Clothing company Endura have been around for some time now, in their eighteen years they’ve built up a solid reputation for clothing which is well designed, lasts and does the job at a reasonable price.  Based in Scotland they’re certainly in the right place to test their foul weather gear!

Product testing and development is in the very capable hands of the Pro Endura Racing Team as well as Endura sponsored MTB, road and track cyclists.  The result of this is a range with some really well thought out products and some industry firsts like their Stealth series – softshell, but completely waterproof garments.

So seeing as we’ve just had a load of new Endura products land, we thought what better time to have a quick look through at some highlights:

Endura Stealth Lite Bib Tights:

Endura have got some great winter Lycra in their range and it is genuinely difficult to pick one to look at (The Thermolite Pro’s are lovely), but the Stealth Lite bib tights (rrp £134.99) are quite special.  They’re a fully seam-sealed, waterproof Lycra bib tight.  Endura have used ultrasonic welding (sounds a bit Doctor Who?!) to seal the seams along with an Entrant outer membrane and elastic seam tape to keep water out.  A fast wicking fleecy fieldsensor fabric moves moisture away from the body keeping you comfortable and most importantly, dry.

What this makes is a waterproof, breathable and comfortable Lycra legging, perfect for wet roads when winter has really struck.  All the attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Endura is present; camlock ankle zippers designed to fit with overshoes, reflective detailing and a zip make getting them on and off that bit easier make these a really cracking piece of kit.

Check out the other items in the Stealth range like the Stealth jacket, a full waterproof softshell – another industry first!

Endura Deluge Waterproof Cycling Gloves:

Continuing along the line of kit for when the weather is cold, wet and generally dirty, the Deluge Gloves (rrp £34.99) look to have had a lot of development time in the Scottish winter!  With a waterproof membrane, double cuff to stop the water getting in and low bulk design these gloves may well become your best friends.

Nice touches including the reflective detailing on the outer knuckles, silicone overlay on the palm and finger tips for grip, a full finger terry sweat wipe and a durable overlay on the thumb crotch make these gloves perfect for long winter rides and commuting.

Endura Mullet Photochromatic Glasses:

Now it may be you’re going somewhere sunny this winter or you’re lucky enough to live south of the equator, perhaps you are just optimistic and planning ahead for the 2011 season?  Whatever the case, you should definitely take a look at these Mullet sunglasses.  They’re photochromatic so the lens gets lighter or darker depending on the weather conditions.  As used by the Endura Race team they have aggressive race styling with a semi-mirrored lens finish, rubber touch temples and a moulded nose piece help to keep them in place and comfortable.

They’re certainly very comfortable, and the light reactive lenses are a neat solution to the problem of light conditions changing.  So many times we here at PBK have started a ride in the bright sun only for it to cloud over leaving us struggling to see in what seems like a murky half light and looking slightly foolish.  With an rrp of just £44.99 they’re phenomenal value too.

Endura Baa Baa Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer:

We couldn’t not talk about the long sleeve Baa Baa merino base layer (rrp £34.99).  With its natural odour resistant properties, high warmth/weight ratio even when wet and supremely comfortable fine knit you’ll find yourself reaching for this top more often than not.  Cold and dry?  Pair it with a windstopper.  Cold and wet?  Pair it with a waterproof.  In spring and autumn you’ll find yourself wearing it under a jersey, maybe with a gilet as well.  Thanks to its wicking properties you’ll stay comfortable.

What’s more, the top has flatlocked seams for comfort and when you do eventually get round to washing it (it honestly won’t smell for ages!) it is machine washable!  Endura also make a short sleeved and sleeveless version as well as the merino arm warmers and caps.  To see the entire Baa Baa Merino range at PBK click here.