Reviews

iRULE Ergo pants

By Paul Mirtschin

iRULE's Ergo shorts
Photo ©: Cyclingnews

Tight-fitting cycling gear, fashioned from the hi-tech material of the week, is fine for those long slogs in the saddle. It breathes, doesn't create unnecessary drag, and shows off those bulging muscles real well. However, it does not go down too well in the pub after the ride or when you need to pop down to the shops.

iRULE, the New Zealand manufacturer of mountain bike and adventure racing clothing, has put together these ¾ length pants to wear just for those post-ride sessions at the local, and also designed them to be comfortable when riding. Ergo they called them Ergo.

Made from pre-shrunk cotton double drill, the Ergos are, as you would expect, quite durable. Almost-daily use has had no impact on the pants, with no signs of wear and tear or failing seams. The downside to this is they are quite warm; not the pants for a hearty all-day ride in the middle of summer.

The Ergo's side pockets are huge, to say the least. The right hand pocket is large enough for a portable CD player or a small dog, which ever you prefer to carry. And with a chunky zip the puppy won't get away either. The left pocket is split, with one side sized for a small-to-medium mobile phone, and the other a pen.

There are no pockets on the front or rear of the shorts to make life uncomfortable, and it does take time to remember this as you shoot out of the office as this reviewer found. Slipping a wallet into a pocket that is not there is tricky.

Overall, the Ergos are the perfect casual pant for riding if you are planning on socializing afterward. They also look good enough wear when you are not on your bike.

Recommended retail price: NZ$119.00
Pro: Comfortable, good looks, not Lycra
Con: Not cheap, warm
More information: iRULE's website
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