Had a spare 15 minutes in Hathersage yesterday and stumbled upon a pair of Gore Countdown baggies in The Square, down to £39. Even more surprising, the mediums fitted me (even after a big lunch!) so my credit card leaped into the hand of the guy behind the counter….

Wore them on the roadie commute today, and was very impressed – comfy liner, didn't ride up my legs or fall down my bum, not too rustly or extra sweaty, no unnecessary bulky pockets. Walked into the office without anyone making snide comments about fat blokes in lycra or guessing the temperature from the (lack of) frontal padding in my bibshorts.

Not totally converted, but I can see them being used a lot for commuting and leisurely rides with the kids when I'm trying not to look like a fat middle aged bloke having a midlife crisis on a bike.