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I am sure there are other threads about this, potentially even ones I have posted on but I can't find them so - has anyone got a recommendation for a good set of riding trousers / pants?
I have looked at a few and like the look of the ION Shelter Soft-shell, Vaude Quimsa and the Fox Demo WR.
I know these will not be full on waterproof and to be honest that's not what I want - just water resistant, wind resistance and a bit of extra coverage for the legs would be good.
Anyone used any of these options or any others that you would recommend or avoid?
I accept I'll get shot for this comment, but Lycra is so much better in the cold and wet. It doesn't flap, it's warmer, it stays warm when it's wet and it doesn't adsorb as much water when the rain comes. Get a good pair of winter tights (decathlon 900 series is a good value start point) and wear baggy shorts over the top if you wish.
I was tempted by the Fox Indicator 'Pants' as I wanted something more for coverage than warmth as I run pretty hot once I'm moving, but in the end I opted for Endura Singletrack trousers. Should be arriving today/tomorrow so I'll let you know what my first impressions are but I'm hoping they'll be nice and flexible and not too sweaty. I have the Singletrack shorts and they're perfect, so hopefully a similar material/fit to them.
Last year I did some big South Downs type rides in October/November in cold & rain and I opted for the full-length bib tights with Baggies over the top and warmth-wise it was fine (almost too warm!) but once you get more than a couple of hours into a muddy ride they just absorb too much mud/water and start getting a bit unpleasant.
Admittedly they weren't 'Winter' tights though, I didn't know they were a thing so that might be a good option.
i got some of those madison ones from tredz for £55. not ridden them yet but they look good and get good reviews.
I bought there SUKUTU https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BF8M7CG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 trousers, 25 quid and they've been good so far. The cut isn't skin tight but tight enough that they don't flap about or get stuck in the chain. They definitely are not waterproof but they dry quickly (if the rain stops...). Been commuting in them for 5 months and done a few MTB rides in them, they're what I'm wearing all the time now for MTB. No signs of wear as yet, I'm going to buy a second pair and I'll see how they wear through the grit and slop of Winter.
I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi softshell trousers off of SportPursuit. I've only tried them on so far, but they seem pretty good - I got the large 'cos they didn't have any mediums, they're a bit on the big size but with the drawstring done up they don't seem to bad.
Fairly thin, but should offer a bit more warmth on chilly days. Nice cut too.
I've had Endura Humvee trousers for yonks and they were always ok, then I bought some Pearl Izumi soft shell trousers for commuting from SportPursuit and they were a revelation. Stretchy, comfy, warm, semi-waterproof.. pair of merino leg warmers underneath for sub-zero temps.
They have them on sale again for around £30, but limited sizes. I nearly bought a second pair from the PI site, but resisted.
I just wear No-Rain leg warmers with bib-shorts, and if its very wet rain-resistant bib shorts, maybe with either rapha or pedal-Ed stretch touring shorts over the top. Trousers are too annoying to cycle in much as big baggies are - doubly so in the wet.
My POC resistance pro trousers are superb. Got them in the sale mind for 80 quid
Tights are for wimminz. Fox demo pants fit really well & are very light.
Recently bought the Fox Attack pants and they are really good' and the fitting is spot on
I used to use a pair of quite snug outdoor softshell trousers I got from REI in the US. They wore out at the arse though, no toughened panels. Now I use Trespass walking trousers that I took in at the ankle with a sewing machine. I thought they'd still be flappy and damp but they are actually pretty warm. Softshell trousers would be warmer still.
i got some of those madison ones from tredz for £55
Gone up a little in price but I just ordered them from Tredz eBay store using that 10% off code PSA'd on another thread. Liking the idea of trousers I can easily strip off when I get home/back to the car when muddy.
Edit: just noticed price varies by size, I'm just unlucky being M
Craghoppers do a pair of trousers with decent stretch so they have many of the characteristics of tights, but without the ballet dancer look and with good zip up pockets.
Also Keela are worth a look.
Gotta agree with lunge the right tights are hard to beat. But have been using Endura Singletracks for 3 years and being able to seal over the top of your mtb boots properly is a game changer in the depths of winter. Showers Pass Skylines for colder days.