Louis GarneauCB Carbon 2 Shorts - Men's
Item # LGN004Z
CB Carbon 2 Shorts
Louis Garneau's line of cycling shorts runs the gamut from "performance" to "workhorse," but if we were to ignore the industry-wide trend of over-specialization, we'd chose the CB Carbon 2 Shorts as the ideal solution for every cycling problem. Charity ride? Check. Interval training? Check. Crit-ready racing shorts without the restriction of bibs? Well, you get the idea. Whatever your cycling ambitions — or lack thereof — the CB Carbon 2 Shorts are ready.
The CB Carbon shorts are, unsurprisingly, made from CB Carbon+ fabric. It maintains a confident fit with gentle compression and a comfortable temperature with sun-reflecting Coldblack treatment. The legs terminate in LG's leg bands of LG's Endurexx material, which also shows up in the side panels. Like CB Carbon+, Endurexx is also gently compressive, so it maintains leg coverage and limits fatigue without cutting into your legs like the usual elastic insert.
In addition to supporting the muscles of your engine, the shorts' 11 ergonomic panels also provide a stable platform for LG's 4 Motion chamois. The 4 Motion insert combines a four-way stretch with frontal vents, bacteriostatic properties, and smoothly transitioning thicknesses of perforated foam padding relieved with a central channel.
- Mid-thigh shorts for road cycling in warm weather
- CB Carbon fabric resists static and bacteria
- 4 Motion chamois stretches and breathes while cushioning
- Endurexx at the sides and hems encourages freedom of motion
- Compressive fit reduces vibration and fatigue
- Aero Lazer band secures the hem
- Reflective accents increase visibility
What do you think about this product?
View
July 31, 2020
Splendid Shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- L
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
These are my first pair of high end bike shorts - I had a pair of cheapo REI brand shorts forever and decided to splurge to go along with my new gravel bike. What a difference! The fabric is excellent, just the right amount of compression, it breathes well and wicks away moisture. It really grips the saddle well, and I love the look and feel of it. Fit-wise, my thighs are a bit on the thicc side and these fit them perfectly. I don't share the same complaints below about them being too short, on me at 5'-10" they're just about perfect. Appreciate the adjustable waistband. Padding is perfect for long days, did a 40 mile trail ride last weekend and could have easily gone further with no complaints. My only minor issue is that the "laser cut" bottom cuffs seem to curl up a little bit inside the short, I can't feel it but it sort of bugs me to see when I take them off. Does not change anything performance wise, but just know these don't have the rubbery bottom grippers that some shorts have, they rely on friction to stay in place. All in all, an excellent pair of shorts, highly recommended.
Gene D.
July 12, 2020
Excellent
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 7"
- Weight
- 155 lbs
I ride a 100 mile route on the weekends. I've used Pearl Izumi shorts in the past. It was time to buy new shorts and based on reviews I saw that PI had changed their padding. I'm cheap! But based on reviews of this product, I thought I would spurge and try a more expensive short than I normally buy. BEST DECISION EVER! Not only was there no discomfort, I felt that I could have kept going at the end of my route. I highly recommend this for anyone doing distance riding! I can't imagine using anything else going forward.
corey fleming
March 4, 2020
Incredibly comfortable but short
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 7"
- Weight
- 150 lbs
These shorts are really comfortable both in fabric and chamois. At 5’7 I’m a short dude with short barreled quads. As far as aesthetics the material is spot on but there is not enough length. They would be great if you want to bring that tan line up closer to the center of your quad. They border on looking like tri shorts. If you don’t care about how short they look then they’re great.
Thomas W.
June 19, 2019
NICE Shorts!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
These ARE pretty nice shorts. I now have three pair in my collection, which is more than any other brand of cycling shorts. Good fit and comfortable for long rides in the saddle.
James P.
June 6, 2019
Misrepresented
These shorts have a DRAWSTRING. This is not shown in the picture or listed in the description.
geary M.
May 12, 2019
Soooo snuggly
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Solid short- snug but not too tight. Run a little small so size up if you are in between. Very substantial pad but the pad does flex and doesn’t chafe. Cool lookin but are a bit short on the thigh. I’ve blocked out the catcalls...
Evan R.
February 13, 2018
Show Some Thigh!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 165 lbs
I purchased some of these shorts a few years ago when the chamois was blue and really liked them. In fact, I still wear those shorts. However, something changed in the design when the chamois was switched to yellow. These are real thigh climbers. I can't stand them. It is borderline embarrassing to ride with them because of how much thigh I show. Too bad I bought 4 pair of them!
slv6356878
September 12, 2017
Great shorts
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- large
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 165 lbs
These are the only shorts I use, I get a pair whenever they are on sale.
David G.
December 2, 2016
Almost the best.
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Small
- Height
- 5` 8"
- Weight
- 147 lbs
I never knew shorts could be this comfortable. I've worn these in three 12hr solo mtb races, and a lot of 5-6hr training rides. They are engineering genius. They fit and feel like skin with an unbelievably comfortable minimalist pad. Too bad it didn't occur to LG that most guys don't like wearing what appears to be hot pants when they ride. Seriously. I would own several pairs, and never wear anything else if it weren't for the way they ride up. My inseam is only 30". I find it hard to believe that some guys are ok with this. I find it hard to believe that women would be ok with it. I constantly pull the stupid legs down 3", and I don't like long shorts! I wear 10" baggies! As it is, these will probably be relegated to glorified liners under baggies, and I'll continue the search for something that's as comfortable AND wearable on its own. What a shame. What are they thinking?
RDC
October 27, 2016
Show us your thighs!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Small
- Height
- 5` 9"
- Weight
- 145 lbs
Uggg. Luckily I bought these for use indoors on the rollers only during the wintertime, as I don't want to wear out my Assos stuff. The good: 1) The material is odd, but not off-putting. It looks like mesh, but once you wear these shorts they're pretty comfortable. 2) The chamois is fine. Nothing ground breaking, but certainly more than sufficient for my trainer/rollers (1-2 hour sessions) The bad: 1) WTF with a drawstring on these shorts? Does. Not. Compute. Maybe I bought swim trunks instead of cycling shorts? Odd design choice.... especially considering point #2 2) Whoa, these run small. I am 5'9" 145# and usually wear 'medium' shorts and bibs from PI, Assos, and Castelli. Based on recommendations here, I ordered 'small' for these Garneau shorts. Glad I did. It's the right size for my build. 3) The thigh gripper needs something. Not sure what.... but after an hour on the rollers, I looked like I was wearing Daisy Duke shorts. These are pretty short to begin with, but when I got off the rollers they had crept up *at least* 2 inches on my thighs. If I was wearing these out on a group ride, my mates would surely make some clever remarks. My thighs are fine, thank you.... but I don't need to advertise them to the world. If I submitted a picture on this review, most workplace nanny blockers would get tripped. yeah, that's how much the shorts crept up. Bottom line, I'm still keeping them for use indoors only. They stay pretty cool, the chamois is fine, and I'm the only one who gets to see those thighs when I'm alone inside.
Daniel P.
Daniel P.
December 13, 2016
Bit of a follow-up here.... I've been wearing these for training sessions on the rollers for about 45 days, with 1-hour sessions each time. Lots of sweat, higher cadences, and in the saddle almost non-stop. The thigh problem remains and the drawstring continues to be annoying, but the chamois and the unusual carbon-like material has held up nicely. Even washing in normal TIDE detergent has been fine. (I'm cheap.... I save the WIN detergent for the Assos stuff).
Daniel P.
February 2, 2017
Follow up of the follow-up review! Feb 2, 2016: I'm tossing these out, in favor of Assos shorts. The chamois on the Garneau is still fine in the sit bones, but (embarrassingly), there is something not right "in front" with these shorts. It's either the stitching line up the groin, or the small vertical vents at the front/top of the chamois: after 7-10 hours per week on the trainer/rollers with these, I found myself with some painful abrasions in a location I can't really describe without censorship (!!). Maybe these would be ok outdoors where there is less sweat and more movement on the saddle, but then the creepy leg thing (read my first post) would be problematic. Indoors, no dice either. I'm sorry Garneau: I tried. Two pairs, ridden hard hard hard for three months, but I'm moving to another brand now.
September 6, 2016
Still debating
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- medium
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 185 lbs
I just received these shorts. At first glance they remind me of the castelli Prosecco material they use for their jerseys. By the way I like the material for the jerseys, but I am not sure about it for shorts. I used them on my 40mile ride and they did not seem as comfortable as my sugoi rs shorts. I really don't care about the draw string but you don't notice it. The length for me was great, but not sure about the fabric at the bottom (I'm used to grippers). The breathability was great,padding..mediocre and the fabric did not seem to grab my legs like others do. They did not flap around, just does not grab your leg, almost like compressions. I will update more later
Sonny S.
August 18, 2016
Excellent shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Height
- 5` 7"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
These shorts are so comfortable. Great fitting and the padding is excellent. My new favorite shorts. Looking forward to buying another pair.
Gary Constantino
August 12, 2016
Comfy Chamois
- Familiarity:
- I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share
- Fit:
- True to size
My friend wore these in his first Tri. He reports that they are super comfortable and that the chamois is one of the most comfortable he has ever used.
Sarah Savala
July 26, 2016
Great shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 5` 9"
- Weight
- 185 lbs
I've worn these about 8 times now...and they are my go-to shorts in summer months. Other reviews seem very accurate. Chamois not quite as thick as some...but that is perfectly fine. I tried both the M and L and opted for the L. I like the fact that they are not quite as long as some....as my legs are not overly long...most of my dress pants/ jeans are 29 or 30" inseam and 34 waist. For example, I tried a pair of L Mavics, and they were too long/ bunched behind my knees.
David M.
June 15, 2016
Great item
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 10"
This is the first ( but not last) pair of LG shorts I bought. They breath very well and are super comfortable. The padding is superb! The only thing I had to get used to is that they are about 2 inches shorter on the leg than the perum izumi shorts. Other than that I can only recommend them!
Alex R.
May 4, 2016
Completely Satisfied
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- m
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 167 lbs
They fit snugly, which suits me. They allow me to move easily around the saddle. Looks are sharp, typical of most LG gear.
James M.
March 2, 2016
Very Comfortable!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
I bought this bike shorts and the first time I use them I feel the difference between regular (cheap)ones. They provide a great support and fit, very happy with them so far.
Andres Soto
August 5, 2015
Cool Breeze
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
These are great summer shorts that fit true to size, I wear a large in everything and these fit perfect in size large. The Chamois is the best of all my shorts, very comfy for hours,. My only negative is the inseam length is a bit short they fit half way up my leg when riding, I like them to fit just above my knee but very breathable and great for hot weather. Overall I`m glad I bought them and would buy another pair..
brt
brt
December 27, 2015
Just a follow up, I bought these shorts last August and have since ridden my exercise bike well over 200 hours and they are still in perfect condition and I still like them the same as I did when I wrote my initial review... Brt
July 31, 2015
Oh yeah
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Comfort and no rash. I am a size 34" waist (give or take), 42" chest if that matters much, and the mediums fit very well. No rash from where the leg gripper is. Never road up on me. Comfort all the way.
Vincent Tiernan
July 6, 2015
Quality and Comfortable Shorts
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
Overall the shorts had a very comfortable feel, however they just did not fit me quite right. I tried them on a few times just to make sure, but each time the placement of the chamois just didn't sit quite right for me. Also, one small drawback for me was that these shorts have a drawstring. I mention this because the last 2 pairs of shorts purchased (PI and Castelli) both do not have a drawstring and I have become used to that. I really wanted to make these shorts work for me, but just couldn't do it. Perhaps your experience with them will be better.
Scott M.
James P.
June 19, 2019
True – They do have a drawstring, but I have never bothered with it and it has never caused a problem. It just tucks into the (elastic, self-supporting) waistband.