I first wrote about the Vaude Women’s Comp knicks almost this time last year. The comfortable, shock absorbing chamois and the fine-tuned women’s fit quickly made them the most frequently worn pair of knicks I own. This is to say, since that time they went in and out of the washing machine about three times a week and have been the choice item of clothing for any ride over two hours. In fact, I just received a new pair and was genuinely surprised with how difficult it was to tell the difference. So how did the orignals hold up?
The fit, surprisingly, remains unchanged. The legs stay comfortably in position without creating red marks or unflattering bulges at the thigh and still sit at the position I find myself rolling up the bottom of other knicks to achieve (once a tan line’s set…). The waist has also held it’s shape and never requires any mid-ride adjustment to allieve discomfort or adjust any unwanted sag. The chamois, also, continues to out perform most others I have used and like the rest of the garment is unnoticeable on long rides. The only thing that shows their age is the fabric, which after an extended flogging has become slightly see-through on the rear. (Although, the current breadth of high end fabrics in use at the moment has meant that many brands and styles of knicks tend to be see-through when new as well.)
Given the high comfort factor of the Vaude Comp Knicks, this year old pair are still my preferred choice for windtrainer rides, or mid-season to winter rides with another layer underneath. Given their quality and durability, I was really surprised to learn recently that they are not as expensive as I would have expected. At around the $100 mark I might go buy a few more pairs so I can save money on washing detergent!
Thank you to Shannon Wall for the above photo from the Spring Fat Tyre Fest. Shannon is currently pedaling the 5,400km Bicentennial National Trail. Check out his website here to read about his adventures as he raises money for, and awareness about, depression.
Kath Bicknell 