What waterproof commuting/trail trousers?

[Darkslider]

Recently started commuting into work after having ridden nothing but mountain bikes off road for years. At the moment I'm wearing normal waterproof overtrousers over tracksuit bottoms or similar, but this is proving to be quite bulky and warm. I'd like to get some proper cycling trousers to go over base layer type bottoms, or possibly some 3/4 bib shorts or something.

They also need to be fairly waterproof so I could wear them for trail centre and singletrack riding too. I guess I'm looking for something that are designed as properly fitted trousers rather than just a baggy waterproof.

Thought I'd turn over to the PH massive for some ideas, budget this time of year as ever is as small as possible, something like this http://www.cyclesurgery.com/endura-singletrack-men... would be ideal I think however I can only find them described as 'water resistant' at best, will they keep 5 miles of rain and road spray off my legs?

Thanks in advance

[anonymous-user]

Darkslider said:

Recently started commuting into work after having ridden nothing but mountain bikes off road for years. At the moment I'm wearing normal waterproof overtrousers over tracksuit bottoms or similar, but this is proving to be quite bulky and warm. I'd like to get some proper cycling trousers to go over base layer type bottoms, or possibly some 3/4 bib shorts or something.

They also need to be fairly waterproof so I could wear them for trail centre and singletrack riding too. I guess I'm looking for something that are designed as properly fitted trousers rather than just a baggy waterproof.

Thought I'd turn over to the PH massive for some ideas, budget this time of year as ever is as small as possible, something like this http://www.cyclesurgery.com/endura-singletrack-men... would be ideal I think however I can only find them described as 'water resistant' at best, will they keep 5 miles of rain and road spray off my legs?

Thanks in advance

how long is the commute and do you have adequate facilities at work?

If you can change, shower etc, go for some thick bibs like the DHB Roubaix ones from wiggle. They are padded and although they are not waterproof, they'll keep you warm and they fit well and thats more important as far as i am concerned. they will be fine on the trails too.

Waterproof stuff is either bulky, flaps around or just not that waterproof. You could keep an emergency pair of over trousers (cheap ones likes Peter Storm etc) just in case its a deluge but my commute is about 5 miles too and even in pouring rain its just a case of grin and bear it.

[Batfink]

Add mudguards to your list. Its probably my best winter buy. I'm not using waterproof clothing at the moment even in torrential rain and my legs now only get damp compared to soaked.

[Darkslider]

Cheers for the advice guys, commute is only 5 miles so maybe like you say, grinning and bearing it is worth a try.

[NCC]

My commute is about 5 miles too. I tend to wear my bib 3/4 or longs, with waterproof shorts over the top. Keeps me relatively dry usually, although I have drying facilities at work, which does help.

I've actually got a pair of those Endura trousers in your link but rarely wear them, as I just don't find them all that comfortable/warm compared with the above. They are relatively water resistant though and if you get on with them they would probably do the trick.

+1 for mudguards too if you're on a road bike but offroad I just find them a pain in the a@se.

[Darkslider]

Think I'd like to try both set ups to see what's best, at a guess waterproof shorts and a 3/4 bib for just going for a ride then proper trousers for commuting will be the best bet.