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Endura Luminite Tights

7
£49.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Lightweight, looser-fitting tights with no seat pad but loads of reflectivity
Weight: 
235g

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Endura's Luminite Tights sit somewhere between traditional lycra cycling tights and Ronhill Tracksters. They're multipurpose tights, meant for both cycling and running, so they have a looser fit and no seat pad. They're also emblazoned with reflective detailing from thigh to calf, as you might expect from the name. Because they're so reflective Endura pitch them as commuter tights, although you might use them for any kind of cycling.

Some cycling tights fit like a second skin. They can be a fight to get on (involving hopping about or sitting down as you thread your feet through narrow leg openings), and a fight to get off (peeling them off inside out is sometimes the only way). In comparison, the Endura Luminites feel bizarrely loose and lacking in elastication. They're not baggy or flappy, just a lot less 'ballet dancer'. At first this felt odd. The more I wore them, the more I liked them. They're airier to wear and they don't cling indecently when you get off the bike.

Since there's no seat pad, you'll want to wear them over padded lycra shorts. That's okay: we've all got those. If anything, it's more comfortable because padded shorts fit snugly against the body. Padded tights sometimes sag a little in the seat even when you've spent a while hoiking each leg up. A saggy seat can catch on the saddle or allow friction where you don't want it.

The material - a nylon, polyester, and elastane mix called Xtract - is very thin for cycling tights. These are not winter tights for sub-zero conditions. Yet I wore them throughout an admittedly mild December with no discomfort. The thin material means that these tights are light and packable; you could fit them in a large seatpack. They dry quickly too, partly because the fabric is so thin and partly because these tights have a less figure-hugging fit.

There's a small zipped pocket at the waist for a key or a few coins. Waist and ankle cuffs are elasticated. There are no silicone grippers or foot stirrups, but the tights didn't ride up or down appreciably. They're a bit loose-fit for racing. If you just want something to pull over your skin shorts to stop your legs getting chilled when you're commuting, touring, or riding recreationally, these will do the job well. For milder conditions, I preferred them to my heavier-weight, padded Altura Night Vision Waist Tights. Endura make a women's version too.

Verdict

Lightweight, looser-fitting tights with no seat pad but loads of reflectivity

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Endura Luminite 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?

Endura say: Commuter Essential. Multi-purpose style ideal for cycling and running.

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

Nylon 62%

Polyester 27%

Elastane 11%

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

Well stitched and the reflectives aren't peeling off.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Highly visible at night. Keep your legs warmer than you'd think, given the weight.

Rate the product for durability:
 
5/10

They seem fine now but the seat isn't reinforced so I'd expect them to wear here in future.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Very light. Could easily be stashed in your luggage on tour, or left in your commuter bag for cold starts/finishes.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Light and airy. Padded shorts underneath are essential, however.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Altura Stream Tights are a tenner cheaper but aren't as reflective.

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

I didn't go running in them and never would, but they were much better than I first thought they'd be on the bike.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Easy to get on and off. Comfortable, airy fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheel  My best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track. Or Whyte M109

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

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2 comments

Avatar
fenix | 9 years ago
0 likes

Shots from behind are probably best for items like this - lets see how reflective they are ?

Avatar
Municipal Waste | 9 years ago
0 likes

For me the nice thing about them being not too thick, is there's a lot of days whilst commuting where it's totally dark but really not that cold or raining. If it did get super cold or rain you could put Luminite over trousers on as well  1

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