MTB trousers

figbat
figbat Posts: 680
edited January 2017 in MTB buying advice
Can anybody suggest or recommend some trousers for MTB use? I currently use some padded cycling tights, with some compression longjohns underneath if it's really cold; this works OK for staying warm but if it's wet they get soaked. I tried a cheap pair of waterproof outers but they were a bit too baggy and caught in the chainring, plus they are the kagool-type material so flimsy and sweaty.

At the moment I ride at night, any weather, mostly bridlepaths and byways around the Ridgeway in S Oxon, so muddy and chalky. I try and push hard and some of the climbs are tough (for me). I'm after something I can wear that will be robust, warm and dry (I don't mind supplementing with extra layers for warmth).

Budget: not mega-££, something in a sale would be good. I doubt I'll go over £50 unless there's no option, but lower is better.
Cube Reaction GTC Pro 29 for the lumpy stuff
Cannondale Synapse alloy with 'guards for the winter roads
Fuji Altamira 2.7 for the summer roads
Trek 830 Mountain Track frame turned into a gravel bike - for anywhere & everywhere

Comments

  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    Saw the ad for this on Facebook yesterday. Not sure you'll get under £50 even in the sale, but might be worth a look.

    https://uk.foxracing.com/mtb/
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • Ross Gardner
    Ross Gardner Posts: 230
    Ever thought about getting trouser clips?
  • nasha48
    nasha48 Posts: 231
    Endura Gridlock II waterproof trousers. Under £50 (I think), strong construction, breath well, keep you very dry AND have adjustable hem on both legs so you can stop 'em flapping in your chainrings. Love mine, so much better than the cheap stuff that I previously had.
  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    Ross Gardner wrote:
    Ever thought about getting trouser clips?

    I hope the answer is no. :lol:
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • schmako
    schmako Posts: 1,982
    Endura Hummvee, great trousers. Retail for around £45-£50.

    If its chucking it down, then the waterproof trousers go over the top of them.
    Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 750
    Orange Patriot 66 FR
    Clubroost XC-4 (retired)
    Pinkbike
    My Biking Videos
  • Ross Gardner
    Ross Gardner Posts: 230
    Schmako wrote:
    Endura Hummvee, great trousers. Retail for around £45-£50.

    If its chucking it down, then the waterproof trousers go over the top of them.

    I saw a pair of Endura Humvees on eBay that were listed as waterproof. Perhaps a mistake by the seller?
  • schmako
    schmako Posts: 1,982
    Ross Gardner wrote:
    Schmako wrote:
    Endura Hummvee, great trousers. Retail for around £45-£50.

    If its chucking it down, then the waterproof trousers go over the top of them.

    I saw a pair of Endura Humvees on eBay that were listed as waterproof. Perhaps a mistake by the seller?

    Just checked, they also sell a waterproof version. Might well have to try a pair out!
    Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 750
    Orange Patriot 66 FR
    Clubroost XC-4 (retired)
    Pinkbike
    My Biking Videos
  • LimitedGarry
    LimitedGarry Posts: 400
    Padded underwear, whatever style works for you. Some warm trackpants when it's cold as an under-layer, and whatever pants you find comfortable and suitable for riding and are fine with ruining them in a fall. The advantage of this setup is that you're not spending much money for something that can be ridden through most of autumn, winter and spring.
    In order to prevent any clothes getting into the drivetrain or flapping about, get some Velcro straps that match the colour of your pants. They're not totally obvious and you forget about having them on in a bit. Hell, you can get reflex straps - since you're doing night rides, you should have them anyways. Or, if you're feeling crafty, you can sew the straps onto the pants and feel like a boss.
  • nasha48
    nasha48 Posts: 231
    It's pretty straightforward imo - padded shorts + tights + Endura Gridlock II waterproof trousers (or similar). What box does that combo not tick to satisfy the op's original requirements, inc cost?
  • Ross Gardner
    Ross Gardner Posts: 230
    Schmako wrote:

    Just checked, they also sell a waterproof version. Might well have to try a pair out!

    I'll get a pair as well. Sorted!
  • kevinharley
    kevinharley Posts: 554
    I'll just jump on here ...

    The Endura's look like a good option for commuting and possibly MTB-ing. I tend not to worry about waterproofness for legs for my commutes or for MTB rides of 2-3 hours, just running leggings / bib shorts / padded shorts and baggies.

    BUT are there any good waterproof tights options at a decent price - to be used for day-long wet rides, under baggies for MTB, on their own for CX/gravel/road?
  • figbat
    figbat Posts: 680
    Nasha48 wrote:
    It's pretty straightforward imo - padded shorts + tights + Endura Gridlock II waterproof trousers (or similar). What box does that combo not tick to satisfy the op's original requirements, inc cost?

    Seems to be a good option - the Gridlocks look good. I guess I was after personal recommendation/experience as much as anything (with my own experience being a cheap pair of now-holed over-trousers).

    If I'm honest, I rarely ride in the rain - not through choice but mostly through luck; the days I choose to ride happen to be dry (although often wet under-wheel this time of year). But if it is raining I'd like to try and keep it at bay.

    Plus, new stuff is new stuff, right?
    Cube Reaction GTC Pro 29 for the lumpy stuff
    Cannondale Synapse alloy with 'guards for the winter roads
    Fuji Altamira 2.7 for the summer roads
    Trek 830 Mountain Track frame turned into a gravel bike - for anywhere & everywhere

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