Exte-Ondo Power

Price Paid:  $3100.00

Favorite Ride:
Colnago C50

Bike Setup:
Colnago C-50 (smooth), D-Ace 10speed, Fizik Aliante, Speedplay Zero, Easton stem and carbon bar, Ksyrium SL1,2&3, Vittoria Open Corsa (like ridin thru butta ... smooooth but without the slip).

Summary:
Assos dropped the ball ... Exte Ondo picked up the ball, scored and is winning the game. One of the key characteristics of a quality cycling garment (or component for that matter) is the degree to which you forget about it while riding and afterwards. Exte Ondo bibs with the "Golden Chamois" are on target; they look good, they fit well, they are comfortable and they are durable. There's no chaffing and there's no padding edge cutting a groove into the cheeks of your a__ (get the correct size). Best Bibs I've worn since the old Assos (before Assos turned greedy).

Strengths:
Attractive garment, well made, comfortable, durable, available in different colors and patterns (if you can find a supplier); less expensive than Assos.

Weaknesses:
Full-line availability ... it would seem that Americans (or the importers) must have some sort of color and style phobia. It is difficult to find the selection of colors and styles that Exte Ondo offers (they offer a great assortment). Perhaps some day Americans will realize that cycling apparel is not a reflection of sexuality ... c'mon folks ... the color spectrum extends beyond black, blue and red ... cycling is life ... live a little.

Similar Products Used:
Assos, L.Garneau, Pearl, Castelli, Descente, and more ...

Price Paid:  $70.00 at bicyclinghub.com

Favorite Ride:
Suck Creek Rd, Chattanooga

Bike Setup:
13-year-old full Record Tommasini

Summary:
This is my first pair of bibs. I've noted that everyone who uses bibs swears they'll never go back. I'm now also a convert. Superior to either drawstring _or_ elastic waist.

Yes, the Etxe-Ondos are well made. No, it's not spelled "Exte". Yes, the power lycra feels great.

The chamois needs a bit more cushion and the legs are slightly shorter than I'd like. I'm 6'1" and ordered size large. The fit is otherwise fine, I'd just prefer longer legs (beyond mid-thigh).

The day after I bought these the price went from $75 ea. (2 pair for $140) to $95. This reduced my value rating to 4 chilis. And they're not flawless so I can't give them a perfect overall score.

Strengths:
Well-made, good looking shorts. Power lycra feels great. More comfortable than non-bib shorts.

Weaknesses:
Chamois slightly too thin.
Legs a touch too short.

Similar Products Used:
Assos, Black Bottom, Descente, Hind, Pearl-Izumi

Price Paid:  $0.00 at landsharkbicycles.co

Bike Setup:
Custom steel, cinelli front end, mostly dura-ace, velomax wheels, vred' tires.

Summary:
Fantastic shorts. I haven't used the premium assos shorts, and would be curious to compare, but these are far and away the best I've used in 15+ years of riding. Be aware of the sizing, as it's typical euro. And, use chamois butter, and you'll be groovin. i

Strengths:
Very comfortable. As a previous rater noted, they're not cut for folks with a gut.

Weaknesses:
A little of the stitching came out at the chamois on one of my two pairs. But, some easy sewing fixed that. I hand wash, line dry, so possibly a machine might be worse on stitching. o

Similar Products Used:
Geez, over the years, cannondale, PI, Hind, performance, nashbar, giordana, castelli, sugoi. . .

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Trek 5200

Summary:
Ok, I'm completely biased because I sell Etxe Ondo so I have a little bit of a commercial interest here. I have had Etxe Ondo shorts for about 3 years. The Lycra is about the softest I have ever felt. It's very comfortable. The Chamois reflects the company's less is more theory. The chamois is a very plain Anti Bacterial Chamois. No gimmicks, no channels and no bumps, just a single layer with foam underneath. The waist on these shorts are designed to fit the cyclist that is in shape.

Strengths:
The Lycra, the chamois, the fit and everything else in between.

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $109.00 at Lanterne Rouge

Favorite Ride:
Mohawk

Summary:
I have two pairs of Exte-Ondo shorts, a pair of their windproof tights, a vest, and a thermal jacket. These are the best articles of cycling clothing I have ever used. This short is first rate, with the best pad I have found. Natural chamois, go figure. Everyone is going with differential thickness artificial this and that, but the old tried and true works the best. The finish of all these garments is impeccable, and they are union made! And cheaper than their direct competitors'! I am going to have to check out Euroduds, because if I can get these shorts for half price I will be very happy.

Strengths:
The best pad. Excellent stitching, material, finishing of seams. Just the best.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl, Castelli