Bontrager Commuting WSD Knicker

That's knicker as in three-quarter length cycling trousers. They're a godsend for the commuter, tourer or recreational cyclist, combining a relaxed look with long-term riding comfort - when they're well designed. Bontrager's Commuting WSD Knicker looks to be just that.

They're made from a tough but super stretchy fabric, treated with a bamboo charcoal finish for improved odour management. The utilitarian design is easy to wear and should please all but the girliest of cyclists. The waistband is broad and largely seam free, with internal waist adjustment and external belt loops (more for style than anything), and it fastens with a button and zip.

There is a variety of pockets, including two patch pockets at the rear with silicone to secure the contents, two deep front slanting pockets, and a pretty generous security pocket inside one of these that fastens with a press stud and is shaped to happily accommodate and secure a wallet or smartphone. There's also a small zipped thigh pocket.

The knees are articulated to allow for knee bend while pedalling, and there are reflective accents at the bottom of the leg and on the rear pockets. There's no liner short, so it's up to you whether to wear one or not; there's plenty of room for one in the cut. In essence, they appear to have all the features you could wish for.

They look good too. If you don't like the slight military air of the khaki/brown colourway, they are also available in black. The cut is flattering and the stretch content makes them sit well, while the pockets are unobtrusive and don't spoil the lines.

On the bike, they move well with the body, with the stretch fabric meaning no binding on the thighs at all. The fit is good, and the adjustment afforded by the internal waist adjuster is excellent, making for a really fine-tuned fit at the waist. The soft-shell fabric repels water sufficiently to see off showers and should cope with the worst of winter road grot, while inside it's comfortable next to skin and manages moisture well. Riding in them was an absolute pleasure, and off the bike they were low key enough to walk about in.

There really was only one problem with them, and that was the length of the leg. At 5ft 5in and with a 31in inside leg I'm not the tallest, but by no means short in the leg. These came to beyond mid-calf length and just brushed the chain with every pedal stroke. It was irritating when riding, and more so afterwards as they acquired a permanent light coating of chain oil, which looked messy and could make them wear quicker. If they were 1 or 2cm shorter, they would be almost perfect.

Verdict

Versatile, practical and laid back. Almost perfect except for being a tiny bit too long