Overshoes
The overshoes are very warm. I have ridden them for a total of 330 miles on my commute to and from work and have never worn overshoes that are so effective. Although I have yet to ride in them when it’s really wet, I rode when it was drizzling and they stayed completely dry inside.
The 330 miles have been ridden on some of the coldest days I’ve ever cycled in. They include my commute through Richmond park, which when it is cold is renowned for a serious plummet in temperature compared to the built-up surroundings. Not once have my toes been cold! To accompany the boots, I have been wearing the Prendas winter socks which the editor recommended a few years ago. To date they are one of the most cost effective items of clothing I own; combined with the Air Tunnel overshoes, they have kept out the bitter temperatures and, even more importantly, the effects of wind chill .
Commuting for that many miles through London would normally have started to inflict on the underneath of the overshoes the scars of stop/starting at traffic lights. In fact, they are still in perfect condition, if a bit dirty as the textured exterior seems to hold grit.
On the minus side, they aren’t exactly slim fitting and could top out a tiny bit higher up the calf, but that’s being petty. They are basically amazingly good! Finally, as ever with Prendas products, they are cracking value for money.
Gloves
On the plus side, the gloves are made of the same Air Tunnel material as the overshoes. Even though there isn’t any extra covering on the finger tips like some winter gloves, the Air Tunnel stuff mostly keeps your fingers and hands very warm. In fact, most mornings and evenings during the test my hands have been warm and a bit clammy by the time I have taken them off. My hands have occasionally felt a bit cold but I think you will still get this whatever you wear unless it’s Antarctic exploration gloves. The feel of the Air Tunnel material is great once you are used to it while the underside is covered in a grippy coating perfect for gripping the bars as I powered through the chilling wind! Another great aspect is that they are long, reaching well up the arm, so you never suffer from cyclist’s glove gap.
On the other hand, on first acquaintance they feel a bit weird. The Air Tunnel fabric is slightly springy and unlike that used in any gloves I’ve worn before. This isn’t really a “con” as you get used to the feel very quickly.
Prendas Ciclismo Air Tunnel Overshoes £29.95; sizes XS – XXL
Prendas Ciclismo Air Tunnel Winter Gloves £29.95; sizes XS – XXL
Bought together £55.00
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