While we’ve been blessed with our first taste of spring, it still takes a brave soul to bare their knees, particularly with morning temperatures still down in single figures.
So Shutt Velo Rapide’s Coolmax Knicks (£89.00) look to bridge the gap between tights and shorts. While Shutt VR’s Roubaix (fleece-lined) three-quarter tights may fit the bill for that last winter bite, the Coolmax Knicks are manufactured from a conventional mid-weight Lycra – ideal for spring itself.
The Coolmax Knicks use a 10-panel construction, ensuring an excellent fit on the leg and particularly around the bend of the knee. Silicon grippers, bobbles rather than a strip, keep the knicks in place without pulling on any leg hair. The kit needs to be carefully pulled into place for the chamois to sit close to your body while off the bike, but, once on board, is just fine.
And talking of the chamois, Shutt use a Pro-Gel anti-bacterial pad from TMF, which is quite firm but comfortable on the saddle. The chamois is stitched in, leading to one or two stray threads which, over time and through extended use, may need attention. The mesh straps are comfortable and breathable, while the low front keeps nature stops relatively simple.
As is the case across Shutt VR’s range, styling is simple and effective, with the black and white contrast ensuring the knicks can be worn with almost anything and a small Shutt Velo Rapide and Coolmax logo on the outside of the right leg keeps branding subtle. Finally, the Coolmax Knicks have been through a dozen or so 40c washes without a hitch.
All in all, Shutt VR’s Coolmax Knicks are a sound investment for between the seasons, easing the transition from winter to spring.
Shutt VR Coolmax Knicks £89.00, sizes M-XL, black only.
