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Alé has been tailoring cycling clothing for more than 30 years now and the sewing machines are still clattering away near Verona. The name alone shows that the brand is deeply rooted in racing, as Alé Alé Alé is known to be the exclamation with which cycling fans all over the world cheer on the athletes. The Italians also pay particular attention to cycling clothing specially designed for women and also sponsor some of the best professional women's teams.
In the women's trousers category, Alé is sending the brand new Voltage, which aims to impress with minimised seams and light compression on long distances. The leg ends are completely seamless and have reflective piping on the back for better visibility. The straps also have no seams and are crossed at the back, which should ensure a secure hold and non-slip fit during the ride.
In the seat area, the Alé Voltage uses a special fabric designed to improve grip in the saddle so that bikers can optimise the power they apply to the pedals and slip less in the saddle.
Top fit, most comfortable material
The cut and fit of the Voltage are excellent. The material is comfortable to wear and hugs the thighs with slight tension. Seams are not noticeable anywhere on the trousers. Because the straps cross at the back, they sit securely on the shoulders without slipping. However, the straps are a little tight. Although this keeps the trousers well in place, there is a little more tension on the shoulders.
The leg length is well chosen and neither too long nor too short. However, because Alé has completely dispensed with rubber panelling, the cuffs can slip upwards slightly. We did not notice any positive effect of the Air-Fix-Snake fabric in the seat area. The hold in the saddle is OK but not overly good. On the other hand, the slightly raised waistband on the stomach is very comfortable and wraps the rider nicely. In the crook of the leg, however, the material can bunch up a little when pedalling and cause slight friction.
The Epic12 seat pad is a proprietary development from Alé and offers consistently high support right up to the edges and is wide enough overall to provide good support for the sit bones. In terms of firmness, the cushion is on the softer side. Although it feels comfortable at first, it offers little support in the long run.
Top: Alé offers its trousers in sizes from XXS to 4XL. This means that there really should be a suitable model for riders of every stature.
Alé Voltage - Info and price
- Price174,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight (M): 176 gram
- SizesXXS-4XL
- Made inItaly
- EquipmentSeamless straps and cuffs; reflective
- Special featurespartial compression material
- Upholstery Length/width/hardness: 23.5 / 18 / soft
- Leg length (measured from the trochanter major): 26.5 cm
Evaluation & conclusion
The Alé is identical to the men's model except for the shape of the padding. Here too, the padding is comfortable but not very pressure-resistant. The firm, slightly compressive but soft material is a real treat for the skin. The leg cuffs and straps are almost perfect and among the most comfortable in the test. The trouser legs are a little short in comparison.
Stefan Frey
Editor
