DESIGN CHOICES
On the strength of our work on the RC900 rain jacket, we wanted to design a complete, breathable, sporty and compact rain protection garment, so that it would be suitable for cycling trips over one or more days, while guaranteeing comfort on the bike and out of the saddle.
We therefore designed these overtrousers along the same lines as the jacket: excellent waterproof/breathable ratio, sporty cut for long-distance pedaling and compact design.
COMPACT
Our aim was to design an overtrouser that was sporty, waterproof, breathable and compact enough for one- or multi-day cycling trips, while guaranteeing a comfortable fit close to the leg for pedaling.
Folded into its waterproof pocket, it fits easily into a bikepacking bag or small saddlebag, keeping the overtrousers protected in case the saddlebag gets wet.
Weight of overtrousers in size M: 328 gr.
Size M folded: 17x14x8 cm
CUT
The cut is close to the leg, so you can pedal without discomfort while limiting potential rubbing (saddle or pannier).
These overtrousers are ideal for wearing over short or short shorts, depending on the season and on wet or cold rides.
BREATHABILITY OF OVERTROUSERS
To reduce perspiration from the lower abdomen/crotch, we chose to use the airflow generated by movement by adding zips along the shins and inside the leg, allowing air to flow in and out of the areas least exposed to spray.
COMPONENT BREATHABILITY (RET)
Pour savoir si un tissu est respirant, on mesure sa résistance évaporative RET (test basé sur la norme ISO 11092). Plus la résistance est faible, plus le tissu laisse s’échapper la vapeur d'eau générée par le corps en activité, et plus il est respirant.
• RET <6 : extrêmement respirant, adapté aux efforts les plus intenses
• RET 6 à 12 : très respirant, adaptée à un effort modéré
• RET 12 à 20 : moyennement respirant, pas agréable en cas d’effort
• RET >20 : peu respirant, inadapté à l’effort
WATERPROOF FABRIC
We measure a fabric's resistance to water pressure expressed in mm water column (test based on ISO 811). The higher the pressure, the more waterproof the fabric.
Here are the waterproof values for overtrousers 900: 15,000 mm before washing, 10,000 mm after 10 washes.
WATERPROOF OVERTROUSERS
Not only is the fabric important for waterproofing, but so is the construction of the overtrousers. On this RC900 product, all seams are waterproofed, and we've chosen YKK water-repellent zips coupled with protective flaps.
MEMBRANE COMPONENT OR COATING?
The RC900 overtrousers feature a 3-layer membrane component.
The membrane is a thin, micro-perforated plastic film (polyurethane) that makes the component waterproof yet breathable. It has the advantage of being more flexible, lighter, more resistant and more breathable than a coated component.
Coating is like a paint applied to the inside of the fabric, making the component waterproof. It is less expensive than a membrane, and requires a lining.
