Ekoi Gel Nation Evo2 Bib Shorts Angleterre

To go with the warm and sunny weather the UK has been experiencing recently, Ekoi's Gel Nation Evo2 bib shorts (matching its patriotic range of Evo2 jerseys – review to come) feature a particularly thin Lycra that is very good at helping you regulate your body temperature. The downside is it can make you feel slightly exposed. Don't worry, I checked to see if this was actually the case and it's not – but throughout my test rides I couldn't quite shake the feeling.

That's a personal issue, though, and will affect some more than others. Elsewhere, quality is good. The pad is gel-based and features a few perforations for added ventilation. It's not particularly bulky, but is good for long days in the saddle.

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The grippers around the leg follow the aero style of the range, with a textured fabric that holds fast and comfortably to the skin. Leg length is about average for a pair of bib shorts.

The bib section is also of good quality – comfortable straps with the entire upper made of a black mesh fabric, and long enough to accommodate a long body too. However, while the fabric itself is good, there's far too much of it for my liking. Considering the apparent summer weight pretentions of the shorts, it's surprising there should be so much material here; while cycling, it reaches almost to the base of my sternum, covering my entire midriff, and then some – much like you'd expect of a pair of winter bib tights.

The extra fabric means heat tends to be retained here – not ideal. Furthermore, it makes going to the toilet difficult. Pulling down the front is genuinely quite difficult, and it's not like there's a zip to help with access. Ekoi could certainly do better here.

> Check out our guide to the best summer bib shorts

Out of the wash they return as new, so signs are good for longevity, despite the thin feel of the fabric. Additionally, the pad – probably the best part of the shorts – is also hardwearing in the face of detergent.

Ekoi is currently promoting a lot of its products at 50% off, these bib shorts included. At full price, I'd say £92.05 is too much for what you get – certainly I'd hope for a better-thought-out bib section – but at £46.03, it's a different story. Match them with the jersey counterpart and it makes for a good value set at the current price point.

Verdict

A good pair of bib shorts but a bit too much fabric up top for my liking, and on the pricey side