Deuter’s Pants Protector is a modern and very practical take on the classic trouser clip, keeping your street civvies from getting soiled and ravaged by your bike’s transmission. It’s more than competent and will recoup the modest outlay in no time, if you cycle short distances in smart trousers.

Essentially, it’s a huge 14x42cm neoprene strap with Velcro closure that whips on and off in seconds and is easily parked in a rucksack/pocket when not required. In common with the Respro tested back in 2012, it should fit the majority of adult ankles, but the larger surface area means there’s even less chance of it slipping down, even when cycling at a very brisk pace.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The Protector is a practical black, but Deuter has added bold Scotchlite. The simple physics of revolving light ensures it’s very eye-catching, even when you’re crawling along in slow moving traffic, although it’s not a patch on the reversible Respro (DayGlo one side, Scotchlite the other), perfect for dull days and dark nights alike.

Deuter-Pants-Protector-2.jpg
Deuter-Pants-Protector-2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Shorter commutes and rides around the two to three-mile mark are pretty much my limit in street trousers, but I’m pleased to report the Pants Protector has done its job handsomely. Initially it felt a bit weird, slightly unbalanced even, as it only benefits one rather than both legs (though you could buy two…), especially wearing boot cut jeans that turn borderline bell-bottoms with the first hint of a breeze.

I tried it with sand colour chinos too, which confirmed it works a treat on straight-cut office type trousers; no hint of that oily chainring print and no torn turn-ups.

In combination with full-length mudguards, the Protector’s generous surface area provides good protection from gritty, silty spray thrown up along towpaths and country lanes.

> Buyer’s guide: the best mudguards to help keep you dry

I’ve been caught out by the odd sharp, thundery shower and am pleased to report that, although a little damp, water never permeated the fabric, which is bone dry given an hour or so’s close proximity to a radiator. It also seems to respond well to being chucked in with the wash every week or so, although this extended drying times by half an hour.

Ultimately, I’ve enjoyed the Deuter’s simple, secure and convenient design. Some will baulk at a tenner and prefer store branded bargains, while others will say tucking their trousers in long socks is cheaper still – which is fine, but not the most credible look in professional settings.

Verdict

Decent trouser tamer for short rides in street civvies

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Deuter Pants Protector

Size tested: 14 x 42cm

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?

Deuter says: “Protect your trousers from chain oil with our Pants Protector that is made of a rugged and flexible Neoprene material.The large, 360° 3M reflector guarantees improved safety in the dark. Hook and loop tape strap attachments”.

Does exactly what it says on the tin.

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

Neoprene, velcro and 3M reflective detailing.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Solid and well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Offers good tenure on most trouser types/materials and keeps them safely out of the transmission.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Good quality materials and decent workmanship, so no reason why it shouldn’t last.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
6/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10

Fits most adult ankles securely.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Some folks will baulk at a tenner but it’s well made and a lot cheaper than dry cleaning bills and/or damaged smarts.

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

Overall, it does exactly what it’s designed to. Its generous dimensions wrestle flowing trouser bottoms into submission, preventing them finding their way into the bike’s drivetrain. Scotchlite retro-reflective piping also helps with remaining conspicuous after dark.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Secure fit, decent quality materials and manufacture.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing given the design brief.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Neat, simple and well executed trouser protector, albeit less versatile than some.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough stuff tourer based around 4130 Univega mountain bike frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking