Anna's Legs

Marking the return of Anna Glowinski to the arena of women's cycle clothing, Anna's Legs are a new project in conjunction with specialist women's retailer Velovixen. These full length cycling tights are a high quality, high style option for cycling comfort.

When these arrived in their own characteristically design-led cardboard box, it was obvious they were designed to be a cut above the average cycling tights. The relatively lightweight fabric and full-length design means they are suitable for year-round use, for both on and off-road (with or without baggy shorts over the top) and for those who just prefer a bit more coverage.

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The fabric is a high tech synthetic blend and feels extremely robust, with a flattering, slightly matt finish, if a tad revealing… (Tass, who modelled them for the pics, was less enamoured – saying she hadn't realised her knees were quite so knobbly.) The rear of the waist is cut high with a short section of gripper tape to avoid unseemly builder's bum on the bike, but it's flat at the front so doesn't cut in. The chamois is a top notch women-specific CyTech pad.

Elasticated ankles keep everything in place and reflective accents help low-light visibility. But the most exciting thing about these tights has to be the bright colours and funky patterns, including the stars that Anna is well known for.

For me, there was an issue with length. The tights are on the long side for an average height woman (I'm pretty spot on average at 5ft 5in). Even with some of the stretch of the fabric going into larger than average thighs, there was excess at the ankles, making it slightly tricky to get the tights to fit 'just right' without some wrinkles. The waistband took some getting used to as well, with its height at the back, but was comfortable to wear on the bike. I also found the ankles awkward to get on over my feet, but OK once on, although Tass thought they were very (too) tight at the ankles.

On the bike, I found the tights pleasantly unobtrusive, with the fabric wicking moisture well, although I did find them overwarm in summer conditions. This is where I'd suggest that perhaps 3/4 tights might have been a more versatile option for a single style range, suited to more conditions and also to more heights. For the colder seasons they are spot on, offering excellent levels of comfort. The waist stayed put, as intended, without digging in, and the pad was supremely comfortable for all lengths of ride, low profile yet supportive and cushioned.

In an ideal world (for me) these would have been 3/4 tights, but as full length tights to be worn year-round, they carve their own niche. The level of quality and attention to detail is high, and their funky style, be it plain bright blue, star print or the innovative Mountain Sunset colourway, is sure to catch the eye.

All in all, a great product, but for me not quite perfect.

Verdict

Great style, bright colours and serious comfort, but a touch on the long side for the average woman