Published by Lyn on 16 August 2016
Richard Peace heads out into the rain to test a pair of Showers Pass cycle trousers for us.
Showers Pass refuge pants
Showerspass.com
Priced at £159
Showers Pass are a US-based firm selling all manner of waterproof gear for cyclists; they are now also in the UK. I tried out their top-of-the-line Refuge Pant over the course of a very wet 2016 UK summer.
The trousers are made from seam-taped, 3-Layer Elite™ waterproof-breathable fabric and I particularly liked the reinforced, perforated seat area. Other features include thigh vents, velcro straps to tighten the bottom of the legs and zips enabling removal of the trousers over your shoes.
After several rides through intense summer downpours the only fault I found was a little condensation in one small area; and it was an exceptionally humid and wet testing I gave them. They felt exceptionally comfortable and light to wear (they weigh just under 400g according to my scales) and to ride in.
As for the features my only quibble would be that it would be nicer to have more pocket space. The medium size fitted my 5'8”, short squat frame fine but there was plenty of stretch in the waist elastic and leg material to suit slightly larger and longer legged riders too.
In summary; you can get waterproof trousers for one third of the price, but they are not likely to be as breathable or have as much detailing as the Showers Pass Refuge Pant.
Showers Pass refuge pants
Showerspass.com
Priced at £159
Richard Peace is the co-author of Electric Bicycles: The Complete Guide (UK, US) and founder of cycle publishers Excellent Books. He is author of Cycling Southern France (UK, US) and Cycling Northern France (UK, US), and contributes to A to B magazine, Bike Europe and Eurobike Show Daily.
