We took a ‘first look’ at two garments from Italian brand, MOA Sport, supplier to several teams in cycling’s elite UCI WorldTour, during a month of Giro-inspired content in May.
After nearly eight weeks of testing, we’re ready to deliver a verdict on each. We’ll start with the Navro bib-short. Check back tomorrow for our review of the Nincusa jersey.
I found these bib shorts, with their anatomical fit and compression lycra construction, ideal for the varied weather and for rides ranging from my 30-mile daily commute to weekend 70-mile blasts. The material didn’t cause irritation, or aching across the shoulders, and with the mesh reinforcement on the lower back and shoulders, I didn’t feel clammy.
The silicone grips at the hems kept the shorts in place and the elastic didn’t cut off blood supply. The best part of these bib shorts, however, is the pad. I didn’t need to, ahem, readjust myself while in the saddle, and because it’s made of a chamois-like material, it absorbed any moisture, unlike other brands I’ve tried where other materials can leave you with sweaty nether regions. The pad size is on the money: not too small or too bulky. Unlike some other brands I’ve tested, there was also no irritation from the stitching. Here, the stitching is very subtle and effective.
Priced at £109.99, the MOA Mavro short is neither the cheapest on the market, or the most expensive, but in my opinion, they represent serious value for money. It’s hard to value comfort too highly, and there’s perhaps some truth in the adage, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’.
