Primal Axios Helix bib shorts

Primal's Axios Helix bibshorts go together, as you've no doubt guessed, with the Axios Helix jersey we've also tested. The Helix range is Primal's more race orientated collection and the bibs themselves carry the description 'designed for competition but built for everyday rides'

Priced at £120 we're talking pretty top end and the Axios are up against some stiff competition from the likes of Castelli and Assos but the tech sheet at least points to some impressive performance details.

Quality looks good too. Just like the matching jersey the stitching is tight and tidy and after plenty of miles and washing cycles everything still looks much the same as it was when it came out of the bag.

The main fabric is named Vero, a 4-way stretch Lycra that has in built compression properties. Something we're seeing a lot on performance shorts, the compression is good for reducing muscle vibration which can lead to fatigue on long rides, it also promotes blood flow removing waste products from your muscles quicker - that's the theory at least. It's rated to SPF50 so once summer does finally arrive sunburn through the material shouldn't be an issue.

Z92 dimpled fabric is used at the lower part of the legs as the claimed aerodynamic benefits will be most beneficial on the parts moving the fastest through the air. They are held in place by silicone grippers which are usually more comfortable than the traditional elastic band.

The bibs sit about mid stomach height at the front with the material changing to mesh for the straps, two at the front with a large central rear one travelling up your spine.

The HX8 Carbon chamois is seamless with plenty of stretch and varying thicknesses which should mean plenty of flexibility for the rider. The Resistix carbon material is also antibacterial which is ideal for the mile munchers.

Fit, as with the other Helix clothing, is aimed at the performance rider and once you're on the bike these are very comfortable. The Vero fabric feels very supportive, close fitting without actually being restrictive and you can feel the compression aspects especially on rough sections of tarmac. The silicone leg grippers stay put and apply so little pressure that they remain comfortable for hours.

Up top, things are kept pretty cool thanks to the mesh bibs, and the straps are comfortable regardless of whether you're wearing a baselayer or not. When paired with the Axios jersey the wicking properties are very good and you certainly shouldn't overheat in temperatures up to the mid-twenties.

The chamois was the only thing I didn't really get on with. It was just a bit too wide for me (compared to say the Etxeondo Bira) this was fine in the short term but once the miles started to increase the excess material bunched and caused some numbness. The padding was about right though in terms of thickness and the antibacterial properties did their job of warding off any irritation or saddle soreness.

On the whole the Axios Helix bibshorts offer good performance and fit but the chamois does let them down. I know everybody's physique is different but having around 20 to 30 pairs of bibs in my wardrobe from a range of brands these are the first ones I've had an issue with. Bring price into the equation and another point is lost. There are shorts out there that are comparable in fit, performance and quality at a good 30 to 40 quid cheaper so its difficult to recommend these over say Sugoi's Icon or Etxeondo's Bira.

Editor's note: That isn't Stu wearing the shorts in the pictures

Verdict

Although good, the performance and fit don't live up to the price tag. The pad could cause some issues too.