Lusso Lead Out Bib Shorts

The Lead Out bib shorts are Lusso's take on a classic design and the Manchester-based company has done a great job. The shorts offer comfort, quality and a decent performance with plenty of understated style, at a price that won't break the bank.

• Pros: Excellent compression feel from the fabric, supportive pad
• Cons: Stitching not quite as neat as I've found with other Lusso products

When I started road riding back at the turn of the century, you pretty much wore plain black shorts unless you were a pro as that was really all that was available. It was ideal, too, as you never had to worry about your jersey clashing with your shorts. Lusso has aimed to recreate this with the Lead Out bibs, creating a simple, classic pair of bib shorts but with up-to-date fabrics.

> Buy these online here

The Italian fabric has a compressive feel to it which I like, especially as it doesn't feel restrictive or like it's squeezing your muscles; there is just enough support if you are out for a long ride.

Lusso has gone for multiple panels and the fit is good. They feel much more natural when you are on the bike rather than standing up, which is always a good sign.

The front sits nicely over the stomach – great if you like a higher front than you get on some shorts, most noticeably those from Italian brands.

Unlike some more expensive shorts, you don't get flatlock stitched seams. I'm not really criticising them for this, as you can't have it all, but if I was riding for four or five hours I did notice them dig into my skin a little, especially at the grippers.

The bib section is mesh to aid breathability and the straps are plenty wide enough to avoid pressure points, plus the fabric is really soft.

I'm a big fan of the Antibacterial Carbon pad. It's quite firm compared with a lot of others – something I prefer over squidgy foam. The shape mimics a narrow saddle and you get a few channels and the like for reducing pressure. Lusso says it's good for 4-5 hours of use at a time and I'd agree.

Lusso has always been proud of its ability to manufacture its products in the UK, and as is typical of most Lusso kit we've reviewed on road.cc the quality is very good. The only thing I have a small issue with is some untidy stitching on the bottom of the pad. There are some stray threads that have started to pull, and although it isn't a massive issue as I could easily tidy them up with some scissors, it is at odds with the rest of the stitching on the shorts and Lusso's usual standards.

At £65, the Lead Out shorts are competitively priced, easily ranking alongside the likes of Alé's excellent Corsa bibs in quality and performance for the same money.

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best cycling bib shorts

I'd rate them slightly higher than the Altura Progel 3 shorts at £59.99, which lost out a bit for pad comfort.

Overall, the Lead Out bib shorts are a simple, classic looking pair at a very good price, and they'll suit new riders through to those who like to spend plenty of hours in the saddle.

Verdict

Classic looking bib shorts with a very supportive pad for decent money