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review
£99.99
VERDICT:
Very good in every regard, except for disappointing durability
Weight:
300g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Since we reviewed these Sugoi Evolution Midzero bib tights last a couple of years ago, a few changes have been made. The verdict remains the same though: brilliant fit, extremely comfortable chamois, shame they wear so fast.
Sugoi's own MidZero fabric, a mix of 88% polyester and 12% spandex, sits in the middle of its stretchy thermal fabrics range, between SubZero and ZeroPlus. With a comfortable temperature range from 4-5 degrees up to 12-13 degrees, that sounds about right. The fabric is used up to the middle of your waist on the front, where it changes to mesh for the straps. The mesh drops a bit lower down on the back, where ventilation is more important than warmth. The knees have lost their double layer of fabric from the last iteration, though this isn't something I can say I've missed.
The fit is extremely racy; the fabric panels are put together for a snug fit and the upper body is so short that it's uncomfortable off the bike, but really comes into its own while riding. Everything is in place and stays there; no bunching fabric on these. There are zippers (with reflective detailing) at the ankles to keep everything in place there. The small logos on the sides are made from reflective detailing.
The chamois insert is Sugoi's RcPro, which is marketed as 'providing numbness relief and padding for the recreational rider looking to stay comfortable while riding'. This is achieved by having thicker areas where it counts with a central channel for ventilation and flexibility. All that translates into blissful comfort for hours on end. The chamois stitching has changed since the last time we reviewed these from a zig-zag stitch to a more durable flatlock, which is an improvement as we found the stitching was coming apart earlier than expected then. These have not suffered the same fate yet.
The stitching might be stronger, unfortunately the fabric seems not to have changed as again the fabric is pilling on the sit area after only a few rides and washes.
So while the £99 RRP is justified in terms of performance and fit, the lack of durability of the fabric is very disappointing.
Verdict
Very good in every regard, except for disappointing durability
road.cc test report
Make and model: Sugoi Evo MidZero Bib Tights
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
High performance thermal bib tight featuring our RC Pro chamois for cool weather cycling.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Bib design for comfort and support
Signature grip leg elastic
7 inch locking ankle zippers
Flat seams for increased comfort
RC Pro Chamois
The RC Pro Chamois brings advanced technology and fit to shorts designed for the everyday cycling enthusiast.
V-Notch for ventilation and flexibility.
Perforated front ventilation.
Welded center channel for pressure relief.
Four-way stretch panels mold to body contours.
Advanced ergonomically correct articulation.
Mid Zero
Sugoi's benchmark stretch insulations offer excellent thermal regulation across a range of temperatures. Designed with four-way stretch, these thermal fabrics work with all body types to adapt to movements and climate changes.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The bibs are put together well. It's a shame the materials don't last a bit longer.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Performed really well on the bike.
Rate the product for durability:
3/10
Wear started showing on the sit area of the bibs after only a few outings.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Great fit, excellent chamois.
Rate the product for value:
5/10
Very good for fit, performance and comfort, but really needs to be more durable to warrant the price tag.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Brilliant fit and comfortable for anything from 5-12 degrees.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The fit and comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The rapid wear rate.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? No.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Very good in every regard – except for disappointing durability.
About the tester
Age: 36 Height: 1.78m Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
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