Summer Motorcycle Trousers

Scot: Great trousers that might actually justify the price

Never thought Id spend £300 on a pair of bike jeans well cargo trousers, but Ive been looking for a pair of brown bike trousers for a while now since I went a bit OTT on green jackets and green trousers just doesnt really go. These somehow do it all, the vents down the side work incredibly well, Im usually too hot and bothered to ride in anything over 27 degrees here in the UK, but these really help with my mesh jacket, a lot better than all my other bike jeans. And actually cooler than riding in normal jeans which is what I generally do when its too hot for bike jeans yes I know its bad. The pockets are also great and actually usable, I never keep anything in my pockets in case something falls out but the zip leg pocket on the right is nice and secure so keep phone and keys and stuff in there. Theres also a handy small elastic key type pocket which I use for keeping my car key in my pocket my bike cover and locks go in the boot, my only storage but its useful for me, rather than holding all my keys and phone in my hands or something. Fitting is great, I tend to go for 36 recently to get thigh and groin space, even though tis baggy around the waist,then wear a belt to compensate. Not with these, 34 waist is perfect, not too baggy in general like 36 was and fits great. I also went for the long leg which I think is something like 34 or 36, great length for me being 63. I always suffer which trousers riding up on the bike and sitting on top of my riding shoes exposing my socks because of my height, so these long legs are perfect.

Richard: Defence and Comfort

When choosing bike gear, and particularly summer touring gear, it is sometimes easy to get carried away with having the most comfortable and cool clothing on the market, at the same overlooking the main reason for wearing it! On a bike, comfort is important, but Id argue that safety is even more vital, so finding a trade-off is the name of the game. These trousers, with proper armour the type that does not end up on the inside of your knees, doing nothing at all are a great trade-off. They are comfortable, practical and certainly feel robust and safe. In my so far limited test, they also have good airflow, and being Rukka, a good warranty. Sadly, they are also expensive, but you cant win them all!

Rik: Cooler than my Rokkers

So, now, what drives you to buy outrageous and outrageously expensive white bike pants that even The Chap in the Cap suggests are impractical...Well, you dont need a reason, youre just reacting to some mad impulse. And I kinda love these. Point 1. They are NOT white. They are a very light taupe - still a classic chino colour, certainly nowhere near as dark as tan, possibly nearer the cool grey shade in Klim. Point 2- I hate the armour, tho good quality swapped for my favourites. Point 3 - a stupid velcro closure for the handy external knee armour pockets does not line up cleanly, so you get a lip, which is ok if youre going for the Mad Max look but annoys me still, its much more useful than internal knee pockets Point 3 - great fit, flattering, comfortable on and off the bike, am 3232 in LevisUniqlo, and they were spot on. I didnt find them short on the bike, either. Point 4 - maybe only me, but on my sports bike, the suede thigh patch bends naturally in the knee crease and presents a fairly hard edge that snags on the tankframe and thats unnerving when youre putting your foot down, but this doesnt happen on an adventure bike... Overall, I love them even more than my Rokker Tweeds tho less acceptable in some business environments. They are at a very significant premium in price to Oxfords latest chino - but you do rather feel like youre the business when you turn up in these. And if you worry about what other people think, buy the other colours instead.