Nashbar Exclusive Louis Garneau Pro Feel 2 Bib Shorts

Pro Feel Indeed!

This review is for the Nashbar Exclusive Louis Garneau Pro Feel 2 Bib Shorts.  My first purchase of these bibs were from the returns section and at ~$26, I thought what the hell?  I was also getting a little tired of the rubber leg stoppers and wanted to try some bibs that did not have them.  I had heard good things about Louis Garneau clothing and their website is very detailed in the type of material and chamois that are in every article of clothing.  I especially like that they have very detailed descriptions about the particular chamois' that come with a particular bib.

I will mention that at full price, these bibs (from Nashbar) are $59.99.  Nashbar typically has at least 20% off sales one or two times during the week, you you can get then for ~$48 (add an extra dollar and you can qualify for free shipping as well).

Review

These bibs are very comfortable.  The material is very smooth and does not chafe at all in any area(s).  The chamois is also very comfortable, much, much moreso than the knockoff bibs I reviewed earlier.  The knockoff bibs became uncomfortable around 15 miles and I've yet to feel much discomfort with the Louis Garneau bibs, although I've only maxed out at 50 miles.  They very much perform like the more expensive price point bibs from Castelli, Pearl Izumi and Craft (although I can't say the same about Rapha, as I've never tried Rapha ever).  They perform so well, that I don't think I'll bother buying those particular brands anymore.  It's not that they aren't good, but if I can get a set of bibs that are just as good, I see no point in spending two to three times as much for a well known brand or model of bibs.  The lack of rubber leg stoppers is also very comfortable.  The bibs don't move much, although the bibs can run a bit short in the leg, although that isn't an issue with me.  I don't think I'll go back to leg grippers, but that conclusion is independent of these particular bibs.  

As good as these bibs are, there is one issue...The chamois does feel a bit diapery  Now, this isn't an issue on the ride, as once you sit on the saddle, the chamois conforms quite nicely.  But the fit isn't all that great when you are off the bike or just putting on the bib.  It feels too wide, although for those of you who might be worried, the bibs look normal on the outside, so it won't give you a bigger or wider butt look.  As mentioned before, they do run a little short in the legs and may cause an issue for some.  There is also a minor issue with stitching, although it may have had more to do with the fact that those first pair of bibs I purchased were from an order return.  Bought new, I didn't notice any stitching issues, but I didn't check in quite as much detail initially.

Verdict

Worth the price of admission and as I mentioned earlier, and a much better deal in terms of cost vs. performance benefit versus other bigger and more expensive brand/models.  I will say that the diapery chamois is less of an issue with the other brands and even other Louis Garneau bib shorts that have other chamois models.  Nashbar has a lifetime guarantee, so it's worth a flyer to check them out.  I've got 4 or 5 pairs of these bibs they are that good.