Altura Ergofit Windproof Bib Tights With Insert

Altura's Ergofit range is their higher end gear that's attempting to steal a portion of the more enthusiast market. We've had a range of kit on test and so far it's been a bit of a mixed bag; the gloves and gilet came out with good marks while the three-quarters fared less well. So what of the longs?

Construction-wise they share quite a few similarities with the three-quarters, being made of similar fabrics. They're cut very high at the front too but this time you get a zip to help with nature breaks. The mesh upper and straps are comfy, as are the roubaix ankle loops which also adds some warmth. We tested the windproof version of the bibs, with an insert; the windproof panel stretches from the chest down to below the knees to keep chills at bay.

On the bike, they're generally fine. The soft straps don't ever dig in (though they do fold in on themselves from time to time) and the windproof section does a good job of keeping your organs and joints from freezing even on really cold days. The pad is good without being anything particularly special; if you prefer you can get these longs without a pad and wear your favourite shorts underneath but you'll only save a tenner.

Now to the less good stuff. The reflective decals are the iron-on type (save for a sewn-in tab to the rear) and I give them another couple of washes before they start to look pretty tatty. They're already starting to crack and peel. The other sticking point is the seams below the knee, where the windproof panels finish. Some are flatlocked but some aren't, and one of the raised seams rubs up and down the top of my shin with every pedal stroke. Most rides I notice it at the off then forget, but every now and then it'll sneak back into my consciousness to annoy me. It wouldn't take much to flatlock the panels all the way down and save me the mental distress.

The windproof panels are touted as water repellant and they do an okay job of keeping the chill off your knees when it rains, although that's more by dint of being windproof than waterproof; the rest of the bibs aren't any more waterproof than the next pair. These longs are starting to bobble a bit on the seat, too, like the three-quarters did.

Verdict

Not a bad pair of mid-range bibs but a couple of niggles mean they're not quite there yet