How I Came to Love my Athletic Body
Odlo began it’s life in the 40’s manufacturing garments for ice skaters before moving to cross country skiers. A little like the Swedish Craft they then introduced a three layer Athletic Clothing System in the 80’s and moved into running, outdoor and cycling a few years later. They are also part of The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) an independent, non profit organisation which helps to improve labour conditions for garment workers across the world.
As far as tights go I have always worn bibs and never owned a pair of waist tights, maybe because I prefer bib shorts and once had a pair of 3/4 tights that were slow low cut they wouldn’t have looked out of place on Britney Spears!
The Odlo Cushion Tights are far from low cut, they have a fantastic high waistband that would never ever leave any unwanted flesh exposed to the elements. One of the reasons I prefer bibs is that waistbands can also be restrictive and a little uncomfortable when riding, again that is not the case here, the tights are so well cut and designed there isn’t a hint of hinderance from the waistband, even after a few hours in the saddle.
I tested a medium which is classed as UK 10/12 and they fit very well. The Odlo Cushion Tights have a lovely brushed interior to keep you warm without being too thick and bulky and windproof panels at the knee, which can look a little Nora Batty like when off the bike! There are grippers around the ankles but no zips for ease of access, although I find that the legs sit better without zips. There are also strategically placed reflective strips and branding on both legs making you more visible on commutes and evening rides.
The chamois used in Odlo’s Cushion Tights is their own design, a 8mm soft protection pad. It has a single layer technology which uses pre shaped pressed foam material of different heights to give padding and movement were required. This coupled with Odlo’s own breathable, quick drying technologies make it a very comfortable pad even on longer rides of 3hrs plus. Not too bulky but still enough padding where needed.
All in all these are a very comfortable pair of tights, they’ll definitely be getting a lot of use over the winter months
Pros
Very comfortable waistband
Great chamois
Windstopper knees
Cons
Windstopper knees can look a little saggy off the bike
Price: £76.50 (RRP £85.00), available from Wiggle.
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