Lusso Paragon Signature Bib Shorts (Limited edition) – Petrol Blue

The Lusso Paragon Signature Bib Shorts (Limited Edition) Petrol Blue are a premium, UK-made pair of bibs offering excellent comfort, quality materials and understated styling from a brand better known for its more price-conscious products. They’re not cheap, but if you value thoughtful design and long-ride performance, they deliver far more than just good looks and are a solid rival to high-end European brands.

> Buy now: Lusso Paragon Signature Bib Shorts (Limited Edition) Petrol Blue for £200 from Lusso

There’s no shortage of high-end bib shorts on the market; you only have to check out the Road.cc guide to bib shorts to see that. Plenty are boasting race-ready credentials and pro-tour price tags, but it’s harder to find kit that hits the sweet spot between performance, comfort and the sort of value that these offer.

The Paragon Signature shorts are built from Lusso’s top-tier fabric, using a mix of Italian micro knitted fabrics with low compression and excellent stretch. They’re designed and handmade in Manchester, which is unusual and reduces the carbon footprint compared to products produced further afield and in the Far East.

The fit is snug without being restrictive, offering gentle compression through the legs while maintaining full freedom of movement. The cut is anatomical and supportive, with no bunching or shifting despite the front panel being deeper than its other models, and the rear panels contour well without tugging.

Leg length is generous but not overly long, and the raw-edge leg grippers with internal silicone hold everything perfectly in place – no riding up, no sausage legs and the lack of seams gives the shorts a very smooth, clean look.

The chamois is a highlight. Lusso uses a multi-density, Italian-made Elastic Interface pad that’s perforated for breathability and shaped for endurance riding. On multi-hour test rides, comprising mid-week chain gangs and longer cafe spins in the Peak District, it stayed comfortable throughout. It’s not overly bulky, and it doesn’t deform or twist – just a solid, unobtrusive layer of cushioning where you need it. They say it’s rated to be comfortable for eight hours. I didn’t ride quite long enough to test that claim, but the lengthy and challenging rides I did left me with no reason to doubt this claim.

Straps are wide, soft, and lay flat over the shoulders. They’re made from an elasticated material that holds well without cutting in, although if you’re slimmer you may find them slightly wide-set depending on your torso shape. There’s no mesh, but the minimalist design has worked well in the recent hot weather, offering excellent breathability.

The Petrol colourway is bold but classy, with a deep navy blue hue that’s understated yet distinctive. It’s part of a limited edition run that also comes in black, and both feature a subtle Lusso graphic on the side of the leg. I liked the colour, which effectively showcases the fabric’s smooth finish and quality, as well as its minimal seam construction.

After a number washes and plenty of miles, the shorts still look and feel fresh. No loose threads, no pilling, and no signs of sagging. The fabric has held its shape well, and the colour hasn’t faded.

It’s worth noting that these are true to UK sizing too. I’m 5’9/175cm and weigh 78kg and found the medium to be a perfect fit. For comparison, I’m a large in most Italian brands. The cut on these is long enough and stops just above the knee across my quad, which is ideal for me.

Value

At £200, the Paragon Signature shorts are in the upper-mid price bracket – and are the most expensive Lusso shorts we’ve ever tested.

But I feel they hold their own against the likes of the Castelli Free Aero Race S that cost £199 and the £195 MAAP Training Bib 3.0, both of which rated very highly.

For more options, check out our best bib shorts buyer’s guide.

Though the Paragons lack the brand snobbery value of these or a Rapha option, they more than hold their own, and I think the material used by Lusso feels more luxurious than most other shorts out there.

Usually, something made in the UK using high-end materials would carry a price premium, but that’s not the case here. The £200 price isn’t cheap, but these are worth the price and aren’t bad value.

Conclusion

These aren’t flashy, feature-heavy bibs, but they don’t need to be. Lusso has focused on comfort, fit and the quality of materials used – and nailed all three. If you want refined bib shorts that offer great support and a quality chamois, and that perform as well on your longest rides as they do on faster spins, and you appreciate smart, subtle design made in the UK, these are well worth a look. The fabric matches that of top brands, and while they may lack brand snobbery points, they make up for it in quality design.

> Buy now: Lusso Paragon Signature Bib Shorts (Limited Edition) Petrol Blue for £200 from Lusso

Verdict

Refined and comfortable, the fabric feels great, the cut’s good and there’s a high-end chamois – all well made in the UK

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