Protective Franca Bib Shorts with easy exit system! Now here is a piece of kit that is really female friendly and genuinely innovative!
You cannot argue that bib shorts win on a number of counts over those that stop at your waist: there is no exposure of your back if your jersey rides up, there is no discomfort from a waistband or drawstring and they give a much more streamlined silhouette. But (and it is a big but), when you want to go to the toilet, it is like a three act play getting them off. You have to take all your upper body layers off, to get the straps down over your shoulders and, eventually, the shorts off. By that time you're practically naked too! Don't wait till your desperate either.
Well, if you want all the advantages of a bib, without the inconvenience when you need to attend to a call of nature, check the Franca bib shorts out. They have an 'easy exit system', a zip that opens at the back and stops just above the pad. This allows you to squat down, pull the shorts forward and expose your bottom (front and back bottom that is!!) to relieve yourself. Great in a toilet, but also much more discrete than having your shorts round your ankles if you are behind a tree on the side of a road!
I have to admit to raising my eyebrows when Bex asked me to test these, but I have reviewed Protective shorts before and rate them very highly. And, to be honest, I was more than a little curious as to whether the 'easy exit system' was a gimmick or the real deal.
I experimented with them in the comfort (and relative privacy) of my own home, much to the amusement of my husband, and can confirm they do exactly what they say on the label. Initially I was concerned that I might not get the zip back up again. My upper body flexibility is not good, but in practice it was far more easy than I thought. I was also concerned about where the zip would end and whether it would be a distraction when I was riding, but again, my fears were unfounded.
I have also shown them to my cycling girlfriends, without a full demonstration of all the features, but they immediately understood what they were about. I think these are set to be a huge hit.
Beyond the easy exit system, there are a number of features, which I believe you should demand in any piece of cycle clothing that you buy.
Top of that list is a good quality pad and Protective have never stinted here. In this case it is a women's specific pad and it varies in thickness, to give you extra protection (up to 8mm) just where you need it, but minimal bulk (just 2mm) in the areas where you don't. It is also antibacterial and wicks away moisture, which all goes to make it, in my opinion, one of the best out there and I don't say that lightly.
The cut of the shorts is also excellent and it should be at this price. Protective use six panels to give the best possible fit, whilst ensuring that the seams work with the female body shape and support the leg muscles, to give the best feel and performance.
The end result is they both feel and look great on. I just wish there were some other colour options, but for now, even if they do only come in black, they are set to be a favourite while the sun shines and we are looking forward to the winter tights version already!
Fantastic concept and works well too
None so far!
Price:£ 59.95
Website: www.edinburghbicycle.com
Colours: Black
Sizes: S (96-98cm / 37.5 - 38.5" hip ), M (99-101 / 39-39.5"), L (102-104cm / 40-41")
Denise
