Originally Posted by
SoSmellyAir
The Pro's Closet has some Mavic bibs at closeout prices; I bought these two:
Mavic Cosmic Ultimate SL Bib Shorts Total Eclips | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)
Mavic Cosmic Bib Shorts Black/White | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)
"Total Eclipse" is Mavic speak for navy blue. Here are my thoughts comparing the two:
1. The fabric of the Ultimate SL is thinner and more compressive than the Cosmic. Although I bought both in the same size (XXL), the Ultimate SL feels marginally tighter.
2. Both bibs are the same overall length, but the leg gripper of the Ultimate SL is a band extending from the leg, while the leg gripper of the Cosmic is a silicon band under the fabric. They provide similar grip.
3. According to the respective product tags, the Ergo 3D Pro chamois of the Ultimate SL and the Ergo 3D Elite chamois of the Cosmic are the same except for the middle layer, which is Ortholite memory foam in the Ultimate SL and Ortholite foam in the Cosmic. Both pads feel the same to my bum.
The Ultimate SL is fancier than the Cosmic but I do not feel that it is worth the current $52.80 difference between them. (I got the Ultimate SL with a $25 coupon, and I am not sure even that smaller difference is justified.)
Both Mavic bibs are much nicer than the Gore C5 bibs (XL) I bought for $100 each a year ago or the Louis Garneau Optimum shorts (XL) I started with a few years ago. The Mavic chamois are firmer and so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing new bibs during my first ride in each.
Does the SL have any silicon at all? I'm allergic to the s**t.
