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A slightly raised waistband at the back creates a seamless transition to the jacket and prevents water from penetrating. The same naturally applies to the feet of long models: the cuffs should extend over the top of the shoes - or overlap with overshoes or waterproof socks - and be adjustable in width using Velcro or a zip. This makes it easier to get on and prevents the trouser legs from rubbing against the cranks. Mud on the saddle acts like sandpaper on rain trousers, and in the worst case scenario, the trousers are ready for the bin after a long ride in the rain.
A reinforced seat area is therefore part of the basic equipment. Cordura trimmings prove to be particularly robust here. Short rain trousers are perfectly adequate in summer. Lightweight models such as the C5 Gore-Tex Paclite Trail Shorts (149.95 euros) are ideal as an emergency cover for your rucksack. Be careful when choosing your size! Robust three-layer trousers keep your buttocks and thighs warm and dry even on long tours. If you wear protectors, you should make sure the knee section is as wide as possible. On cooler days, long rain trousers are the better choice because they keep the sensitive knees warm. However, without ventilation openings at the sides, you will quickly become sweaty when pedalling. Caution: The zips should always close at the top and be protected by a small "garage". Otherwise water can get in through the tiny slits. Pockets are nice details, but as a rule, the simpler the design of a pair of rain trousers, the lower the risk of water ingress. The real heroes in the rain, however, are one-piece suits or so-called onesies, which are trousers and jacket in one. Even if the look takes some getting used to - bikers can't have more fun in the rain than in one of these "rompers". Corresponding products are now available from Endura, Platzangst and Dirtlej.
You can conveniently download the test of the five rain trousers/rain suits from BIKE 11/2021 as a PDF below the article. The test report costs 1.49 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.
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Stefan Frey
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