The Madison Flux Men’s DWR Trail Trousers work best in that grey area where it’s too wet for shorts but not cool enough for full-blown, weather-resistant pants. Owing to this, they’re a surprisingly versatile pair of trousers that pair top-notch breathability with water protection. I even reached for them during the harsh summer we’ve just experienced. While they tick a lot of boxes and pose reasonable value, the DWR coating washes away quickly and you might want to consider sizing up.
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Madison Flux Men’s DWR Trail Trousers – Technical details
Forming part of Madison’s big clothing overhaul that we saw late last year, the Flux Men’s DWR Trousers are designed to be the ‘ultimate lightweight mountain bike trouser’ – and they get a pretty comprehensive range of features as a result.
They utilise a moisture-wicking jersey fabric combined with a DWR coating, so the trousers should expel moisture while keeping it from ingressing. That fabric is a four-way stretch fabric for freedom of movement and the waistband is adjusted thanks to a ratchet. However, the ratchet system doesn’t release like traditional systems. Instead, you need to press on the back and face of the ratchet, which keeps it from being accidentally pressed when riding.
Along with an articulated fit, the Flux trousers feature two zipped pockets, one at either side and a grippy silicone texture inside the slightly raised rear of the waistband to help keep them up.
A very cool feature that earns Madison kudos from the outset is that each size (apart from XL) comes in three leg lengths, short (30in), regular (32in), and long (34in). These are only available on the black option but it’s mega handy for finding the perfect fit.
Madison Flux Men’s DWR Trail Trousers – Performance
Although slim, the fit isn’t anything to complain about with a waistband ratchet that leaves plenty of room for adjustment and enough length to reach right down to my ankles. The medium trouser pictured here has a 32-inch leg – spot on with my usual sizing option.
Despite the slim fit, the stretchy build provides a good amount of room for knee pads, although if they’re particularly bulky, it might be quite a squeeze. However, I’ve ridden in the Fox Launch D3O and YT Industries Trail Protection knee guard without issue. It’s just a bit tougher to pull them on with the former.
I’ve chosen to ride in the Flux pants where it’s been warmer out but wet on the ground and that’s where they’re the perfect fit. Of course, trousers provide extra protection against mud but they’re often warm. That’s a topic that the Flux directly addresses with its thin and breathable build and the pair of mesh panels at the back of the knees which provide some level of airflow. Impressively, even when riding north of 14 degrees Celsius, I’ve not ever felt too warm which is a credit to the chosen fabrics above anything.
As for weather protection, it’s present but not for long. A good DWR coating works wonders to keep water from seeping through the fabric but the coating that graces these trousers doesn’t stick around for too long. Only a couple of washes saw the effectiveness of the technology disappear. These trousers aren’t about weather protection though but it’s still a shame the spray protection didn’t last longer.
The pockets are easily accessed, although a little on the small side. This is a double-edged sword in that it keeps the essentials from flapping about the place but there’s just enough space for a large-ish smartphone.
Madison Flux Men’s DWR Trail Trousers – Verdict
At £99, the Flux trousers are competitively priced with options such as Endura’s MT500 Burner Lite pants and YT Industries’ Cordura Pants coming in at £110 and £99.90, respectively.
For the extra tenner, Endura’s offering has more perforations for enhanced airflow and more adjustment in the waistband. This fit isn’t quite as close, either while the DWR coating is more durable and PFC-free.
YT’s pants use a hard-wearing Cordura fabric with abrasion-resistant panels. They get an additional pocket compared to the Madison Flux and are not as slim.
Although the slim fit might require sizing up for the best fit, the Madison Flux DWR Men’s trousers are a solid option in the market. The DWR coating isn’t durable but the pants offer a simple and lightweight option ideal for year-round riding.
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Product purpose:
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PROTECTIVE: The DWR coating on the leg fabric provides a protective barrier against trail spray, making this pant an all-year round favourite.
QUICK DRYING: With mesh panels, these trousers wick away moisture and sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense rides or warmer conditions.
STRETCH FABRIC: Constructed from a full stretch fabric, these trousers provide unrestricted mobility and freedom of movement, leaving you to focus on the ride
QUICK ADJUST RATCHET: Ensure a secure waist fit with a quick-adjust ratchet system with micro intervals that allows for easy on-the-go tweaks, as well as fast pit stops!
ARTICULATED FIT: Features articulated knees, allowing for unrestricted mobility and flexibility, as well as compatibility with our knee pads.
STORAGE: Stow valuables like your phone in either of the two hip pockets positioned conveniently and safely out the way harm.
LEG LENGTHS: Achieve that perfect fit and choose from the 3 leg lengths we offer in the black colour option for this product – 30 inch SHORT, 32 inch REGULAR or 34 inch LONG
PRO APPROVED: As used by the Madison Saracen Factory Race Team.
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