Altura Attack Waterproof Shorts

Altura's Attack Waterproof Shorts are shorts, and they're waterproof. So no surprises there. They're a well-made and dependable extra layer of protection for when you want to keep your bum dry. Which is always, right?

If you have a winter bike then it's likely it has mudguards. You might not have a winter bike with mudguards though, or you might like to go mountain biking or lane-bashing on a 'cross bike. Whatever: if you're out in the rain and/or mud without 'guards then these Attack shorts are a definite bonus for keeping you dry and comfortable in the saddle.

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They're constructed from React™ 3-layer fabric, which means they're fully lined on the inside and you could conceivably wear them without Lycra underneath. I wouldn't really recommend that, though, as the hems tend to rub on the tops of your legs when you're riding and it's better for them to be sliding across undershorts than your bare skin. Also, when I wore them about the office for a day (purely for research purposes, of course, not because I forgot my trousers) I did find them a bit clammy after a while, even though the fabric is pretty breathable.

Fit-wise they're roomy for the stated size but you can cinch in the waist using two Velcro straps at the rear, so they're easy to adjust. Once you're out on the bike you soon filter out the swish-swish of the hems and with flat, taped seams all round they're pretty comfy.

They're very waterproof, too. Nothing got through the fabric, or the waterproof pocket zips, during a two-hour ride in a proper deluge. The rain soaked the legs of my Lycra shorts and that water worked its way up a little inside, but my chamois stayed dry throughout.

They got pretty muddy in the lanes too, but slinging them in the machine on a cool wash didn't do them any harm. It'll be a good idea to give them a water-repellent treatment once in a while such as Nikwax to get the water beading off them, but they don't require a lot of care.

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Mostly, I've been impressed. If you ride in the rain without mudguards, or you're planning any epic winter rides where even mudguards might not keep you dry, they're an excellent extra layer of protection. They're windproof too, so they keep the chill off your nether regions too. They're best with Lycra underneath, and if you're slim it might be best to size down.

Verdict

Very good waterproof shorts that keep the rain and chills away