Review: Endura MTR Spray bib-shorts

 

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Spray-bibs?

While the approach of winter promises a drop in temperature and a rise in rainfall, it isn’t always that simple. With most of the UK generally free of extreme weather, full on thermals and waterproofing can be a touch OTT. Particularly if the conditions are changeable and the pace high.  The USP of the Endura MTR Spray bib shorts aims to split the difference. They feature a waterproof rear half, combined with a more conventional front section. The theory being the rear of the shorts will keep you dry from tyre spray during  breaks in the rain.

Fit & Finish

As with the MTR Adventure jersey, the Spray Bib shorts are only available in black, not that adherents of Rule #14,  or indeed anyone else for that matter will mind. The spray section looks and feels slightly different to standard lycra, but you have to be really close to notice. Once in the saddle and pedalling it’s impossible to tell they aren’t just standard shorts, there are no tell-tale waterproof rustling noises! The branding is subtle and mostly in-obtrusive. Only a small white logo on the rear stands out. The logos themselves are rubberised and don’t look likely to peel off. The only thing worse than excessive branding is partially missing branding! Compared to the average medium size the Endura shorts feel a touch roomier, which for me at least, was welcome! The spray section is still stretchy like standard lycra and the internal face has a soft waffle pattern. Obviously stitching fabric makes the business of waterproofing more difficult. Endura’s solution is novel. By using stretchy shaped sections and a floating-pad (attached only to the waist of the shorts) there is only a single seam that needs taping to seal it.

In the saddle

Being waterproof is all well and good but it doesn’t count for much if you’re not comfortable. Despite my initial fears, the thin 700 series pad doesn’t move around, or need adjustment while riding. While not an endurance pad per se the MTR spray shorts have proved comfortable on both multi-day  and six-hours seated rides. Quite remarkable considering just how low-profile the pad is. The bib straps are made from a mesh fabric that breathes well, and at the opposite end the raw-edge hems use silicone grippers to stay put. While the internal seams aren’t particularly flat you can’t feel them and they don’t leave marks. The recent weather has proven ideal for testing the MTR’s signature feature. Spray from puddles is shrugged off, and any dirt ground in from a few hundred KM of riding hasn’t left its mark on the fabric.

Conclusion

The MTR Spray bib-shorts have been something of a revelation. The waterproofing provides the necessary protection from spray without the overheating or irritation that wearing full waterproofs can often entail.  Weather resistance hasn’t been achieved at the sacrifice of comfort either. With an RRP of £120, the MTR Spray bibs even represent good value, it’s not uncommon for comparable quality standard shorts to be at this price-point. Between now and spring I expect I’ll be wearing these shorts a lot!

Review: Endura MTR Adventure Jersey

 

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Another sign of the gravel scene maturing is the ever expanding range of clothing aimed at the market. With a well established road & MTB range, Endura are the latest to put an Adventure range to market. We’re looking here at the short sleeve MTR Adventure Jersey. Available in the same range of colours usually attributed to Henry Ford’s favourite palette, does it deserve the adventure moniker?

Construction

Like others, Endura have chosen to use a soft merino wool-mix fabric. This has the advantages of both keeping fresh on long sweaty rides. Inside, all the panels are joined by overlocked seams which are well finished and don’t irritate. The rear pockets feature reinforcements so don’t be afraid to cram everything in! The rear pockets themselves are made from a water resistant material.

Endura MTR Adventure Jersey – Features

As an essentially plain black jersey, the Endura MTR hides it’s clever design well. Kudos then to Endura for their attention to detail. Starting at the top the full-zip features a guard and garage made from a fabric like shark skin. This is both soft to the touch and didn’t once get stuck in the zip.

There is also zip pocket on the left breast that can easily accommodate a large smartphone. Unlike Rapha’s popular Brevet jersey, you could actually fit a Brevet card into it! On the back the aforementioned spray-proof rear pockets have drainage holes and the centre slot is double-skinned and also has a zipped pocket with reflective detail. The rear has an extended flap to protect against spray. If you fill your jersey pockets you’ll appreciate the elastic cord in the hem to keep them under control.

In-use

For clothing often the best thing you can say is that you didn’t really notice it,  and so it was with the Endura MTR jersey. Despite some ghastly weather in Wales, it stayed comfy and never became clammy despite the normally killer combo of perspiration and precipitation!

The rear pocket spray fabric is as stretchy as the regular jersey fabric and helped retain contents over rough terrain. Fit-wise the MTR is fraction more relaxed than a Rapha Brevet, this makes it a better match for those days you fancy pairing with baggies or a less self-conscious mid-ride pub stop.

Endura MTR Adventure Jersey – Conclusion

While Endura describes the MTR Adventure Jersey as having a merino-mix fabric closer inspection of the label reveals that merino only makes up 4% of the fabric. Having said that the performance of the jersey didn’t suffer either. It has been as comfortable, moisture wicking and fresh-feeling as any similar jersey I’ve worn with a higher Merino content. Combined with little touches like the oversized spray-proof pockets and the seemingly unjammable zip the MTR has a lot to recommend it, not least because of the price advantage over comparable items. With an RRP of £74.99, Endura has thrown down the gauntlet to its rivals. The MTR Adventure Jersey measures up for style and performance while comfortably undercutting on price. It’s just a shame there aren’t more colours to choose from.