We’ll start with getting into the shorts – as you so often do. The compressive fabric certainly makes itself felt, with noticeable fightback from the Lycra.
- Highs: Compressive fabric, leg grippers stay put without restricting
- Lows: Putting them on requires a bit of thought
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Our second impression was of the grippers. They are so grippy that we found the best option was to flip them over when getting in, flipping them back into position once you are actually in the shorts. It's not so much the tightness, more the tackiness of the impregnated grippers that made them a slight struggle to get on.
You could consider this a minor inconvenience, but the flipside became apparent once we got out on the road. These shorts held their place on the leg with millimetric precison during testing, without ever feeling restrictive.
That means both sharp tan lines and continued comfort. Gore's compressive fabric was also a pleasure while riding, offering much-appreciated support towards the end of a hard day, while the Power insert delivered similar levels of fuss-free comfort.
When the only concern you have with a short is the aesthetic issue of stitch colour, you know you're wearing a great garment.