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The Madison DTE Waterproof trousers have been an epiphany for winter riding keeping me dry, clean and warm through the foulest of conditions. A sure fire way to make winter riding a lot less dirty and a lot more fun.

• Review - Madison Women's DTE waterproof shorts
• Review - Madison DTE Soft Shell shorts

The DTE Waterproof Trousers are made for riding in the most terrible conditions, the sort of weather where one glance out of the window is enough to make you put your slippers back on and reach for the kettle. Don these trousers though and you’ll soon find, actually it’s not that bad to be out splashing down the trails, in fact it’s pretty fun! 

Wide waist band keeps crud out

Constructed from a 2.5 layer fabric with 3 layers on the rear panel, knees and ankles for more protection, which along with taped seams make the DTE’s fully waterproof. They are pretty breathable too, outings in these have been in both conditions of ‘raining cats and dogs’ and ‘dry skies but swamp like’. For the former the trousers have kept me dry while the rain batters down and for the latter they have defended me from the mud whilst preventing me from overheating, thanks in no small part to the two zippered leg vents. Which do, in case you were wondering have waterproof zips for when they are closed.

Vents have a waterproof zip for when it's torrential

The trousers feature articulated knees, preshaped for a good fit whilst pedalling, when first trying the DTE’s I thought the stiff material might offer a problem when pedalling. It’s not that restrictive though, rather the stiffness provides a robust pair of trousers with tougher fabric in the places that matter (bum, ankles and knees), they proved to be trousers I took out for a hammering time and time again. 

There are waist adjusters which on this pair didn't catch on my jersey

The women’s DTE trousers fit pretty well, I’m a size 10 and I wore a size 10. The only place I’d ask for more room is around the knee, with a bulky set of knee pads (Troy Lee Raid’s in a size small) there could do with being a tad more space, it doesn’t affect pedalling too much but a little more wiggle room would be more comfortable over a long day.

Articulated knees could just do with a tad more space for bigger knee pads

To fin tune fit there are adjuster straps at the waistband which have the usual Madison chunky rubber tab on the end, this being the only pair of Madison shorts/trousers where this didn’t get in the way or catch on my jersey. The width of the waistband ensures crud can’t get up your back either – nice. There are also two mesh lined zip pockets on each hip, not good for a snack or a tool or extra ventilation if things are heating up.

Winch the ankle in to fine tune fit

As soon as you hit the trails, smash into the first puddle and realise you aren’t sending cold water up your shorts, you’ll fall in love with the DTE’s, I guarantee it and with a lifetime warranty on offer from Madison, it’s likely you’ll be smiling for a long time. I’ve cared for mine by getting them caked in mud, hosing them down, hanging out to dry and repeating the process all over again, three months on they are faring well and in constant use.

There are reinforced panels all over, such as here at the ankle

At £110, you don’t need to look elsewhere for a robust pair of mountain bike specific trousers that look pretty cool, protect you from the elements and do the job exceptionally well too. 

• www.madison.cc

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