Louis Garneau

Mondo Evo Bib Short - Women's

Sometimes it's OK to judge a book by its cover. For example, when it comes to the women's and the men's version of the Louis Garneau Mondo Evo Limited Edition Bib Shorts, designed exclusively for Competitive Cyclist and Backcountry.com, the only differences are superficial and apparent on first sight: They're shaped differently. That's it. The materials, design philosophy, and even the insert are all the same, just tweaked to accommodate different body shapes. The Mondo Evo Limited Editions aren't just an afterthought tacked on to a manufacturer's clothing line in order to feign inclusivity. These are thoroughbred racing shorts.

Like their predecessors, the Mondo Evo Limited Editions incorporate the advanced Cell-Ion Fabric to handle fit and compression. Cell-Ion contains Celliant, the ground-breaking technology that returns reflected energy to the body to trigger increased blood flow and oxygen levels. The result is improved performance, less fatigue, and greater overall comfort. It also has the effect of providing UPF 50-rated protection from UV exposure, which is key on long summer rides where waterproof sunscreen doesn't stand a chance. Cell-Ion is made with 17% stretch material, which is significantly more than most basic knits. And it's not just any stretch material, but premium Invista Lycra, which is the key to the shorts' unlimited range of motion, exceptional return, and compressive, supportive fit that also helps reduce fatigue.

Louis Garneau used Carbon X Mesh panels on the bib and straps, where airflow is essential to performance. The textured mesh won't stick to your back and creates a cooling zone between your skin and the fabric. This technical fabric also features Resistex carbon fiber for its antistatic properties as well to enhance controlled stretch and sun protection. The Mondo Evo Bib Shorts also incorporate wide Aero Lazer bands at the thighs to hold the hems in place without grippers, which we pretty much require from any short we ride these days. This fabric features a high spandex content to support muscles and help the short retain its shape over long periods of frequent use.

The 4Motion chamois features combine 3D pre-shaped wings with a deep split at the back that is bridged by vented mesh; this not only offers exceptional ventilation but allows the pad to move with you without bunching. Large, mesh-lined perforations in the front also allow air to circulate. The multi-density, perforated memory foam is ergonomically designed with a central channel that relieves pressure during long rides. The seamless, four-way stretch 4Motion chamois features an antibacterial carbon top sheet to control odor, and pre-molded wings to add comfort while protecting against inner-thigh chafing.

The shorts are rounded out with the features you'd expect from such high-level kit: ten-panel ergonomic construction, seamless inner thighs, a media pocket, back and bottom reflective logos, and flatlock seams.