Women’s Endura MT500 Spray Baggy Trouser II

Designed for tough conditions with a performance fit and seat panel waterproofing, the Endura MT500 Trouser seem like the ideal solution for UK winter riding. This is my second year trying out the MT500 range for wet weather riding, so first let’s take a look at what’s new from last years’ trouser.

The fit is one of the main changes worth noting. I have a pair of women’s large Endura MT500 trousers from 2019/2020, and I’m in a size medium this year with them measuring up exactly the same in all areas. I’m not sure if this is a pre-production error, mislabelling, or an intentional update but the official line from Endura is: (well, they haven’t got back to me.)

The material has been updated from 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane to 80% Nylon, 15% Polyester, 5% Elastane. That Polyester intake has produced a much tougher fabric that is thicker, stiffer and less breathable that the previous version, in an attempt to be more weatherproof. The reduced Elastane is definitely noticeable in my opinion, so you really want these trousers to be a good fit.

At the waist, a regular button hole has changed to two vertically placed poppers. There appears to be less stretch in the waist than last years’ Endura MT500 Trousers, and the grippy print at the back to help keep your trousers in place on stop spray getting in is a much larger panel, which adds to the stiff, tougher feel of the trouser. The waist cinchers haven’t changed – they remain a simple Velcro option which I personally prefer to a neater but fiddly alternative like an internal band adjustment.

The laser cut ventilation holes have been removed this year, replaced with mesh lined thigh vents, which given the change in material are a welcome addition. The seat pad is a three layer construction with taped seams to add extra waterproofing where your rear wheel sprays.

A small but significant change for me is the zip pulls. For some reason, Endura has reduced the size, and the newer version isn’t as durable since I’ve already broken one in a few months of use, having worn my previous pair for over a year as both riding and walking trousers.

Are the Endura MT500 trousers waterproof?

The material is a huge improvement on last years’, and the new MT500 trouser offer much better spray proofing. The rear panel may resist water for longer than the rest of the material, but ultimately you will end up wet if you’re riding in the rain or on a wet trail with a lot of surface water.

I have found that my lower legs and ankles have remained dry for much longer than they previously have, which is a good indication of the improvement to the fabric, but the seat and thigh area stand no chance in Calderdale right now. On the occasions where we’ve had very cold, dry weather with some surface water these trousers have been the ideal choice. Just enough water resistance to keep me dry for the majority of the ride, and the tough fabric keeping enough heat in without being unbearably sweaty.

The Ride

If you have a good fit in these trousers, you’ll be in your element on colder rides, regardless of the challenge. I don’t overheat on long climbs, and on a rare occasion I’ve used the thigh vents but generally the temperature regulation is spot on for any sub 10ºC weather.

The reduced stretch has meant I don’t get much use out the pockets, but given my body shape, these trousers are a close fit around my thighs. I also have struggled to get my bulkier kneepads in without finding some discomfort on climbs. The knees are reinforced, which offer good graze protection and no doubt will remain durable over time. I’ve had a huge crash in these trousers, dragging my knee over dry rough gritstone, and I only tore the very top layer of fabric.

For a comfortable ride, cinch the waist right up, and if you have a big hip-to-waist ratio like me (hourglass/pear shape) you’ll notice a bit of bulky material, but you soon forget about it when the trousers stay exactly where they should. I’ve ridden in some trousers that start to sneak down when they’re wet or you’ve got some movement in them but these are like a second skin.

Overall

Great for colder days and light water resistance, the Endura MT500 Spray Baggy Trouser II are a tougher design to previous years, with plenty of minor detail changes that show Endura have listened to rider feedback. Ventilation is optional, the waist is a much more secure fit and the fabric is a lot more durable. Just check the sizing chart and don’t be surprised if they turn up too large!

Review Info

Amanda Wishart

Art Director

Amanda is our resident pedaller, who loves the climbs as much as the descents. No genre of biking is turned down, though she is happiest when at the top of a mountain with a wild descent ahead of her. If you ever want a chat about concussion recovery, dealing with a Womb of Doom or how best to fuel an endurance XC race, she's the one to email.

More posts from Amanda