Katusha Sports today launched the Katusha Superlight Grid Bibshorts. The bib shorts will be launched alongside the already available standard Superlight bib shorts.Born out of Igor Makarov's pro team sponsorship in 2016, the sportswear brand is currently a sponsor of the men's World Tour team "Israel Startup Nation" and the women's continental team "Bigla Katusha."

The Cycling News technical team had the opportunity to test the new Superlight Grid bib shorts in action a few weeks ago, along with Katusha's carryover Superlight jersey.

The standout difference between the old and new is the added grid technology in the legs. The woven construction is designed to improve breathability and reduce weight without sacrificing durability.

New armadillo padding was also employed, which, according to Katusha, features a softer, 3D structured front section that increases cup volume and improves comfort.

The shorts inherit laser-cut integrated edge bib straps, designed to fit flat against the skin, and laser-cut vent holes for improved ventilation. Happily, the vents are positioned to form the Katusha logo on the bib strap and the typical giant K that has become familiar on the backs of Katusha-Alpecin riders.

Although my time with the Katusha Superlight Grid bib shorts was limited, my initial impressions were positive after riding 80 km in them and cycling the equivalent of 40 km indoors on a turbo trainer wearing the Superlight jersey. The laser-cut bib straps require a bit of straightening compared to sewn-on straps, but the results are as comfortable and flat as advertised.

The pads are also comfortable, but the majority of their thickness is located much further back (than usual) and the front of the pad is only about an inch wide. This is noticeably thinner than the average width of the competitors at hand (i.e. Rapha and Kalas), which averages 2-3 inches.

While most of our time was spent in a relaxed pace and relaxed position, it is unclear how bib shorts would fare for athletes in more aggressive positions or time triallists, as Katusha's sponsoring team, Israel Startup Nation's preferred choice, we assume well enough.

Katusha's 37.5 technology jerseys are designed to keep the body at an ideal core temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius and the microclimate next to the skin at an ideal relative humidity of 37.5%.

According to Katusha, here's how it works:

"When hot, patented active particles embedded in the material cool the body by removing sweat in the vapor phase, before liquid sweat forms. When cold, the same active particles trap energy and warm the body."

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The Super Light Jersey has yet to be run in real conditions because it is February and, as of this writing, it is snowing outside the Cycling News headquarters. However, during a one-hour medium-intensity Zwift session, my body temperature remained comfortable and stable, suggesting excellent ventilation.

Katusha also offers the Allure series for women, which uses the same technology and fits women specifically; the Allure bib shorts use Katusha's Armadillo Women pads. Available with crossed straps and a women's shape, Katusha claims that they are "specifically designed for the female form for maximum comfort."

Originally for two days, Katusha has extended the campaign: Cyclingnews

Men's Superlight Grid Bib Shorts: €200.00

Women's Allure Bib Shorts: €180.00

Men's Super Light Jersey: €140.00

Women's Allure Jersey: €140.00