As their name implies, Altura children’s winter cruiser tights are scaled down versions of the adult longs. Looser cut and double seat means they transcend the road, mtb and cross genres while timeless and ultra practical black peppered with Scotchlite reflectives keeps them neutral enough for running, football and similar activities.

However, being all things to all people means an element of compromise. Draw-string closures don’t afford the vital organs the same degree of weather protection as bib types (although In fairness, the waist offers sufficient protection to the lower back and vital organs with a jersey and drop-tail shell); and while the internal butt pocket might be useful off the bike; I have it on good authority that, given a few miles, loose change or keys become painfully intrusive.

Polyester mightn’t be exotic but better grades such as this ensure affordable warmth and breathability whereas the water-repellent membrane ensures a comfortable inner climate capable of withstanding the inevitable thrills and spills of spirited riding most of us recall from childhood. Fit is what might be termed parent friendly, snug enough to be prevent chafing, yet sufficiently generous to serve more than a season. Elasticated waists aren’t ideal for hunkering low on the drops but in practice means impromptu roadside comfort stops are less traumatic and in my experience young protégés find foot stirrups less frustrating than ankle zippers.

Both looser cut and styling went down very well with Joshua who reports greater freedom of movement whether hopping on and off the bikes, running back to retrieve plastic aliens or simply clambering over stiles. The thick fleece and water-repellent membrane have been more than a match for freezing late December drizzle, keeping him warm and chirpy over long periods and at moderate cadences-this becomes especially important for children on tag-alongs need to be encouraged to save energy for the climbs.

Verdict

Extremely versatile winter tights for younger riders

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Altura Children’s Winter Cruiser tights

Size tested: 7-9

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?

"Childrens thermal tights ideal for cycling or any outdoor activity"

Excellent choices for winter cycling,yet versatile enough for running and even football.

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

Did you enjoy using the product? My son did

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

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: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,