Compass Knickers

[Doug Williams]

I was thinking of getting a pair of the Compass Knickers. Anybody have any experience with them?

https://www.compasscycle.com/shop/components/compass-knickers/

Doug

[Julian]

Doug, 

Since they were only made available this week it's quite unlikely that anyone other than Jan Heine and perhaps a few of his "product testers" have any experience at all with them. 

Regards, 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, Il 

[Deacon Patrick]

The description says "They fit slim and are adjustable, so order a size up if unsure." For me, with a size 36 waist, that I take that to mean I'd likely be singling soprano if I squat in them (which I do many times a day). I like my baggy large MUSA breeches.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Deacon Patrick]

I meant to also say those breeches look sharp! If someone tells me they'll work with tree trunk thighs and have a deep waist, I'd love to consider them.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Ron Mc]

they don't look that snug in the photos - and agree they look very sharp.  Another MUSA knicker fan here - in fact, donning mine for this morning's 60-degree ride.  Deac, size wise, sounds like you and I may be in the same boat.  I bought some surplus Italian army knickers for cheap, claimed to be size 36 - wouldn't go past my knees.  They're here if someone with a 33 waist wants to try them.  

[Garth]

   These look fantastic !   Don't know about the "slim" fit though .  I prefer pants loose in the trunk area , no restrictions !  So I doubt these would fit the bill. 

    For those , if any , that know of the now discontinued Ex Officio Amphi pants and shorts ,  the fit of these is sublime.  They are the roomiest of all, yet are not baggy at all , the key is the front pleats , which almost no one makes anymore except in dress pants. I wear the pants as knee-kers all the time , as they have a adjustable hem and just pull 'em up to the knees and they stay there.  The "new" Ex Officio Amphi pants and short bear no relation to the former ones , the "new" ones are just cookie cutter style like most pants. 

[Jon Dukeman in the foothills of Colorado]

Those are good looking Knickers but the max 36 waist puts me out of the market right off the bat and a bit pricey.I didn't see any on the Riv site..

These fit me and my wallet better if I was to purchase.

http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/search/?&category=Mens+Pants&type=Knickers

. 

[cyclotourist]

Like LBJ, it sounds like many of us prefer a bit of roominess in our pants.

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Cheers,
David

Member, Supreme Council of Cyberspace

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal

[Lungimsam]

I like roominess and sizing up, too.

Couldn't one buy some wool suit pants at Goodwill, cut them short and sew elastic in the hemline?

Get whatever size you need for roominess.

[Patrick Moore]

I've done almost that with Goodwill woolen dress pants, except that I had a pro sew them up for me. Cut some 8" below knee (I like plenty of space when I cinch them just under the knee; don't like them hanging loose); hem; attach velcro straps; and use excess to line front for additional wind protection. Velcro is very easy and secure and adjustable, and holds your socks up better.

They are quite elegant, though since I've lost weight they are a wee bit loose in the waist. But one advantage of hi rize pants is that you can cinch them tight (sometimes a wide web belt with cam buckle works better than narrower and standard buckle) without great discomfort.

For even greater elegance you can taper the bottom, or put in a gusset that folds inward nicely, a la the Bicycle Fixation knickers. But mine work just fine.

I have to restrain myself from wearing argyle golf socks and a yellow sweater vest, but that would be simply too twee.

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[Eunice Chang]

I thought the whole purpose of knickers is so that you can show off your shapely calves ^H^H^H^H^H^H^H awesome sock collection.

-E. (whose favorite is discontinued ibex wool knickers + stripey socks)

[Dennis Hogan]

I followed a similar path and got a pair of "army" (not sure which army) wool pants at good 'ol Andy & Bax in Portland. Heavy duty wool and buttons - took them to a local seamstress and had them converted to knickers - all in they were about $55 - they are very good for the winter but a bit of overkill for the rest of the seasons.

Dennisin PDX

[Lynne Fitz]

Yes, it is all about the socks.
+1 for Ibex wool knickers and colorful tall socks.

[Patrick Moore]

I am still recovering my self confidence and rebuilding my self image, several years after, in pure innocence, riding to the express bus stop in wool knickers, long socks, knit jersey, wool cycling cap (with tasteful chequered pattern), and antique Vittoria sheepskin lined cycling  ankle boots -- and having the bus driver ask me if I were "going to a party." Perhaps it was my retro-looking Rivendell fixie? Or the fact that the Vittorias' toes were, alas, slightly upturned? (Really, they were.)

On Mon, Oct 5, 2015 at 12:22 PM, Lynne Fitz <fitz...@comcast.net> wrote:

Yes, it is all about the socks.
+1 for Ibex wool knickers and colorful tall socks.

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[Ron Mc]

my favorite socks are Falke Bristol (100% merino) with Falke Airport (blend) a close second.  Usually, knee socks don't last the whole day here - always gets warm enough to peel layers and change to shortie socks somewhere along the way.  

[Jan Heine]

The fit of the knickers certainly isn't form-fitting - that would defeat the purpose. We clarified the language - what we meant to say is that if you wear padded shorts underneath these, you should definitely order one size larger than you would for your normal pants.

The whole idea of knickers is to have pants that look good, but otherwise disappear when you ride. Ours are based on Japanese cyclotouring and hiking knickers, which are quite sophisticated, with articulated knees and hidden drawcords at the leg cuffs. This makes them incredibly complex to sew, which explains the price. If we priced them like most clothing companies price clothing, they'd be unaffordable...

Jan Heine

Compass Bicycles

www.compasscycle.com

[René Sterental]

Jan, when are larger sizes coming?

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[Daniel D.]

I was wondering how Japanese knickers differ from the american ones like swrve, chrome, betabrand, etc.  Umm yeah don't google "japanese knickers" at work.  But Japanese cycling knickers didn't turn up anything either.

[Jim D Massachusetts]

Patrick,   I am contemplating the image of you in that attire. I cannot imagine what I would think if I saw something like that out in the wild. I can understand why it would take you a bit, to restore your self image. Be assured however that the list values your experience no matter how you dress.                                    Jim D                Massachusetts

[Deacon Patrick]

Jim, be assured Patrick of the Moore can clean up nicely (at least by my fashion standards, which arguably may not exist). Grin.:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32311885@N07/20325920986/in/album-72157656815085416/

With abandon,

Patrick

[Liesl]

Jan, I love the idea of these kickers.  Is it possible to share some inseam information?  I would love a pair, but I fear at 5'2" and  with comparatively skinny calves, the following three things might happen:  1) the articulated knees would fall midway down my shins, 2) my calves wouldn't hold them up in the knicker position because overall they're too long, and 3) when extended, the pant legs might drag under my heals because the inseam is 32 or 34.  But if I knew that there was a length that was equivalent to, say, a 28" or 30" inseam, then I'd be all over it!

yours, Liesl (who has experienced all of the above issues with beautiful knickers)

[Jim D Massachusetts]

In the pictures you both look, dare I say, normal.  Not an elf to be seen anywhere. My mind is at rest.                      Jim D.           Massachusetts

[Daniel D.]

From blog post about the knickers.  I have a 30" men's jeans inseam and the knicker numbers sound like a good length, not slightly over hemmed pants :p.

https://janheine.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/compass-knickers/

Inseams (approximate):
28″ size: 17.5″ inseam
30″ size: 18.25″ inseam
32 and 34 size: 18.50″ inseam
-Barbara
Compass Staff

[Jan Heine]

I don't think any of the "domestic" knickers are quite so sophisticated in their cut, and quite as performance-oriented. It's like many of the mainstream "classic" bikes, which go for the look of a classic, but not necessarily get the performance right. 

The Compass knickers really are incredibly light, and they really do disappear when you ride. I rode 2/3 of PBP this year without them and 1/3 with them, and there was no difference in speed or feel. I can't say that about other knickers, which often work remarkably well, but I am always aware that I am wearing them.

Or to put it another way, these are the only knickers I'd ever do hill intervals in. Not that you should do hill intervals, but basically, these are intended for riders who don't want to compromise performance, but who don't like the look of tight-fitting lycra.

Jan Heine

Compass Bicycles Ltd.

www.compasscycle.com

[Mike Schiller]

those numbers sound short.  I have been happily using the Zoic Reign knickers and an XL version ( 36" waist) measures about 20 1/2 inches.  They are from a local Co. here in Carlsbad but are sewn in China unfortunately.

~mike

Carlsbad Ca

[Garth]

    Ahahahaah !   "recovering" from what ? !     What you never had cannot be taken from you.

Stating the Obvious . . . .  Life IS a costume party .  Everyone is wearing a costume so it does not matter what anyone is wearing no matter what they, you or I say about it .  HaH !  The bus driver is wearing his costume too , as am I , as are you , as are we all .

  So the honest response to the bus driver is "Yes I am, and the costume party is right here ".

On Monday, October 5, 2015 at 4:29:38 PM UTC-4, Patrick Moore wrote:

[Matthew J]

Was in NYC for a few days.  Returned and mine were in the vestibule.

Definitely light weight.  Appear well made.  Zippers are solid.  Belt and snap just a little hard to work - suggesting they will stand up to a lot of abuse.  Glad I ordered a size up per the Compass Rx. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be unseasonably warm in Chicago.  May just take them out for a spin.

[William deRosset]

Hi, All,

The Compass Knickers are about a plus-two to plus-three length on me when worn below the waist but above the hip, and run true to size. 

The front zipper pockets are pretty shallow--you'll be using those zippers--and the (right hand only) back zip pocket is large enough for a couple of credit cards or perhaps a wallet, so phablet users will need to look elsewhere for portable-TV-tracking-device storage. As a left-handed user of these shorts, I'd prefer to also have a left-hand rear pocket for my wallet etc.

The elasticated waist band was soft, and the belt held my clip-on pocketknife in place well.  There is a mesh back panel that is visually inobtrusive and may help with ventilation, though the regular material did fine in this regard.

The (polyester? my pair have no branding, size tags, or other markings at all) material is quite thin, sheds water, dries quickly, drapes beautifully, breathes well, and has a subtle 2-way stretch. The articulated knees, crotch gusset, etc result in a garment that does what it is supposed to do--disappear while riding while still looking like casual wear off of the bike. They are trim, but not restrictive, and the lack of obnoxious stitched-on logos etc is a welcome touch for modern cycling clothing. Stitching and reinforcement is inobtrusive, tight, and even.

Obviously, I've not yet had a chance to ride more than seventy miles or so in them to date (i.e. they were fine yesterday), but they held up in the washer, and dried very quickly on the line (minutes).

I'd prefer another inch in the length for the 32" size, but I've got long femurs. They are not vanity sized at all, so if you wear a "32" khaki or pre-shrunk Levis, then you'll be happier in the next size up. I have a true 32" waist, usually take my khakis and straight-leg jeans in at the waist to fit my thighs, and I pretty much max the Compass knickers out. If I order another pair, they'll be sized up. 

They're fine summer-weight knickers, nicely tailored, without frippery or unnecessary details. 

Cheers,

Will

William M. deRosset

Fort Collins, CO

[Michael Cinibulk]

Thanks Will for the detailed review. I have the same problem as you with most knickers - they're too short for my long femurs. Would you mind measuring the inseam length of your pair?

Thanks,

Mike C
Bellbrook O

[Beth H]

I am making my own fall-winter knicks from an old pair of corduroy slacks. I will share pix when they're done.
I got the slacks out of a "free" box on the curb and I'm quite handy with a needle so my cost for alterations is basically just my time.
I appreciate companies offering their designs, but the prices are beyond me.
Consider reworking a garment another form of Made In The USA.
Beth in PDX

[Daniel D.]

Nice, besides length what alterations are you planning?

[Beth H]

Since I sew by hand, I won't be doing anything terrifically fancy.

These are dress slack I got too big for; so some of the leftover will be used to expand the waistline up a size (see photo for how I recently did this with a pair of Swrve pants: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bethness/21799276151/)

I will likely just hem them, gather in an inch or two on each leg and add a 1" wide strip with buttons and buttonholes (and yes, I know how to make buttonholes by hand as well -- thanks Mom!).

Once I cut down the legs I'll have plenty of material left to make them into plus-two-and-a-halfs or so.

Beth

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