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review

Altura Ergofit 3/4 bib knicker

6
£69.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Irritating flaws mean these aren't up to Altura's usual standards
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

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At first glance these Altura Ergofit bibs look like a typical pair in the mid-range price bracket. Quality gel pad? Check. Reflective patches? Check. Flashes of colour? Check. Sadly, once you put them on, things start to go downhill.

The first thing you notice is that getting in requires a bit of a wiggle as the mesh upper section is cut very high. This gives a little extra warmth but also means that stopping for a wee is even more of a trial than usual.

The silicone leg grippers are almost non-existent, just some tiny Altura logos, and they simply don't do the job. I have proper fat boy randonneur calves, that is to say they're chunky and have all the elegance of a boiled ham. Even so, the legs occasionally popped up over the top of them, which is annoying.

What was even more disconcerting was the way the pad folded itself in half and made itself known to my most intimate crevice whenever I got out of the saddle to honk uphill. Oh, and the reflective patches are the stick-on type and they're already starting to come loose at the edges. As a final grumble, the Lycra is starting to bobble where it has rubbed on the saddle.

On the plus side, the pad is comfortable enough while in the saddle and the brushed fleece lining is cosy and warm.

All in all, none of the flaws is fatal in its own right, but combined they add up to a piece of kit that irritates more than it pleases.

WIth Altura what you lose in panache and flair you usually gain in quality and reliability. I'd like to say that these Ergofit 3/4s uphold that reputation but sadly they have too many flaws. My favourite 3/4s are the Endura FS260 Pro bibknickers I tested last year which are the same price as the Alturas but spank them for quality, fit and performance.

Verdict

Hard to recommend these - too many irritating flaws.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Altura Ergofit 3/4 bib knicker

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Ergofit garments are constructed in a multi panel, pre-shaped design, sculpted to fit in the riding position using the highest quality fabrics for no compromise performance. Mid weight stretch bib 3/4s provide warmth where you need it most over the thigh and upper calf without any restriction."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Not really - too many niggles

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 5ft 8in  Weight: 86kg

I usually ride: GT Rave - singlespeed conversion  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,

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1 comments

Avatar
amazon22 | 13 years ago
0 likes

For £70 I don't want irritating flaws! Have to agree that the Endura's are a great piece of kit for the same money, but not warm enough at the moment - using the Endura Thermolite 3/4's for chilly stuff and Thermolite Pro Biblong Tights which for £71 are toasty warm at the moment. Altura's budget stuff is great for what it is but the competition on the next rung up is fierce.

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