Troy Lee Designs continually push design and functionality to new levels, it doesn't matter if it's a helmet or gloves or their race pants or anything else in their massive product range. Recently we took a look at the Sprint and Moto racing shorts and find them perfect for BMX racing and rate them very highly, but summer is now gone and things are starting to cool down here in Australia.
This review is of the Troy Lee Designs GP pants, If you were thinking they look a lot like motocross pants, you are right. They strong enough to use on a motocross bike but are light weight and super comfortable and work just as well on the bike. We thought we'd pair up the bmxultra.com team jersey with the latest Troy Lee Designs GP Speedshop Blue pants, not only do they look great but the colours match perfectly. Don't worry though if you are looking for pants to match your jersey there are a number of colour options available, including
and if some of the colour/design options are too larey then there's always the GP Hot Rod Black.
I feel like I'm becoming a little bias when it comes to Troy Lee gear, I guess I have been a little spoilt so I thought I'd ask Team bmxultra.com A Pro Dane Pangallo to help out. Dane was previously a Fox fan so he could compare with a fresh look at the brand and the products.
Both Dane and I are over 6 foot tall, it's often difficult to find race pants that fit both in the leg length and waist size, there's often a compromise, and I'm sure that's not a problem that's limited to tall people. I've found that you would normally find pants with a tight waist to get the right leg length or a comfortable waist and pretty much lucky dip leg length. I've never found that with Troy Lee race pants, and that includes the GP's.
When I asked Dane what he thought of the pants this is what he had to say "The Troy Lee Designs GP pants have a generous cut, the leg is a good length, and the knees are very roomy. Actually there's plenty of room for knee guards or knee braces. Also the sizing in the waist is pretty good, especially with the adjustable tabs. They are set and forget, I've never had any problems with them. I had gotten used to a ratchet buckle on the front of my old pants, but the button clips were a little different but work just fine. Despite the pants being full length they are very cool even on the hottest days. Comfortable...to a point where it just about feels like you aren't wearing race pants at all."
I must admit I wear my race pants a bit looser that Dane. I think I'm more in touch with my inner homeboy. I've never had any problems with the pants getting caught on anything or falling down. The adjustable tabs have a nice range of adjustment and make it possible to wear the GP pants even looser than they were designed to wear. You could safely say that no matter what your body shape or fit preference you are going to have no trouble finding some of these to fit you.
One thing that I noticed is there are more larger sizes, now the pants range from adult 28 to 44.
When it comes to riding in the GP's they are very comfortable and offer a full range of movement while offering great protection. Oh and they come standard with some removable hip pads for some extra protection. I must admit I don't use mine, I use a padded short under the race pants instead.
If you are looking for a pocket to put your keys, some money, your mobile phone, or anything at all you would need to look at a different pant.
I have found that the pants wash well, even on a standard heavy cycle, and the white stays vibrant long after you would consider the pants new.
Features:
Rating 20/20:
| Value for money: | 5/5 |
| Weight: | 5/5 |
| Functionality: | 5/5 |
| Looks/Finish: | 5/5 |
Comments:
Troy Lee Designs is Distributed in Australia by Steve Cramer Products (www.stevecramerproducts.com.au). For more information about Troy Lee Designs check out www.troyleedesigns.com
Reviewed by Dane Pangallo & Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com March 16, 2012