Vulpine El Toro bib shorts vs Howies Leadout bib short

[enas]

The title says it all... I'm in the market for decently good bib shorts that are decently priced. I've come down to this shortlist:
http://www.vulpine.cc/uk/mens/bib-shorts-tights/hoy-vulpine-men-s-el-toro-bib-short-in-black
http://www.howies.co.uk/mens/clothing/cycle/men-s-bib-short.html
I like them both: they get both very good reviews, they're both plain black, they're similarly priced (I've 20% off any Vulpine order).
The Vulpine seems to have better straps and probably a better pad, but many people complain that the pad is placed too far back. On the Howies one, I like that there are no grippers, and I like the texture and colour (more matt). It could be a bit too warm for hot summer days though (I'm lucky enough to be cycling in the south of France on summers), and maybe not as good value as the Vulpine ones with the 20% discount.

On a completely subjective note, I think the Howies look a bit more fun, the Vulpine ones have a bit of a middle-aged bourgeois feel to it, although not in a Rapha-esque annoying way -- no trolling intended, just stating my own tastes. On an equally frivolous aspect, I like to match jerseys and shorts, and there again I think Howies are a bit more fun, and Vulpine seems to be cut large from the reviews I've read.

Can you help me make a choice? Do you have any experience with any of these?

Thanks!

 

[mythste]

Had the el toros for a few weeks now. Pad is in an odd position when not in the saddle and thus really accentuates your pride (or lack therof). Makes a lot more sense when you're 30+ miles in though. Really great quality pad and all round very comfortable.

Vulpine after sales has been absolutely stellar for me as well, I had a niggle on a soft shell jacket I'd had for about 9 months and after seeing a photo, they sent me a new one within the week. Very impressed.

 

[enas]

Had the el toros for a few weeks now. Pad is in an odd position when not in the saddle and thus really accentuates your pride (or lack therof). Makes a lot more sense when you're 30+ miles in though. Really great quality pad and all round very comfortable.

Yes this came in pretty much any review I've read. A bit off-putting I have to say, which is odd when you think you hardly wear lycra for the looks.

Vulpine after sales has been absolutely stellar for me as well, I had a niggle on a soft shell jacket I'd had for about 9 months and after seeing a photo, they sent me a new one within the week. Very impressed.

Yes I've a small but decent collection of their stuff (mostly from their "look good when off the bike" stuff), and their customer service has always been top when I've needed it. I suppose that's part of what you pay, and a reason for me to stay loyal to them.

 

[mythste]

Yes this came in pretty much any review I've read. A bit off-putting I have to say, which is odd when you think you hardly wear lycra for the looks.

I'm not ashamed to say I've adopted a "tuck away" when off the bike and a quick re-arrange just before I hit the saddle!