Cell Team Knicks - Photo sourced from Cell Bikes

I purchased my XXL Cell Team (Yellow) knicks or bike shorts from Cell Bikes in September, 2008 for a landed cost of $29.90.

Purchasing experience: I ordered a pair of the yellow knicks from Cell Bikes and got them fairly quickly via Express Post. However, upon receipt, I found the sizing to be on the large size (I ordered as per the sizing chart ), so I  contacted Cell Bikes to have them exchanged. They replied promptly and agreed to this, but indicated that I was I am expected to pay for the return of the pair I received (fair enough) and I that I was expected to include a postal satchel for the return of the replacement ones. I was a bit surprised by this as this is not something I have experienced before, e.g, Torpedo 7 don’t do this, and really I don’t feel that is good customer service, more so, given I went with the sizing chart.  So this is at least a heads-up to be careful when purchasing from Cell Bikes online.

An update on my purchasing experience: I received an email from Mark McTamany, e-Commerce manager at Cell Bikes.  Mark has indicated that they will review their sizing chart and have offered me free postage on my next purchase from them. That seems fair enough and it was good to have prompt communication and a comprise offered.

Initial Impressions | Field Experience

Initial Impressions

First inspection of the knicks shows that they are made of a Coolmax material or more specifically lined with a Coolmax material; that is the chamois is CoolMax Invista.  The actual knicks are 80% nylon, 20% elastene. .  The legs have gel gripper inserts which are meant to be more comfortable for longer rides (according to Cell Bikes).

All the stitching appears to be finished off well with no obvious loose threads, seams coming apart or similar signs of poor finish.

Field Experience

For me, weighing ~ 95 kg they just did not work for me, no matter which bike I rode. Any rides of 15 km or longer and these knicks just did not provide an acceptable level of comfort.  I very quickly relegated them to short trips duty (no more than 10 km) and then in late December 2008, having owned them for three months binned them as the stitching was coming apart.

I had being washing them as I do all my bike shorts after a days riding, but these just didn’t stand up to the wear or the washing like my other knicks do.

Based on this experience I will not be buying Cell bike shorts again.  Just not worth it for me.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Tags: Bicycle clothing,Bicycle gear reviews,Bicycle shorts,Cell
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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I purchased my Route 7 Leg Warmers, Model R7WALN8LW from Torpdeo7 in July 2008 for $21.99 landed as with my weight loss and riding Froggie, my Look 555, I found I was feeling the cold more. Four degree Celsius starts probably doesn’t help!

The leg warmers are described by Torpedo 7 thus

They feature gripper elastic at the top to keep them in place, and have a smooth stretchy polyester spandex fabric with a brushed back lining to provide warmth. These legs warmers easily fold up to fit into your pocket or backpack as you warm up.

Features include:

• Fabric: 86% polyester and 14% spandex
• Brushed back internal lining for warmth
• Reflective printed Route 7 logo on each leg warmer
• Gripper elastic at top
• 20cm zip opening at hem

Initial Impressions | Field Experience

Initial Impressions

Torpedo 7 provide sizing on their website (lengths only) and do warn that the the sizing is generous [This has now been corrected and more sizing information is provided - September 12, 2008].  It would have been helpful in my view if they provided the thigh and ankle opening sizes as well. It should not be hard to do and they do it for other brands of leg warmers they sell.  I say this as I have found the warmers to be a firm fit around the ankle but not around my thighs.  Maybe a smaller size would have been better.

Field Experience

Update – September 12, 2008:  Torpedo 7 have the 2008 leg warmers on special ($12.99) and since I am sure they will replace my faulty pair and I am overall happy with them, given my riding conditions I have decided to purchase a second pair, albeit a size medium this time which hopefully will fit better.

Update – September 5, 2008: I have been wearing the leg warmers pretty much on all my rides since I received them in July 2008, approximately 43 rides (51 hours). Other than the fit issue which I resolve by wearing firm fitting knicks over the warmers, therefore assisting in hold them up and the threads coming away on one leg I am happy with the warmers.  They are on the light side which works for the mild winter weather here in Perth.

I will be returning my pair of warmers to Torpedo 7 for repair/replacement and will then probably use them again next winter but more likley as a back up to a better fitting pair.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Tags: Bicycle clothing,Leg warmers,Route 7
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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Replacement Route 7 Bike Shorts - Imaged sourced from Torpedo 7

Torpedo7 recently had some bike shorts (knicks) on special for $29.95. They where their own brand, Route 7 Sport Bike Shorts model number R7SHLN8ST. I have now worn these shorts for about 150 km and have to say that I am disappointed with them. I didn’t expect top of the range knicks but did expect reasonable ones that would be okay for rides up 20 km or so. I wouldn’t be keen on wearing these on rides in excess of 10 km and that is pretty much what I use them for now.

I have found them to fit okay, I have the XL size which is slightly tight around the legs, but my problem is the chamois which is just too narrow for my rear end. Such that I get really no support from them unless I really make an effort to get them positioned correctly and then I get borderline support.

Update – September 16, 2008: I returned the knicks to Torpedo 7 and have now received a replacement pair. These appear to a new design with white seams/pipping. Initial use is positive.

Update – September 1, 2008: While these knicks are still in rotation, they are showing signs of wear, with the threads coming away at the front.  I need to make a decision as to whether to get them repaired or retired. I may actually return them to Torpedo 7 as this shouldn’t happen.  I feel that for the dollars there are better knicks on the market.

Update – May 27, 2008: I now have had about 144 hours on the bike since I brought these knicks and I still have them in my rotation, albeit on reduced duties. I have settled into wearing these knicks on my shorter local rides (10 km or less) and they are fine for that. I prefer to not use them on longer rides as I don’t find them comfortable.

Update – May 30, 2008: Wore them yesterday and noticed that there are threads that are starting to come undone. I guess you pay for what you get.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Tags: Bicycle clothing,Route 7
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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