If you read my review of Bellwether’s Phase jersey you would know how impressed I was with the attention to detail, fabrics and finish. Thankfully this doesn’t end with that one piece, it continues through the line. The Forma Bibshort has the same quality construction and purposeful design as the Phase. Continue on to find out more about this great bibshort.
Starting with fit, the Forma is different than any other short I’ve worn. It uses multiple fabrics including Aenergia which has Power Lycra in it. The panels with Power lycra are strategically wrapped around the quadriceps and comes back towards the glutes. This gives these shorts a very tight and compression-like feel, which is the point. The theory is that when you support the muscles via the fabric, they will be more efficient and help with endurance. I’ll leave the details to the science guys out there, all I will say is that it is certainly a tight fit, but the fabric does move with you on the bike. The Forma also uses their Axial fabric for more movement and breathability. The upper part of the bib fit comfortably over my shoulders and the TechMesh fabric has a nice feel to it. Silicon grippers at the legs kept them from creeping up and bunching. Bellwether’s Physio 3D chamois has multiple densities, three of course, which provided me with a good mix of padding and movement. Small perforations in the chamois allowed for better moisture transfer too. All the seams are flat stitched.
As we all know, the proof of a good bib is in the riding, and the Forma performed very well. It took me some time to get used to the tight feel, but after an hour or so I wasn’t thinking about it anymore and the more I wore them the less I noticed it. Bellwether put a lot of thought into the fabrics and placement of each fabric to give it the right mix of compression and movement. The TechMesh back and shoulders did a great job of keeping me cool, even on the long days in the sun. The Physio chamois provided adequate comfort without feeling bulky and I never felt any chaffing.
Just like the Phase jersey, the Forma comes in at a great bargain price of just $99.99, a steal for a pair of bibs of this quality. Bellwether may not be the flashiest or most high end apparel maker, but with good products like the Forma Bibshort at great pricing, it is a brand you should look at. Find more information at www.profile-design.com
