Altura Peloton Night Vision Windproof Bib Tights

Altura's Peloton NightVision Windproof bib tights are great for chilly temperatures, especially after dark when those reflectives come into play. You definitely need to try before you buy, though, because their Ergofit cut isn't for everyone.

The Peloton NightVisions are basically the company's most popular selling tights with added reflective detailing, to make you more visible in the dark by bouncing back light from following or oncoming cars.

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The reflectives are well positioned without looking too 'safety product', with a couple of long strips down the rear of the thighs and two more on the calves. Perfect for highlighting the cycling movement of your legs to following drivers.

For side-on visibility there are two more strips which start near the buttocks, passing around the outside of the thigh until they stop just above the knee. Again, it's well thought out to make you more visible from various angles at junctions and on roundabouts.

On busy A roads the tights give you a certain level of confidence, working alongside whatever lighting you are using to increase your visibility.

Compared with the regular Pelotons, the model I'm testing here has the thigh panels replaced with Altura's own Shield material, a fabric designed to resist wind and, to a certain extent, rain. It has a shinier and slightly less stretchy feel to it compared with the rest of the leg, which is made from a material called Thermo for insulation.

The weather might be getting warmer, but on a clear evening temperatures are still dropping to 2 or 3°C. Not that you'd notice when wearing the Pelotons – they really do keep you warm, with your thighs noticeably toastier riding into a chilly headwind. Drizzle and road spray from passing vehicles is also kept at bay.

The overall build quality is good too, with tight seams and a tidy finish.

As a commuter, I was always a big fan of Altura's NightVision range for the winter months, using the jackets and plenty of pairs of bib tights. That was a few years ago though, and unfortunately, ever since Altura started using its Ergofit cut I've found the fit far from ideal.

On paper the mediums tested should fit spot on, but in reality they come up quite small. The main problem is the restrictive leg diameter; I'm no Chris Hoy, but my thighs and calves are on the large size – not exactly rare for a cyclist.

With the tights about halfway up my thighs, I knew things were going to be snug, with the less stretchy Shield fabric not helping matters. Once I had the bib straps hauled up into place I was left with the crotch and pad sitting about two inches below where it needed to be. There was still some bunching in the legs, so after another five minutes of stretching and tugging, things were finally in position – even though everything felt very restrictive.

I wouldn't say it's a sizing issue, because once I could get them on, the leg length, torso length and waist size are all pretty good (it's Ash in the pictures, not me – I'm a bit shorter than him); it's just an odd cut, especially considering it's supposed to use 3D patterning to benefit a rider's position.

On the bike and things don't improve. The tights didn't really move with me, especially with regards to leg rotation while pedalling. It made for some long-feeling test rides, when you notice every single pedal revolution.

> Check out our guide to the best bib tights and trousers

On the plus side, the Progel pad is actually very good with its channels and gel padded sections offering comfort and support; the trouble was, I didn't spend very much time actually sitting right on it, it always seemed to be floating around underneath me.

Overall, if they fit you I think you'll be very happy with the Pelotons. Their performance is ideal for chilly weather, the pad is rather good, plus the reflectives do a very good job of making you seen.

Something that may still deter you, though, is the price. The Windproof version costs £89.99, £10 more than the standard version, and when you compare them with something like Dhb's brilliant ASV Roubaix bibs (RRP £80) there is just no real contest – the Dhbs offer a superior fit and a non-restrictive range of movement, and superior comfort even if they lack the windproofing of the Pelotons – they were still just as warm thanks to the fleeced Roubaix material.

Verdict

A great pad and well positioned reflectives for the night rider, but try before you buy for fit