WHEN you read that these are Le Col's fastest pro shorts, there is a temptation to think they will make you faster too.

Sadly, I know this is not the case. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't improve on my best by anything more than a fraction of second.

Thankfully though, this is not the sole reason for buying this bit of kit.

Arguably the most important aspect of any shorts is the padding, after all they can look as good as you like but if they are a pain in the rear to sit upon then they are no good at all.

The padding in these shorts is spot on, enough to make riding comfortable but not too much to make them feel awkward. As I spend more time on my seat than out of it, this was reassuring, knowing that they and I were capable of going the distance.

The shorts are constructed from 80 per cent polymide – a lightweight form of polyester – and 20 per cent elastan, a synthetic fibre known for its elasticity. They look and feel great and recovered their shape well after washing.

The seams have been flat locked to eliminate irritation, a bugbear of some cheaper versions.

My shorts were medium in size and were a good fit for a bloke of my distinctly average size and shape.

The bottom of the legs bear the Le Col name, good if you want to let people know you are up with the latest gear, and are held in place by oversized grippers with intermittent silicone pads. They are capable of holding the legs in place without feeling oppressive while you are riding.

I'll admit, the £150 price tag will put a few people off, but if you can afford the outlay you should reap the benefits over time as the quality construction should ensure they easily outlast cheaper opposition.