Fox Ranger MTB Trousers

Morning all,

Is anyone using either these trousers or the waterproof flavour and if so how do you find the fit, do they get super sweaty and could you fit a set of Race Face Ambush knee pads under them?  A friend  was wearing a pair of Nukeproof Borderlines when we were out the other day and they seemed rather sensible but not available in my size.

I have the waterproof ones and wear oldschool 661 Rages under them- the big bulky ones like old Kyle Straits. There’s just barely enough room, and it does affect how they sit- it’s not restrictive exactly but over time they always basically fit themselves around the kneepads, rather than around my legs, if that makes sense? So that could be annoying if they come up short for you, as it could lift them up over shoes. Like most mtb trousers, they’re not long- which is bloody annoying tbh as there’s almost no downside to being a couple of inches longer, it just means they scrunch over shoes and give you a bit of room.

With a smaller pad I think they’d be absolutely fine, with my big pads they’re still fine but just not quite perfect. I’ve a set of Endura wateproofs and they’re very similar.

(on the plus side- I’ve found them all day comfy, never had a problem with waterproofness or lack of even though I machine wash them occasionally, they’re sturdy and well made. For me they’re only for really bad weather, not day to day kit, but every time i wear them I’m really glad for them)

Ahh, good old Kyle Straits!

Thanks for that, had suspected the Ambush pads would possibly be an inconvenience for them.  Which I guess raises the questions of do you have thinner pads which offer less protection as you won’t be going so hard because of the inclement weather or do you stick with the bigger pads as your possibly more likely to come off because of the inclement weather?

Also, did you find them true to size?

I have the waterproof and they fit as per the size guide. Not sweaty, always been waterproof for me although I do use a big rear mudguard so no wheel spray or wet saddle.

My IXS Flow Evo+ pads fit underneath.

Which I guess raises the questions of do you have thinner pads which offer less protection as you won’t be going so hard because of the inclement weather or do you stick with the bigger pads as your possibly more likely to come off because of the inclement weather?

Or stick with the lighter pads because everything (well not quite everything…) is softer and you might slide when you land. Decisions!

+1 for IXS Flow Evo pads, they fit under my slim fitting trousers (not Fox) nicely 

Like most mtb trousers, they’re not long- which is bloody annoying tbh as there’s almost no downside to being a couple of inches longer,

Except if you’re a short arse like me, in which case most MTB trousers “aren’t short”. But that’s a different thread!

I’ve just bought the defend 3l trousers for £100 from leisure lakes. They have plenty of space for pads underneath and a good stretch. Haven’t used them in anger yet but they could possibly work for you aswell?
Potentially run warmer but also drier being a 3 layer fabric.

Edit for the link, only up to 32″ waist left. I must’ve got the last 34″

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/clothing/trousers-tights/fox-defend-3l-water-pant-black__386028

stayhigh
Full Member

Also, did you find them true to size?

Yeah I’d say so.

Oh yeah, I literally just found out that the newer Madison ones have choices of leg length, which could be a really useful thing. Won’t create knee space, probably, but could make it easier to work with the space you have. So that might be worth a look.

Have just tried in a pair of 32″ which is my jeans size and definitely need a 34″ in both the Ranger and Defend. Now just need to decide if it’s worth my while getting the Defends for the times it’s properly awful or if the Rangers will be better suited for most of the rubbish autumn/weather without getting too hot 🤔

I have both ranger and defend. The defend is awesome in the rain.great fit too

I’ve got a pair. Not really impressed. Haven’t had them that long and there’s a hole nearly worn through the backside. Could do with a reinforcing panel there. 

I have a pair of rangers.  Found. Them too big around the waist for their size and a little too short in the leg (and I’ve got short legs anyway).   Because there is not much adjustment on them they were always riding down during rides.

Got a pair of flexair and they are much better fitting and have more adjustment.

Just to follow up on this, I found a couple of articles which suggested the Ranger was more of an all round riding/pedally trouser and the Defend was more suited to uplift days and downhill riding.
In the finish I ended up buying another pair of waterproof shorts instead.

I went out for a pedal last weekend in my new defense. Wouldn’t want to go out pedalling when it’s double figures. Definitely cold weather or wet uplift riding. Very windproof and not an ounce of wet inside, wet ride not no rain.