Miller2

Anyone use them? Pros-Cons?

johnny99

Which model? They have a wide range from mediocre to pro-quality. Sizing is smaller than USA sizing.

Miller2

The Contour + Pro model

DaveSANYYZ

I have their contour-plus and contour-plus-pro. The pro has noticeably thicker (but not as soft) lycra than the non-pro. Both have the same chamois.

Chamois-wise, I like Castelli's ypro, then PI's 3D Pro (microsensor range), DM's, then other PI's. (I've never tried ASSOS.)

They're very well made though. A little better than PI's and a quite a bit better than Castelli bibs IMO.

Miller2

I'd prefer the thicker lycra of the pro. You say it isnt soft.....I've never felt lycra that wasnt soft. What do you mean?

jemoryl

I've got a couple pairs of the regular Contours from a few years back and really like them. At that time there was only a Contour Plus above this model - it seems like their lineup has expanded. The chamios is a thin, grey elastic pad from Cytec (EIT, which apparently has some connection with De Marchi) which suits me just fine. Interestingly, the same pad appears to be used in the top of the line Performance shorts, if the picture in the flyer is correct. They are also holding up really well.

Coyote2

Contour: very similar to the Performance Ultra bibs. Lycra relatively thin, chamois good but basic, decent workmanship. Good, but not great.

Contour Plus: very good lycra, nicer chamois, nicer workmanship. Excellent bibs, compare favorably to much more expensive offerings.

Contour Plus Pro: Same as Contour Plus but different lycra, and chamois is a different color. Again, an excellent value.

Racing: Ultra expensive, with a God-awful chamois. Avoid.

Nashbar has most of 'em on sale at great prices right now, though size offerings are spotty. If you are going to order some, get the Contour Plus or Contour Plus Pro. SIZING: go by waist, as the straps are very stretchy and will accomodate any height. Size Medium is 28-31" waist and fits my 31" waist very nicely. Large is 32-34".

Cyclist00976

According to the US distributor, Nashbar's stock is a few years old and not current. I don't think the line has changed much, but don't expect the latest chamois or improvements.

Coyote2's summary is pretty good. I'll add this, though:

Contour is a great hot weather piece, the other models are thicker and warmer. I don't care for it for average Pacific NW riding.

Contour Plus is one of my all-time favorite bibs. I much prefer the chamois to the Castelli AC37 for longer rides and wore these for the Washington MS150 last September. No discomfort at all, my butt felt fine at the end of the weekend.

I like the Racing, this is the one that's closer to the AC37 chamois. I wore it this weekend for a quick 20 mile ride and it worked just fine. It grips a lot more than the Contour Plus, which some people may or may not like.

There is a new ultimate level with the 2008 EVO model. I've seen it but not ridden in it. It is definitely competing with the higher-end Assos in both comfort and build quality.

In my opinion, De Marchi is one of the most underrated clothing lines in the industry. I love pretty much everything they make.

Jerseysbest

I just got the Contour from Nashbar. The chamois is thicker than what I have in my Pearl Izumi bib I bought last year from Nashbar (which I love) for around the same price and is a little more comfortable for my butt, but I don't care for the over all fit. I went with the XXL after the XL barely fit over my quads. The straps on the XXL feel a little long and I almost want to criss cross them.

Edit: I went for a ride yesterday and looked down and it says "Contour Plus" on the leg, so scratch that...

Coyote2

I think it is all last year's (2007) stuff.

You like the Racing bib? When I looked at that one, the weird chamois had a split down the middle, right under my nasty bits. I can't imagine it is comfy. Is that what yours is like?

Drtumolo

Could someone please explain Nashbar's color listing for the contour + pro bibs? I would like to know what color carbon, carbonium & titanium are. If you look at their website it says the carbon/carbonium are both dark gray and are pictured and the titanium is light gray. BUT the pictures are either gray and there is one with white panals.

DaveSANYYZ

I find the lycra on the Contour plus-pro is soft; just not as soft as the regular contour plus.

rog

+1. I'm an American XL these days, if you know what I mean, but I thought I had bought too small when I got the Contour Plus XL size, as the straps seemed to pull on my shoulders a little. The shorts themselves feel very good, maybe slightly tight (but that's good, cause I'm shrinking), and the straps feel very good when I'm in the riding position.

jemoryl

After initially reading this thread I went to Nashbar and took advantage of their sale prices (plus one of the ever present discount codes) to get a great price on some Contour Plus Pros. As a satisifed Contour rider (see above) I'll make a few observations after having had a chance to ride the Plus Pros.

I ordered the "black/carbonio" version, and that is what they are labeled: they are all black (which is what I wanted anyway). The lycra is somewhat thicker and has more spring, stiching fancier and the pad thicker and more 'shaped' when compared with the Contours. And regarding a comment above about the workmanship: it is equally good on both models. Fit is very good but the shoulder straps seem a bit more fussy and 'noticable'.

A ride reveals that these are very good bibs, but all the added complexity over the Contours doesn't really make them better. In fact, they announce their presence a bit more than the simpler Contours, which, for the most part, feel invisible. I'm not sorry that I bought them, but given the choice of both versions I would probably save the money and go with the simpler and cheaper model.

Drtumolo

I am getting ready to order new bibs from nashbar. Could you give me an update on your contour plus pro bibs. I am trying to decide betwen the contour plus pro and the standard contour plus bibs.

RT

I have two pairs of red DiMarchi's I got on sale at Performance a couple of years ago. I like 'em because the chamois is comfortable and the legs are longer.