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TECH NEWS

Endura launches new waterproof tights trousers and shorts

Keep the rain off your legs with these waterproof longs

There’s nothing worse than a soggy bottom, so to help avoid one Scottish clothing company Endura have launched a new range of waterproof shorts, trousers, tights and leg warmers.

For road riding and training the Stealth-Lite II bib tights (£159.99) are constructed using a fabric that Endura claims is fully wind and waterproof. Ultrasonically welded stretch seam taping is said to prevent restriction of movement and in these latest versions is reckoned to provide improved stretch and breathability.

The top part of the tights use a Thermolite material with mesh panels to provide adequate warmth and ventilation, and there's a front zip so you can get into and out of them easily. There are ankle zippers with snapdown zip pullers and extra details include reflective patches at the ankles.

Leg warmers are favoured over tights by some people, some find them more comfortable and they’re also versatile - you could whip them off mid-ride if you wanted to. These new Thermolite Full Zip Leg Warmers (£29.99) are exceptionally easy to remove, they have a full-length zip running down the back. That’ll appeal to cyclo-cross racers who want leg warmers for warming up only to take them off on the start line, without the fuss of taking shoes off first. They’re made from Endura’s Thermolite material with a Repel Teflon fabric so should be good for keeping the rain out.

Though aimed at mountain bikers, we reckon these Hummvee Waterproof Pants (£74.99) would be ideal for city riding and commuting if you don’t want to wear skintight bibs. They’re made from a 2.5 layer waterproof and breathable fabric with all seams sealed and a durable stretch seat panel. They have a full-length 2-way zip so you can get into them easily, and there are ventilation ports at the side which also double up as pockets. There are reflective details and piping on the lower legs and they’re available in black or “screaming green” colours.

Lastly, Endura have launched the MT500 Waterproof Pants (£114.99) which are a full-length version of their MT500 Waterproof Shorts which are popular with mountain bikers and some road commuters. They’re made from a 2.5 layer waterproof and breathable fabric with stretchy panels, a durable Cordura seat panel and they pack down really small when you want to stash them away in a backpack.

More at www.endura.co.uk

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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6 comments

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Shades | 9 years ago
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I was cursing my rather ancient Gore Bike Wear waterproof trousers the other day. PITA to get on/off, no access to pockets, fiddly velcro cuffs and worst of all, they're not as waterproof as they used to be. In a rush (commuting) I grabbed some non-cycling specific breathable waterproof bottoms supplied to me by work. 100 times better, with all the problems above sorted out!

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jacknorell replied to Shades | 9 years ago
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Shades wrote:

I was cursing my rather ancient Gore Bike Wear waterproof trousers the other day. PITA to get on/off, no access to pockets, fiddly velcro cuffs and worst of all, they're not as waterproof as they used to be. In a rush (commuting) I grabbed some non-cycling specific breathable waterproof bottoms supplied to me by work. 100 times better, with all the problems above sorted out!

Could you tell us who made the waterproof bottoms you used?

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mtbtomo | 9 years ago
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Disappointingly I've always found Endura trousers too short when actually riding [take note Endura!!]. Not like I'm strangely proportioned either 5ft 10, 32 inch waist.

I have some Altura trousers and they have an extendable press-studded hem which are too long when not on the bike, but absolutely spot on when in the saddle and my legs are bent.

Breathability is more the issue I think. When the outer surface is wet, the fabric can't breathe, so moisture just stays trapped. And cycling is quite an intensive activity even at slow speeds.

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harrybav | 9 years ago
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Re the city cycling green trews, Rainlegs (cycling chaps, like the cowboys wear) are great. They go on at the roadside without any one leg in air faff, and come off even quicker. Smaller, lighter, warm where you need it in the worst weather and the water they disperse gets sspread over your trousers at the areas you don't notice, not all funnelled down into your shoes. Rainlegs! Cheap too. You can make your own, even.

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KiwiMike | 9 years ago
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Paging whoever designed those MT500 pants: the Colombian women's cycling team kit designer wants her mojo back.

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WolfieSmith | 9 years ago
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I'm sure they're good for hours in the rain when new but from experience with Berghaus, Rapha, Nikwax and every spray and wash-in known to man - there is no such thing as a ' waterproof and breathable' fabric. There are only 'water resistant' materials and coatings. If it rains long enough and hard enough you will get wet.

Getting wet is fine. Getting cold is the problem. It's more realistic to keep warm than dry. It's the same principle as wetsuits. The only thing that is actually waterproof - barring collar and cuffs - is a dry suit but it's then boil in the bag time - so again you get wet. It might work for cycling but pedalling in a dry suit is thirsty work.

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