At a glance An excellent, comfortable high viz option for winter that keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when you're hot
Tested by
Matt Swaine
Performance
Winter 2009-2010 is certainly one of the coldest I have ever
regularly cycled through. For the last four years my response to
winter was to stick on a pair of summer 3/4 length shorts and then
layer over the top with a pair of thermal running tights. The
result was relatively warm but bulky layering system that was a
time consuming faff trying to wrestle it all on at home time.
This year I was asked to try out a pair of these windproof bib
tights and my cycling went through a quiet revolution. These are
"constructed in a multi-panel design, sculpted to fit the riding
position" according to Altura. They certainly feel exceptionally
well-fitted and seem to hold you in a good riding position. So
suddenly rather than bulky layers, I am hacking to work in a sleek
outfit that doesn't restrict my cycling and fits me
perfectly.
My main concern was warmth but the windproofing here works
exceptionally well and keeps me warm enough for the first really
frosty half hour of my morning ride thanks to the stretch
windproof, water repel WindtexTM front panels which hold
off rain and wind pretty well and the fleecy inner, which is just
very comfortable. When the rain does strike, the trouser area seems
to shed most of it, so rather than arriving soaking wet (and
therefore very cold) I have stayed remarkably dry. I used to carry
a pair of waterproof trousers around as well, but they've been
taken out of my bag thanks to these trousers.
And then on the second half hour of my morning ride, when the sun
is higher and I'm really starting to move, these bibs are able to
keep me remarkably cool. That's thanks to the mesh body area panel
that can move sweat efficiently away from your chest and back to
keep you cool and prevent uncomfortable moisture build up inside
your clothing.
The bibs come with a "Progel stretch, multi-density insert" to keep you comfortable even after a good few hours in the saddle. Two other padded shorts I tend to ride in tend to fold in 'awkward' areas, which means that after a week of cycling I can develop some nasty saddle sores, but these are exceptionally comfortable and I'm going to be loathed to give them up when spring finally arrives.
And on top of all that, excellent reflective areas on the leg aid visibility at night, which is absoultely essential when your ride home takes you along dark country roads. I was overtaken by another cyclist the other night (look... I was having a bad day!) who remarked on just how well all those reflective areas lit up, which was hugely reassuring. Basically, a great option for winter and one you won't want to give up when summer finally arrives.
Buy from www.evanscycles.com
Altura says:
Constructed in a multi panel design, sculpted to fit in the riding position. The Reflex Ergo Fit windproof bib tight offers unrivalled fit and protection from the elements for the performance rider.
- Pre-shaped, ergonomic panel design for a perfect fit in the riding position
- Stretch windproof, water repel Windtex front panels
- Vuelta thermal panels
- Reflective trim
- Progel stretch, multi density insert
- 100% Polyester (Shell 1)
- 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane (Shell 2)
Find out more www.zyro.co.uk
