If you've ever suffered through chafing, binding or the irritating drooping that can come with cheap bike shorts, you know that being uncomfortable can suck the fun right out of a bike ride.
But the good news is that in these H-Flexx bibs, Louis Garneau has come pretty close to creating a pair of cycling shorts that will be a pleasure to wear for virtually any rider on a bicycle today.
Most Comfortable Bibs Ever? -- Yes
“The most comfortable bibs ever,” is how the H-Flexx bib shorts have been described in ads in a quote from the editor of one of the big biking magazines.
Most comfortable ever - that’s a pretty tall claim. And that's sort of statement that usually makes me skeptical. My BS meter starts to go off. Know what I mean?
But I have to tell you that, after trying these shorts, I’m convinced that they come pretty darn close. I wear them in the morning for my AM rides into work, and would keep them on all day under my regular clothes if I could figure out a way to get away with it.
The Technical Details
At first glance, the H-Flexx bibs look pretty much like regular bibs. But they are made from Carbon Ion Lycra, which is nice and stretchy and comfortable but not slick, like some types of Lycra you may have seen. The "3-D knitting construction" also puts a comfortable feel on the material, offering the right combination of snugness without binding.
These H-Flexx bibs are 10-panel construction, meaning that they are better fitted to your body. Generally, the more panels the better, as the different pieces are cut and contoured to offer a more natural fit and provide muscle support.
The H-Flexx bibs have mesh inserts in the suspenders, including a piece which drops way down in the back, providing nice ventilation down to the waist line. Having this sort of air movement allows excellent transfer and evaporation of perspiration, and only adds to the overall comfort of these bibs. Also, with a 9.25"/23.5 cm inseam, they run nice and long, and do not bind up around the crotch.
AirGel Chamois Pad
In the H-Flexx shorts, Louis Garneau has done it right with the pad, which is arguably the single most important component of any piece of bicycle shorts. The H-Flexx bib shorts feature a top-notch airgel chamois, with a baby soft outer anti-bacterial Crabyon fabric and perforated gel inserts that distribute weight nicely and do an outstanding job of moisture transfer, so you’re not riding around with a wet butt all day. There was nothing not to like about these H-Flexx bib shorts. If you demand quality, and just want what feels right rather than being worried about putting on airs, you will love these bibs. I guarantee that they’ll very likely find their way to the top of your drawer as your favorite pair.
Suggested retail is $189.99 for the bib shorts and $169.99 for the regular shorts. That's certainly on the high end for this type of cycling wear, but fair given the comfort and quality you'll find in these shorts.
Product Features
- Amazingly comfortable chamois, perfect for skin sensitivities. with integrated carbon fiber particles is abrasion resistant, light and provides excellent moisture and temperature management in varied conditions.
- Carbon Ion Lycra: The integration of carbon fiber particles in this fabric will provide a 50% increase in moisture transfer versus a standard polyester, and will eliminate a wider range of odors, it will also protect you against UV rays (50+).The new 3-D knitting construction creates a texturized outside surface for better temperature management (cool when hot, and hot when cool) while providing better protection against abrasion.
- PowerMesh inserts: Light and breathable, this skin-friendly mesh has very good compression properties to keep you cool/dry and to enhance performance
- H-Flexx: Facilitates the hip-flexor muscle movement
- Ergonomic fit: Provides comfort during exercise
- 10 panels: Better & maximum body contour, enhanced comfort during the pedaling motion
- No seam inside leg: Better fit and comfort when riding
- Power gripper: Provides a great fit in motion, removes all pressure at the lower leg and provides more muscle support
- Reflective logo on back and bottom: Provide visibility
