[Closed] advice on waterproof shorts

I think "actually waterproof" is a myth. Water will find its way in, but Madison Addicts(?) are pretty good and shielding you from water.

I've recently bought some Tenn shorts, they're really cheap - can't comment on their use yet as it's been dry - but fit wise I found them very tight on the thigs - I had to go a size up just to get them on.

MT500 Spray bagies, they dont really keep your dry on a very wet ride but i do find there much nicer to wear when wet, they dont get heavy and uncomfortable .

Same as most waterproof items they dont seem to keep you dry, just make being wet a nicer experience.

I'm not taking waterproof shorts, i'm taking 8 pairs of shorts and 'solid' chamois cream

I have had a pair of the gore ones for about 4 years now (coming into their 5th winter) and they have held up well. Most of my riding is done in the Surrey Hills and south downs so not sure how they stand up in more rugged terrain. I regularly wash them with the nikwax treatment to keep the water repellent effect in place.
You do ultimately get wet if it is a really wet day, be it from sweat or eventual ingress but I like the fact they keep off the worst of the weather and don't get heavy from soaking up the water like my fair weather shorts do.
Which ever ones you go with, try them on first - they are generally stiffer than fair weather shorts and a niggling crease now feels like torture when you are damp 20km from home

Madison Addict's are the best I have used, better than endura and Tenn.

I have the Endura MT500 Spray baggies in both shorts and 3/4 versions and really rate them. I also have the Tenn ones which have been updated with a more durable seat area. For the £20 they cost they are unbeatable IMO

The thing with waterproof shorts is that you don't really need to worry about breathability, as there's two great holes at the bottom and you're continually pumping air in and out of them with the motion of your legs. So, a pair of cheapy properly waterproof (but probably not breathable, you know, proper cagoule type stuff) trousers cut off at the knee work really well.

sweet mudride.

cheaper alternatives are available but these really are the best...

i have altura ones which i have had a while - they still seem to be waterproof

Sweet Protection Mudrides .... expensive but keeps you dry and good warranty service

I got a pair of the Tenn shorts last year and have been great. Although the liners are a bit tight on the thighs.

Recently bought the Endura MT500 II shorts and I'm impressed. Really comfy fit and not too bin baggy. Totally waterproof (or as close as youll ever get) from my experience.
Cant comment on durability as only had them two months but theyre doing fine so far.

Altura Attack 3/4's for me, properly water proof and last well (years & years)

My Tenn waterproof shorts turned up today. Not sure if I'll keep the medium or large. I suppose I'm more likely to put weight on over winter than shed some 🙂

Altura Attack 3/4's for me

These - or military surplus gore tex for a fraction of the price (and cut them to required length).

My Tenn waterproof shorts turned up today. Not sure if I'll keep the medium or large. I suppose I'm more likely to put weight on over winter than shed some

I had 3 or 4 pairs of Tenn waterproof outers... they kept going at the stitching around the bum.
To be fair to Tenn they were replaced without question, i just got bored of sending them back.

I've recently bought some Tenn shorts, they're really cheap - can't comment on their use yet as it's been dry - but fit wise I found them very tight on the thigs - I had to go a size up just to get them on.

I had 3 or 4 pairs of Tenn waterproof outers... they kept going at the stitching around the bum.
To be fair to Tenn they were replaced without question, i just got bored of sending them back.

They have changed them now, more reinforced seat area. Not tried my new ones in earnest yet. I am a 33/34 waist and fine the mediums too tight on thighs but large fit well. Lots of waist adjustment with big Velcro flaps.

Iain - any chance of a photo of the old vs new? I bought some on your recommendation but not sure what version they are. I've been out for 8/9 muddy wet rides with them so far and they seem fine.

Scotroutes - will do once home at weekend.

Cheers

PS. Waterproof shorts and saddles with raised stitching don't mix well. Get a smooth saddle if you want them to last.

Having just got my Tenn shorts I'd hope they are the new and improved version, but I can't see any sign of 'reinforcing', though I don't know what the originals looked like.

I really like the attacks, enough that I've never tried any since I got them. I just wear the shorts, not the 3/4s so I do get a bit of splash up the legs but other'n that I really like them. Main thing is, they're durable and they're not fussy about washing, I just sling them in a normal wash and it doesn't seem to hurt the waterproofing at all.

mark90 - Member
Having just got my Tenn shorts I'd hope they are the new and improved version, but I can't see any sign of 'reinforcing', though I don't know what the originals looked like.

I think they are thicker, with different stitch pattern. My original ones laster nearly a full winter of twice weekly muddy rides so I was quite happy with them for the money.

I'm using MT500 Waterproof Short II and have no complaints about the waterproofing. also got the MT500 II jacket. sizes are on the small side though so best to get a bigger size than normal.

If only there had been a big article comparing waterproof shorts in the last issue of a magazine...

Just bought some Tenns and they seem good but, as others have found, a bit tight on my shapely thighs.

I don't have the magazine....anyone summarise the findings?