Alé Women's Graphics PRR Arcobaleno Bib Shorts

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Women-specific garment boasting an 'ergonomic racing fit'.

Distributor Paligap says: "One of Ale's most well-known bibshorts's that is used by many professionals and amateurs all over the world. Carbon fabrics and ergonomic fitting work together to achieve the "Pure Performance" bibshort which is an inimitable blend of style and performance - specifically engineered for the female body in the bike position."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Features:

* Ergonomic fitting

* 'Free system bib' for the right support without constriction

* Embossed fabric in the crotch area for maximum abrasion resistance

* Long reflective piping in the back part of the legs for clear visibility

* 'LG Stability system' at the bottom of the hem to keep the bibshort in place

The "LG STABILITY SYSTEM™, a 60mm strip leg gripper distributes the pressure on the leg and keeps the garment in place during the ride. The fitting has been specifically studied to follow the anatomy of a racing woman's body."

All seams are extremely tidy and secure. The bib element of the shorts has been designed with a curved panel at the rear to force the bib straps to sit wide at the front. The anti-bacterial insert encloses a centrally positioned supportive pad.

The shorts were very comfortable when riding, allowing for full freedom of movement when in and out of the saddle.

So far so good. The insert isn't losing support and, to date, the seams are like new. The elastic bib and leg cuffs have lost none of their stretch, in four weeks of testing.

A very snug fit. I would highly recommend you check the size chart on the website – a medium might not be what you think a medium is.

A medium was JUST big enough for me, and normally a medium is generous. From experience, this is typical of Italian kit.

146g, what more can I say?

Overall, comfort is very good, except occasionally when I found the edge of the insert sitting in line with the edge of my saddle and causing some abrasion. Washing seemed to soften it up, and it didn't happen every ride (on one ride, it happened on one side but not the other). It's not unique to these shorts, but it was a real shame when it did, as otherwise they felt great.

Under £100 isn't bad for shorts that match up to the best on the market with regards to innovative features and (mostly) comfort.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washed well on a 30 degree cycle (nothing about softener mentioned) and still look as bright as ever.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I certainly felt like a racer when I headed out in these; the ideal fit for a fast training ride with the local group.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The snug fit, reminiscent of my racing days.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The fact that the insert could sometimes irritate (but sometimes not).

Use this box to explain your score

These are extremely good shorts that, other than those occasional pad/saddle issues, are exceptionally comfortable in every other way. It might just be a personal shape/saddle issue, but I can't give them full marks even though, on days when I had no problems, they felt pretty much perfect.