Alé PRR Camo Bibshorts

A seriously striking and comfortable design from Italian brand Alé, the PRR Camo Bib Shorts hit the mark for desirability and quality.

The quality is undeniable, from legs to bibs, and they're packed with features. You get flat seams, flush silicone grippers that are comfortable and don't chafe, a lightweight and breathable bib section, and a supportive athletic fit with a slightly shorter leg than some, ideal for summer use. The bibs are meshed at the rear panel too, which aids ventilation, and they sit very comfortably on your shoulders.

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However, the standout feature is the chamois, which is the equal of any I've ever ridden in. It's firm, graded at different points, yet plush enough that you can truly ride in it all day without complaint. It's not even super-big, as some plusher pads can be (Cytech, I'm looking at you), which means it feels very anatomical, rather than like you're sitting on a pillow. This also means it doesn't slip off a saddle, which is another often overlooked factor to consider.

All these features roll together to make an almost faultless whole. In fact, it's only really the design that might polarise some. Camo and fluoro colours teamed together won't appeal to everyone; then again that is conversely partly the appeal… You certainly stand out, and if you have fluoro on your bike already, you can aim to match by going with the orange, yellow or green versions. I think it's a great look – and you can get a matching jersey too! 

That said, I tested them alongside a plain white summer jersey (non-Ale), and they looked good paired this way as well. So, if the camo jersey is a step too far you you, rest assured the bib shorts go with a neutral top too...

Through the wash they return perfectly, and are relatively resilient to anything reasonable you might test them with – wood surfaces, road dirt, wet conditions – and remain comfortable to wear as well as easy to clean up like new; a real positive in such bright kit as this.

> Check out our guide to the best bib shorts

Because they perform so highly, I can only comment on the £95 price tag as great value for a pair of bib shorts that will impress through spring, summer and autumn, and do it all again for another season or two to come. Good value doesn't necessarily mean 'cheap', and these are a perfect example.

Bottom line: they're great.

Verdict

If you like the styling, these are nigh-on perfect