Fat Lad At The Back Stealth Reflective Bib Shorts

The Fat Lad At The Back (FLAB) Stealth bib shorts have a timeless, understated design and perform really well, although I'd recommend paying close attention to the sizing chart, as the pair I had on test should – on paper – have fitted me perfectly but were a little loose around the leg.

Materials-wise, they're pretty much what I'd expect in this price bracket. Essentially these boil down to our old friends nylon/polyamide (80%) and elastane (20%). There's a lot more to a garment than raw materials, mind.

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The bib section is a perforated mesh designed to encourage speedy moisture-trafficking. They also employ a compression system for additional support and, theoretically, reduced fatigue when the miles rack up. It's a very compliant, tactile middleweight weave that hugs rather than squeezes your contours.

Big, stripy 'Pixel 300' reflective leg grippers add a splash of colour and the safety element seems genuinely effective too. Flat seams are beautifully executed and lay unobtrusively against the skin with no hint of unwanted compression, discomfort or branding.

Pad

FLAB's 'Enerdy' pad is another winner as far as I'm concerned. It's described as high-density with variable thickness to provide support and prevent painful chafing. A wicking element and antibacterial components keep things socially acceptable and prevent infection.

Despite the high density tag, it doesn't feel like the proverbial loaf of bread and quickly assumes your shape. I've been blissfully comfortable for several hours at a time, regardless of saddle type – even while breaking in a Brooks Swift.

I did experience some slight gathering around the legs which I attribute more to sizing than materials or quality of construction. It never became uncomfortable but the 'size 5s' are clearly aimed at bigger lads with more prodigious thighs. FLAB does have a helpful guide and enquiries line, so follow these and chances are you'll get it bang on.

Anatomical is one of those phrases that has been hurled around to the point of becoming meaningless, but here the cut and materials are very conducive to natural, unrestricted movement. The bib straps are a particular plus, holding everything in alignment yet being super-compliant, permitting seamless movement from tops to drops and tri bars – or just swooping down to retrieve an ejected mini pump and bottle along unmade roads.

Though primarily intended as a road garment, the shorts perform well off the beaten track too. I've escaped the madding crowd on 'cross and rough stuff tourer alike and the pad has earned its stripes here, while the outer fabric has shrugged at the inevitable brushes with brambles, with no hint of bobbling or similar damage to date.

Temperature control

Fat Lad At The Back makes quite a big fuss about the shorts' wicking prowess and climate control. It's certainly good, but with the temperature rising close to 30 on some outings, even allowing for black's heat-retaining properties I felt notably sweatier around the lower back after 30 minutes' intense climbing/descending than when wearing some white BTwin 700 bibs – consistently so, regardless of jersey type.

To give them their due, the shorts did respond fairly swiftly, getting things down to a misty glow within 15 minutes or so, and it does bode well for autumn/early spring when you can team them up with leg warmers to combat chilly starts or evenings when the temperature can suddenly dip.

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As I've said, the Stealths include an anti-bacterial treatment, and despite wearing them for several days – rinsing the pad in between – nothing dodgy occurred. The Stealths also machine wash beautifully at 30 degrees with minimal detergent.

Conclusion

Some minor misgivings aside, the Stealths are really capable, sensibly priced shorts. True, some store brands pack theirs with more sophisticated yarns and a slightly higher spec for less cash, but these are very nicely made and flatter those who love their riding but are, perhaps, carrying a few extra pounds.

Verdict

High performing, sensibly priced mid-range bib shorts