Altura Ergofit Windproof Bibtights - Worth the money?

I bought a pair of these in the early autumn and until quite recently was perfectly happy in my summer set of Gore Bikewear Ozon Bibshorts, but  the weather changed it was time to cover up my knees and lower extremities so on went the Ergofit Windproof Bibtights (with pad) and I went out for a blast on the Jake The Snake cyclocross bike I’d also had languishing almost unused in the garage.

Normally the idea of winter riding fills me with dread as I’d never been warm (and on the odd occasion I’d swear I must have come close to losing the jewels due to frostbite), however, with the Ergofit pad and the windproof material Altura use I’d never been so toastie and snug in the cold. At a reasonably skinny 6`1`` (the midriff is a little more insulated than it used to be!) I opted for a large pair and whilst I can stand upright in them it does feel as if you’ve had the mother of all wedgies. The heavyweight Roubaix style material insulated well and when I (eventually) worked up a sweat they seemed to move the moisture away very quickly leaving me warm, comfortable and feeling capable of tackling some grassy banks on my regular ride around Rutland Water.

Two attempts later and I can also report that my Ergofit tights also withstood sliding about on frozen grass and mud, although my pride was dented as I did manage to fall off in front of a couple of rather attractive ladies walking on the path at the time (why do I always seem to wait until there is an audience before trying something daft?). The pad fits well and stays in the right place even when moving about the bike and the Progel certainly seemed to work, I think that the foot loops are a good idea as they hold the leg material in place and minimise the chance of it twisting. Some may disagree as it is possible that if combined with a tight pair of shoes/winter cycling boots and some Sealskinz socks they just might find them a pain

All in all the Ergofit Bibtights passed my test and for me the price tag of £99.99 (I paid £89.99 through Rutland Cycling) is certainly very reasonable and as such they offer excellent value. Next time I want to purchase another cycling garment I will automatically include Altura in my search.