Madison RoadRace Optimus Softshell knee warmers

Madison's unisex RoadRace Optimus Softshell knee warmers are great for autumn through to spring. Their water-resistant fabric makes them perfect for the inclement British weather. Like the RoadRace Optimus Softshell arm warmers, rain beads on the surface and rolls off and the softshell material prevents wind chill. Likewise, they live up to Madison's claims of 'waterproof fabric' – it would take a heavy downpour before they soaked through – which is surprisingly breathable.

The warmers are a generous length, reaching midway down my calf, and the four-way stretch fabric means they are easy to pull on. They are anatomically cut for each leg; you can tell which is left and right by the reflective logo on the outside calf. As with the arm warmers, they are constructed from multiple panels, five in total including a thin Lycra panel behind the knee to reduce sweatiness. All seams are flatlock stitched and didn't irritate at all.

So far so great, but I had an issue with the fit. It would appear these unisex warmers are designed for riders with slim upper legs in mind, which makes them ideal for wiry whippets but not so good for those of us with more 'womanly' thighs. Despite the size chart indicating I was a size small, the thigh band was way too tight so I sized up to a medium. This was a lot more comfy but then meant they were a bit baggy around the knee, so I was sporting fetching Nora Batty wrinkles.

The broad leg band (over 2.5in wide) is made from a single piece of Lycra doubled over. While it's comfortable and prevents ugly thigh bulge, I found it rolled down both when on the bike and walking around, despite the silicone gripper. This was only a cosmetic annoyance though as the knee warmers themselves didn't slip, thanks to the snug fit on the thigh.

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These Optimus knee warmers are compatible with Madison men's RoadRace Optimus thermal bib shorts, which have silicone leg grippers compatible with the silicone print on the outside of the warmers' leg bands.

Aside from my baggy-knee fit, which won't be an issue for many riders, these are a versatile and well-made pair of warmers that I'd consider an essential in my riding wardrobe – who wants cold, wet knees? They are good value and you can find them a couple of quid cheaper online even.

Verdict

Comfortable, quality, water-resistant unisex knee warmers for very reasonable money