Solo Lugged Bib Shorts

Solo's Lugged Bib shorts have some high-quality features although they're among the more expensive options out there.

The Solo shorts are called Lugged because they look lugged. Kind of. The boundary between the bib section and the lowers has swoops and points like the lugs on an old-style frame. It's not the most obvious feature, admittedly. I'm pretty indifferent to that aspect of the design, but you might like it.

The lowers are a good quality nylon/spandex mix - reasonably hardy and not too shiny. The end of each leg features an elasticated gripper with a silicone rubber band inside - the sticky, gummy sort that works well even when you get a bit of a sweat on - while a couple of small logo tabs and red trimming on one leg add some extremely subtle styling. Solo have taken the 'less is more' approach when it comes to design features.

The chamois puts in a strong performance. It's an Aero Sotto pad from Teosport of Italy with 4mm-deep foam forming the base and further 8mm sections underneath your perineum and sit bones. It stretches as much as you need it to while air channels and perforations add welcome ventilation. There are no seams to chafe and the microfibre face fabric is soft and comfy. It feels great even at the end of a big day in the saddle. My legs might have ached after five hours on the bike, but at least I could still sit and pedal without any tenderness.

The chamois is held in place well too. Rather than weedy sewing around the edge, Solo have fastened it in like they mean it with some meaty four-needle flat-locked stitching. It's what they use throughout the construction of these shorts which makes me suspect they'll last the distance although, obviously, you can catch a thread just as easily as on a cheaper pair of shorts.

The bib section is very lightweight mesh and it extends pretty low so your torso stays cool, and you get a little pocket around the back that sits just above the level of your jersey pockets. It's not easy to get at but you can whack an energy bar or your mobile in there in case of emergency.

Verdict

High-quality shorts with a very good chamois, although they're a pricey choice