Endura Luminite Tights

Endura's Luminite Tights sit somewhere between traditional lycra cycling tights and Ronhill Tracksters. They're multipurpose tights, meant for both cycling and running, so they have a looser fit and no seat pad. They're also emblazoned with reflective detailing from thigh to calf, as you might expect from the name. Because they're so reflective Endura pitch them as commuter tights, although you might use them for any kind of cycling.

Some cycling tights fit like a second skin. They can be a fight to get on (involving hopping about or sitting down as you thread your feet through narrow leg openings), and a fight to get off (peeling them off inside out is sometimes the only way). In comparison, the Endura Luminites feel bizarrely loose and lacking in elastication. They're not baggy or flappy, just a lot less 'ballet dancer'. At first this felt odd. The more I wore them, the more I liked them. They're airier to wear and they don't cling indecently when you get off the bike.

Since there's no seat pad, you'll want to wear them over padded lycra shorts. That's okay: we've all got those. If anything, it's more comfortable because padded shorts fit snugly against the body. Padded tights sometimes sag a little in the seat even when you've spent a while hoiking each leg up. A saggy seat can catch on the saddle or allow friction where you don't want it.

The material - a nylon, polyester, and elastane mix called Xtract - is very thin for cycling tights. These are not winter tights for sub-zero conditions. Yet I wore them throughout an admittedly mild December with no discomfort. The thin material means that these tights are light and packable; you could fit them in a large seatpack. They dry quickly too, partly because the fabric is so thin and partly because these tights have a less figure-hugging fit.

There's a small zipped pocket at the waist for a key or a few coins. Waist and ankle cuffs are elasticated. There are no silicone grippers or foot stirrups, but the tights didn't ride up or down appreciably. They're a bit loose-fit for racing. If you just want something to pull over your skin shorts to stop your legs getting chilled when you're commuting, touring, or riding recreationally, these will do the job well. For milder conditions, I preferred them to my heavier-weight, padded Altura Night Vision Waist Tights. Endura make a women's version too.

Verdict

Lightweight, looser-fitting tights with no seat pad but loads of reflectivity