Reveiw: Rivendell MUSA pants
Ok, they're not wool... but I love 'em anyway!
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22432.html
I threw these in the washer yesterday and pulled them out to dry draped over my bike. They literally dried overnight, even in my damp little basement apartment.
The fabric is a very tight nylon weave with a tiny bit of "crinkle" to it. They are surprisingly breathable. No show-thru, even while wearing my leopard-skin print undies. (leopard print is a very important component for increasing biking speed, y'know;) ) They do make quite the "swish" sound, and as I was riding I thought at first that one of my brake pads was rubbing, but no, it was just the pants sliding over my thighs...
The color is a very nice khaki brown. The crotch gusset on mine is the same color as the legs. The ankle velcro, belt strap, and pocket splices are a fairly subtle olive. The belt is elastic with a black plastic pinch clip buckle. I've adjusted the belt to fit my waist and ended up with quite a lot of belt tail. I tucked it down inside the pants. No problem.
The cut is loose enough in the butt/thighs for my generous proportions and tapered enough at the waist that I don't have wads of excess fabric gathered in by the belt. The waist stays put on the bike, no plumber's butt and no wedgies. There are little darts above and below the knee, which makes these very comfortable for curling up on the couch or for pedalling. The legs really don't bind at all. The crotch gusset is one piece, so there are no seams running across like some brands have. The velcro'd ankles are great. Loose, they drape like regular chinos. Snugged up, they keep the pants completely out of the way of the drive train. (and they still look good snugged up)
The front pockets are HUGE! Yay! Functional front pockets! Stuff doesn't fall out of these pockets. The back pockets are functional, too. A nice largish size and button closed. I carried my wallet around in one of the back pockets just fine.
So far I've "worked" in the garden, gone shopping, lounged around, and ridden my bike wearing these pants. Now I'm going to wear them to work (with the velcro ankles loosened). The patch back pockets and the faux fly make them look enough like chinos that I think they'll be just fine in the clinic.
Unisex sizing. I am a 12 or a L in most things. I have L in the MUSA pants. (the M almost fit me, but not quite, so if in doubt stick with your usual size)
