The Le Coq Sportif Volp bib shorts are a good mid-range option with a supportive fit and subtle French styling.
Le Coq returned as manufacturer of the Tour de France’s classification jerseys in 2012 after a 14-year hiatus and, to celebrate their return to the sport, launched their first performance range available to customers.
We’ve already run the rule over the Cailly base layer and Arac short sleeve jersey, which shares many of the features of the Tour’s maillot jaune, so it’s time to cast an eye over the Volp shorts to complete our trio of reviews.
The shorts are made from two fabrics, with the main section, which stretches from the legs up to the midriff, made from a conventional lycra fabric, which breathed well during the heat of summer and continues to get plenty of use when paired with knee warmers now we’re heading into autumn.
The compressive fabric is supportive, helped also by an excellent cut which ensures the shorts stay in place when pedaling.
The top half of the shorts, from the midriff and onto the bib straps, is made from an elastane mesh which boosts breathability on the area of the shorts which is typically kept under a jersey, and therefore hidden from a cooling breeze, whether that be on a warm day or when riding hard. The bib straps themselves are fairly wide – a little more than two inches – so also contribute to the supportive fit and don’t bunch up when riding.
The chamois is a plush, multi-density number, which comes with claims of anti-shock and high wicking properties, and has proved comfy on longer rides, though it may be a little thick if you prefer a leaner pad to adopt a more aggressive position on the saddle.
Otherwise, flatlock seams feature throughout, and the styling is subtle, with the all-black shorts only broken by a reflective Le Coq Sportif logo and the French tricolore on the left leg. The ends of the legs, by the way, are elasticated to ensure a close fit, and lined with a Le Coq Sportif-branded silicone gripper.
Price: £84.99
Sizes: S-XXL
Colours: black
Website: Le Coq Sportif
