Endura Pro SL Biblong

Endura's Pro SL Biblongs are excellent: they're windproof, fit superbly, and the pad comes in three widths, offering a little customisation.

At the core of the longs is the four-way stretch windproof, breathable fabric with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish front and seat panels. This panelling of fabrics gives the longs a very comfortable fit. On the bike, they fitted me perfectly with no bunching of material at the back of the knee.

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The windproofing is very effective and kept me nice and toasty down below zero. The density of the fabric is brilliant and results in no cold spots where the material is stretched. With others, my knees can get quite stiff in the cold; no such problems here.

Endura has included Thermolite rear panels with DWR finish to 'provide insulation and comfort'. Windproofing isn't as important on the back of your legs, so this is an area that allows a little more breathability. A little water resistance, on the other hand, can be very useful, especially if you don't use mudguards. For the most part, I used these with mudguards, so the only water to hit the DWR fabric were splashes and a little rain, and it coped easily with no water getting through. The real test came when I was warming up for a cyclo-cross race: I caked the legs and rear section in really wet mud and can happily say they weren't troubled by that either.

The pad is something that Endura has looked at as an individual component rather than a 'one size fits all' solution. The 700 Series pad is computer cut with a 'continuously variable profile' (CVP). The pad features an antibacterial finish and is available in three widths. My test pair came with the medium width pad which fitted well (for reference, I use a Specialized Toupe saddle in the 143mm width), with a firm, supportive core. The channelling meant I experienced no folds in the pad and the fabric remained soft after several washes.

Towards the top of the bib longs, Endura has added a lot of 'supportive cosy-touch' fabric to complement the close-knit Lycra mesh that makes up the back panel and straps. There is also a handy front zipper to assist those mid-ride pee stops. With no fabric backing the zipper, I was concerned that it would get very cold and possibly also cause irritation, but had no issues, and in fact didn't even notice it was there.

Rear-facing reflective strips on the ankle aid visibility – a good place to put some shiny material, I think, as the pedalling motion helps highlight you, especially if the car behind has its headlights dipped.

Endura is so confident in its bib longs that it offers a 90-day 'Comfort Guarantee'. Don't like them after the best part of three months? Take 'em back. That also gives you a great amount of time to test them for wear. Ours have been washed many times (but not tumble dried; I've ruined too many water resistant coatings in the pursuit of faster drying) and are faring well. Left to hang, they will dry overnight.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling bib tights

Although £139.99 is a lot to invest in Lycra, when you consider the performance of the tights I would say it's okay value. They are £40 more than dhb's Aeron Deep Winter tights, while Castelli's NanoFlex Pro Bibtights are £150.

The Endura Pro SL Biblongs are really, really good. The basics of fit and fabric are spot on, and they perform superbly, even in the nastiest conditions. If you can afford them, they're worth it.

Verdict

Windproof, water resistant and thermal with brilliant fit, enhanced by the pad width options