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review

Alé PRR Camo Bibshorts

9
£95.00

VERDICT:

9
10
If you like the styling, these are nigh-on perfect
Weight: 
168g
Contact: 

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A seriously striking and comfortable design from Italian brand Alé, the PRR Camo Bib Shorts hit the mark for desirability and quality.

The quality is undeniable, from legs to bibs, and they're packed with features. You get flat seams, flush silicone grippers that are comfortable and don't chafe, a lightweight and breathable bib section, and a supportive athletic fit with a slightly shorter leg than some, ideal for summer use. The bibs are meshed at the rear panel too, which aids ventilation, and they sit very comfortably on your shoulders.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

However, the standout feature is the chamois, which is the equal of any I've ever ridden in. It's firm, graded at different points, yet plush enough that you can truly ride in it all day without complaint. It's not even super-big, as some plusher pads can be (Cytech, I'm looking at you), which means it feels very anatomical, rather than like you're sitting on a pillow. This also means it doesn't slip off a saddle, which is another often overlooked factor to consider.

Ale PRR Camo Bibshorts - back.jpg

All these features roll together to make an almost faultless whole. In fact, it's only really the design that might polarise some. Camo and fluoro colours teamed together won't appeal to everyone; then again that is conversely partly the appeal… You certainly stand out, and if you have fluoro on your bike already, you can aim to match by going with the orange, yellow or green versions. I think it's a great look – and you can get a matching jersey too! 

Ale PRR Camo Bibshorts - riding.jpg

That said, I tested them alongside a plain white summer jersey (non-Ale), and they looked good paired this way as well. So, if the camo jersey is a step too far you you, rest assured the bib shorts go with a neutral top too...

Ale PRR Camo Bibshorts - straps front.jpg

Through the wash they return perfectly, and are relatively resilient to anything reasonable you might test them with – wood surfaces, road dirt, wet conditions – and remain comfortable to wear as well as easy to clean up like new; a real positive in such bright kit as this.

> Check out our guide to the best bib shorts

Because they perform so highly, I can only comment on the £95 price tag as great value for a pair of bib shorts that will impress through spring, summer and autumn, and do it all again for another season or two to come. Good value doesn't necessarily mean 'cheap', and these are a perfect example.

Bottom line: they're great.

Verdict

If you like the styling, these are nigh-on perfect

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Ale PRR Camo Bibshorts

Size tested: Large

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?

Alé says: "Our most well-known bibshort, used by many professionals and amateurs all over the world. Carbon fabrics and ergonomic fitting working together to achieve this pure performance bibshort an inimitable blend of style and performance."

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

Features:

FONDELLO 4H

This is a '4H' shammy made of elastic micro-fibre with padding strategically positioned in the contact points. In the perineum and ischium area, the 90kg/cm2 density padding is calibrated and breathable on all covered points to ensure the utmost protection against shocks and stresses of the road.

Features:

- PRR ergonomic fitting

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

- Long reflective piping in the back part of the legs for visibility

- 'Leg Stability System' at bottom hem to keep the bibshort in place

- Chamois: This is a '4H' shammy made of elastic micro-fibre with padding strategically positioned in the contact points. In the perineum and ischium area, the 90kg/cm2 density padding is calibrated and breathable on all covered points to ensure the utmost protection against shocks and stresses of the road.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

These are superbly well made bib shorts.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Incredibly comfortable; all-day longevity teamed with performance.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Nothing negative to say, although the performance feel means they may not be totally bulletproof.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

Excellent fit – I hardly noticed the bib section at all, with a good level of compression in the legs.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Absolutely spot on.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

Relatively lightweight, good for warm weather.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

Almost perfect, which in performance bibs like these is a great bonus.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

£95 is a sizeable chunk of money, but they're worth every penny.

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

Very easily on a delicate wash.

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

Impressively well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Looks, cut, feel and comfort.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Top performance at a reasonable price – as good as £150+ bib shorts I've ridden in.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 26  Height: 188cm  Weight: 83kg

I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
mike the bike | 7 years ago
0 likes

As the only camouflaged clothing I ever wore was issued to me I cringe when I see civilians wearing it. Why don't they do it properly and join up?

Avatar
tritecommentbot replied to mike the bike | 7 years ago
1 like
mike the bike wrote:

As the only camouflaged clothing I ever wore was issued to me I cringe when I see civilians wearing it. Why don't they do it properly and join up?

 

Please tell me you're not serious.

Avatar
tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
0 likes

Aww.

Would love these but with black on the side panels and camo just on the crotch area.

Avatar
Ratfink replied to tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
0 likes
unconstituted wrote:

camo just on the crotch area.

 

Worried about snipers?

Avatar
tritecommentbot replied to Ratfink | 7 years ago
0 likes
Ratfink wrote:
unconstituted wrote:

camo just on the crotch area.

 

Worried about snipers?

 

 

Nah.. I just want a cool nickname. LIke camo-balls or something.

 

 

Avatar
Toxmarz replied to tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
1 like
unconstituted wrote:
Ratfink wrote:
unconstituted wrote:

camo just on the crotch area.

 

Worried about snipers?

 

 

Nah.. I just want a cool nickname. LIke camo-balls or something.

 

 

 

Judging by the photo,  camo-toe would be a better description

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