Issue 162: Trail Tr...
 

Issue 162: Trail Trousers

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Riding trousers have migrated into all-year-round apparel for a lot of riders, like those who feel rather vulnerable going back to bare leg flesh after spending half the year riding covered up


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 6:01 am
 StuE
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Would be nice to see something a bit more affordable on test for a change


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 7:29 am
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Sports direct are selling Nukeproof trousers for 50-70 a pop depending on the colour. If you use Lovell sports (one of their subsidiaries) you can sign up for a newsletter and get 10% off.


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 8:10 am
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I had a pair of Madison Flux 2-3 years ago and they were nice light material but felt too flappy so I sold them on. As commented, they look well tapered now and still lightweight. And as an additional bonus they also do different leg lengths.

The only question that remains is: do I really need a pair?!


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 9:03 am
 a11y
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Posted by: jme369

Sports direct are selling Nukeproof trousers for 50-70 a pop

I jumped on the popularity of trail trousers and bought a pair of those to try during Chiggle's fire sale a few years ago. Thought that given the popularity of trail trousers vs shorts I was missing out. They're decent enough but I hated riding in trousers. Much prefer tights with shorts over the top for modesty during the coldest of riding conditions.

Am I missing something and should try again? 


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 9:21 am
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Sports direct are selling Nukeproof trousers for 50-70 a pop depending on the colour. If you use Lovell sports (one of their subsidiaries) you can sign up for a newsletter and get 10% off.

Do we know if these are exactly the same as the ones being sold prior to the CRC/Wiggle implosion? Various reports of DHB clothing now being lower quality, so hopefully the NP stuff hasn't gone the same way


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 9:30 am
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There are my current favourites 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/unisex-all-mountain-hot-weather-lightweight-breathable-mtb-bottoms-black/_/R-p-337020

 

I won't be paying 2 or 3 times the price for branded trousers while these are available. I wish they'd make a few different colours and I'd happily have multiple pairs in rotation.


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 10:45 am
tractionman reacted
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I am a fan of my Keela Roadrunners and they are on sale at the minute.


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 11:33 am
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Pah! Go old skool and sport a pair of Ron Hill Tracksters for under thirty quid 😉


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 12:38 pm
a11y reacted
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No clue sorry mate, I'm pretty new to the sport and got a couple pairs of these as my first 'proper' MTB trousers. They seem to be good quality to me, light and airy, good quality zips and velcro, stitching looks good, haven't ripped in a crash.


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 1:24 pm
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I am a fan of my Keela Roadrunners and they are on sale at the minute.

Me too. Pick up NOS from ebay (police-issued and never worn).

For summer I really rate Galibier Trail Pants. Very light and breathable. Just bought a second pair so I have something to wear while they're in the wash. 

 


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 2:03 pm
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ive only just recycled a pair of ron hills best part of 25 yrs old just wore thru on the backside 😀


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 3:38 pm
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I’m clearly working I the wrong profession if cycle journalist wages mean they think £150-200 for riding trousers is reasonable. I will just wait for sports pursuit to have some at a sensible price. I only use them in the winter so a couple of pairs is enough to see me through


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 4:50 pm
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Craghoppers kiwi pro active do the weatherproof thing, with reflective heel tape.


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 5:11 pm
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Posted by: sharkattack

There are my current favourites 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/unisex-all-mountain-hot-weather-lightweight-breathable-mtb-bottoms-black/_/R-p-337020

 

I won't be paying 2 or 3 times the price for branded trousers while these are available. I wish they'd make a few different colours and I'd happily have multiple pairs in rotation.

 

I preferred the previous version of Decathlons Rockrider trousers - the ones that are dark grey, not black - when after long service I recently wore one of my three pairs out I ordered the above but didn't care for the material or fit, they seem somewhat more cheaply made, so I'm on the search now for a suitable replacement.

 


 
Posted : 25/08/2025 6:03 pm
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Riding trousers have migrated into all-year-round apparel for a lot of riders, like those who feel rather vulnerable going back to bare leg flesh after spending half the year riding covered up

Just no.

It's been brill having such a long shorts season this year.

Who cares about a few bramble cuts and nettle stings?


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 8:44 am
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Yes @cha****ng ! 🤟🤟🤟


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 8:55 am
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More concerned with tics than brambles TBH.

 

And looking proper enduro-bro, ovs...


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:07 am
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I think I’d rather ride in MTB hotpants than trousers in the summer!

Also, I see reviews saying “space for knee pads” - can you really fit a set of Fox Launch Pros under them? I can’t see how that’s possible without having the most bizarrely baggy knee area before it has to taper to a tight cuff.


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:16 am
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Who the **** spends £200 on summer trousers ?

I’ve got some Fox Flexairs which I got half price. Still wouldn’t pay full price for them as after not much riding the colour has gone on the arse. Very comfy when riding though

I’ve got some of those Keela Roadrunners. Too warm for summer and not in the same league as the Fox for fit 

 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:34 am
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Also, I see reviews saying “space for knee pads” - can you really fit a set of Fox Launch Pros under them? I can’t see how that’s possible without having the most bizarrely baggy knee area before it has to taper to a tight cuff.

Don't see why not. They are cut to sit right with a bent knee, so the cut is a bit odd when standing as they are designed for riding position. Knee pads aren't as bulky as the used to be (Launch Pros used to be huge) and trews have more room than they used to (plus stretch) 

Yes @cha****ng !🤟🤟🤟

Impossible for a grown man in shorts to pull off devil horns 

 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:40 am
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My gf got me some Dare2B walking trousers years ago which I still use when shorts aren't ideal. I doubt they were expensive but they're been great on the bike. Shower proof, a bit of stretch to them and importantly for me they have belt loops rather than those annoying velcro things.

As for the question of who is paying £200 for a pair of strides... are we forgetting people are riding around on bikes worth multiple thousands of pounds?


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:53 am
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Impossible for a grown man in shorts to pull off devil horns 

I'm sure AC/DC have managed it well enough.


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 9:56 am
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I'm sure AC/DC have managed it well enough.

The exception that proves the rule 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 10:02 am
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Angus Young is basically the Rock & Roll version of Wee Jimmy Krankie

 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 10:42 am
zerocool and mashr reacted
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Only one review mentions leg length, rendering these reviews pretty much useless for us trail giraffes


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 11:18 am
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I met the Krankies this year, they were thoroughly lovely people. 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 11:51 am
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Posted by: davosaurusrex

Only one review mentions leg length, rendering these reviews pretty much useless for us trail giraffes

https://eu.dharco.com/products/cathro-extensions-purple-haze

 


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 1:03 pm
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Not a single pair under £90...


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 2:04 pm
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There are some good deals on mtb trousers (aka passion pants) on the gore website - but only the green/brown/grey options.


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 8:39 pm
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Is it me or have the Men's Flux DWR disappeared from Freewheel?


 
Posted : 26/08/2025 8:47 pm
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What about 3/4 shorts and long socks(waterproof ones when reqd), my std attire, not entirely unrelated to becoming a bit allergic to various countryside things after 2 or 3 really good sets of hogweed burns, and being short of leg and tall of waist it stops Norah batty ankle…..


 
Posted : 27/08/2025 6:46 am
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There are some good deals on mtb trousers (aka passion pants) on the gore website - but only the green/brown/grey options.

There weren't when I looked. Only one deal on one model-colour in one size (small)...

 


 
Posted : 28/08/2025 10:16 am
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(Launch Pros used to be huge)”

They still are huge - and as my first pair have lasted over 12 years (need to shorten the straps as the elastic is failing) and I only recently started wearing my second pair I shall be using them for many years hence!


 
Posted : 28/08/2025 11:05 am