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Our selection is divided into lightweight models for emergencies and somewhat more robust models that are more likely to be worn from the start. At the very least, these should have reinforced seat surfaces, as soil and sand on the inside quickly wear away any membrane and coating on the saddle. Not all models were convincing in the laboratory test for waterproofness. On three of them, a few drops leaked through at least at the seams after two test washes. A sobering conclusion: mudguards could be a better investment for intrepid mud lovers. Summary: Jörg Spaniol, TOUR and BIKE editor.
The test was carried out by our sister magazine BIKE.
1st Gorewear Endure Shorts
- Weight: 131 gram (M)
- Extras: Storage bag, key pouch
- Price: 160 Euro
It's almost boring, but this piece from the waterproof Gore line has it all. The "Paclite Plus" material is super light, packs down to the size of a jersey pocket and has a relatively good grip. Compared to the similarly long Endura shorts, they have a slimmer cut - putting them on with thick shoes can be difficult. The reinforced seat and waterproof finish are impressive. The lightweight material and high price make them more suitable for the Transalp rucksack or jersey pocket than for the bike park.
2 Endura Hummvee Waterproof
- Weight: 210 grammes (M)
- Extras: Zip pockets, reflective material
- Price: 90 Euro >> e.g. available here
The Endura shorts reach up to the kneecap when seated. This makes them just short enough to be combined with protectors. It is the most robust, heaviest model in the test and is intended for the whole tour rather than for emergencies. This is also supported by the reinforced seat surface to prevent chafing. Unfortunately, the material doesn't quite live up to the promise of the good cut: with a 3000 millimetre water column, moisture penetrated at some seams. It was waterproof before the test washes.
3rd Löffler 3/4 Bike Overpants WPM Pocket
- Weight: 130 grams (M)
- Extras: Velcro leg cuffs, separable leg seam
- Price: 160 Euro
With the weight of two muesli bars, the Löffler shorts compete for a place in your jersey or rucksack. The split legs for easy donning with shoes and the unreinforced seat area indicate that the thin Löffler shorts are more of a reassuring emergency aid than an option for the dirty long haul. Their PU coating is barely protected from abrasive sand on the inside. We have no doubts about their waterproofness: the surface and seams withstood the test water pressure.
4. protective P-Seattle
- Weight: 165 grammes (M)
- Extras: Velcro leg cuffs
- Price: 60 Euro >> available here
Visible and inexpensive: The Protective shorts, optionally available in neon yellow, are the cheapest in the test. This is noticeable because the material with a plastic bag feel not only has a low vapour permeability, but also proved to be leaky in places in the pressure test below the 5000 millimetre water column specified by the manufacturer. Only the reinforced seat area kept the water out. The leg length in the saddle covers about two thirds of the thighs. The range of use is similar to the Endura model, but its cut is less functional.
5th Vaude Drop Short
- Weight: - 115 grammes (50)
- Extras: Velcro leg cuffs, reflective material
- Price: 80 Euro >> available here
Low weight, good cut, leg length up to the knee. A reinforced seat is also on board. Fits so far! However, in the laboratory test with a 3000 millimetre water column, the Drop Short, which has been washed several times, was not convincing: the water only remained outside on the seat. The water seeped through at critical seams and even the surface was a little damp. A second, unwashed, test sample was convincing in the pressure test. We have hardly ever encountered this problem with the company's own "Ceplex active" material. An outlier in the material batch?
The Drop Short from Vaude has already accompanied me on many bikepacking tours, keeping the trouser pad dry and keeping out dirt. In wintry temperatures with cold winds, they protect you from cooling down. Long rain trousers are too warm for me on 99 per cent of my tours. - Sandra Schuberth, TOUR editor
