It’s safe to say that you’re not all that familiar with Biemme for cycling clothing. If you’ve been visiting Bike World News for a while, you know that they’re an advertiser here, but you’ve probably never come across them in your local bike shop.
They’ve been a leader in the field for 25 years. They carefully match the best high tech materials to the specific requirements of cyclists, designing aerodynamic clothing that offers comfort in all areas of moisture generation and impact.
They’re most popular in Europe, where you’ll even see them outfitting pro teams, but when you line up for a ride with your buddies here in the states, you’re more likely to see brands like Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi or Giordana.
That deserves to change.
Biemme’s Specialine shorts are not the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever worn. That position still goes to my ASSOS f1.13 S5 bibshorts, but if those are in the laundry, I’m reaching for the Biemme’s next.
The X09 pad compares very favorably to the ASSOS pad, providing plenty of support and comfort with far less bulk than other shorts.
The anatomic cut of the Specialine shorts is similar in concept to that of the ASSOS model, though the S5 shorts excel in their mix of fabrics and supportive and compressive fit. I also like the wide straps for the bibs. Where some manufacturers have gone super thin (I’m talking to you, Castelli), the Specialine offers up nice, wide straps that don’t roll even while you’re still putting the shorts on.
Let me cut to the chase: The Specialine shorts are going to fall just slightly short of the S5’s on almost every count except for one – price. Where the S5’s will cost you a dear $370, you can pick up the Specialine shorts for $129. You ask me, that’s a pretty good deal that even puts some of ASSOS pretenders to shame.
One last note. While even top manufacturers have moved their production to Bulgaria or other economically recovering EU nations, Biemme still makes all of their goods in Italy. If you are an Italophile, that has to count for something.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.