Showers Pass Rogue Pant

Casual trousers you can cycle in have been a pretty mixed bag. A very mixed bag actually. So I'm happy to report that the Showers Pass Rogue Pant (that's the last usage of the word 'pant' you'll see here; I'm British for goodness' sake) is a very well thought out garment that's smart and comfortable both on and off the bike.

The fabric is a stretchy synthetic mix which is accommodating but still keeps its shape well. The inner surface is a brushed finish so it's comfy next to bare skin, and the outer face is treated with a water-repellant coating that'll shrug off drizzle and showers. They're not waterproof for long rides in the rain, but they do dry quickly if you get caught out. The mid-weight fabric is just right for spring temperatures; they'd be a bit heavy for summer sun but you'll have your shorts on then.

Cycling-specific touches abound. The leg panels don't meet at the crotch but instead there's a separate panel that runs up the inside of the legs. That means there's no uncomfortable seam right where you don't want one. You get normal pockets plus a zippered one to keep stuff safe; the stretchy fabric means you fit plenty in them if you want to, as well. There's a 'utility loop' too, to hang your keys from. Showers Pass suggest you can carry a lock there too, but I didn't find that very practical.

The bottom hem of each leg has a poppered band to allow you to cinch the leg in and keep it away from your transmission. As well as that, if you turn the leg up the inside is printed with a reflective chevron design at the rear to get you seen. If you do one big turn-up then it works very well, less so if you turn the fabric over more than once; It'd be good if the reflective extended a bit further.

Stick them on and they're just a comfy and reasonably smart pair of trews, generous but not baggy. They're very slightly raised at the rear but they don't look odd off the bike. Leg length was long enough for me, but only just; I'm a 35in inside leg so they're reasonably long (I tested the 36in waist) but I'd have preferred a touch of extra length; different leg lengths would be good.

On the bike the fabric is stretchy and comfortable, and they're just fine for shorter journeys. You wouldn't want to do a sportive in them but for round-town cycling they're very good. The leg-cinch works well, and they look good (if a touch hipster) with a big turnup to keep them out of the chain too. You can even turn them up and then cinch them in, although I found they stayed put regardless. The material has proved to be fairly hardy and hasn't bobbled or pulled, and you can bung them in the washing machine on a cool setting when they need freshening up. If you want a pair of trousers for general use that are also bike-friendly then they come recommended, and at £65 a pair they're not that expensive either.

They're available in Cinder (dark brown, as tested) and Earth (not as dark brown) in waist sizes from 30in to 38in.

Verdict

Well-considered, comfortable and smart trousers for riding, and not riding