The Mons Royale Virage Pants are designed to be just as comfortable on the bike as they are off and the brand has knocked them out of the park with high performance, and the recycled fabric puts the firmly amongst the most comfortable trousers out there. The temperature regulation, range of pockets, and stretchy back panel make these excellent companions for autumn and springtime riding. The Virage Pants have seriously impressed, but for the money they should and would be made even better if there was some kind of water resistance built in.
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Mons Royale Virage Pants – Technical specifications
Mons Royale is an Italian brand that’s best known for making almost everything it can using merino wool, claiming it as the world’s best-performing natural fibre. Merino wool comes with a range of benefits, as it’s naturally anti-bacterial, so it shouldn’t get stinky and it’s an excellent moisture-wicking fabric. Mons states that it also stays warm when wet, cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. Though, most of all, it’s incredibly soft.
As expected from the wool-loving brand, the Virage pants get a partial merino wool build intertwined with a recycled polyester that’s made from PET bottles. This blend means that the trousers take advantage of Merinos’ benefits, as well as being durable and light, while a 5% elastane build adds some stretch.
On the subject of elasticity, there’s plenty of it on this garment. Both of the ankles are elasticated, as well as the waistband. To top things off, there’s then a power knit back panel for comfort and ease of movement.
The pants are cut to offer plenty of space for knee pads and there are three pockets, two of them being traditional hand pockets whereas the third is a zipped phone-sized compartment.
Mons Royale Virage Pants – Performance
Before getting into the good stuff, the Virage Pants fit is pretty good. In terms of length and general bagginess, it’s excellent but the waist is a little on the slim side. The size guide states it’s a 34.5in or 87cm waist and as someone who opts for 32in waistbands, it’s definitely on the tighter side… But perhaps that’s a sign that I need to lay off the beers.
Though on the bike, and when simply wandering about the place, the waistband’s tightness is reasonably well hidden, thanks to the effective placement of both the elastic in the waistband and the power stretch panel at the rear. That aside, the Virage is one of, if not the most comfortable trousers I’ve worn.
Mons Royale’s carefully blended fabric results in super lightweight feeling pants that are incredibly soft against the skin. It’s as close to riding in your pyjamas as it gets. On the bike, there’s little tightness and the elasticated cuffs keep fabric well out of the way of the bike’s drivetrain.
The merino component of the fabric makes for a very versatile garment as it does a great job of regulating temperature. I’ve worn these trousers on the sub and upwards of 10 degrees and during both of which I’ve remained totally comfortable in the temperature department. Granted, in the height of summer the Virage will get a little toasty, given that they’re not shorts.
While I’m mighty impressed with the Virage pants there are a couple of issues that if amended, will make them a force to be reckoned with. The popper and zip closure is all well and good, but around the poppers is a patch of hook and loop, which can make it a little tricky to get those poppers engaged properly. Then it’s hard to get the hook and loop lined up, leaving lumps of Velcro that’s folded over itself which really makes my teeth itch.
But most importantly, these trousers would be absolutely made up if there was some kind of water resistance built in. Now, I know that Mons Royale is all for environmental friendliness, as am I, but when sodden, although warm, the trousers end up feeling pretty heavy. So generally, if you’re expecting to tear through some puddles, the Virage isn’t the pair for you.
Mons Royale Virage Pants – Value and verdict
There’s no beating around the bush, £164 is a rather mountainous investment for a pair of riding trousers, especially when there’s a large number of great contenders for much less money. One of those is Rapha’s Trail Pants that’ll set you back £140. These get more features, such as reinforcement in the right areas, more pockets, and a DWR treatment. And while comfortable, they’re just not as luscious or cool as the Virage.
To compare with something a little pricier, 7Mesh’s Flightpath pants ask for £200. Similarly to the Virage, its fabric is light and breathable, and its closure is also a bit fiddly. With its performance almost identical, apart from the lack of a water-resistant treatment, the Virage makes for an awesome alternative if you want to save a little bit of money.
If you’ve always wanted to ride in your pyjamas, but not wanted to look as if you’ve just rolled out of bed, the Mons Royale Virage Pants are as close as you’re going to get. They’re lightweight, soft fabric and considered fit making them one of the comfiest trousers out there though a little refinement and some kind of DWR treatment would make them even better.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Articulated knee can accommodate pads
Hand pockets
Zipped pocket holds your phone where you can forget about it.
Fabric: Recycled Polyester & Merino Wool
Weight: 137gsm
Blend: 81% Recycled Polyester 14% Merino Wool 5% Elastane
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
product value
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