Lusso RS19 Bibshorts

The Lusso RS19 bib shorts are aimed at people wanting an all-day racy design without breaking the bank. Fit-wise they seem to be for the thicker-set rider, so even if Lusso kit has suited you well in the past, be aware that might not be the case here.

• Pros: Typically high Lusso build quality, made in Manchester, understated branding
• Cons: Fit won't suit all shapes; side panel fabric does show washing

Manchester's Lusso clothing has been knocking out great value, no-compromise kit since 1982. The company isn't resting on its laurels though, and the RS19 bib shorts see it maintaining its 'all-day' focus while moving into compressive fabric technology for the performance-minded. The shorts' four-way stretch fabric certainly conforms tightly to the body, with flatlocked seams down the sides to avoid discomfort.

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There's no separate leg gripper, rather a line of silicone-ish dots around the inside of the leg hem. As with laser-cut hem-free jersey arms, some may appreciate a lack of restrictive fabric here, but I found that in the absence of a stronger gripper, the legs would ride up over time.

While the fabrics and construction cannot be faulted, the overall package didn't really work for me. Although the shorts were initially comfortable and supportive – for which I'd rate them highly – after an hour or so I found myself wanting to stop and pull the leg grippers down a bit to relieve build-up of pressure in the crotch. Nothing bad per se, but compared to my other Lusso bibs (the excellent Carbon V2) in size mediums, definitely noticeable.

I contacted Lusso and was told: 'The fabric has a compression construction (not as much give) and we tested these on mainly size Medium and Large riders within the test team and they have come to the conclusion they are more compressive then the Carbon V2 fit, I would say the size medium should have been a good race fit for you but maybe a bit tight with your height in the strap length because I am the same stats as you but height is 5' 10 and the medium fit me fine.'

I'm a 32in waist, 6ft tall (it's not me in the photos) and, at 75kg, am on the slimmer side of the pie chart. Going off Lusso's sizing, my waist is a medium but my height is a large, with my 35in inseam being off the end of XXL.

As ever, cycling fit is not prescribed in stone and one company's large is another's small – anyone purchasing Italian brands vs British will know this only too well. Just as with shoes, the designers have to decide which width-to-length or height body morph they are going to target, and with the RS19 Lusso seems to have aimed more at the larger-of-leg-compared-to-height rider, less the slimmer streak like myself.

Leg gripper issues aside, the rest of the bibs are well-specced, with generous, comfortable shoulder straps, and a robust chequerboard material over the front and rear that still looks like new. Side panels are the thin, breathable compression fabric, but they do show inconsiderate washing so be careful chucking them in with anything containing Velcro.

The pad is Lusso's '8 Hour+ Pad Performance with Gill Technology'. It's a multi-density design, and was perfectly good at the job of remaining comfortable, wicking and not moving about. The issues I struck with longer-ride fit were more related to the cut of the shorts overall and prescribed body fit.

Price-wise, their £99 rrp is on a par for other Lusso kit, and – if the shorts fit – represents great value long-term as Lusso stuff in my experience lasts and lasts. They're £20 cheaper than the DRS model and likewise Castelli's Endurance 2.

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With the RS19, Lusso is looking to serve the wider-to-height, more race-orientated community, at a decent price point. The made-in-Manchester build quality is top-notch and, judging from my experience, you can expect years of service. Just watch the sizing.

Verdict

Decently specced bib shorts for the thicker-set rider – check your sizing