The stretchy and super-breathable Cutter Tech Knickerbocker saddles up when your ride isn’t quite spandex-worthy and flies under the style-radar when you’re not in the saddle. These ergonomically-fitted softshell knickers fend off light moisture and won’t restrict movement while you pedal. The Tech Knickerbocker’s ¾-length cut stays clear of your cuff-tearing chainring and the articulated fit pulls functional duty in the saddle, minus the fresh-from-the-Tour look when you meet your crew at the bar. Lock your U-lock in the Tech Knickerbockers back pocket snap for a safe ride downtown, and thank the Polartec Power Shield softshell material for its weather-shunning radness as it starts to drizzle on your way home from the bar. Should you take the occasional tuck and roll across the pavement, Polartec Hardface Technology has you covered with outstanding durability.
First, don't get these for racing, they're not skintight spandex®. These are incredibly comfortable, soft, just stretchy enough and exceedingly water-resistant. I rode through some pretty nasty wetstuff in New Hampshire this summer and no matter how wet the trails got, the water just beaded off. I suspect that a major downpour would get them soaked, but I further guess that they'd dry really quickly. The workmanship and styling is great: I wore them out for brunch and mini-golf with the family. I'm not a pockets-on-my-gear kind of guy, so the numerous storage possibilities on them are a minor downside for me. But, that's a personal preference. I don't like giving away secrets, but Cutter® is too cool to keep hidden in my closet. Get these! They rock.
PS Sizing seems to be spot-on: I'm a 34" waist and the medium fit perfectly. I'm short and they come just below my knees, too. And, finally, they do stretch a bit and they have belt loops, so if your weight fluctuates, these will expand a bit (or vice versa) with you.
I've been trying various 3/4 cycling pants/knickers lately and these fit the best by far. The waistband is comfortable and there's plenty of room in the legs. Once I put these on, I didn't want to take them off. Perfect for the work commute.
I've these knicks for a little over a month now. This morning they finally got their first wet weather test, and I'm pleased to say they exceeded my expectations. It was a typical Seattle fall drizzle on my ride to work, and the water beaded up and rolled right off even better than my rain jacket (which is admittedly overdue for a treatment.
I think they're perfect for fall/spring riding, and I've worn them on mornings as cool as 38 degrees in perfect comfort thus far, and I expect they'll be good down to near freezing before I need to switch to wool. They're a little on the warm side when it gets over about 60 degrees, but I'm generally riding something a little lighter at that temp.
The cut is pretty true to size (I'm generally a 34-36 waist and the L fits perfectly) and the style is ideal for casual commuting or cruising around town - the articulated knees and stretch in the fabric make them very comfy and they don't bind or ride up where they shouldn't. I usually ride with a chamois base layer, and these accommodate/hide the extra layer just right.
They're well worth it, but a little steep at full price. I got mine during the Sag Wagon sale for under $100, and I've seen them on Bonktown a few times around $80.
