Endura Helium & Thermolite Review – kitting up for Autumn

It’s autumn, and time to dig out the armwarmers, overshoes, thermals and windproofs.  (Except here in Scotland, where we haven’t put them away since 1948).

Faced with a 166-kilometre sportive on a mid-September’s day in northern Europe, I opted to put a couple of Endura’s autumn range to the test – a pair of Thermolite bib knickers and a waterproof jacket.

The event was the inaugural World Road Championship sportive in Limburg, Holland.

Anticipating up to seven hours in the saddle, I examined the padding of the shorts intently.  It was of the multi-density, stretch variety.  So far, so good.  Just a shame that by the time I’d pulled the shorts on, it looked like I had a family of weasels stick out of my bottom.  No matter how much yanking and stretching of the bib and braces I did, the unsightly lump stubbornly remained. Never mind, the shorts felt comfortable enough, maybe the padding would be squashed into a more flattering cut once I’d climbed on the bike.

The bib knickers are of the three-quarter-length variety, which I’d previously resisted like a double-episode of Glee.  The silicon grippers held firm a few inches below my knees, but would they still be there after a few miles around the rolling roads of south Holland?

I’d been hoping I wouldn’t need the jacket, but the weather forecast, typically, had been wrong.  Instead of warm, clear skies, we got clouds, wind and the ever present threat of rain.  It was also an early start, so I put the Helium jacket on over my souvenir rainbow jersey and armwarmers.

The stretchy hem and cuffs made it snug(though they are not adjustable, so skinny wrists may still shiver), and the asymmetric zip – designed to be offset from your jersey zip underneath – made it look damn trendy.  I zipped it up all the way to the fleecy-feeling chin guard.  The only pocket, hidden discreetly at the back, is designed solely for keys/credit card etc, but I managed to fit in a waffle, piece of honey cake and a chocolate energy bar at the first feed station.

Despite the family of weasels squatting in my shorts, the Thermolite bib knickers were a revelation.  The padding may have appeared unflatteringly biased towards my upper buttocks when standing, but on the saddle it assumed exactly the right position, offering protection and comfort to my important bits.  By the time I finished the event six and half hours later, my perineum remained intact and painless.

The silicon grippers weren’t quite so effective.  They strained stubbornly to cling to my hairy calves, but after 20 km the one on the right leg gave up the battle and remained crinkled limply for the rest of the ride.  But at least it stayed below the knee, ensuring insulation on a chilly day for a vital joint. (On a second outing, it lasted slightly longer – 60 km into a 100 km ride.)

The insulation, the bit that gives the shorts their Thermolite moniker, worked superbly.  My thighs and knees felt warm throughout, thanks to a light, fleecy lining.   And when we endured a brief shower, the Teflon coating repelled the rain effectively.

The jacket, which remained zipped up to the chin for 130 km before a warm, invigorating cup of coffee at the final feed station gave me the courage to pack it away in my rear jersey pocket, was a success.  Not only waterproof, it had protected me from the relentless wind, and its breathability stopped me overheating even on the dozen or so short, sharp climbs – including the Cauberg – that regularly tested us.

Conclusion

Endura Thermolite Bib-Knickers rrp £67.99:

Extremely comfortable and warm for an autumn ride, let down only by the fickle silicon leg grippers.  And the weasels.  Value for money: 4/5

Endura Helium waterproof jacket rrp £89.99:

Very comfortable, breathable and stylish.  Easily packs away into rear jersey pocket. Value for money:  4/5

For more information, go to: www.endura.co.uk