Alé PRR Ponente bib shorts

Alé's PRR Ponente bib shorts are a high-quality option with some really neat features, and the racing fit is excellent.

Alé (pronounced allay or allez) is an Italian brand – based in Verona – from APG, the same people who produce Giordana. If you're a fan of kit that's made in Italy, this is a range for you.

The PRR clothing is Alé's high-end lineup of performance-led clothing. It won't surprise you to learn that these shorts are made from a combination of nylon and elastane – nothing unusual there – but there are actually (hang on, let me count them) five different fabrics used here.

The shorts are cut so that there are virtually no creases anywhere when you're in an aggressive position on the bike, and all the seams are flat stitched to minimise discomfort. Although it'll depend on the sizing you go for, I found these shorts to feel lightly compressive without being over tight.

The leg grippers are wide (50mm) so they distribute pressure and they hold the shorts in place well thanks to thin strands of silicone woven through the material. The braces are made from a similar fabric and they do the job equally effectively. Other neat features include reflective rear seams (though you barely notice the reflective material in daylight), printed-on graphics that are never going to peel off, and a super-stretchy waist band that'll hold the shorts in whatever your shape.

The seatpad can make or break a pair of shorts, and the 4H chamois fitted here is a pretty good one. It's not the most contoured pad ever but it's a high density and reasonably thick. The microfibre face layer is very comfortable next to your skin and perforations in the foam add to the breathability. I'd want more cushioning for super-long rides but for everything else it's a good option.

Verdict

Comfortable, high-quality shorts with some very good features