Men's El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers : #7072

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

This is my second pair of El Fitos and they remain terrific - maybe the most essential piece of bike wear for living here in western Colorado. I have two particularly challenging climbs nearby and they are best ridden in cool weather. The El Fito fit-os the bill perfectly as they keep my knees warm and protected and the fit is right on - at least for me, anyway.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

Hands down my favorite and most used piece of cycling gear. I work for a bicycling tour company, and spend a lot of time in the saddle. These knickers have worked for me on casual spins in the spring, sprints in mid-winter, and touring Europe in the fall. Uber-comfy, warm in the cold weather and breath well in warmer weather. The only time I don't wear these is when the temperature notches above 70-75 degrees. Best of all, especially when you find yourself on the road most of the year, these always keep that fresh wool smell, and I only wash them every 5-10 uses.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

Great cycling knicks. These (and toe warmers) will take me from a dry 25F/wet 45F up to about 70F. Free leg movement means you can spin with comfort. Also, on brevets and longer rides I don't like bibs for obvious reasons. But not too worry, the chamois goes the distance. And we're talking wool - it's nice to get wet and stay warm. I now own 2 pair.

REQUESTED IMPROVEMENTS: Please cut the leg openings a little tighter. I might be a skinny climber but there's got to be a way to improve this. Also, the waist works best when rolled down; there is too much rise for me without causing some uncomfortable bunching in the 'crotchal region'.

Four Stars **** (and could easily get 5!)

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

These knickers are just great though you will have to wear something over them before it gets very chilly as the wind just whistles through the upper part. That's OK for me though as I wear them under a wind-proof layer for my commute anyway.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

My medium size El Fito knickers replaced a pair of synthetic material knickers that were too snug and low-waisted. My immediate reaction to slipping into the El Fitos the first time was that they fit me perfectly (I'm 5'10", 165lbs), and were form-fitting, but not too tight. The wind-proof fabric on the knee covers very well and doesn't constrict like my other knickers or leg warmers. The chamois is nicely shaped and padded, and ranks among the best of all the riding shorts I have. I have worn these six times since I got them, in a wide variety of weather conditions, and noticed that the wool fabric keeps me drier and more comfortable over a wider temperature range that any other synthetic fabric riding apparel I own.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

I purchased the El Fito 3/4 knickers and was looking forward to the purchase based on previous reviews. However, it just wasn't right for me. I certainly could see the quality of the construction and materials but the fit wasn't right. They just seemed too short. I'm 6' and they would start out slightly below my knee but would then ride up and bunch at the bend of my knee. The other problem was the pad. While it was a good quality pad it seemed that it was sewn too high in the back. I guess they just weren't for me.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

Loved these the 4 times I wore them before I had a run in with a thick branch and totaled them. They seem durable, but nature (and some poor riding on my part) robbed us of more time together. Super comfy and perfect for cool and wet PNW riding. They'd get a 5 star other than the fact that I will never know how well they would hold up.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

I just love these knickers! I have been through a number of other wool knickers (Swobo, Woolistic) over the past ten years, and the El Fito's are far and away the best that I've owned. They are so comfortable that I can forget that I'm wearing them, and my first pair (4 years old now) has held up as if they are made of kevlar. I did buy a second pair (on sale) so that I can ride one day, wash them, and have a dry pair for the next day. Most people will find that one pair is sufficient, but let me warn you. These are habit-forming! In the variable climate of the SF Bay Area, I never feel as if they are too hot or cold. After many times washing by hand, there has been no appreciable shrinkage. And yes, they are a great value, even at full retail.

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

I made my own knicks from a pair of Propper army pants. They fit reasonably well (for my build), but they were really too heavy for extended rides. Finally, I found something that fits well, will last a while, practical for just about all the riding I do these days (Fisher HiFi 29er with 700c Continental road tires; hybrid road/offroad use). After the first ride, I'm back to purchase another pair! :-]

Comments about Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers:

Just test rode these knickers in weather starting at 38 degrees with a NW wind at about 15 mph and they kept me very warm. The wool is like wearing a suit of armour and is about the weight of the Shak line of tops. The lycra keeps these a bit stretchy and they don't bind or sag or stretch out anywhere. I see no need for a draw string around the waist as others have said. I've been cycling for 25 years and actually own an old pair of wool shorts that I used to ride in. Wool has come a LONG way since then and now it's BACK in my cycling apparel. HIGHLY recommend these!!