Right, first things first, why wear waterproof shorts? I guess the main reason is that not everyone likes the look of mudguards on their bikes, especially as frame designs get more elegant and sleek looking. So, basically, vanity!
On the flipside, though, who actually enjoys getting soaked right through? I love bad weather riding for loads of reasons – the trails are harder, you’re normally out on your own, and there is a slight hint of bravado as you think you’re the only one stupid enough to be out there. But, I hate being wet and cold. Apart from the obvious discomfort, the effects of adverse weather can affect your riding to the point it can start to get dangerous.
So, how to keep dry and comfortable? Waterproof shorts have become rapidly more popular over the past few years and I think I own pretty much every model that Alpine Bikes have ever stocked! Out of those, the Endura Superlight Shorts have impressed me the most. Straight off, they look smarter than the competition. They actually look like proper baggy shorts – they even have pre-bent knees on them. For the more road-safety conscious amongst you, there are two big reflective strikes on each leg to ensure you stand out on your way home from the ride too.
Now, being overshorts, there’s no padding in them, so I always wear mine over ¾ bibshorts. Weight is a big part of comfort when doing longer rides and I can safely say that these are possibly the lightest overshorts I own (just as well, given the name!). The waistband sits slightly higher than normal shorts to ensure that there’s an overlap between your jacket and shorts. This prevents water from getting into the places it really shouldn’t be.
I put them through their paces at the recent Wild Boar 24 Hour Race at Grizedale Forest through my night-time laps. It was a little warmer than I thought it would be, but I didn’t feel any discomfort at all as well as not having problems with shorts snagging on saddles. The course threw a couple of nice water splashes at the riders – again, I was nicely dry and comfortable for the remaining laps.
If you’re the kind of rider who likes to ride all year round, regardless of the weather and likes to look good doing so (don’t we all!?) these shorts should be high on your list of things-to-buy.