Giordana

Lungo Bib Shorts - Men's

In an ambitious redesign that encompassed almost its entire line, Giordana redefined its kit for 2016 along a scale that encompasses different types of riders rather than skill level and price point. Each sub-family now employs features that will be most useful for the cyclists it was made for. In the case of the Lungo Men's Bib Shorts, this translates to high-end materials for a "refined" cyclist, with a more accommodating, supportive fit than the compression-heavy NX-G or Forma Red Carbon lines.

In this case, "refined" refers to dedicated recreational cyclists who may do more Fondos than criteriums and who care more about comfort than aerodynamics. Made with all-new, proprietary fabrics sourced from the swim and undergarment industries, the Lungo Bib Shorts feel lightweight, soft, and supple, able to move with you while still achieving a form-fitting silhouette. The waistband is stretchy and supportive without the compression that the Forma Red Carbon and NX-G lines employ for a fit that caters more to high-mileage weeks when comfort becomes a key concern.

The only areas of the shorts that do feature compression are the leg panels, but it's gentle rather than aggressive, offering muscle support and encouraging circulation to lessen fatigue and promote recovery as you ride. Giordana constructs the leg panels with one piece of fabric each for a precise fit that requires only one seam along the outside of the leg. They're finished with seamless, elastic-free leg bands that gently hold the leg hems in place as you move.

Addressing common complaints about kit that feels awkward and ill-fitting when you're not on a bike, Giordana developed new dual-stretch bib straps for the Lungo that give in the front while remaining less forgiving in the back. The bib design is light and flexible, promising to disappear under a jersey and follow your body movements in the saddle.

Arguably the most crucial part of ensuring long-term comfort, the Cirro S chamois, also improved upon for 2016, is now slimmer and more flexible than ever. It retains plush cushioning only where it's needed while the rest of the foam blends seamlessly with the body of the shorts so that it's barely visible from behind. Giordana's finishing touch to the Cirro S was gracing it with a Copa Mondiale, a recessed area of sculpted foam along the front of the chamois made to loyally support and protect the male anatomy while you ride.