Deep hems are a favourite feature of bib-shorts at RCUK Towers, offering a firmer, and less constricting grip than narrower offerings, and the contrasting white bands at the end of each leg on Conquest’s Performance 2 short, some 45mm deep, are the short’s most obvious feature.

The legs are made from an Italian lycra weave, billed as compressive and finished with Coldblack treatment to see off ultra violet rays. We’re unlikely to encounter many during our test period, sadly.

Conquest have used an open cell foam in the insert, with the intention of making it breathable and less bulky (their pad designer has made custom inserts for the likes of Fabian Cancellara and the Schleck brothers, apparently). The bib and braces are made from a very stretchable, lycra net. The short is available in black with contrasting white hems, in five sizes from S to 2XL, and costs £91.