Exte Ondo Knickers Review
I broke down and used some of my award money to buy Exte Ondo Knickers from Terry. This morning it was cool enough to give them a test ride. In a word, WONDERFUL. The best knickers I've ever worn (have tried Terry's knickers, PI sugar knickers, and witches britches). Worth the cost? Yes.
Don't have to say just how beautiful these tights are in terms of styling, color, etc. Fit is true to size (like Louis Garneau). The fabric is comfy and supportive, and inside, it's fleecey so it will keep you warm. It actually was a bit warm--57 degrees--for the knickers, but I stayed comfortable and dry. I can see wearing these knickers in temps down to temps down to 40 or possibly, 35 degrees. The chamois is excellent. Not bulky but provides tons of cushioning.
Call it fate---came home today to find them here at TE, so of course, I bought another pair!
2nd rave review for EO knickers!
I wore them yesterday morning for a 47 degree ride -- I've never been so comfortable! The fit is perfect, the cleverly cut panels just conform to the natural body curves so nicely. And the fleeced fabric was so nice & toasty! Also very pleased with the chamois -- one of the 4-way stretch varieties, but it seems to have a very thin, stiff layer inside the sandwich for protection, somewhere in between the Castelli YPro, the Descente Strata & the Craft. Very high marks for this piece of gear. I have a 2nd pair on order, too!
Emily -- I used to say the same thing about knickers. If it's just a bit cool I'll wear warmers, and once it gets cold give me tights. Hubby converted me to a knicker fan big-time because they are perfect for all the in-between. Around 55-65 degrees, I'll wear a light-weight lycra knicker. Below 55, I want a heavier-weight, fleeced knicker. It's not my calves that get cold, it's higher up. And even if I put on a heavy pair of warmers, I always have this gap between the top of the warmer & the bottom of my jacket or jersey that gets raw & chilled. The knickers solve that problem. Because I wasn't cold down there, I felt nice & warm all over. I was in absolute heaven.
Also, knickers are significantly lighter than full-length tights. Once it gets below 45, I'll probably be in tights. But tights, because they go all the way down your leg, feel more restrictive & heavier in pedalling. I feel like I'm wearing a ton of clothes. Knickers don't give you that pulling sensation, so you still feel light & easy on the bike, much like you feel in shorts.
And another reason I love, love, love knickers -- I ride early in the morning before work, so I am always in a mad rush to get out the door. If I wear warmers & shorts, it's 3 pieces of clothing to put on versus just one with knickers. Saves me a valuable few seconds, and some mornings, every second counts!
Oyama Knickers and Goiz Jersey
Okay, I broke down and bought the matching set of Etxe Ondo Oyama knickers/Goiz jersey.
My first impression? LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. Superior workmanship, great fabric and top notch design. This is an outfit I would love to wear all winter long. Yeah, it was pricey, but it was worth it.
Then the bad news... it doesn't fit. :(
In street clothes I wear 0-2 and figured I could get away with ordering a size small, since euro sizes run a bit small. The Goiz jersey in small is probably close to an American size 4. The sleeves were long but the oversize was most noticeable on my shoulders, as the fabric was bunching up around my neck. Maybe if I had a decent set of b**bs it would have stretched it out better.
The Oyama knickers were too big as well, and not suited for my petite (aka stumpy) legs. I have no a** (the widest point around my hips is 31") so the chamois stuck out quite a bit in the rear. Like the upper version, if I had a decent set of cheeks it might have fit better. My guess is that the knickers is closer to an American size 6.
These are heading back to TE. I am so disappointed, they are such lovely clothes.
I have to figure out a way to get taller.
Etxe Ondo Sizing charts and more
We met with the EO folks at Interbike on Friday. A sizing chart is pending, but in the meantime, please use the Castelli chart. We'll get EO's up as soon as they nail it down for us. (Incidentally, I checked Terry's website and they don't have a EO size chart up either. Sigh. I would have copied it. :) )
The Goiz and Oyama are FLYING out of here. Wow! Selling so well that we just bought out all of EO's remaining Black/Orange Goiz tops and a bunch of the knickers. Also decided to bring in the Pistachio color. Should have it in a week.
I would LOVE to hear your feedback on the Etxe Ondo items as this is a new brand for us. Your feedback really helps us make better buying decisions. My impression so far is that the quality on these pieces is absolutely top notch. Bluetree - I don't believe these pieces come in XS (that size isn't on the order form for US orders) but I'll inquire on your behalf. :)
Thanks,
Susan
Susan: other Etxe Ondo items?
Susan:
Is there any chance that in the near future, Team Estrogen might carry other Etxe Ondo Items such as the Sann Bib Shorts or the Bera Knickers? I've been hunting around for these items for quite some time now...
Also, I noticed that on the Etxe Ondo website (http://www.etxeondousa.com), Team Estrogen is listed as a dealer in Oregon but not as an online dealer. Might be good if they fixed that. :)
Saludos,
Cari in PR