Thankfully the days of wearing motocross gear for downhill riding and racing are almost behind us. These Vapor pants from One Industries are part of a new wave of lighter-weight gear designed specifically to be used on a bicycle.
They’re way lighter than typical MX trousers, with our 34in waist sample tipping the scales at 440g. Despite being properly pared back, they still deliver the benefits of full leg coverage – protection from the elements and less chance of losing skin if you crash – just without all the extra protection you’d need if you had an engine between your legs.
Out on the hill, they feel light and unrestrictive, making them a pleasure to ride in. There’s ample room in the knee area to fit bulky pads underneath and enough length in the leg to ensure your shins are properly covered too.
The polyester fabric is lined with mesh to keep overheating to a minimum, though they still get pretty warm on hotter days. A couple of well positioned venting panels would certainly be a bonus.
The tougher, abrasion resistant material used in the crotch and inside leg help boosts durability without detracting from the impressive comfort on offer here.
