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What do people wear and what's good, both in terms of quality and price. Bought some Regatta trousers after a friends recommendation and while they are decent and not expensive they've clearly been made for people with very skinny legs. I can't bring myself to buy the proper mtb ones due to price, any other alternatives out there?
You could try hiking trousers, can usually pick up good quality one's for around £40 that will have a nice amount of stretch in them. Sportspursuits.com a good place to look.
i have the boardman zip off ones to try trousers on teh cheap - they are surprisingly nice to ride in. They dont look the best quality but have survived BPW and plenty of local mtb stuff, dig days, welding in the van, walkign in the alps etc.
the leg zips are way too high to zip off as you endup with a massive gap to the knee pads but they help with putting pads on and pulling em up as needed.
I have some Madison Zenith DWR - they are good at what they do (keeping wintery weather out) but the fit is wrong for me - they seem too low cut at the back and don't seem to want to stay in place around the waist.
xc ski trousers.
Although my best item of mtb clothing is my POC mtb trousers. bloody brilliant
I use Endura Singletrack trousers. Not waterproof, but a shower should bead off easily. They're mtb specific, but not actually all that expensive.
Polaris ones have lasted well for me and they weren't pricey.
I'd forgotten about Sport Pursuit i'll go take a look. I had wondered about ski/board pants but thought they'd be too warm. The regatta ones would be perfect if they just had a little more room in them.
You saying I've got skinny legs?
Remind me to kick you next time we go for ride.
I've got a pair of sweet protection ones, there good for the sort of warmish dampish drizzling weather that seems to be our winters these days. They're not waterproof, but they do keep your legs clean and a bit warmer. One of the extra bonuses is that your shoes don't get filled with nearly as much water, as the hem of the trousers sits over my winter boots
I have some Madison Zenith DWR – they are good at what they do (keeping wintery weather out) but the fit is wrong for me – they seem too low cut at the back and don’t seem to want to stay in place around the waist.
and
they do keep your legs clean and a bit warmer. One of the extra bonuses is that your shoes don’t get filled with nearly as much water, as the hem of the trousers sits over my winter boots
I combat the low cut and issues with staying in place with a decent set of Sthil braces. Will happily buy another pair.
These are the business
https://uk.foxracing.com/indicator-pant/20913.html
I've got big legs and these fit perfectly. Fitted with plenty of stretch. Not waterproof but enough protection from the elements. Temperature regulation is also spot on
What are these skinny Regatta trousers you speak of? I have relatively skinny legs and don't like excess bagginess in trousers.
possibly the regatta sungari, pretty much a copy of montaine terra pant. but £15 on golfbase or there ebay page
I'd recon the £40 Decathlon walking trousers would do the job. Just bought a pair for walking in, and they are quite tight. The low waist is a bit of an issue on the bike, but I reccon they'd do the job. Seem to be fairly breathable and 'wind' proof.
I generally go with bib tights under my normal baggies in cold weather (being an ex-roadie) I've got a fair few pairs ranging from "full on" arctic insulated, to fairly thin.
Came here to also recommend the Fox Indicators. I bought them on CRC with a voucher.
They're my first trousers after riding in shorts forever and they're an instant favourite. It's like riding in weightless, silky pyjamas. They're not insulated and they're not waterproof so I don't overheat and they keep your legs, pads, socks etc clean so it's much less faf after a ride.
possibly the regatta sungari,
They were the Regatta Questra - bit more money but better quality (I have both).
I actually have fairly chunky legs and wear L or XL kneepads - but I pull them up over the trews.
I had wondered about ski/board pants but thought they’d be too warm.
They would be too warm, plus very wide at the bottom to fit over ski boots, certain to get caught in the chain.
I actually have fairly chunky legs and wear L or XL kneepads – but I pull them up over the trews.
Whaaat? you mean like this?
You saying I’ve got skinny legs?
Compared to me you must do yeah, or I'm just used to the looser easy fir of shorts and baggy'ish jeans. I think it's just a case of trying a few different types on if i'm being too tight and not buying mtb specific ones.
Whaaat? you mean like this?
Where did you get that picture of me? Roots and Rain?
Compared to me you must do
We'll have to have a measure up.
just for clarity.... xc ski trousers (in my earlier post) are not ski or snowboard trousers
Endura non waterproof ones.
Tapered at the heel to avoid snagging chainrings, and cut to suit a pedalling position, with knees baggy enough to wear light knee pads beneath them.
Pockets which actually work while riding too.
Cheers howsyourdad1 i'll take a look about, I had wondered about a light weight ski type pant and I know you can get slimmer fitting ones.
Endura non waterproof ones
The hummvees aren't badly priced, what they like when they get wet & filfthy, not too heavy?
I'm liking my Endura long pants, it's the 1st time I've tried full length pants for riding, they're just the job, comfortable, unobtrusive and knee pads fit inside really well. Work well in the cold with a base layer underneath as well.
Tights! With shorts over the top if you must, but really, they are so much better than any MTB trousers I've ever worn.
Polaris’ vaguely water repellant AM trousers. Cheap too in their perpetual DFS-esque sale.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00HZMHZEK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I’ve had a few wet muddy rides in these and they do a great job
100% waterproof and warm
Knee pads fit under them too
For the money they are perfect
A mate has been riding in army-surplus Gore-Tex camo trousers. Cheap as chips (>£30 iirc). He's extremely please with their performance but they do make him look like someone you wouldn't want near your kids.
Haha, OP already looks like that so no worries there.
I was gonna recommend Maloja, cos I got some troos a while ago and they're excellent. Then I saw the price! £200!! https://www.bikester.co.uk/maloja-samadenm-freeride-pants-men-moonless-1031189.html
So not them. Mine were a lot cheaper from Amazon (and slightly more colourful).
These are stylish
The hummvees aren’t badly priced, what they like when they get wet & filfthy, not too heavy?
Endura singletrack is what I have.
As they are fairly form fitting (but not skin tight) on the arse and thigh so its not annoying flappy cold and wet.
They do increase in weight when wet though, its not a bead off surface. Biblically heavy rain likely not the ideal trouser; tyre spray from puddles/mud, drizzle and so on they are great.
Being a roadie and newbie to mtb I've resurrected some old Clice and Alpinestars longs (and LS jerseys) that I used to use for motorbike trials riding. I've lost some weight since my trials riding days so bib shorts under these long trousers works well from a fit persective. They're comfortable and the legs are a bit padded but not restrictive.
single track trousers here too and with some cut-off waterproof trousers as shorts I still keep a dry bum - result
I've got Endura Singletrack trousers, Humvee 3/4 length trousers and ex-MOD GoreTex overtrousers. The Singletracks are from 2012 and seem to have lost any water repellancy they once had and have clearly shrunk in the wash. The Humvees were bought for the ClickFast liner when they were on offer and I've only worn them once; they have no water repellant properties what-so-ever. The camo GoreTex are great; waterproof and not at all not sweaty, but not particularly elegant. They also have a habit of riding down at the back if I move about on the saddle too much so some braces are in order.
https://www.revolutionrace.co.uk/ seem to get a lot of love on another forum I frequent but I have no personal experience of them.
I've got a pair of the Decathlon Fast Hiking trousers that were about 40 quid. They aren't waterproof, but they are very lightwieght (may not actually be a positive - I'm yet to take another tumble on tarmac), dry rather quickly, have two not very deep pockets (useful for stashing things briefly, not for riding with), and have a nice taper from reasonably roomy to slimmer at the ankle which has resulted in zero interactions with the drivetrain. They've got a windproof panel on the front also. I pop a pair of tights underneath for these colder conditions. I have been very impressed.
A neighbour of mine swears by the Keela Roadrunners though. If I have 80 quid spare at any point I might give them a go.
Oh, and I wear medium Endura Singletrack knee pads. They fit nicely under the trousers - plenty of wiggle room.
If you're against buying mtb specific pants, give karrimor panther pants from sportsdirect a try for £25, the material is stretchy so you could even try sizing down, decent zipped pockets, not at all waterproof but I use them when it's not raining. Good casual pair of pants to wear for all sorts of things.
Fox indicator, I tried a few of the cheaper options and they were crap to be honest. The fox pants are super comfortable, lightweight can handle a shower and look great.
Probably find something cheap but usable on wish?
Or just buy some Fox pants, they're bloody ace.
Have a couple of pairs of cheap 'outdoors' trousers from Wish or similar (can't remember). Around 20 or 25 quid a pair. Saw them pop up on a Facebook sponsored post.
Fit is a little 'eastern' (skinny and high waisted) but for hacking around in winter they're great. Very lightweight, stretchy and comfortable. Not really waterproof, but dry super fast so good for all but constantly raining rides.
No one has mentioned the specialized demo pro pants
I’ve been converted to riding with trousers with the Royal Storm pant, got them in the sale for £70. Truly waterproof and with a combo of sealskinz you aren’t getting wet feet at all....
My mate has the endura singletrack Ones but when it gets wet his trouser legs get soaked and then his shoes do too...
With trousers I really think it’s worth paying to get that fit that’s right for you
Tights! With shorts over the top if you must, but really, they are so much better
Tights don't stop the water going into the tops your shoes, (which is how most of it gets in). so not necessarily better.
Watching this thread with eager eyes!!
So far on my list
Royal storm (but never in stock!)
Fox ranger 3l (but never in stock!)
Spesh demo pant (but never in stock)
Others in this thread especially callingv carlos
The madison zenith dwr trousers.. Look decent in stock at lbs and knowing what and how much you ride must be fairly hard wearing and waterproof??
They are the only ones I've seen that look like they'd cover my shimano winter boots and seemingly pretty cheap too
I've got a pair of Dare2b walking trousers, were cheap. Not waterproof but dry fast, are close fitting without being over tight. Nice to ride in.
These
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/fpa-500-bottoms-navy-id_8549245.html
Cheaper than chips
Probably not much help but Fox Ranger waterproof trousers are probably the best bit of riding kit I've bought for years, however they were expensive (£110), I've no doubt I'll eventually manage to rip or tear them and the legs are tapered so fit is pretty tight. I had doubts about spending that much on riding pants but after a few months of use I'd definitely buy another pair
The TLD (chinese) pants off eBay are perfect copies, or possibly originals out of the back door - either way you cant tell the difference
Happy with my Endura MT500 spray trousers.
Decent leg length (I’ve got a 34”’inside leg and they fit fine), showerproof and don’t seem to soak much moisture up sot hey don’t get baggy and flappy when it’s wet.
The only niggle is the zips at the bottom of the legs can be a bit fiddly to undo when they are a bit muddy.
The TLD (chinese) pants off eBay are perfect copies, or possibly originals out of the back door – either way you cant tell the difference
Any chance of a link @mehr
Probably not much help but Fox Ranger waterproof trousers are probably the best bit of riding kit I’ve bought for years, however they were expensive (£110), I’ve no doubt I’ll eventually manage to rip or tear them and the legs are tapered so fit is pretty tight. I had doubts about spending that much on riding pants but after a few months of use I’d definitely buy another pair
Sums up my experience with the Ranger Water Pant - v.expensive, but super comfy and definitely waterproof.
I’ve got some endura zip offs in xxl which are too long for me - and a bit too high wasted to be comfy. £30 posted if that sounds like your thing. Worn them 3 times at most...
@ Ocillate Wildly
The madison zenith dwr trousers.. Look decent in stock at lbs and knowing what and how much you ride must be fairly hard wearing and waterproof??
Hi Mate, hows it going?
Both Garry (message him for his review) and I have them. Tbh they are pretty good but do wet out if its really wet. Not being to heavy a material they tend to dry quite well though. You can wear pads under them, butnote the waist bandis low so tend to end up looking like a wannabe be gangsta when they get wet/muddy. They do stop a lot of water getting I to the boots, but feet will nearly always get wet one way or the other.
Would I buy again?? Yes but they're not 100% waterproof,breathable etc..
Cheers jimdubleyou but they'd be too big for me. Some good links to follow up here, quite a few ebay specials to consider.
I had the same plan as @Oscillate Wildly but gave up.
I'd already ordered some Fox Flexairs to get me into the MTB Pants game.
Also on the back of @mehr post I've purchased some TLD pants from Aliexpress. Bit cheaper than ebay and got them for £32 inc delivery. Will post back when they arrive.
Fox Flexair Pants are great, not totally waterproof but near enough, whilst also being comfy and breathable.
Another thumbs up on the Flexairs from me too.
I’ve got a few pairs and they have become my go to for everything other than hot summer riding.
My experience
6’2” 34 waist. 36 inside leg to the floor
Always use sealskinz sox with the Sam Hill (water resistant) 510s if its wet.
Endura singletrack. Dry trails only. L to get length. Great fit even over fat pads like ION K-Pact. Not in the slightest bit waterproof. Like them a lot as kind as there’s not many deep puddles.
Endura MT500 Spray. Great in mud but if there’s a lot of standing water they are very soon soaked at calves and bum area. Awful that! Must be a DWR treated soft shell type fabric as warm and cosy with their slightly fleecy liner. Feel nice to wear. Good over the ION pads. I needed L to get the length so touch loose on my waist.
Endura Humvee waterproof (older model with full length zip) pretty good waterproofing. Thin fabric. Laminate type material. I use over the singletracks when it’s cold. Cosy combination. Nice to take off over trousers for the drive home.
Latest acquisition in the quest fit comfort is the Showers Pass Refuge so far they have kept all the water out. Bit over specified with the reflective material for off road and a touch looser at the ankles than I’d like. Although the straps adjust perfectly. Expensive so lucky I got a Black Friday deal. It seems like really well made stuff and customer service from Fraser is second to none.
Good over the fat ION pads too.
There’s a lot to like about Showers Pass. Wish I could justify the Refuge jacket. Next winter maybe.
I tried on the Sweet Protection Hunter waterproof pants too. Lovely fit but as jacket in the same range isn’t reviewed well for full on wet conditions I decided not. Very similar material to the Humvees. Nice slim fit. Too tight over pads although ok over slim ones like Dainese perforated jobs.
Tried on the the Madison DTE waterproofs too. Quite stiff fabric but low in the waist at the back and a touch too tight over my ION pads. Braces would work I guess. Good prices. Robust fabric.
I did buy the DTE shorts from that range. Great. Stay up ok in shorts format.
On the edge of proper wet season waterproof shorts/ pads/ long sealskinz are my go to solution.
You don’t get the “peel off and get in the car clean” advantage though.
Quite keen on the flexair but with 34 waist and 30 IL I reckon they’ll be too long...
Bontrager do some nice ones.
I have a couple of pairs, use them on the bike in winter and have also used them walking in the snow.
These are the one I believe
@mudfish are the endura trousers properly long enough for riding or do you just put up with them?
I'm 6'3, didn't think enduras would be long enough in their standard length. Must be really long for the majority of the population then...
Yeah they are long enough for me.
I've used the Keela Roadrunners a couple of times (including last nights bivvy). Not too baggy, stretchy, cuff fasteners to stop flapping. I like them.
I also have a cheap pair of Santic Cycling Trousers off Amazon after following a link from here. Sort of a less-tight tight. Mine are very warm so ideal for this time of year.
Thanks mehr, will take a punt on a set I think
carlos
Member
@ Ocillate WildlyThe madison zenith dwr trousers.. Look decent in stock at lbs and knowing what and how much you ride must be fairly hard wearing and waterproof??
Hi Mate, hows it going?
Both Garry (message him for his review) and I have them. Tbh they are pretty good but do wet out if its really wet. Not being to heavy a material they tend to dry quite well though. You can wear pads under them, butnote the waist bandis low so tend to end up looking like a wannabe be gangsta when they get wet/muddy. They do stop a lot of water getting I to the boots, but feet will nearly always get wet one way or the other.Would I buy again?? Yes but they’re not 100% waterproof,breathable etc..
Hey Carl
All good cheers bud hope you are too 👍🏻
Cheers for the info I will see if the shop can get me a few in to try in small and medium, don't really want them falling down but hopefully my beer gut will stop that lol
Will check them out though as long as they keep the most part of water off I'm not too bothered gotta be better than having water run down my boots
I could never find riding trousers with a good fit so I use my summer Emdura shorts with Nike running trousers/tights underneath. Perfect for warmth and fit.
Alpinestars all mountain for me, nice snug fit with room for pads.
I can 100% recommend these:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/m-waterproof-trail-trousers-id_8393194.html
£34:99, fit well- close but with flex at the key points. Kept me dry and my bibs mud free for the whole of the 'Puffer.
Cheers codybrennan i'll take a look at those for a wet weather option, the fit does look pretty decent. I bit the bullet at the weekend after trying a few options on but bought some Endura Singletrack pants, they do look a bit MC Hammer compared to normal trousers but are pretty comfy when riding.
I've had a pair and they shredded themselves after a few rides. Bough Madison DTE full waterproof ones not long after and have never looked back.
how do the madison size up? are they true to size or do they share the endura tape measure?
Do any manufacturers offer a decent long leg option? I need a 33" waist 37" leg, I know I'm far from standard sizing so don't expect perfection but haven't found anything even close.
Alpinestars new trousers get the thumbs up from me. Think they have a waterproof or thermal option for 2020, ive got the waterproof version which is great.
+1 for royal storms for me too. Changed my winter riding clothes selection forever. No more soggy legs and mud everywhere. So nice to have warm dry legs. Half price right now might buy myself a second set.....if they were in stock 🙁
Cheap, warm and water resistant (ok for a shower): https://tinyurl.com/vlptdad
how do the madison size up? are they true to size or do they share the endura tape measure?
Prob a bit on the large side to be honest. I got Medium as I'm a 32 waist and 31 leg. Waist is okay if the velcro tabs are pulled tight, but need to be held up with braces as they have a low waistband which drops no matter. Leg wise, they're fine
I think I'll at least try on a Small next pair I get
sunnrider
Cheap, warm and water resistant (ok for a shower): https://tinyurl.com/vlptdad/blockquote >They look the same as the ones I bought from wish. Definately cheap and warm but as you say only just shower proof. Might improve with some DWR spray. I have only worn mine for hiking so far, thought they might be a bit too warm on the bike but they did they job well. Comfy and roomy with plenty of stretch so would certainly be comfy on the bike.