7MESH FOUNDATION BRIEF

JULBO FURY REACTIV GLASSES

£45

SPECIFICATION Weight: 40g • Sizes: XS-XXL • Contact: 7mesh.com

Liner shorts underneath baggies add extra cushioning for long days in the saddle. I’m a big fan of them, since cycling-specific liners often also use breathable, wicking and quick-drying materials.

7Mesh’s Foundation undies come with a minimal foam pad that differs from most on the market by only covering bum cheeks, rather than also wrapping up the front, and also has perforations in the groin area for extra ventilation and heat escape. The body-hugging stretchy fit stays put while pulling shapes and the thin fabric resists wetting out.

I’ve always found baggy shorts don’t combine that well with thicker, multilayered pads in road or XC chamois bibs, designed to be worn as a single layer in the exact same riding position for hours. And for this reason, I’ve worn to destruction several thinner-padded Mavic liners that used to come with the brand’s shorts. Despite searching, I have never found a superior replacement. Thankfully, there’s the same unrestrictive and cool all-day comfort from this Foundation brief. Key to its success is how the thinner pad doesn’t bunch up, and also doesn’t need a ‘perfect’ position on the ischium (bum bones) like a road chamois. Combine this with the stretchy material breathing really well around thigh and glute creases and cracks, it stays fresh and reduces chafing. Forty-five quid is as much money as some outer shorts, but having had to break out the surgical spirit and udder creams for saddle sores or dry rot, this 7Mesh

Foundation is a sound candidate for that extra financial investment.

£155

SPECIFICATION Weight: 25g • Contact: lyon.co.uk

French brand Julbo might not be as well-known as some premium rivals, but it’s been making quality eyewear for over 100 years.

This Fury Reactiv is just 25g and has a light-adapting photochromatic lens designed for changeable conditions. It’s lightweight and minimal, but has wide coverage and protection, in the vein of many of the bigger