Awards Given to the Best Road Bike Shorts by OutdoorGearLab

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - April 24, 2014 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab, a respectable website known for its detailed comparison reviews of outdoor equipment and clothing, has released the results of their analysis of bike shorts for road biking. In this review, six popular models of shorts and bibs were put to the test over the course of several months of rides and races in the greater DC area. Lead test editor David Mackey developed a testing regimen that involved wearing each pair of shorts for rides of different distances: short course (20 miles or less), medium distance (between 20 and 60 miles) and long rides (over 60 miles). This way he was able to evaluate and compare the performance of each pair for different durations of time. He tried each pair on an aggressive race bike as well as on a casual commuter. Each pair of shorts was scored on the metrics of efficiency and pedal friendliness, comfort and fit, padding and protection, breathability, and style. After taking note of the performance of each pair, Mackey gave awards to the all-around best pair, the best value pair, and the best for short course rides.

Read the review in its entirety here:

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Shorts-Reviews

The winners are:

Editors' Choice award winner: Giordana Laser Bibshorts

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Shorts-Reviews/Giordana-Laser-Bibshorts

As a pair of bibs, the Giordana Laser Bibshorts are held in place by mesh straps, allowing for a comfortable, precise fit. The straps are thin and the cut of the upper covers minimal surface area, allowing them to breathe well even though they cover more of the body than a pair of shorts. Test Editor David Mackey noted that the chamois found in this pair is the most comfortable, most protective, and highest scoring out of his test group. This chamois is the only model tested that is not seamless, but the seams are inset and do not cause chafing. With variable thicknesses and densities incorporated into the chamois as well as the use of an aloe-infused fabric, Mackey found that this pair of shorts remained comfortable on rides longer than seven hours.

Best Buy award winner: Pearl Izumi Quest Short

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Shorts-Reviews/Pearl-Izumi-Quest-Short

Found in this manufacturer’s beginner line of cycling shorts, the Pearl Izumi Quest is an inexpensive yet durable pair of shorts that are good for all-around use. Mackey notes that the fit is not very precise and the seamless chamois is on the bulky side, but for only $50 they perform remarkably well. They are one of the only pairs in Mackey's test that did not show wear on the fabric after the standard test rides, meaning they are likely to last a while. A standard pair of black cycling shorts, these are an excellent choice for a new cyclist or a bike commuter on a budget.

Top Pick award winner for short course rides: Castelli Velocissimo Due Short

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Shorts-Reviews/Castelli-Velocissimo-Due-Short

A very comfortable and high-performance pair of shorts, the Castelli Velocissimo Due Short has a low-profile, precisely fit chamois and secure leg cuffs with grip material woven into the fabric. With panels of lightweight, breathable material stretching down the sides, this pair is perfect for riding in hot weather. The chamois in the Due Short is the only design in this test that does not have parallel panels cut-out along the perineum to the front, which did not present a problem until the rides got longer. Mackey concludes that the Due Short is not as comfortable for long distances, but excels at short to mid-length rides.

The complete review provides more details about the winners as well as analysis of three other models. This review is accompanied by a buying advice guide that offers insight into how to select the proper pair of shorts for road biking, as well as detailing the difference between shorts designed for road biking and those specific to mountain biking. This guide elaborates on the pros and cons of wearing bibs versus shorts, and when you might choose one design over the other. Since the review included both bibs and shorts, comparing both styles equally, test editor David Mackey was able to determine when one style is preferable to the other.

OutdoorGearLab, LLC produces the world’s best outdoor gear reviews by comparing competing and popular products in the outdoor and fitness industries. Based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the website, www.outdoorgearlab.com, is a free resource for enthusiasts who engage in activities and sports such as running, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, and skiing. The review team performs rugged side-by-side tests of gear, publishing the results in comprehensive comparison reviews that are illustrated with photos. Each product is evaluated and scored across a range of weighted metrics relevant to that category, competing products are ranked, and awards are given to top performing models.