De Marchi knew it had a good thing going with its Contour bib shorts of years past, which is why the designers at the Italian brand decided to use them as a platform for their new PT Bib Shorts. Retaining the Contour's same long-distance comfort and dependable structure, the PTs were designed to be your new go-to shorts for both heavy road and mountain use. This was made possible using De Marchi's exclusive Italian fabrics and revamped chamois technology, which translates to more time riding and less time fussing with your gear.
The PT bib shorts were made using select blends of compressive stretch fabrics. These materials incorporate a relatively high elastane content in order to deliver a firm, compressive fit around key muscle zones. What this gradual hold means is that you'll be comfortable during the beginning, middle, and end of a long ride, as compressive fabrics shield your muscles from oscillation and road vibration. The lightweight nature of the main material also wicks moisture exceptionally well, so that besides staying supported in the saddle, you'll also remain cool and dry. The paneling then smoothly transitions into microfiber mesh bib straps and back panel. This mesh provides you with the ultimate in ventilation and comfort by targeting the front and backside of your upper torso.
De Marchi placed an equal focus on implementing technical fabrics into the PTs as it did refining the bib shorts' fit. Like the Contours, these shorts were created with the perfect combination of freedom of movement, stability, and breathability. This contoured fit was made possible using the company's Body Framing Technology as a means to stabilize the shorts while in the cycling position. This is accomplished using pre-shaped fabric panels that closely follow the body while in motion. At the cuffs, stretch jacquard grippers keep the panels secure. When sewn together, these panels form somewhat of a three dimensional shape on their own, mimicking the body before even reaching your skin. The result is a pair of bib shorts that eliminate all unnecessary material, leading to the best fit possible.
De Marchi paired its Giro Dual Denstiy EIT insert into the bib shorts. Known as its endurance chamois, the Giro incorporates super high density, ventilated cushioning elements in correspondence with the ischial bones. Additionally, front channels of open cell foam were placed in the perineal zone, which is more compressed to accommodate your body while in the cycling position. The specific "half-moon" seamless shaping perfectly contours to the shorts' paneling to eliminate bunching and creates a middle channel where the body stays suspended for effective pressure relief and improved blood flow.
Rounding out the De Marchi PT Bib Shorts are reflective elements throughout, as well as an Italian flag graphic treatment on the cuff of the left leg. They are available in six sizes from X-Small to XX-Large and in the color Black. Please note: De Marchi relies heavily on European sizing, so please make your selection accordingly.
NOTE - I haven't ridden with these yet, just tried them on. I normally wear a size M, so I purchased a M. I think they fit fine, maybe a little bit of extra room; nothing I'm going to complain about. I was worried about the leg grippers, but they're very minimal and feel great. Almost feels like no grippers at all, which is what I'd prefer. I'll update once I have the chance to actually use them.
I usually take a medium bib short in all companies : assos/rapha/capo/castelli etc.
im 5'11" . about 31-32 waist, about 160-165lbs. im glad I went with the advice of the commenters here, as the small fits great. they are comfortable. they are a nice bibshort for the money that's for sure. not the best , but then again you don't pay a lot for these anyway. get a size down on these bibshorts from your usual sizing.
So I ended up going with the small. Incredible. I have no explanation. Maybe I am shrinking. I tried on another pair of mediums just to make sure and they were just too loose on the leg bands and in the butt, and I don't have toothpick legs. When standing, I know I am in a small. When sitting on a bike, they feel good. Anyways, love the look and feel.
I got these as my first legitimate pair of bibs after purchasing some chinese ones on ebay. Although there was nothing wrong with those I could clearly feel the difference in quality when comparing the De Marchi. Very comfortable, the chamois does the job, texture feels great and its light too. I like the old italian classic look so prob gonna purchase more from this brand. Great product.
I had to return these and get the next size larger in a different model. The size was out of stock. But the quality on these is really nice. I am stoked I found something this nice. They are hand made in Italy and the silicone grip of the bottom edge holds great. Looking forward to the other pair.
Usual DeMarchi quality, but sizing is NOT typical ITALIAN! I'm an XL in Santini, Nalini, etc. but these are closer to US sizing - as in huge. I'll swap my XL's out for M..they're that big.
Good Value for money
I ordered 2 pair from Chainlove just to use on the indoor trainer. I wear a small in Pearl, and a Med in Castelli. They are a loose fitting bib. I don't think they were too big, just not tight, at all. The worst part is where the pad is located. The wide part of the pad was closer to my tail bone than my sit bones. So basically, when I sat on the bike, it was like having no padding. These bibs weren't even worth the Chainlove price, let alone the retail price. I'm shocked these bibs recieved any positive reviews.
Much like FLPP773469 below, I bought a pair off of Steep and Cheep for a great price. Upon receiving these, it's apparent why these are on such a good price to move inventory that was never sold before. I tried them on and sat on my bike hooked up to the trainer. No padding whatsoever. The shorts don't have much cling in the legs either. I'm 6'0", 200 trying a large.
Everything I read on De Marchi emphasizes the European sizing, which means size up. I am 6'0, 180 lbs, and wear straight Mediums in bibs. I ordered a Large and they were too big. Returned them for a Medium, still too big. Leg bands were loose, and there was loose fabric in the legs, not skin tight at all. I am taking them back today for a Small. Interested to see what happens. I hope they fit because I love the look and the feel. Hoping to pair them up with the PT Jersey I got for Christmas (which I will review later). If I can figure out the sizing I will give a full review after I ride.
Very lightweight and probably my most comfortable bib short. My only issues are the tag on the shoulder band could not be any more dead on with nipple placement, remove it or be raw and the leg band is a tad loose. Wish they specified thigh diameter with the sizing. Medium feels good on my frame at 5'9" 155lbs so I don't know how the below user is going to squeeze himself into a small given his height. May swap for small to fit the thigh.