Designed in collaboration with 'little Tommy' Voeckler’s Europcar pro team, the Carbon 2 is a top performance bib short designed to cosset the legs during the long, tough rides endured by professional cyclists.
- Highs: Supportive fit and fabric; gripper gap
- Lows: Straps prone to folding
Related: Best bib shorts group review
As well as packing a high elastane content in the Lycra, additional support comes from the Carbon X Mesh fabric. A visible ‘exoskeleton’ on the surface of the material is not just for show, it prevents undue stretch, and on rough roads prevents a great deal of excess vibration.
This fabric, combined with detailed tailoring, means these fit the form extremely well. It’s a good thing too, because the only minor downside lies with the bib. The less structured straps are prone to folding, meaning they can potentially dig in when laying in a more narrow folded position.
Wide grippers are split with room for the hamstring muscle groups, which is a nice touch, and the pad is technical enough without suffering from excess bulk. If the Louis Garneau bibs are good enough for Tommy Voeckler, it’s probably good enough for you.