DeMarchi Countour Plus Bibshort

Price Paid:  $93.00 at Nashbar

Bike Setup:
lapierre FDJeux team bike; Cervelo RS

Summary:
I had read reviews around the web that said good things about these bibs, and having liked De Marchi's lower end bibs, I gave these a try. They are quite simply amazing. And if you can get them on sale (i.e. not for the $200 list price), they're a great deal.

Strengths:
I've tried the most expensive brand of bibshorts, and frankly, they're resting on their laurels. De Marchi has done much more to make their bibshorts seem tailored to the rider. The chamois really feels like it wraps around you, the pads are thick where they need to be, the fabric of the bibs is very supple, and the straps are ideal - they hold up the shorts without chaffing you chest. Note, however, that I am tall and slim - these might be too snug for a bigger rider. They are Italian, after all.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Assos, Pearl Izumi, Performance, Descente

Price Paid:  $93.00 at Nashbar

Bike Setup:
Lapierre 2006 FDJeux Team Bike, SRAM Red
Cervelo 2008 RS, Dura-Ace

Summary:
I had read reviews around the web that said good things about these bibs, and having liked De Marchi's lower end bibs, I gave these a try. They are quite simply amazing. And if you can get them on sale (i.e. not for the $200 list price), they're a great deal.

Strengths:
I've tried the most expensive brand of bibshorts, and frankly, they're resting on their laurels. De Marchi has done much more to make their bibshorts seem tailored to the rider. The chamois really feels like it wraps around you, the pads are thick where they need to be, the fabric of the bibs is very supple, and the straps are ideal - they hold up the shorts without chaffing you chest. Note, however, that I am tall and slim - these might be too snug for a bigger rider. They are Italian, after all.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Assos, Pearl Izumi, Performance, Descente

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Europe

Favorite Ride:
Old Mission Peninsula

Bike Setup:
5 bikes- for all uses

Summary:
I have 4 pair. 2 Bibs 2 Shorts. Have made a huge difference in doing multi-hour rides on consecutive days. No numbness - No chafing - Satisfactory ventilation. What more do you want? I've had them for 2 to 3+ years. Use chamois creme and wash with MILD detergent on gentle cycle.

Strengths:
Durable and Comfortable. Fair price.

Weaknesses:
The oldest set of bibs had less elastic straps. Newest set of non-bib shorts has waist ban that tends to 'twist'.

Similar Products Used:
Assos- very nice but, fragile-$$$. PI- older models' chamois didn't measure up, didn't like the cut. LG- chamois wasn't padded enough for long rides. Giordana-mediocre

Price Paid:  $140.00 at WCP

Summary:
Great lycra, great chamois, Poor stiching.

Strengths:
Cytech has the best chamois out there. Demarchi has finally come up with excellent lycra.

Weaknesses:
Chamois stitching has let loose after short time. bought second pair and ended up the same.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Performance, Gore, Capo Forma.

Price Paid:  $120.00 at World Cycling Produc

Favorite Ride:
Anything with hills

Bike Setup:
Trek Pilot 5.2

Summary:
The best thing about these shorts is the chamois. It solved numbness issues I had. The lycra is snug without being restrictive. No issues in 400 miles of use.

Strengths:
The chamois is best I have tried. Good in all types of weather.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi, Performance, Fox,Castelli