Alé R-EV1 Future Race Lady Bibshorts

The Alé R-EV1 Future Race Lady Bibshorts are a very comfortable and breathable option for racers. The pad keeps you comfortably fresh during hard efforts, and is supportive for long rides. Silicone grippers on the elasticated leg band certainly ensure the ends stay in place, but you may find they squeeze your thighs a little too tightly.

Alé has used a soft, supple blend for the front and rear panels (61% polyamide, 39% elastane), and a different one (58% polyamide, 23% polyester, 19% elastane) for the side panels.

These panels have aerodynamic advantages, claims Alé, and while we have no way of testing that they're certainly impressively breathable. These are great for riding in the summer heat.

> Buy these online here

> Find your nearest dealer here

The sides are slightly see-through, but there are no transparency issues with the fabric front and rear.

I normally fall into small for shorts, but according to Ale's size chart I'm a medium in these bibs – make sure you check their charts. The resulting fit around my thighs and hip is excellent, and the leg length is decent too. However, the leg ends come up a little tight, even in medium.

The leg band is another blend again – 75% polyamide, 25% elastane – and inside it's fully covered with sticky silicone. There are also some reflective dots neatly arranged at the rear for a touch of visibility.

The silicone grips effectively and doesn't leave marks, which is great for the post-race change to casual shorts – which tend to be a lot shorter.

While the legs do stay put exceptionally well, the tight squeeze causes some bulging. It's not uncomfortable by any means, it's just the squeezing doesn't look so flattering.

The 4.5cm wide bib straps join into a mesh section at the rear. There's plenty of stretch at the front so these accommodate riders with longer torsos, while also providing enough support to keep the shorts perfectly in place.

They're a touch thicker than some straps, so they lay flat easily and quickly, and the soft fabrics mean baselayers aren't necessary.

The mesh section of the straps is a little less stretchy, but instead it's very breathable and quick wicking, so there are no issues with overheating here.

> 38 of the best cycling bib shorts — get comfy on longer rides

By using these two different fabrics for the straps, Ale has made these bibs both a good fit and pleasant to wear for sweatfests.

In-the-saddle comfort comes from Velocity's W8H chamois designed specifically for women. The fabric is pleasantly soft against the skin, its density gives a good amount of support, and it moulds well to your shape.

The foam itself is quick drying, and perforated with 3mm wide holes which really help with ventilation. Even during intense efforts the chamois wicked well and I felt fresh.

With a pad that can comfortably support you for over four hours in the saddle, these are a very good choice for endurance rides as well as hard interval rides. That said, there's no comfort break feature, so you'll be taking off your jersey when it's time for a mid-ride pee stop.

Value

At £170, these are at the pricey end of the market, but they are not alone. For instance, Gore Wear's C7 Women's Bib Shorts, which will cover you for long endurance rides, are £179.99.

While Velocio's Women's Ultralights are a similar price (£168) and deliver similar breathability and comfort, they add a pull-down comfort break system for easier mid-ride stops. The Iris Signature Bib Short IIs are considerably cheaper at £119 though, and Lara was very impressed with the performance and quality.

Overall

The R-EV1 Future Race Lady Bibshorts are a fantastically comfortable pair of shorts that continue to deliver as you up the intensity. They're very breathable, and the high quality materials are showing no signs of wear. You may find the leg cuffs a little too tight, though.

Verdict

Very breathable bibs with great straps, though the legs are a little tight