With the prospect of a long wet autumn, my thoughts have turned to avoiding soggy-arse syndrome!
I haven’t worn waterproof trousers or shorts on a bike for donkey’s years.
Have they improved at all, or do you still get that “boil-in-the bag”, effect round your nethers?
Any recommendations?
Thanks again for the help

Don't like shorts as the just drip into your boots ,trousers I've got are Madison dte ,side vents reinforced bum and knees not to sweaty and definitely keep the rain out

I really like waterproof shorts to stop my bibs from wetting out. I use the endura mt 500 I believe.

MT500 waterproof shorts for too - fab, they make all the difference for a winter ride - a nice warm & dry mid rift.

Mine are the shorts (as in above the knee), they also do a just below the knee option if you prefer the jodpurs look but I prefer the freedom.

I take it you have proper mudguards? Something like the Mudhugger on the rear will keep the vast majority of crap off you.





Defence in depth and all that.

Max Effort wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 7:24 am that “boil-in-the bag”, effect round your nethers?

I think Mike used the phrase "swamping" a few times in Spain for that phenomenom. It's always stuck with me.

Alpinestars do waterproof shorts with a breathable panel bit at the front which aids circulation around the sweetbreads. Tougher than some of the other brands I've tried (and ruined) too.

I bought some Madison DTE softshell shorts for winter. Waterproof and hopefully warm. I've got a pair of walking trousers that are very similar and am somewhat impressed.

I've got some Madisons with zip off legs. I'm really pleased with them.

johnnystorm wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 9:40 am I've got some Madisons with zip off legs. I'm really pleased with them.

Which ones specifically do you have?

madison shorts - forget the make which are great for when the ground is wet but its not really raining or not raining hard- tbh i tend to just use these all year round over lycra

Stealths for the rest of the time

I've got Endura and Gore waterproof shorts. Endura if it's really shitty but only to avoid destroying the Gore shorts. If I had to choose between the two it would be Gore every time. They're nicer to wear, a lot less sweaty and pack a lot smaller.

With the prospect of a long wet autumn

I that what we are getting this year?

Thanks for all the replies.
I’ll do some research into the ones you’ve suggested

whitestone wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 8:36 am I take it you have proper mudguards? Something like the Mudhugger on the rear will keep the vast majority of crap off you.





Defence in depth and all that.

Yes indeed!
I have Crud Guards on the Ramin 3+ and full length SKS on the Thorn Sterling.
Even so, you’d be surprised how much still lands on you

In Reverse wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 9:09 am

Max Effort wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 7:24 am that “boil-in-the bag”, effect round your nethers?

I think Mike used the phrase "swamping" a few times in Spain for that phenomenom. It's always stuck with me.

Alpinestars do waterproof shorts with a breathable panel bit at the front which aids circulation around the sweetbreads. Tougher than some of the other brands I've tried (and ruined) too.

Swamping
Sounds about right!

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 9:18 am I bought some Madison DTE softshell shorts for winter. Waterproof and hopefully warm. I've got a pair of walking trousers that are very similar and am somewhat impressed.

I also tend to just wear walking trousers or Tracksters. Neither of which are even water resistant!
Which sort are you impressed with?

Have a look at the Endura or Dirtlej onsies.
Wonderful things, though pricey as!

Which sort are you impressed with?

I'm afraid I've no idea what make they are - something Japanese is the best I can do but the material feels very similar to the Madison shorts.

Never had much success with waterproof shorts beyond the initial few wears and the majority seem ruined after an initial wash - price seems to matter little.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 1:36 pm

Which sort are you impressed with?

I'm afraid I've no idea what make they are - something Japanese is the best I can do but the material feels very similar to the Madison shorts.

Never had much success with waterproof shorts beyond the initial few wears and the majority seem ruined after an initial wash - price seems to matter little.

I only ever hand wash mine in warm water with no detergent.

The main thing for me about waterproof shorts though is not that they keep you dry but that they don't get saturated, not going all cold and clammy. They also keep my bibs from getting saturated. They will still be damp but they never get totally wetted out.

I like the idea of zip-off trousers though. It might help my cold feet problems, being able to zip the legs on overnight or just if it gets cold.

I only ever hand wash mine in warm water with no detergent.

Me too but all my previous shorts have relied on DWR coating to hold back the worst and I don't think shorts are the place for a fragile coating. I also don't generally wear anything underneath so my shorts aren't only my first line of defence but also my last

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:22 am I also don't generally wear anything underneath so my shorts aren't only my first line of defence but also my last

When you get to the 'shorts' section of your shed clear-out remind me not to buy any