[Closed] Goldilocks riding trousers

I looked at the Spray's in a shop and they seemed to fit the bill as my requirements are the same as yours. They didn't have my size, so went on and ordered pair which I am hoping arrive tomorrow. But no real world experience I am afraid.

I was going to say my Endura MT500 Spray do sound like what you want. They seem very comfortable at a range of temperatures, never too sweaty. I say that as someone who sweats a lot. The ankles aren't waterproof so my legs get wet when it's pouring, but my bum seems to stay dry.

Having said all of that, the bum seam has failed, it looks like it's sort of been worn away and ripped. I've had them a year but perhaps only used 10-15 times so I'm not that impressed. Might just be unlucky.

If you are overheating the the Decathlon trousers then you've nae chance, they are like tissue paper.

I have some very nice Specialized demo pants and some jolly pricy Troy Lee Spirit Ultra pants (with lots of ventilation Lazer cut hole).. and anything I over double digits is generally too warm for me to wear trousers and I accept that...and wear shorts.

Goldilocks riding trousers

Bear legs?

I've got the spray and they're quite heavy, have an elasticated waist that doesn't hold that well, so the crotch can sag and catch on the saddle, especially when they're wet and muddy.

Just got some Nukeproof blackline trousers delivered. they feel nice on, but I've not ridden in them yet. they probaly do the same as your flexairs for a) and d), but I don't think they're better for c) and d)

a) lightweight breathability (I can wear them up to about 14C) Yes
b) but the cut is a little loose, not that loose
c) they’re crinkly and
d) they aren’t really splash proof.

Fox ranger pants, a tiny bit thicker than flex airs and a slightly bit tighter fit, plus an extra phone pocket on the left leg.

@ Ned how's the sizing?

I am too hot more than too cold but don't find the Decathlons hot in reasonable temps but don't wear pads with them, do you wear pads underneath?

@Del I'd say check the sizing chart. I'm normally a small or medium and the chart put me in a small and they fit my 31" ish waist pretty well. If I was being picky they could be a tad smaller round the waist but I'd buy them again.

Thanks for all the replies.

Bear legs?

First of all I can’t believe nobody has acknowledged this. Well played.

I’ve got the spray and they’re quite heavy, have an elasticated waist that doesn’t hold that well, so the crotch can sag and catch on the saddle, especially when they’re wet and muddy.

Shame, I keep catching my flexairs on the saddle too so this would probably rule them out for me. I guess they might be worth trying for size just in case.

I am too hot more than too cold but don’t find the Decathlons hot in reasonable temps but don’t wear pads with them, do you wear pads underneath?

Yes, I’ve usually got a set of poc joint vpd system knee pads on underneath and some sealskinz socks if it’s wet.

Have a look at some of the smaller brands?

Commit
Pinned Attire

To name but two.

My gotos are the 100% R-Core X.

I've really got on with the nukeproof blackline trail pants, fit very well and not too warm for me to wear all year round. Mightn't be thin enough for you based on your decathlon feedback however.

I have one ride on my Glidepath pants and am super impressed as always with 7Mesh. They kept a bit of light spray at bay yet remained cooler than my 7Mesh Thunderpants. Fit was good but the ankle cuffs are really tight, but that is all I can fault on them so far.

As has been said if you find the decathlons too hot at 5 degrees dont go for the MT500 as you're going to boil ALIVE. The decathlons are pretty paper thin, I dont actually find the 'waterproof' bum that great because really it's not in the slightest bit waterproof and actually I think the material there is going to wear through pretty quickly, I already have some white sections around the stitching on mine after a few rides use.

I also enjoyed bear legs!

I mis-typed earlier, sorry. Not sure how I got it backwards. The blacklines aren't crinkly or especially baggy.

Sizing is spot on. I read in the reviews that it was off, but I usually buy medium/32" and the medium fits perfectly. Length is great for me - usually get 31,32in inside leg.

Sprays arrived today. I can see what Golfchick means they are going to be at the warm end as they are slightly fluffy inside. Personally found them very comfortable padding around the house, and a chamois and knee pads fit well. Just need to go pedalling now.

I’ve also been looking at the Ion trousers, are various good STW reviews but wanted the waterproof bottom.

I have the Madison DWRs. Reinforced seat, light weight, zip vents. My only issue is they have no elastic on the ankle.

Just returned Alpkit flows. Perfect except no reinforced seat.

I found my Goldilocks pants this week! I have tried decathlon, Madison, some fox and a few others and had issues with fitting and quality. I already have the superb Endura MT500 spray trousers, but they are only used when the weather is really cold and vile. Anyway, I thought I would try their Singletrack II trousers. Glad I did as they are perfect for me. Well made, decent belt, reinforced where needed, great pockets, fit knee pads, long enough and don’t feel too hot with temps this week. Absolutely love them. As an aside re fit, I have 30 inch waist and 32 inside leg, although I generally have to buy 32-34 waist trousers to get them to fit my thighs comfortably. I got the medium trousers which are perfect with a belt. 🙂

Enjoy your Decathlon all mountains whilst they last, I really loved mine (great fit) and used them once max twice a week for about 4 months before a little hole wore through in the bum, this was a mixture of sat down road miles and normal trail riding.

It's a shame, but comforting to see other people also think they're paper thin.

THREAD HIJACK!! Does anyone have a recommendation of a similar fitting trouser but that's much harder wearing?

I have the Madison DWRs. Reinforced seat, light weight, zip vents. My only issue is they have no elastic on the ankle.

The old ones had velcro fasteners on the ankles, the new ones don't.

I did a wet hike-a-bike in the new ones on Saturday, was a bit overdressed on my top half but they coped really well. Would recommend.

Specialized Demo fit similar, nice and subtle, i like the tailored fit. Only negative for me is that the pockets are a bit small and a pain in the arse to get in and out of. Not really comparable to the Decathlons though as i think mine were about £100, but i do rate them.

Enjoy your Decathlon all mountains whilst they last

Yeah definitely have to agree, I can already tell they won't last forever which is a shame but not suprising considering the cost. Will prob get this winter season out of them and then get something different once summer comes round.

My endura mt500 spray are fine for keeping the mud off your legs and staying arm in the cold. That's as much praise as I'll give them as they are too baggy in the crotch and catch on the saddle and they most definitely are only mildly spray resistant. They've ripped once already and are probably near the end again.
I will probably try the fox ranger 3l ones as my next trousers.

Have a look at the Madison Zenith 4 seasons as well mate, they're a good cut for technical riding and pretty reasonably priced.

It's funny how we all say completely different (opposite) things about the same trousers. I had to return my Madison Zenith 4 seasons as they fell apart quickly; I've also not noticed the same issues as many above with the Endura MT500 Spray. I like Madison stuff (we have about six of their coats!) but quality does seem a bit hit and miss at times, especially with stuff like zips.

Rather than start another "what trousers?" thread...

Anyone got these Alpkit ones? https://alpkit.com/products/floe-trouser-mens-1

Slightly pricier than Nukeproof/Leatt/Endura ones elsewhere, but come in different leg lengths which is attractive to someone tall but thin like me, and I generally like Alpkit stuff.

I use the decathlon AM trousers which are great for wet/splashy riding.

I also find the cut to be absolutely perfect for me, anyone know if any of their warm (non waterproof) trou are of the same fit?

I’m basically after a non waterproof I.e breathable AM.

Ta

@thenorthwind -  Got a pair of the Floe Trousers from Alpkit two weeks ago, good fit, nice material, side vents and seem well made. Done a few rides in them so far and very pleased. They seem wind proof, haven't tried them in the rain yet, but my legs stayed dry when riding on wet trails. They were a reasonable price, £64, in a "black Friday" sale. I also liked that they come in different leg sizes, I am 5' 11", 31" inside leg and about 36" waist, went for the XL Regular and they are a perfect fit. The waist band is very adjustable so no problems there. Went for the blue ones, why is the majority of kit boring black? Overall very pleased so far.

I too found the flexairs bit baggy in the upper leg and crinkly, I've settled on Troy Lee Sprints, material where needed but some mesh stuff in other places, fits nice and no noise.

Cheers @gazzab1955. I actually bought a pair of the Alpkit ones in the end. I went into the shop to try some on and the guy there said he wears the women's ones because they're a better fit for him. I tried some and agreed, so ordered some with the long legs (different length options is definitely a good thing). The other bonus is they're very slightly less boring as they're black with a blue zip.

Despite trying them on, when I looked at the waist size in inches of the women's ones, they seemed far too small, so I ordered some bigger ones, which turned out to be way bigger than the spec, so I'm waiting for the smaller ones to come back. Good to hear you like them.

I also bought some Keela Roadrunners in the sale after reading another thread on here. They're also very good - a bit thicker and I imagine harder wearing, though a less "athletic" fit. Great for longer/slower/colder riding though.

Bought some of the Nukeproof ones in the sale too - very similar to the Alpkit ones TBH, but would prefer to buy from Alpkit, so sent them back.

Have you considered Norrona? I have their Fjora Flex 1 (older version - new ones here) and they have nice big zip up vents up both legs, a splashproof bum and are snug (but not spray-on tight). Only downside is that they can get a bit heavy if the legs get soaked, but that's a fair compromise as far as I'm concerned...

Heinous, I know, but I'm actually considering a rear mudguard on the bikes to help my trousers from getting destroyed.

Using some Madison Flux currently.
Lovely fit with a fairly slim shape.
Not waterproof just a little DWR coating so maybe try the waterproof version of these?
Usually a large with 34" waist and 34" inside leg but the medium is a better fit.
Max.

Just got myself a pair of the Assos Winter Trail pants - spendy, but initial thoughts are they’re a lovely snug fit and seem really well put together. Soft shell with more water resistant panels, so definitely not crinkly. Can’t speak to their performance or longevity as yet, as They’re still at the tailor getting the legs taken up a bit.

Anyone got these Alpkit ones?

I ordered a pair. They're a reinforced seat away from perfect.

Heinous, I know, but I’m actually considering a rear mudguard on the bikes to help my trousers from getting destroyed.

A mudhugger is essential, you'll never look back once fitted. It's great finishing a ride without a thick muddy paste smeared all around your bum and thighs.

Aye, and the dropper too @jimmy. Debut tomoro at Gypsy Glen.