Update: I'm still wearing these 8 months later, and still delighted with them. That a pair of riding shorts could be used six days a week for that long is pretty impressive. (Still) Highly recommended!
Should I feel qualified to write a review of my Altura Attack 3/4 length shorts after only having them for 4 weeks?Well I guess I should report back in a year once I've fallen off/washed them at the wrong temperature (surely inevitable), but after several weeks that contained some truly torrential rain, I reckon my shorts have earned their stripes.
The Attacks are seriously techy, well thought out waterproof cycling shorts shorts. Every inch of 'em seems to have had a lot of thought put into it.
The 3 layer React fabric is well known, and I won't (can't) go into the science of it - suffice to say words like 'waterproof, most, fabric, breathable, and, around' are commonly mentioned with regards to it. I've worn other waterproof legwear. They've generally fallen into two categories: Lightweight with poor waterproofing, or waterproof and heavy.
The Attacks are both light and completely waterproof. My hour commute in one of the wettest places in the country, past the wettest part of that wet place (the seafront), is either an absolute pleasure or a biblical conflict between bike and coastal weather conditions (last week it rained seaweed). Whilst the bike, the rider and the rest of my kit might struggle occasionally, the shorts haven't just performed they've excelled.
The fabric isn't just waterproof and breathable, but also not horribly clingy like some other totally waterproof fabrics. It doesn't feel to bad at all against the skin, with only an odd whooshing sound made when you pedal hard to get used too. And I've even grown to like that.
Fit wise, their bang on. Quite adjustable, their below the knee when you're standing, with the articulation sitting on the knee when you're riding. You won't feel at all impeded when pedalling.
What else? Seam sealed zips means my phone has a new wet weather hiding place. Reflective strips means it'll suit the ride home as much as the trail. The seat panel is reinforced with a lot of give. I haven't fallen off yet so can't report to the toughness of the material, but they feel like they'll easily accommodate my unique 'head over handlebar' mountain biking style.
They're going to be used year round I think too. Airy enough for summer riding, in the depths of winter I'll just pull some tights underneath and carry on my happy, dry arsed way.
As a cyclist, you can't ask for any more than that. Highly recommended.
Alternatives:
Endura Venturi II 3/4 length shorts. These are the daddy. The best (most waterproof, most breathable, most comfortable 3/4 length waterproof shorts we sell. They're also the most expensive.
Endura Superlite Cycling shorts. Very waterproof and breathable. Just not so much as the Attack or Venturi II. Wearers report a slight clammy feel as well.
Madison Tempest 3/4 Waterproof Shorts. New contender Madison has jumped straight into the market with some great items. The Tempest being one of them. Maybe the best value of all, we just haven't worn them in anger yet. The figures given say they are slightly less breathable than the others. Not by much though.
