waterproof troosers

[ElyDave]

Thinking ahead for winter commuting, are there any recommendations for waterproof trousers, and do I have any hope of anything that does not feel like cycling in a binbag after ten minutes?

[chrisbainbridge]

For commuting I use those rainless things which are adequate for about an hour.  For longer rides I have a pair of Assos waterproof road trousers which are cut properly and work but need to be paired with a pair of Spatz to protect the lower leg.  I had some shower pass but they were never right.

[ElyDave]

I have about 10km in total each way to/from railway stations, so rainlegs and shorts might be alright.  If it's extremely cold and rainy I can just change my office day to WFH anyway.

[Lightning Phil]

How about just some leggings with a roubaix type surface against skin? They work great in the rain, even over prolonged periods.

[Paul H]

Showers Pass Skyline Pants
https://showerspass.co.uk/products/skyline-pant

Panels of different materials, waterproof, DWR, two weights of Lycra. Not 100% waterproof, but on a bike good enough to keep me dry most of the time and comfortable all the time.  I can wear them even when it's not raining without regretting it. I've worn mine for all day delivering. Expensive, currently in a sale for £111! Mine have been good value. I pair them with waterproof socks (DexShell) or my shoes fill with rain.

[chopstick]

If I use waterproof overtrousers on the bike, I use my walking ones - Berghaus Deluge (with trouser bands to protect them from the bike).  I manage sweat if it becomes a problem by taking it easier than usual - but the Deluge have zips and press studs up to the thighs and can be used to provide ventilation if the weather allows.  The long openings make them easier to but on and take off too.  As mentioned upthread, there is a problem with shoes filling up - next time I plan to put my walking gaiters on under the overtrousers.

Not commuting but for leisure riding, I like to use a cape (Carradice Pro Route) and Eager Spats without waterproof trousers - i find this the best compromise for me in the battle against rain and sweat in a downpour.

[ravenbait]

I have been incredibly impressed by the Showers Pass Refuge trousers. As well I should be, at that price.

Sam

[ElyDave]

If I use waterproof overtrousers on the bike, I use my walking ones - Berghaus Deluge (with trouser bands to protect them from the bike).  I manage sweat if it becomes a problem by taking it easier than usual - but the Deluge have zips and press studs up to the thighs and can be used to provide ventilation if the weather allows.  The long openings make them easier to but on and take off too.  As mentioned upthread, there is a problem with shoes filling up - next time I plan to put my walking gaiters on under the overtrousers.

Not commuting but for leisure riding, I like to use a cape (Carradice Pro Route) and Eager Spats without waterproof trousers - i find this the best compromise for me in the battle against rain and sweat in a downpour.

I'm talking commuting only, I don't want to be sitting the office with soggy trousers. I got caught out last year on the way home, and in just ten minutes of cycling in jeans, my legs were very cold. 

Leisure riding, I have winter tight with some water resistance

[Cudzoziemiec]

I have been incredibly impressed by the Showers Pass Refuge trousers. As well I should be, at that price.

Sam

Having checked the price, I'd want to wear them every ride to get my money's worth!

[ElyDave]

I have been incredibly impressed by the Showers Pass Refuge trousers. As well I should be, at that price.

Sam

Having checked the price, I'd want to wear them every ride to get my money's worth!

I have one of their jackets, which is very good, and tbh not really more expensive than any other quality waterproof

[chopstick]

If I use waterproof overtrousers on the bike, I use my walking ones - Berghaus Deluge (with trouser bands to protect them from the bike).  I manage sweat if it becomes a problem by taking it easier than usual - but the Deluge have zips and press studs up to the thighs and can be used to provide ventilation if the weather allows.  The long openings make them easier to but on and take off too.  As mentioned upthread, there is a problem with shoes filling up - next time I plan to put my walking gaiters on under the overtrousers.

Not commuting but for leisure riding, I like to use a cape (Carradice Pro Route) and Eager Spats without waterproof trousers - i find this the best compromise for me in the battle against rain and sweat in a downpour.

I'm talking commuting only, I don't want to be sitting the office with soggy trousers. I got caught out last year on the way home, and in just ten minutes of cycling in jeans, my legs were very cold. 

Leisure riding, I have winter tight with some water resistance

In that case, I stand by what I said about the Berghaus Deluge overtrousers (which is what I use for commuting not leisure riding).  The long side zip with press-stud placket make them not only easy to put on and take off, but allow some ventilation too - and easier access to trouser pockets underneath.  The material is also breathable but in my experience, breathable waterproof fabrics will not stop sweat build up on a bike but they do mitigate it somewhat.

[fd3]

I have some Aldi overtrousers, cheap and I have no overheating issues - but then I run cold.

[MattH]

Goretex Paclite has been my goto for many years - mine are Gore Bike Wear. So good that when I had a minor off, even though they are spendy I bought a new pair for "best". My old pair with a small hole at the hip got sewn up used for commuting, leaving the "best" for long rides where getting cold and wet matters. The olds ones don't actually leak though, that I've noticed.

In winter I wear them most of the time for commuting, over varying thicknesses of longs - just to act as a windproof layer. As long as the weather is cool I don't boil in the bag.

[L CC]

For that distance, a change of clothes.

[fruitcake]

I've got a few pairs of wool / polyester mix trousers which I'll wear in light rain. They won't be too cold and they'll dry in an hour.

Jeans are just dangerous as they stay wet all day.

[ElyDave]

I've got a few pairs of wool / polyester mix trousers which I'll wear in light rain. They won't be too cold and they'll dry in an hour.

Jeans are just dangerous as they stay wet all day.

My thoughts exactly, I'm leaning towards rainlegs and shorts, and trousers in the pannier

[paton]

This sort of thing is a reasonable price for what they are

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275832180167?hash=item4038e10dc7:g:iKEAAOSw3PdkUngn&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwHxlbtyWZu2w3MWNxqQoLHZuE5hCkYHIRv6STpGtopDw9mccKvv3irGHJrf03HmThDpRPTTG9llPszhwqm1%2BV90ma1QRXXQuN%2BRwDTxJOxJmF2BA5Xkq%2BmTr%2FyZFCbz%2FHDvS7ofF1BQyCJ%2FDECnOfjBSXeNv9bQQZEuZzZ1ZKHPeC1UsMy%2F7VyklTDXUypX9OZ3ppfzmTPsxG880S%2FhWFG5ueALqVYxfZRPihyLYOXEwoI9LUdhpSmsd%2Fe9HZ5ynJA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4Kcyf7vYg

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275148303530?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D256750%26meid%3D41775b2ea07048a5b2695c8544f6203c%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D275832180167%26itm%3D275148303530%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V2V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecallWithVMEV3CPCAndXaiHotClickPreRank&_trksid=p4429486.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A27514830353041775b2ea07048a5b2695c8544f6203c%7Cenc%3AAQAIAAABcFV6v9eZ%252FNOr8ZHKr3reGMmOn17%252BT9FaaOr2SrhT2oRQ8LmXxsDdLJYzcY8vxHEaPt915i%252BkKZ0kNE1dLc%252Fru8p9%252FCfaEQxwOemLWgCOv1vKNVuHAhvu9t3emDJ8uoY%252BO8RmOVMdu61FNylGgFrwMYpbHF4TkfnMYa6l1gBJVV3KhFoAasuTctaJzVkV7DS%252BLDxH0ejVUVMH3P50UKmcbXItyZOlOV2K6cXKHrwhJIVYx29ABJPPbXAc1enZTxncm49yMo3StXdWKXfe%252FsHV1Ci3ygtFikUypqfo74mp9DUuM7b4sba3kj%252FEiydV2R5LTAZmqxbkNGn%252B0dr3GZ3bZCInLcON0khFs5TfUlBBEe1OC%252FKAAhg38tB0J8vN9XgmtTi%252BnN3dtPdwiHQw6iXKHV5HHCbQt%252FlA%252FJUTGjYha38VChC%252FT95P4GyHlJDt71DwlwcyivYv2v7p8KlwsCFjgCHXCB80kBdkT70dJ%252FxLynuK%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A4429486

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165915699472?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D256750%26meid%3D41775b2ea07048a5b2695c8544f6203c%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D275832180167%26itm%3D165915699472%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V2V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecallWithVMEV3CPCAndXaiHotClickPreRank&_trksid=p4429486.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A16591569947241775b2ea07048a5b2695c8544f6203c%7Cenc%3AAQAIAAABcFV6v9eZ%252FNOr8ZHKr3reGMmOn17%252BT9FaaOr2SrhT2oRQ8LmXxsDdLJYzcY8vxHEaPt915i%252BkKZ0kNE1dLc%252Fru8p9%252FCfaEQxwOemLWgCOv1vKNVuHAhvu9t3emDJ8uoY%252BO8RmOVMdu61FNylGgFrwMYpbHF4TkfnMYa6l1gBJVV3KhFoAasuTctaJzVkV7DS%252BLGREDXwh4U1qmDavxvHJaFH3gtPLZwnw9xKvz%252BODPZxEzISSNi0r%252FV8%252Bzf4sm2K4JauL3YRsdFVWkaYlss7xYmF%252BCunKJIjhS0TYWo%252FmseNEoKDesU1SpXvkJ7Hctd3ypz7xZMY%252F8OpwS%252BnZDWQ46vkgNR9NMpou0h5V9j6p73jOan79za5O9tXeVy8Ds8rKu%252BjyD6i1aUSQpXofvKHCoMWKeRDl24gXPbNLqYhC1xkO6iMsDPM6T%252FJtbcRoxUQXQKLWFmiB%252FJXu1A4F4PH2cek1vLy8hmVoBtDFQP3r0mm8%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A4429486

[MattH]

I use those surplus MOD trousers, though not on the bicycle.

I sometimes use them on the motorbike (a pair rolled up in my panniers for me to put on if I get caught out when wearing summer kit), and more often use them when working outside. One problem with them is that the legs are quite baggy (albeit with zips at the bottom to nip them up a bit) to allow you to put them on whilst wearing boots. That would equate to very flappy on a bicycle, and possible chain/chainring interactions unless you do something at the ankle.

They can also have big holes in them where you'd normally expect a waterproof pocket. to allow you to put your hands into your normal trouser pockets. Worn with a big jacket that covers that they are fine, though many cycling jackets are quite short.

Good value though, if the limitations work for you.

[Peat]

For commuting I use those rainless things which are adequate for about an hour. 

I've been thinking of Rain Legs since a deluge last week saturated the upper thighs of my 'water resistant' trousers on the commute in.

Do they strap down tight to the inside of the thigh/knee? I tend to ride quite knees-in and don't want to scratch up my top tube with baggy material swooshing about.

[ElyDave]

Last week I ended up with a pair of casual walking-type shorts, and a pair of jeans in the bag to change into.  It was chilly but dry and I think that will work for much of the time, until we get much closer to freezing.

[chrisbainbridge]

For commuting I use those rainless things which are adequate for about an hour. 

I've been thinking of Rain Legs since a deluge last week saturated the upper thighs of my 'water resistant' trousers on the commute in.

Do they strap down tight to the inside of the thigh/knee? I tend to ride quite knees-in and don't want to scratch up my top tube with baggy material swooshing about.

I regularly rub knees on top tube bags so ride fairly knees in. The rainlegs do not seem to cause any problems. No flappy bits. 

[sg37409]

A 1 hr each way commute for me
I have a change of clothes and for the ride I usually use some cheap skinny jeans.