The mid-weight polyester/Lycra fabric feels supportive without being restrictive and does a decent job of wicking when you're working hard. The tights are constructed from seven panels: three down each side and a small rectangular panel below the waistband at the back.
I was concerned that the seam running up the inside of each leg might irritate, but in fact I didn't notice it at all. This could in part be thanks to the flatlock stitching throughout. I was aware of a slight digging in at the back of the knee at first but this soon faded.
The waist is cut nice and high at the rear so no worries about chilled kidneys here. The front of the waistband is not elastic like the rest, instead it's two wide Lycra panels that cross over below the belly button, which makes it lovely and comfy when you're in the riding position. Silicone grippers inside the leg bands hold the hems securely in place, even when you pull the tights down over your calves.
The female specific Coolmax chamois appears quite bulky but I found it surprisingly comfortable, considering I generally prefer minimal padding at the front. The dual-density design cushions your sit bones well too. The pad is neatly sewn in and doesn't look too obvious from the side view; the front in particular is unobtrusive, so you don't need to feel self-conscious at cafe stops.
The only feature these tights are lacking is some reflective accents, which would make these very good tights even better.
Make and model: Oneten Womens 3-4 Tights 2016
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
OneTen's website says: "For tights that offer exceptional comfort and breathability during long days in the saddle, look no further!"
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Women's specific CoolMax pad
7 panel design
Silicone leg grippers
Elasticated high rise shaped waistband
Flatlock stitched seams
80% Polyester, 20% Spandex, 240gsm
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
6/10
According to waist measurement on the size chart I'm the smallest size but I needed the next size up (S), which fits with my usual clothing size.
Rate the product for weight:
9/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
10/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Care label says hand wash but I machine washed them at 30 degrees and they're fine.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The fit, especially around the waist.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
These are extremely good: comfortable and well fitting, at an excellent price. A few more reflectives and they'd be a 9.
Age: 43 Height: 170cm Weight: 60kg
I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax
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