Over the last decade or so, the cycling apparel segment has seen a glut of boutique brands emerge, each working in earnest to try and turn out cutting-edge togs, with some even earning a coveted WorldTour team sponsorship. But, has it really been a case of brands gaining a foothold in the marketplace based on innovation, or has it simply been a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes?
In the case of Le Col, the UK-based company made its foray into the cycling arena back in 2009 with founder Yanto Barker at the helm. A former pro rider himself, Barker began racing on the juniors level where he won the Junior British National Road Race Championships, later earning the young Welshman a spot on Britain’s National Under-23 team, which saw him compete in the U23 UCI Road World Championships in 1999, 2001 and 2002. From there, Barker rode off and on as a national pro for a number of years before permanently hanging up his wheels in 2016 to focus on Le Col full-time.
Over the years, Le Col has successfully turned out collection-after-collection of premium cycling apparel, offering enthusiasts jerseys, bib shorts, jackets and other garments that have not only garnered the Devon-headquartered company an impressive following of discerning clientele but a cadre of past and present top-pro riders who serve as ambassadors for the brand.
Le Col’s latest offering is the Hors Categorie Lightweight Bib Shorts, the successor to the Hors Categorie Bib Shorts II, the result of years of development to create an even lighter and more durable version than its predecessor.
“The result is our lightest long-distance performance short, crafted using our most luxurious technical fabrics and designed to meet the demands of long summer rides,” boasts Le Col.
According to Le Col, the fabric used in the main body of the shorts weighs in at a feathery 135gsm, 25gsm lighter than the Hors Categorie Bib Shorts II, creating a second-skin feel that’s aimed at providing the ideal combination of support and breathability in the hottest of riding conditions, while perforated raw-cut elastic braces are meant to redefine lightweight support. Moreover, a minimalist seam construction is used to streamline fit in order to minimize friction.
At the core of the Hors Categorie Lightweight Bib Shorts is a multi-density, gel-infused chamois pad that’s designed to adapt to the rider’s body contour to ensure maximum comfort and support for long days in the saddle.
Bold claims on the part of Le Col indeed. So, how do the Hors Categorie Lightweight Bib Shorts perform?
Once donned, it becomes readily apparent just how light the bibs are, conferring a soft feel that contours the body in an almost weightless manner, while the wide braces fall precisely along the chest, providing soft, ventilated coverage with the right amount of anchor.
Regarding fit, Le Col says the Hors Categorie Lightweight Bib Shorts are “cut for freedom of movement with higher density fabric and a shorter leg length”, yet I found the sizing to be on par with most European “race-cut” apparel, albeit perhaps a tad roomier. But, the fit is by no means a “club cut”, so Clydesdale riders should size up.
However, the real hallmark of the bibs lies in the chamois pad, offering supreme comfort during the most grueling of riding conditions with excellent breathability, especially when the mercury spikes. I only wish that I could get my hands on a stack of these pads and have them sewn into the rest of my shorts.
Available in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with colors limited to navy blue or black, at $280, the Hors Categorie Lightweight Bib Shorts don’t come cheap. But, try convincing your nether regions otherwise when everything feels so comfortable during long days in the saddle.
Le Col
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