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review
Tights & longs
Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights
Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights

Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights

9
by themartincox
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 13, 2015

0
£133.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Proper winter gems; hardy, practical and good looking
Weight: 
315g
Contact: 
www.vermarc.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights have become, without doubt, my go-to winter tights. Their level of comfort and weather resistance mean that I'll even do a half load of washing to get them back into circulation again as quickly as possible.

From mild to downright foul weather the Antiventos are outstanding. Well fitting and with a comfortable pad they are able to stand up to most conditions. The material is fleece lined for a comfortable feeling against the skin, while the fabric features a windproof membrane to help keep the heat in. With rides in these down to as low as -6 °C I've been really impressed with how well they have kept the chill at bay.

They are billed as being showerproof, and they do that adequately, but having worn them on more than a few wetter rides of late I've really come to appreciate their ability to resist the rain. After water finally works its way through the material the tights do a cracking job of keeping the legs warm, and curiously I found that my legs felt dry even when they were wet - such was the tights' ability to protect. The melting snow of late has provided plenty of scope for wet spray and the tights have handled it with aplomb, will dirty water just balling up on the surface.

The pad works well, keeping the rider comfortable for hours. I only started to get uncomfortable after more than eight hours into a ride; for normal club rides and sportive-type riding it's more than adequate. There is an infused aloe vera component to the pad to keep things fresh and healthy, and all things considered I do believe it's more than just marketing hype; there wasn't the usual funk after being out in them for the full day.

The tights feature reflective logos for visibility and are also available in fluoro.

For me the only slight downside was the lack of stirrups for feet at the bottom. That's a preference thing for sure, and it's easily rectified with some stitching.

If your bike shop stocks Vermarc, then you should buy a pair of Antivento PRR tights. I've bought an additional pair because they are that darned good.

Verdict

Proper winter gems; hardy, practical and good looking

road.cc test report

Make and model: Vermarc Antivento PRR bib tights

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

For those hardy folk who like/want/have to be out in all weathers and temperatures. With a long distance pad they are billed as providing the best comfort even on the longer rides. In use I think they're quite possibly the best bib-tights I've ever used, at any price point. They're able to sustain warmth and comfort in sub-zero temperatures for 8 hours+ and kept me going throughout the festive 500.

Vermarc says:

Our Bib tights specifically designed for Winter Riding. Retains heat for those coldest condition and high quality fibre that the garments are made of means they are perfect for that brittle and unbearable British Winter weather we've come so accustom to. Long distance padding so they'll remain supremely comfortable no matter how long you are out on the bike for.

Racing Fit: Cycling garments designed with an aerodynamic slim fit forming a second skin that makes every movement natural and comfortable

Heat Retention: Fabrics with a polar fleece inner for that extra warm feeling containing a unique combination of wind and waterproof membrane which is ideal for heat retention.

Windproof: 2 layer fabric with hydropholic membrane that ensures resistance to wind and light rain while maintaining a high level of breathability.

Flatlock Stitching: The use of flat stitches avoid friction and irritation to the skin.

Visibility: The garments have reflective logos, strips or are available in a fluorescent colour to increase safety when riding.

Silicone Strip: Silicone strips are used in the hem to prevent the jersey from riding up.

Antibacterial: The use of fabrics with carbon fibre prevents the body from absorbing static energy and UV rays. The structure of the fabric accelerates evaporation of moisture which keeps the skin dry and cool.

Extreme Weather: The Garments are made of a high quality technological fibres with advanced treatments for active protection against extreme rain, wind and cold conditions.

Long distance Padding

For Men

Suitable for Winter Riding: 8 Deg and below

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Ergonomic design

Fleece fabric

Windproof Front panels

Internal silicone elastic

Ankle zips

Long Distance shammy

The outermost layer of the shammy utilises a special Nylon microfibre that incorporates Aloe Vera. The Aloe Vera component is not a treatment, but is permanently incorporated into the material during the manufacturing process, so that the benefits will not wash out or fade over time.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

No dropped threads, everything looks neat and tidy and held up well.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

Fantastic piece of kit. Able to cope with the worst weather we've just received and still keep me riding in comfort.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

No issues at all.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10

For rides of less than 8hrs the pad was great, as to be expected past 8 hours (in negative C temps) a little more shifting on the saddle was needed.

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

I consciously look to see if I can wash it again to be able to use it quickly.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Magnificently, against cold, rain, and wind it was a fantastic garment, coping admirably with the conditions.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Staying dry for 10 hours despite constant road spray.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Ankle loops wouldn't go amiss.

Did you enjoy using the product? Very much so.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, I did.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Absolutely.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A great piece of kit, my new standard for winter tights.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 176cm  Weight:

I usually ride: Rapide RC4, Raleigh SP Race, Hoffman BMX  My best bike is: Rapide RC4

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Adventure-packing, crossing-countries

 

Vermarc Antivento PRR
Vermarc 2015
Vermarc

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