Review: Craft Elite Attack bib shorts. Sassy.

//Review: Craft Elite Attack bib shorts. Sassy.

Review: Craft Elite Attack bib shorts. Sassy.

Craft Elite Attack. Get sexy widit.

There are many ways to position athletic gear on the market. Comfort, superior styling, hyper-innovation in fabrics and construction and the endorsement of top stars.

The Craft Elite Attack bib short boasts several innovations but if we were in charge, we’d highlight the SB Quotient. Craft scores way up on the Sexy Beast rating.

First, the bib strap fabric is so sheer and lightweight it practically creates a new category: men’s technical lingerie. It’s like Victoria Secret decided to get into cycling apparel.

The band of fabric around the leg bottom is wider than any we’ve seen. There’s no other way to describe it than like a woman’s black thigh-highs.

Now maybe all this overt sexiness sounds like the kiss of death for a man but consider Craft developed this race gear with Saxo Bank and this year Craft is working with the Brothers Schleck and their new Luxembourg Mystery Team.

Second, admit that you don’t mind a quick peak at yourself in the mirror. Good microfiber is flattering and there’s nothing wrong with a dose of auto-erotic appreciation.. Hey, you did the training miles, right? If Andy Schleck, twice runner-up in the Tour de France, thinks the Craft is sexy, who’s to argue?

Cool product tidbit: there’s a carbon fiber fabric developed by Eschler used in the front panel. Accept the hype and the carbon aids thermo-regulation and dissipates electric charges — yes, you ride that fast. Eschler works with Craft, Campagnolo and Santini.

Drawbacks? Based on our test rides, we’re not convinced the synthetic chamois is up to the long rides, gel or no gel. Our pad felt stiff and took extra time to seat itself. That’s not a huge black mark, it just doesn’t appear as innovative as say, the Sugoi RSE.

Then there’s the errant line of gripper silicon across the outside of the thighs. Like somebody at the factory had extra goop in the gun and decided to get “creative.” This man fool should be terminated immediately.

Still, all in all. the Craft is has some thoughtful features and the Swedes pride themselves on degree of finish and detailing. Based on the lightweight fabrics, we’d definitely recommend the Elite Attack for hot summer riding but not as your winter kit.

Gel inserts, sheer black shoulder straps, sassy thigh bands. Yes, Craft is the sexy beast of bibs.

Craft

Elite Attack shorts

$225

By |2019-02-03T16:22:52-08:00December 6th, 2010|Product Reviews|10 Comments

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10 Comments

  1. franco December 7, 2010 at 4:39 pm - Reply

    fricken bibs…how are ya sposed ta pee? or more?
    and what do women do with bibs?
    'gotta be uncomfortable.
    I recently bought a new pair of bottoms…Nederland Nat team..yea,orange.
    say hello to mango (S.N..rfeference,kids) and I could not find any team shorts.only bibs!
    WTF?

    • TwistedSpoke December 7, 2010 at 6:55 pm - Reply

      Bibs are the future, Franco. Roll with the tsunami that rolls over you. Bibs. Open your heart, accept the inevitable, let go of prejudice. Bibs are life. Matt

  2. franco December 10, 2010 at 3:57 pm - Reply

    Matt, dude,how are bibs better?

    • TwistedSpoke December 12, 2010 at 5:08 pm - Reply

      Franco, those bib straps keep everything in place and fitting right and looking way better. The shorts are for, you know, those other guys. Mountain bikers. Matt

  3. jen December 14, 2010 at 6:22 pm - Reply

    I love Craft but that gray chain overlock stitch gets worn pretty quickly and unravels. They should have removed that.

    • TwistedSpoke December 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Reply

      Good to know, Jenn. Thanks for the insight and thanks for dropping in. Matt

  4. Paula December 18, 2010 at 8:10 am - Reply

    Bibs are better for your health… and if you're a boy, I have no sympathy for your inability to pee (or more)! Out the bottom, over the top, whichever you can reach, pal. We girls know that bibs are the bomb and we deal with the rest, so you can too! Girls like boys in bibs, besides.

    "Pants tight around the waist put pressure on the abdomen directly, due to which the acid is reversed into the esophagus; this gives rise to acid reflux or heart burn." http://www.anioc.com/2010/07/06/tight-pants-may-h

  5. […] Octane is more evidence of the lingerie-zation of cycling apparel and we’re not complaining. Short sleeves are cut high, the extended tail […]

  6. woyteck March 16, 2011 at 1:55 pm - Reply

    Definitely the lightest bibs one can get, it just makes me want to use the scale.

    • TwistedSpoke March 16, 2011 at 3:13 pm - Reply

      Yup, that might not be a good thing, using a scale, in my case. Thabks for checking in. Matt

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