First Ascent Pro Elite Cycling Shorts

[buchanan]

I would not recommend buying First Ascent shorts.  My girlfriend has owned 2 pairs, and while initially comfortable, with both pairs the lycra began to disintegrate within about 9 or 10 months.  The 2nd pair we bought her were their most expensive top of the range ones. Didn't even last 1 year.  Compared with other shorts we've owned (Castelli, Nalini, Craft) First Ascent shorts just have terrible durability.

[gogo@]

Having the same issues with First Ascent unfortunately. Latest round seems even worse lasting not even a year. Am now in the market for something else. How does FA and Craft sizing compare??

[dee_biker]

One word... CIOVITA. R1499

[lechatnoir]

One word... CIOVITA. R1499

 

I would second this as they are very comfy down below... for me, problems exist up above and the straps rub my nipples raw unless i have a baselayer which isn't feasible in summer

[Fruity]

I haven't tried their cycling shorts, but their running pants aren't too bad and nor are their cycling jerseys.

[buchanan]

Having the same issues with First Ascent unfortunately. Latest round seems even worse lasting not even a year. Am now in the market for something else. How does FA and Craft sizing compare??

 

First Ascent just not worth it from our experience. Inferior and not necessarily all that cheap. Spend the extra couple of hundred and get something proper quality that will last.

 

I would think Craft and FA sizing are similar. Some of the Italian brands (definitely Castelli) can be a bit smaller. Eg. I am M Craft bib shorts, but L Castelli.

Craft is closer to SA size branding - ie, slightly larger cut.

[W@nted]

I would second this as they are very comfy down below... for me, problems exist up above and the straps rub my nipples raw unless i have a baselayer which isn't feasible in summer

I have found even kraft bibs is not good for nipples...if riding without a base layer, just gooi some bandaids (ouch during removal) or insulation tape over nipples.

[Stevie G]

Need some advise guys wrt Black Friday sepcials on bibs and shorts

Out of these lot, which ones are the best ito quality.

 

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/castelli-bib-shorts-velocissimo R999

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/castelli-free-aero-bib-shorts R1499

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/pearl-izumi-mens-escape-quest-bib-shorts R679

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/pearl-izumi-mens-journey-shorts R1099

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/pearl-izumi-mens-elite-escape-bib-shorts R1249

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/castelli-bib-shorts-velocissimo R999

https://ciovita.co.za/collections/mens-apparel/products/mns-shorts R699

 

Please give your opinion if you have used the above and which in your opinion is the best of the lot. If you know of any other specials for under 1.5k somewhere else, please lemme know.

 

Used for MTB rides

[steveCPT]

A lot of people said First Ascent bibs are ****. But I bought them and they've been great. 
They sit a lot better than First Ascent cycling pants. 

(Men's Elite) - Can't speak for the cheaper ones in the range. 

[ChrisF]

First Ascent just not worth it from our experience. Inferior and not necessarily all that cheap. Spend the extra couple of hundred and get something proper quality that will last.

 

I would think Craft and FA sizing are similar. Some of the Italian brands (definitely Castelli) can be a bit smaller. Eg. I am M Craft bib shorts, but L Castelli.

Craft is closer to SA size branding - ie, slightly larger cut.

 

Where do one look for Craft and FA ?

 

For my limited riding the First Accent was okay .... but the rides are getting longer, and the leg-ends (rekke) are getting tight ....