Great support, fit and comfort

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This review is for the De Marchi Contour EVO Bib Short - a step up from the Contour.

Found it on sale at Realcyclist for $140.00 and gave it a try after trying on Assos etc.. Best change I've made in a long time. I've been using Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bib short for more than 10,000 KM.

The De Marchi EVO uses a new chamois that moves independently on each side. As soon as you put it on and walk you can feel the difference. On the bike the support is great. No need to rearrange anything and no bike sores after 1,500 Km. The Pearl Izumi didn't do anything great or terrible - the De Marchi does everything very well. Liked it so much I bought a second pair.

I'm @ 6" and 180lbs and need an XL - even then I find them slightly short on the leg (I have a very long femur) but perfect everywhere else. I ride just about every day - @300 Km a week.

The best thing I can say about them is that they disappear and become a non issue even on my long rides - I guess that means they are doing what they are supposed to do and doing it well.

Similar Products Used:

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. bibshort

Very well-padded, never bunches up. Wicks sweat great, etc.

Pad doesn't always align with sit-bones, leads to a lot of material "out front". Leads to lots of adjusting. Again, I probably should've gotten a small.

Great bib for the price I paid ($90 vs. $200 msrp). I think the ones that I got (size M) are a bit too big for me, as the pad doesn't quite fit right (I'm 5'6", 150lb, 30" waist).

Similar Products Used:

Other DeMarchi, Louis Garneau

Comfortable, excellent chamois, nice fabric.

as with all good shorts, they are a little more fragile...

These are great shorts. I also own a pair of Assos f.i mille and these may actually be more comfortable. I've noticed no bunching and the chamois is perhaps the best going right now.

As for sizing: I am 6ft. 2, and have a 33 inch waist (when it comes to jean sizing--if I actually measure my waist with a tape measure, it's closer to 37 inches). I got XL and it's just tight enough.

I went on one ride with a small bag attached under my seat and the velcro that attached to the seat post caught on this fabric. DeMarchi doesn't use the run of the mill nylon/spandex mix. The fabric is softer, more comfortable, but more fragile as well. Now I just keep my spare tube in my jersey pocket. I actually prefer that to the bag, anyway.

Similar Products Used:

Assos F.1 Mille, Trek, Nalini

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.

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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.

Similar Products Used:

Assos, Pearl Izumi, Performance, Descente

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.

None

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.

Similar Products Used:

Assos, Pearl Izumi, Performance, Descente

Durable and Comfortable. Fair price.

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

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.

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

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

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

Great lycra, great chamois, Poor stiching.

Similar Products Used:

Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Performance, Gore, Capo Forma.

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

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.

Similar Products Used:

Pearl Izumi, Performance, Fox,Castelli

The chamois is the most comfortable I've ever used. The fit is excellent, snug but not too tight. Quality is what you get with DeMarchi.

Price? Just wait til they go on sale, then stock up!

I own about 6 pairs of bibs now, and always reach for the DeMarchi's time and time again. I bought them as a recommendation from a friend and have not been disappointed at all. I've done 100+ miles in blazing hot weather and cool rides in the low 30s. They keep you both cool and warm.

Similar Products Used:

Performance Ultra Bibs, Hincapie Bibs, Cheapo Supergo Bibs, Nalini Bibs (ouch)

The chamois is the main selling point. I also like the feel of the shorts overall. The lycra is thin but seem durable. The mesh bib straps are a nice touch. They should help out keeping things cool come summertime.

The thickness of the chamois make take some getting used to at first especially if you are used to thinner chamois' on more race oriented shorts. When you first put them on you are very conscious of the chamois. Once you start riding though they mold to your body and they never cross my mind again except as to how comfortable they make the ride.

So far these are the best bib shorts I have tried. They look good and are very comfortable. I've taken them on 60+ rides and the chamois is the most comfortable I've used. It is thicker than most but you don't notice it once you start riding and you are very thankful as the miles roll by. I can't verify it's durability yet but so far after 4 washes no ill effects. I've considered the Assos shorts but the same company that makes the elastic chamois for Assos also makes the chamois for Demarchi as well. There just have too many reviews citing the durability issue of the Assos shorts for me to justify the price. The Demarchis are only $129 versus the Assos and WCP has on sale now for $89.95 so I think they are a great deal.

Similar Products Used:

Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, Performance, Verge