Alé Sprinter Bib Shorts and Jersey Review

The Italian brand Alé Cycling, recognized for its expertise and commitment to high-level cycling by supplying equipment to several national federations (including the French team) and professional teams, offers a range of cycling apparel combining style, innovation, and functionality. Among its flagship products, the Sprinter bib shorts and jersey stand out as prime choices for racers and sportive riders seeking performance and comfort, particularly suited for long distances. We tested this outfit for several weeks.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

Founded in Verona, Italy, Alé Cycling draws on almost 40 years of experience in manufacturing cycling apparel. Alé combines passion, technology, and collaboration with professional teams, such as Groupama-FDJ or the French Cycling Federation, to offer cutting-edge innovative products. Each piece, from bib shorts to jersey, is manufactured in Europe with attention to detail and strict quality standards.

The Alé Sprinter Bib Shorts: Comfort and Ergonomics

The Alé Sprinter bib shorts are designed to offer optimal support during prolonged rides, whether for training or competition. These bib shorts embody Alé’s expertise in ergonomic design and high-quality materials.

The bib shorts are equipped with a padded insert featuring special foam perforation for increased breathability. The central shape of the chamois pad ensures comfort over long distances, reducing pressure points on the saddle. The Intense10 pad has a thickness of 10 mm, as its name suggests, and a density of 120 kg/m3. According to the brand, it is designed for rides longer than eight hours. Plenty of endurance.

Made with compressive and breathable fabrics, as well as raw-cut leg endings, it perfectly conforms to the cyclist’s body shape. The cut is designed to adapt to body movements in the pedaling position, with strategically placed panels for graduated compression. Micro-perforations at the back of the bib shorts, combined with ultra-light straps, help keep you cool longer.

On the Road with the Alé Sprinter Bib Shorts

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Sprinter bib shorts are designed for long, yet quite “committed” rides. The materials used offer significant compression and thus very good muscle support. They are also pleasant, thin, and breathable.

Although quite thick, the insert is not too intrusive between the legs and doesn’t feel like wearing a diaper. It is primarily positioned to offer protection more towards the front, which enhances comfort in an aerodynamic, rather low posture on the cockpit.

The silicone grippers at the bottom of the legs can make the bib shorts a bit difficult to put on, especially since the fabric is quite thin and seems a bit fragile. It’s better to dress with caution. But once worn, the bib shorts are very comfortable and feel like a second skin. The support is never restrictive, even if I find the legs a bit long.

The Sprinter bib shorts are ideal for cyclists who prioritize comfort and performance. Their careful design ensures freedom of movement and optimal protection. Over the kilometers, they literally make you forget you’re wearing them, and that’s precisely the primary quality expected from such a product.

The Sprinter Jersey: Lightweight and Performance

When designing the Sprinter jersey, Alé chose perfectly breathable fabrics. The ergonomic cut ensures a second-skin fit. However, it’s important to note that wearing the jersey is never restrictive, and you never feel constricted. The sleeves are raw-cut, with patterns to enhance aerodynamics. Like the legs of the bib shorts, they are quite long.

The jersey features a quick-drying fabric that rapidly wicks away sweat. A mesh fabric is used under the armpits for additional cooling, and the back of the jersey benefits from a fabric with woven carbon fibers that offers antistatic and antibacterial properties.

The hem at the back of the jersey features a silicone-lined elastic to ensure optimal positioning, both in the saddle and off the bike. The Sprinter is completed with three rear pockets and a discreetly zippered pocket. Strategically placed reflective details for better visibility on the road are a major asset.

Its modern cut with a low collar is perfect for hot summer and late spring days, but it is not ideal for pairing with an undershirt, which can easily show around the neck.

A Very High-End Outfit

The Alé Sprinter outfit is a very high-end, elegant, and well-finished kit, featuring numerous functionalities to ensure comfort and performance on long, intense summer rides. Its cut, materials, and ventilation make it a highly suitable ensemble for long summer outings. As for the quality of the bib shorts’ insert, there is no doubt after several long rides.

This Alé outfit is, however, rather expensive, with bib shorts at 209 € and a jersey at 154 €. In addition to the high price, we regret that the bib shorts are only available in one color (black) and the jersey in three colors. In our opinion, a neutral color version is missing.