Girlfriend’s family are buying me some for christmas and was wondering which are best. I had Endura superlights and was thoroughly unimpressed with them (they’re pretty badly made).

What alternatives are there? I’m looking at-

IXS Nepean
Altura
Craft Performance

My head says Craft for quality and I’m not sure if the IXSs will be instock in time for the Puffer.

Also, they’ll be buying from the states so are there any other brands doing some that we can’t get that they could?

Cheers!

Gore Alp X

Oh, should’ve said, the Gores are too pricey I’m afraid. About £60 is the limit.

Well, I suggest you have a look around! Wiggle were doing 20% off, also if you search on Amazon you can get them for £65 including postage.

I dont know if the company is still going but Freestyle used to do some really good overshorts for about £25 ish, they pack down to the size of an apple which is really handy.

I’ve got 2 pair of Altura Attacks, both spot on- they’ve had a decent amount of use and a few crashes, still good as new. Good kit IMO. Though I know Altura’s rep and I know it’s probably deserved!

What, cheap and dependable?

Incredibly awful warranty support. But I get on fine with Altura stuff (4 pairs of shorts, no bother with any), I’ve just seen others do not so well.

I’ve a pair of Altura and they’ve been OK. Lost the water-beading after one wash (in soap flakes), but still waterproof enough. Great for keeping the windchill off in drier (spring/autumn) weather too. Worth a punt if you can get them cheap-ish.

i have a pair of altura that are about 2 years old and seem to have held up well.

if i was buying again i would either go for the Gore or Endura waterproof as they seem better quality.

I’ve got a set of Sombrio Wildcard shorts and (based on about 2-3 weeks of ownership so far) I’d thoroughly reccomend them.

Despite the “freeride” marketing the fit is pretty bang on for me for general trail riding. Length to just over the knees and fabric & fit that look good enough you could almost wear them off the bike as normal shorts. Importantly they seem well built and very waterpoof (more so than my upsettingly expensive Vaude eVent jacket).

If my previous experience with Sombrio shorts is anything to go by they should last as well as they look – I’ve had a set of Highlines that have gone through a lot of riding, during which several sets of Enduras have been consigned to the bin.

Altura Attack very impressive so far.

I’m on pair 2 of altura attack and am about to send them back as they’ve never kept me dry. One wet descent and I’ve got a wet chammy that’ll take longer to dry than if I’d just worn normal shorts. The fit seams to be much worse on the second pair as well. Not impressed.

Very happy with my Altura Attacks

was going to recommend the dhb event ones but you’d have to buy them I guess if you went for those.

they do come up a bit small – I’m normally medium but had to have a large and they’re ‘snug’.

The Gore ones are made from Paclite so very lightweight and minimalist, in fact you hardly know you’re wearing them. The downside obviously is durability.

I don’t use mudguards, they are completely waterproof and I have always stayed dry.

I’ve got the Altura Attack 3/4s. Perfectly happy with them, and the waterproofing is still fine (but then I never put them in the machine. Just hose them off).

I traditionally test the breathability quite heavily – you can read that as being a sweaty **** – but I’ve had no problem with these.

Gore Alp X are on year 4 and still going strong.

Altura Attack 3/4’s here too. A side pocket zip bust after 10 months and was replaced within 2 weeks with new pair under warranty. Great service from Merlin 🙂 . would definately have another pair if I was buying

+1 for the Sombrio Wildcard

Another vote for Sombrio Wildcard shorts

Bit of a hijack, but what about these…bit OTT?

Sorry, not those but these

Cyclesurgery doing Gore Alp X for £57

BTW what is the sizing like on the Gore Alp X?

Of those with the wildcards can anyone vouch for the fit? I have found sombrio quality good in the past but sizing can be a bit hit n mis. They ususlly come up big for their size but not always (it can depend on year i’ve found). I’m 32-34″, anyone else out there can confirm the mediums are about as advertised for the 2010 wildcards? Or should i size up or down?

Of those with the wildcards can anyone vouch for the fit? I have found sombrio quality good in the past but sizing can be a bit hit n mis. They ususlly come up big for their size but not always (it can depend on year i’ve found). I’m 32-34″, anyone else out there can confirm the mediums are about as advertised for the 2010 wildcards? Or should i size up or down?

Of those with the wildcards can anyone vouch for the fit? I have found sombrio quality good in the past but sizing can be a bit hit n mis. They ususlly come up big for their size but not always (it can depend on year i’ve found). I’m 32-34″, anyone else out there can confirm the mediums are about as advertised for the 2010 wildcards? Or should i size up or down?

I’d go for the medium. I’ve found I had to size up with my Highlines, but the Wildcards are as expected.
I’m 30-32″ and the wearing a Small in the Wildcard.

Endura Superlite, work well for me. First pair lasted just shy of 12 months with a lot of use. Small hole started to form at the crotch so sent them back and got a new pair under warranty. Couple of months in with these ones and I cant fault them!

I got some Alturas and they’re OK. Totally ignore their sizing guide though – they’re massive! I went for Large based on their guide and had to send them back for mediums which are still bloody big.

ta delusional, looks like i’m at the mercy of the chain reaction sizeist pricing policy then:(

ta delusional, looks like i’m at the mercy of the chain reaction sizeist pricing policy then:(

Endura’s a no go- thoroughly unconvinced by the reliability of their kit.

The Sombrio’s look good. I like their kit, so they’re tempting.

The Gores are $230 over there. So, erm, no.

I got some Alturas and they’re OK. Totally ignore their sizing guide though – they’re massive! I went for Large based on their guide and had to send them back for mediums which are still bloody big.

Odd, I’m usually a medium but went for the large based on their size advice and they are fine.

Look huge but cinch down nice when on and forget I’m wearing them.

I’d say Wildcards come up slightly small. I’m a 32-33″ waste and take a large.

ah that was kinda what i was hoping with the wildcards as for some reason the large ones are nearly 10 squid less. Weird, surely there is more material in em… Weird!