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Altura Ergofit Windproof Bib Tights With Insert

6
£89.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Not a bad pair of mid-range bibs but a couple of niggles mean they're not quite there yet
Weight: 
311g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

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Altura's Ergofit range is their higher end gear that's attempting to steal a portion of the more enthusiast market. We've had a range of kit on test and so far it's been a bit of a mixed bag; the gloves and gilet came out with good marks while the three-quarters fared less well. So what of the longs?

Construction-wise they share quite a few similarities with the three-quarters, being made of similar fabrics. They're cut very high at the front too but this time you get a zip to help with nature breaks. The mesh upper and straps are comfy, as are the roubaix ankle loops which also adds some warmth. We tested the windproof version of the bibs, with an insert; the windproof panel stretches from the chest down to below the knees to keep chills at bay.

On the bike, they're generally fine. The soft straps don't ever dig in (though they do fold in on themselves from time to time) and the windproof section does a good job of keeping your organs and joints from freezing even on really cold days. The pad is good without being anything particularly special; if you prefer you can get these longs without a pad and wear your favourite shorts underneath but you'll only save a tenner.

Now to the less good stuff. The reflective decals are the iron-on type (save for a sewn-in tab to the rear) and I give them another couple of washes before they start to look pretty tatty. They're already starting to crack and peel. The other sticking point is the seams below the knee, where the windproof panels finish. Some are flatlocked but some aren't, and one of the raised seams rubs up and down the top of my shin with every pedal stroke. Most rides I notice it at the off then forget, but every now and then it'll sneak back into my consciousness to annoy me. It wouldn't take much to flatlock the panels all the way down and save me the mental distress.

The windproof panels are touted as water repellant and they do an okay job of keeping the chill off your knees when it rains, although that's more by dint of being windproof than waterproof; the rest of the bibs aren't any more waterproof than the next pair. These longs are starting to bobble a bit on the seat, too, like the three-quarters did.

Verdict

Not a bad pair of mid-range bibs but a couple of niggles mean they're not quite there yet

road.cc test report

Make and model: Altura Ergofit Windproof Bib Tights With Insert

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. Offering unrivalled fit and protection the Ergofit windproof bib ensures comfort mile after mile in all conditions.

• Pre-shaped ergonomic panel design for a perfect fit in the riding position

• Stretch windproof, water repel panels

• Stretch thermal panels

• High breathe mesh bib with front zip

• Optional proGEL stretch, multi density insert

• Reflective trim

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, with a couple of niggles

Would you consider buying the product? Maybe

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 190cm  Weight: 98kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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