Bontrager Commuting Pants

Bontrager's lightweight Commuting P{ants are spot on for general riding, retaining a sense of c'sredibility when sashaying past the photocopier, meeting friends in town or collecting the kids from school. They'd also make good touring companions thanks to low bulk. However, padded inserts are must haves for all but the shortest hops and sizing isn't quite an exact science so try before parting with your hard earned.

Like Bontrager's commuter jacket these are made from a tightly woven nylon/polyester elastane mix and sport some nicely thought out touches. The waist features adjustable elasticated banding and mercifully sturdy belt-loops preventing any impromptu mooning during out of the saddle efforts or (for the benefit of messenger wannabes) with U lock cadging a lift on the dedicated tab. Then there are two sensibly proportioned butt pockets with obligatory splash of Scotchlite and two cavernous front ones with a watch/change slip incorporated within the right hand-side. While you could go the trouser clip route come the cooler months, the whopping great reflective strip and external press-stud suggest rolling the legs up knicker style aboard the bike. That said; it takes practice to avoid the picture postcard 'British tourist on the beach' fashion faux pas.

Sizing is never an exact science but usually I'm guaranteed to slip into a large/European 4. Ours sample were perfect in the leg but a bit generous around the waist even with the elastic drawn fully home, necessitating a belt to preserve my modesty. Cut, tailoring and style proved an instant hit, complimenting the formal, street and race sections of my wardrobe perfectly. Hastily bunging wallets, keys, phones and similar nick-nacks in the front pockets failed to detract from riding comfort, although the same could not be said of those on the back.

I found quick commutes (around three miles or so)fine without inserts thanks to the double seat, and while the two-inch wide Scotchlite turn-ups might give the game away down the pub they are remarkably effective at higher cadences, grabbing driver attention at junctions/roundabouts. Nocturnal runs taking in forest trails suggest while thin, the materials are very resilient and fold neatly into a pannier for summer touring.

Verdict

Stylish and extremely practical trousers for commuting and summer touring but check your sizing before before buying