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review

Brooks Leather Trouser Strap

7
£14.99

VERDICT:

7
10
A posh leather trouser clip that will make your left leg jealous
Weight: 
24g
Contact: 
www.extrauk.co.uk

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If you can't be bothered to read the following in-depth analysis of the Brooks Leather Trouser Strap I'll cut to the chase, it's a posh leather trouser clip made by Brooks and it's pretty good too.

Now, for the rest of you that like a little more meat to your reviews I shall begin. Unless you wear skinny jeans or trousers that don't meet your ankle, or indeed Lycra, you are going to have to gather your trouser leg some how in order to stop it getting chewed by your chainring while riding.

The most modern way seems to be rolling up your trouser leg up to your calf, half mast, effectively transforming your longs to 3/4. This approach is commonly adopted by hipsters, regardless of the fact they are wearing trousers so skinny they are ineffect denim tights, presumably it is to stop any oily chain marks on their expensive Japanese selvage denim.

The other approcah is be be a member of the sock stuffing brigade, maybe not en vogue at present but a remarkably effective and useful way of keeping the bottom of your trousers out of harm's way and maintaining leg warmth in winter. Mainly practiced by the more casual riders, (by that I mean relaxed, care free and not one to follow the crowd or fashion for that matter), for convenience on short commutes.

I am generalising of course. But there is another way and to me it is the most dignified method of arranging one's trouser leg – the good old fashioned trouser clip. And when it comes to purveyors of trouser clips who better to herd your trouser bottoms than the skilled craftsmen at Brooks, the UK manufacturing outfit famous for their handmade and utterly delectable leather saddle, they have fashioned a strip of leather into a 'snap band' that will collect your loose trouser material at the flick of the wrist. No button, velcro, zips or other fastening arrangment is used to steamline your trousers making it a cinch to pinch the material away from your chainring. To remove it you merely give the strap a tug and it will pop off.

Only one strap is provided so you might need a second if you are attempting to ride to a Seventies themed disco in your 'Oxford bags'.

The Brooks Trouser clip is an elegant solution to keeping your trouser leg away from your chainset while riding. The leather is supple and the colour didn't run and if treated correctly is waterproof and should see off any bad weather.

Verdict

A posh leather trouser clip that will make your left leg jealous

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Brooks Leather Trouser Strap

Size tested: Brown leather

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

It's for keeping your trousers away from your chainring so they don't get caught up or dirtied. It does this very well, without the use of any mechanical fastener, staples or glue

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

It's made of spring steel and clad in leather. Available in brown or black

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

the leather is remarkably robust with the occasional bit of spit and polish required to bring them back to their full glory

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

You do only get one for this price but it should help you look dapper for a very long time

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

My trouser leg was happy to have its company.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The leather matches a smart pair of Brogues and your Brooks saddle of course.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

There is only one. Wearers of wide trousers will literally be at a loose end

Did you enjoy using the product? My trousers did mainly

Would you consider buying the product? By golly yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? maybe as a gift

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 180  Weight: 80

I usually ride: Bike that I am testing at the time  My best bike is: Giant CFR pro. Old school carbon converted to fixed. Kinesis Convert 2 fixed. Shorter cafe racer

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, bare back

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