iRULE Community :: Products :: Whistlers from test pilot Rich Allen (UK)
They’ve done about 50 miles biking on road, 15 miles off road (cross/mtb) and probably not even 10miles easy fell/trail running still looking good as new and have washed up fine. Sorry to see them go…
First impressions:
Fit – I’m probably the small side of medium so fit is very good (once I’d got my feet through the cuffs! – they do seem to have stretched out a bit now though) length perfect for me with 32-33" inside leg. Cuffs prevented me from being able to hitch the leg up to knee height which is something I often do in winter fell races – saves the lower leg getting sodden with peat and water splashes, zips would solve this obviously. Another possibility would be inserting a triangle of more stretchy fabric where the reflective strip is to allow easy insertion of the foot and hitching up of the leg it would also eliminate the risk of the zip being mangled by rocks, gummed up by mud/grit. The tights moved easily and were basically unnoticeable (in a good way!) when running and riding so I presume the articulation around the knee works but obviously I can’t compare to a non-articulated pair in the same fabric.
Pockets – Side pockets better than my Sensei’s in some ways as they are bigger and a bit stretchier so I can get a whole hand in to root out those gels, also work for quick stowage of a compass which would be handy in navigational races. The rear pocket is a good size making a nice rattle free store for keys or mobile on short runs and for me and doesn’t interfere with bum bag or rucsac. I wonder if the reflective trim is needed here as it will almost always be covered by a shirt or jacket?
Chamois – Great on the bike and unobtrusive running etc. Might be nice to have a non-chamois option for runners or when layering over bib-shorts etc.
Fabric – Seems to be a good compromise, warm enough for on the bike down to a few degrees above freezing and not too hot when running. Plenty stretchy enough and no binding or restriction either on the bike or running. They dry quickly when worn in showery/wet weather and remain fairly warm while wet, certainly no chilling effect. Not windproof or resistant but this is not their purpose. I wore the tights for two days as ‘heavy thermals’ under either waterproof or windproof trousers whilst out instructing pupils during outwardbound activities in torrential rain and they did not bind or inhibit movement when layered.