The Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms aren't really tracksuit-like at all. They are, however, a stretchy pair of riding trousers that are comfortable and lightweight. Although, I wouldn't say they are suited for cold-weather riding as described, and they size up a little large.
The design and construction
The Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms are constructed with nylon (89%) and elastane (11%), which creates a four-way super-stretchy fabric. They have a fly, and button closure with Velcro "hook-and-look" tab waistband adjusters, with a tacky silicone inner band providing grip.
There's a side zip pocket along with two open front pockets, one of which has an inner zip for small essentials - like a key or some coins, perhaps.
For women, these trousers are available in sizes UK 6 to 18, which accommodates waist sizes from 24" to 33.5". The fit is designed to be 'regular' with knee pad space taken into consideration. The cuff of the trousers has a popper-button closure with two widths, allowing you to cinch in for a more tapered shape. I'm between a UK 8 and UK 10, so I've been testing a size small, which has a measured inseam length of approximately 28.5".
How they feel on the bike
The first thing I noticed about the Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms is how stretchy the fabric is and how thin it feels compared to other trousers I've ridden in. These aren't your typical downhill rugged Kevlar panelled pants designed for rough and rowdy riding, but they provide ample coverage in a relatively durable fabric.
Despite using the size guide and guestimating a size small, I found the waist larger than I expected, resulting in using the adjustable side tabs. However, the length was ideal for sitting close to my ankle bone, and the ability to taper the cuff was a welcomed feature. However, if you're looking for slim-fitting pants, these probably aren't for you, as the relaxed fit leaves them a little roomy.
For the spring/summer rides through overgrown trails, these pants are brilliant for protecting your legs from brushes with foliage. The stretchiness of the fabric is unrestrictive, easy to move with and generally a pleasant experience. However, the fabric is somewhat thin, so Five Ten's description of these trousers being "technical mountain bike pants for colder days" seems a stretch (no pun intended). I wouldn't say they offer insulation or warmth. Just because they are trousers doesn't mean they're automatically intended for colder weather. If anything, I found them great for mild days where the overgrowth would otherwise shred my legs, and the thinner material makes them somewhat breathable too.
Despite the weather being less than desired for summer, it's not been cold enough for me to really test Five Ten's intended weather use. But as someone who feels the cold to their bones, I would quite likely couple the Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms with a pair of tights or thermal leggings for winter riding. However, I did get caught out in bouts of rain, and I can confidently say these trousers are not waterproof. Due to the stretchy material, the water created a ripple effect in the material, which made them go a little baggy - probably from the weight of the rainwater the trousers retained.
The two front pockets were barely used, as I'm rarely reassured by the security of open pockets. However, I did use the small zip inner pocket for my house key and the side pocket for my phone. Both were doing their job as intended in uncumbersome locations, so no complaints there.
Despite the overgrown trails, the bramble scrambling and going a few rounds in the washing machine, the Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms remain in excellent condition - a testament to the quality. I have noticed some slight fading around the bum area from saddle wear, but that's pretty standard for most single-material shorts and pants.
Value and verdict
The Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms are priced at £85, which is not too unreasonable when comparing them to a very similar Fox Ranger Pant at £90. However, for more bang for your buck, the Endura MT500 Burner Pant is at £90. The MT500's are downhill-focussed with thicker material, a durable seat panel for reduced wear, and a higher waistband for coverage. Although they don't live up to their intended purpose and so, for a more mild-weather summer trouser, I would say these are slightly overpriced.
For riding pants, I do really like the Five Ten Bike TrailX Tracksuit bottoms. They're really comfortable and stretchy to ride in. The zip pockets are secure for my things, and unlike thicker downhill pants, they don't cause me to overheat or feel restricted when riding. They've worked well this spring/summer, where the trails have been super overgrown, but I disagree with their intended purpose for cold-weather riding. The material is too thin to provide any warmth, and when wet, they have a tendency to bag and retain water.
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