Altura Race Bib Shorts

As you can probably tell by the name, the new Altura Race Bib Shorts are its top end performance shorts, and there is a lot to like: a race cut fit, lightweight and soft fabric, plus a very good pad.

• Pros: Stealth pad is very supportive; great fit
• Cons: A lot of seams going on at the bib section

The Race shorts use Altura's new Stealth pad, which is made up of various layers of foam and breathable fabrics covering the Y-shaped base pad. Like a lot of the latest pad designs, the Stealth doesn't use loads of channels for pressure relief, instead going for foam positioning and shape, and it works very well.

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The Poron 92 Insert, a low density memory foam that covers just the rear and central section of the pad, is quite firm but does a good job of absorbing the road buzz before it gets through to your rear end.

The Y-shaped base – basically a saddle shape with a v-section cut out at the rear – enables a large range of movement as you pedal without the pad rucking up underneath you.

Breathability seems to be pretty good as well, judging by my testing in the recent hot weather.

The main body of the shorts uses a fabric that is 81% nylon and 19% Spandex, which, along with the cut of the panels, gives a form-fitting shape. When crouched over the handlebar the fit feels spot on.

Keeping the legs in place are some quite large grippers which spread the load well so you don't get any pressure spots on longer rides. They are also reflective in a stealth kind of way, as in the fabric looks black during daylight but turns silver when light is shone on it.

The bibs are mesh for the majority of their construction, which aids breathability, although Altura has also gone for an overlapping design to help further, by leaving the central section open. It's fine when you are wearing them, but putting them on can be a bit of a faff as they get twisted and tangled easily.

It also leads to a lot of seams which were noticeable at the shoulders and lower back, especially when standing up to pedal.

When it comes to value, the Race's £89.99 rrp sits pretty well against the opposition. As I said, you are getting a very good quality pad and the fabric choice works well for comfort and performance. The quality of the finish is decent enough too, although I'd say that some of the stitching around the bibs isn't the tidiest I've seen, a little bit rough around the edges in places.

For this sort of money you could go for a pair of Sportful's Fiandre Light NoRain bibs, which were described as very competent shorts in the review, plus you are getting the bonus of some water resistance.

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For a performance pair of sub-£100 shorts, though, it is hard to ignore the dhb Aerons, which are some of the best on the market in this price range – in fact they are just £75 at full rrp.

Conclusion

Overall, the Altura Race bib shorts work well on the bike and, a few niggles aside, there really is a lot to like here for your money.

Verdict

Great pad and fabrics make these a good choice for performance without breaking the bank