Bellwether has been around a long time, though it lacks the cache of some of your other name brands. I can tell you, this is unwarranted. I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane (the friend who introduced me to cycling wore Bellwether when I was a kid, some 35 years ago). So I tried the Volta, because I was going through bibs and shorts at an alarming rate,putting on over 7500 miles this year on my road bike. I was just hoping, since they were a bit less expensive than Giordana or the Castelli kit I typically ride (I like those brands,a closet so full of it it's starting to bug my wife).
The Bellwether Voltas are really top notch, and I immediately bought a second pair. Got a great deal on them at Performance, too. The construction is just as good as any Rosso Corsa-line Castelli. I am a little guy, 5'7", 153, medium build; I'm no pro-tour waif. They fit super comfortably, and the leg bands hold well. The shoulder straps are soft, and sized properly, not like some brands where they really pull hard. Some shoulder straps are so harsh, they really get in the way. These are wide, lightweight, smooth. In short, I'm a Bellwether rider now.
The chamois is pro-line all the way, super thick, super in every way. My only complaint is that it is a bit too plentiful, maybe too wide, but most mediums got bigger asses than me, so they will love it.
All around, these are as well-made as anything I've got in my kit. I'm so glad I took a chance on Bellwether. They remind me a lot of the Bontrager shorts I just bought, which are sized huge in medium, big enough for a beast of a man.
On the flip side, Castelli is always really tight, especially in the first few miles.
DON'T HESITATE to get these shorts. They are as good as anything on the market. Why pay three times as much for a fancy Swiss brand when you can get something JUST AS GOOD and headquartered here in sunny Southern California. LOVE THESE BIBS!
