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View Full Version : Suggestions for waterproof pants


Lumpy_Gravy
11-03-2004, 12:06 PM
I need waterproof trousers/pants now that it is wet, ****ty and very very muddy in the UK this time of year. What do you guys recommend.

I want something breathable as I do get hot biking, although I will only use these in the winter really.

I have done a search by the way, but this is a topic that I have never seen discussed yet.

Any thoughts on the Endura Weatherpant
or the Marzocchi Comp Waterproof Trousers

Macrider
11-03-2004, 12:34 PM
I think you should look into something in a "softshell" pant - they are highly breathable, waterresistant & very tough - mostly used for cold weather rock climbing and mountaineering - I've used a pair for cold weather riding for years and found they really hold up well over time...

something like this...

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=666395&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=661091&bmUID=1099506929896

look for pants made of Schoeller cloth - it's tough, stretchy and windproof and water resistant

Kanter
11-03-2004, 12:42 PM
He said waterproof. Nothing is really waterproof except rainpants. Look into Roach FR or DH pants. They will keep you clean and dry and are super tuff. Usually when its wet and muddy it is cooler so you wont really need a real breathable material.

Macrider
11-03-2004, 12:53 PM
He said waterproof. Nothing is really waterproof except rainpants. Look into Roach FR or DH pants. They will keep you clean and dry and are super tuff. Usually when its wet and muddy it is cooler so you wont really need a real breathable material.

He also said "breathable - because I get really hot biking" - which is why I recommended softshells - of course if it's pouring you'll get wet - but you aren't likely to ride when it's pouring are you? - in a light rain, in snow in misty foggy Jolly Ole England weather - softshells would probably be great for him - I spend a LOT of time in the great outdoors and softshells are one of the best recent inventions for sports IMHO....worth taking a look at anyway...

the problem with waterproof pants is how damn hot they are - in order to get something waterproof it has to be coated in plastic (or to be breathable made from Gore-tex or something similar and too expensive for use in mtb biking)

klunky
11-03-2004, 01:18 PM
Gore do some really nice stuff (gore tex) go fo r the XCR stuff if you are ££££££

Jeff 151
11-03-2004, 01:59 PM
Look at the "Randonee Pant" @ REI.com. It's fully waterproof, breathable, and cycling specific. It uses not a cheap "coated" nylon, but a real 3-layer waterproof membrane (like Gore-Tex.) All the seams are taped and the inside of the lower right leg is reinforced for resistance to drivetrain rub. Knees are slightly bent for better cycling fit. The company will accept a return on any product if it EVER ceases to satisfy you, for ANY reason. Only $79.00! Yeah I work for REI. So what?!

Gary
11-03-2004, 04:45 PM
Why are you asking on a US site?
are the trousers for DH of XC use?
if it's for DH, unless you're loaded, buy a cheap pair from Blacks or Millets, as you're sure to tear them anyway, they do breathable ones for about £25 but just be sure to get a pair with a tie waist as they will fall off when soaked and muddy if they just have an elasticated waist

JRogers
11-03-2004, 04:49 PM
Damn, those softshell pants are rather expensive for something that is going to be soaked, sprayed with mud and grease and eaten up by a chain and gears. I live in freakin Vermont and stuff is wet all the time and since I ride year round (winter too, which = sand, salt, snow and water), this is an issue.

Basically, I wear a pair of Helly Hanson rain pants (they were cheap, on sale) for nasty stuff, but basically only for DH, and usually only if it's cold. Otherwise, I get hot. I'd rather be soaked and a bit cold than sweaty and uncomfortable. I've never worn anything that was water proof and not really hot. I find it's better to just wear layers, dress warm and get soaked and dirty. If it's cold and wet, I wear wool socks, booties and insulated tights that have some nylon over the shins to be more water-resistant. I've just found that no waterproof stuff is worth it for riding.

SpeedyObnox
11-03-2004, 07:41 PM
hot in the uk right now? wtf? i think he plans on peeing himself. some people are too lazy to hop off the bike. damn, thats dedication!

Guess?Who
11-03-2004, 09:36 PM
I'm going to the last Plattekill race this weekend. They expect freezing rain on Sunday so I'm wearing by snow pants or anything with a nylon shell and polyester lining. Much breathable when compared to plastic and they cost $25.

Freddy
11-04-2004, 06:26 AM
I think you should follow klunkys advice and go for something with the gore-tex membrane. THis would give you breathable clothes that are (nearly) waterproof if maintained and impregnated sp/? properly.

shagwell
11-04-2004, 11:30 AM
ive used the marzocchi ones u mentioned and theyre pretty good, although a little baggy even in the smallest size, but for the money you cant go wrong, no point spending loads on something thats gonna get trashed in a few months or so of riding.

Transcend
11-04-2004, 11:46 AM
man you all need to relax, and just wear my fisherman suit from mt snow. Can't go wrong for $15. Besides, I ride for orange, so I have that special connection with the UK and mud, right?

http://www.transcendmagazine.com/random_pics/the_fraser_fisherman.jpg :D

Lumpy_Gravy
11-04-2004, 11:50 AM
Im not bothered about them being totally waterproof, just to stop my legs getting caked in mud.

I guess there is not point buying anything too expensive, and I guess if its sold under a DH brand then it is going to have a typical DH markup.

ill buy the cheapest breathable set and see how I go from there

P.S. Gary, I am asking on an american website cos ridemonkey is the best.

Lumpy_Gravy
11-04-2004, 11:53 AM
Damn that fishermans suit is funny, the best bit is you just pick up your rod and you are ready to go.