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Tech review - February 5, 2005
More power!
Louis Garneau Power Bib shorts
Anything that makes riding more comfortable is a great thing - when it gives you some extra zing, it's even better. Louis Garneau's new Power Bibs are designed to provide both. Les Clarke took them for a spin.
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There are quite a few things that could help me with power output on my bike - more training, less partying and a tailored diet. I didn't think a change in bib shorts could do it, but after wearing a pair of Louis Garneau bibs I may have found a couple of extra watts and a lot more comfort.
The Canadian company is well-known for their range of upper-end cycling clothing, but they also produce framesets, helmets, shoes, and skiing clothing - just in case it snows here in Sydney! Louis Garneau recently announced their sponsorship deal with the Jittery Joe's-Kalahari team, agreeing to supply custom clothing, helmets, base layer, carbon shoes and custom frames for the team in 2005. I've tried 'team issue' clothing before and subsequently felt sorry for the guys that had to use that clothing. In this case, however, I knew the guys at Jittery Joe's-Kalahari are going to have well-protected posteriors.
Bibs for extra power…?
"Power bibs...?" I can hear you asking the question - yes, the Canadian company claims these bibs could have you producing more power because of the design and fabric used, the benefit of which is a closer fit and 'muscle protection' for your upper legs, allowing you to ride harder for longer. This is predominantly due to the cut of the bibs, with the seamlines following the natural shape of the muscles, and higher Lycra density in the Dupont Lycra knit.
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Although I was sceptical about this, I noticed a difference when first putting on the Power Bibs - some extra 'grippage' - which was strange, but welcome when I got on my bike. This isn't an entirely new idea. Lycra shorts and bodysuits - known as 'skins' - have been developed for other sports as a means of protecting muscles during training, or while undergoing rehabilitation. They work similarly, by lightly compressing the muscle. To do that you need the right cut combined with enhanced elasticity and durability - hence the form-fitting cut and greater density Lycra.
Another benefit to this fabric is that it wicks moisture quicker. This is a good thing for me as I sweat a lot, and a drier rider is normally a happier rider! The ten panels of the Power Knicks are asymmetrically designed, aiming to follow the natural contours of your upper legs and press in on the areas that require support, increasing comfort and protection. With a longer inseam and no seams inside the leg, the comfort factor is enhanced a lot. As a result these shorts look unusual with a lot of white stitching visible on the outside - but who cares after 120 kilometres?
A small pocket at the back of these shorts is a good place to keep things you really don't want to lose, like your mobile phone. It's nice not to have to worry about your phone exiting a jersey pocket and while it's a little harder to get it out, not many of us talk on the phone whilst sitting on 40km/h in a bunch. It's not exactly safe (or legal, in most places), for a start.
The all-important chamois
The real test when evaluating a pair of shorts is the chamois. Too thick and you feel like you've stuck a Chesterfield sofa on your seatpost, too thin and you feel like your bike and the road are violating you (so to speak). The chamois in these shorts is just the right thickness, and curves around the sensitive bits very nicely. There are millimetre measurements printed on the chamois to tell you the varying thickness of the foam and the chamois Just Works; I've had no saddle sores or pain. The requisite hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties of these shorts assist in preventing saddle sores, and the comfort factor of the chamois most likely comes from the higher-density foam used in the midsection - Louis Garneau calls it the Ergozone - and with perforations throughout the entire chamois sweat gets out of there as soon as possible.
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How did they feel?
Louis Garneau says these shorts really come into their own on longer rides, so I made a special effort to wear them whenever I went out a ride over 100km. The first thing I noticed was the comfort factor. Sometimes you're forever getting up off the saddle to ease the pressure on your sit-bones and crotch, but with the Power Knicks I hardly had to do this at all. Obviously no shorts make it comfortable to sit for 100km at a time, but the Power bibs really were unusually comfortable.
Did the high-density Lycra or cut make any difference to my on-bike performance or post-ride comfort? I think so. Taking into account the usual post-ride aches and pains , I noticed quite a bit of difference in how I felt after getting off the bike. There wasn't a noticeable difference in power output on the bike, but that's probably taking the 'power' part of the name a bit too literally, and an improvement of a Watt or two would be hard to feel anyway. The extra compression and 'grippiness' I mentioned earlier did seem to have a positive effect on my legs, though, lessening fatigue after a ride.
The most important feature of the Power Bibs was that they felt extremely comfortable while riding, and after a short period of time I started saving them as my 'special' shorts for longer rides, which is definitely a good sign.
Photography
Images by Paul Mirtschin/Cyclingnews
- The seams indicate the cut that keeps muscles protected
- Seams are clearly visible on the outside
- One central strap adds to the comfort of these bibs
- Rear pockets for mobile phones or food!
- Reflective logo and seams from Louis Garneau
- The business end inside the bibs
- Measurements inside the Ergozone tell you how thick the foam is
Recommended retail price: US$199.95
Pro: Comfortable, great quality.
Con: Longer inseam can be a little strange at first.
More information: Louis
Garneau website
Cyclingnews Rating: 
