Lusso RS19 Bibshorts Women’s

The Lusso RS19 women's bib shorts are ideal for anyone spending hours in the saddle in mild to cool conditions. They have a racier fit and design than some, while not compromising on comfort, though their performance in hotter conditions and at higher intensities could be better.

• Pros: Understated design, quality construction, made in Manchester
• Cons: Breathability around lower back could be better; side panels susceptible to snagging

The four-way stretch fabric is intended to provide light compression, and the medium that I tested (I would normally take a small to medium) was spot on – not restrictive at all, conforming snugly to the body without irritation.

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Flatlock seams down the sides go a long way to help this comfort, but what impresses even more are the lazer-cut, seamless leg grippers. Rather than silicone dimples or strips, Lusso has used a weave of ultra-fine thread to create a stretchy grid around the thigh that acts like silicone.

I found them to be outstanding when in direct contact with the skin; they sit snuggly in place and leave no imprint when you take the shorts off. They don't have the staying power of some other shorts when combined with knee or leg warmers, but the slight riding-up didn't cause me any discomfort.

The bib straps feature a similar weave to the leg grippers but there is about twice as much thread used, so the elasticity is much more prominent. It really works to hold the straps in place and they are sufficiently wide to avoid any possible digging in.

The pad works exceptionally well in all circumstances – no excess build-up of sweat here and, for me, certainly no discomfort or rubbing of any sort. Even after five hours of riding I was still feeling really happy in the saddle. The fabric of the shorts is equally as good in terms of not allowing you to overheat. There is a 'but' though...

While I can't fault the comfort and performance of the thigh area, pad and straps, the overall garment is, in my opinion, let down by the panels around the stomach and up the back. This really came to the fore during short, intense rides.

The substantial upper seam at the front sits just under my ribs, with no curve or dip to it. It didn't actually rub, I was simply always conscious of it and it leaves its mark at the end of a ride. I am quite a slim build so I can imagine that some women might have an issue with it digging in.

The rear panel (two layers of waffle-like fabric between the straps) promotes a build-up of heat and a sweaty back during more intense rides. The temperatures have dipped recently and this isn't really an issue during longer, steadier rides but I certainly wouldn't be recommending the shorts for intense training in warmer weather.

The design is understated and versatile, so the shorts can be teamed with loads of different jerseys. They need to be looked after, though: the side panels are seriously delicate, the lightest of encounters with a rough surface will snag them. I accidentally brushed against a wall and they immediately 'fluffed up'.

At £99.99 the RS19s certainly aren't the most expensive out there. In fact, if you want a comfortable pair of shorts for longer, steadier rides and aren't looking for innovative, detachable bibs then these are a great investment – almost half the price of Rapha's Souplesse detachable ones.

> Read more road.cc reviews of women's cycling shorts

However, they are more expensive than others that are more breathable around the back and better suited for intense, sweat-inducing rides, if that's more your thing. Liv's £79.99 Race Day Shorts feature mesh straps and so do Cycology's £70 Logo Shorts.

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Overall, these are an exceptionally comfortable pair of shorts but the performance falls short if you raise the intensity or want to ride in temperatures above 25 degrees – be prepared for a sweaty back. You'd also be well advised to check the fit at the front.

Verdict

Stylish and exceptionally comfortable for long or low-intensity riding in mild temperatures – just don't turn on the gas