Boure Men's PRO ELITE Shorts

Price Paid:  $95.00 at Internet (from Boure

Favorite Ride:
Hotter Than Hell 100

Bike Setup:
Trek 5200, custom raised handlebars +1cm, Dura Ace 180mm double crankset, all else stock Ultegra

Summary:
For the past two (2) years I have worn riding shorts purchased from a major sporting goods store here in Houston. After a few hours of riding I could not wait to rip those things off ASAP, they fit like some type of torture device. All of them fit that way, so I thought that was normal. What a change w/ the Boure shorts! Very comfortable during AND after a good long ride. Padding just right, fabric and cut obviously selected for the job. Me: 6'5", 210#.

Strengths:
VERY comfortable. Price reasonable for high-end shorts, NO sales tax or shipping expense. And they are unconditionally guaranteed to fit and ride perfect or money back. Made in the USA (Durango, CO).

Weaknesses:
None at this time. Perhaps come color options would be nice.

Similar Products Used:
Insport Torture Shorts
Made in China.

Price Paid:  $95.00 at Boure website

Favorite Ride:
Upstate rural NY

Bike Setup:
Bianchi San Remo, Campy, Koobi saddle

Summary:
After wearing out 3 pairs of the Pro shorts (see my earlier review), I went with a pair of the Elites. These are much better - heavier lycra, snug fit, very supportive. I just bought another pair of the Elites, as they are on sale for $80 until the end of September, free shipping. I cannot comment on how long these will last, but based on 3 months of hard use, I expect them to last a long time.

Strengths:
Heavy lycra, snug fit, no hot spots.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Boure Pro (see previous review), and others.

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Boure Website

Favorite Ride:
C&O Canal

Bike Setup:
Lemond Versaille, Dura Ace, FSA cranks, Velomax Circuit Comp wheels, Bontrager bars, Performance E3 saddle.

Summary:
These bibs are about as perfect as they come and one of the best values in all of cycling. I am a larger rider, 6-2 and 225 pounds and finding the right shorts was a challenge. Over the years I tried just about every brand out there. Two years ago I purchased Boure's bib shorts and the search was over. The fit is superb, with a cut that feels a little baggy off the bike, but feels perfect in the saddle. The material is light and soft and breathes very well. The liner is on the thinner side, which is preferable, and is positioned only where you need it. The upper portion of the bib is my favorite, with a fit that is much less restrictive than any other bibs I have ever worn. In sum, these are great shorts at any price, but at 85 bucks a pair they're a steal.

Strengths:
Superb fit, very soft feel to the fabric, excellent chamois insert. Great value. Made in America. Large range of sizes.

Weaknesses:
A tad light for winter wear, you'll need something more than leg warmers. Boure offers a range of winter weight clothing.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi, various Performance, Santini, Castelli, Descente, and Canari.

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Boure Website

Favorite Ride:
C&O Canal

Bike Setup:
Lemond Versaille, Dura Ace, FSA cranks, Velomax Circuit Comp wheels, Bontrager bars, Performance E3 saddle.

Summary:
These bibs are about as perfect as they come and one of the best values in all of cycling. I am a larger rider, 6-2 and 225 pounds and finding the right shorts was a challenge. Over the years I tried just about every brand out there. Two years ago I purchased Boure's bib shorts and the search was over. The fit is superb, with a cut that feels a little baggy off the bike, but feels perfect in the saddle. The material is light and soft and breathes very well. The liner is on the thinner side, which is preferable, and is positioned only where you need it. The upper portion of the bib is my favorite, with a fit that is much less restrictive than any other bibs I have ever worn. In sum, these are great shorts at any price, but at 85 bucks a pair they're a steal.

Strengths:
Superb fit, very soft feel to the fabric, excellent chamois insert. Great value. Made in America. Large range of sizes.

Weaknesses:
A tad light for winter wear, you'll need something more than leg warmers. Boure offers a range of winter weight clothing.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi, various Performance, Santini, Castelli, Descente, and Canari.

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Boure

Favorite Ride:
Rural upstate NY

Bike Setup:
1999 Bianchi, Campy stuff, Koobi saddle

Summary:
I have the Pro shorts. I like the minalist suede chamois, I never have any hotspots. Seams held together. Lycra is 6oz, and does not last long enough. The pad still has plenty of miles left, but the lycra ripped. Lycra should be upgraded to 8oz, like the Elite.

Strengths:
Comfy chamois, excellent seams, great fit.

Weaknesses:
Too thin lycra does not last long enough.

Similar Products Used:
Voler (didn't like the pad), Terry (they used to make men's shorts), Black Bottoms (pad did not touch my sitbones), Demarchi (again pad did not touch my sitbones).