Endura Women's MT500 Spray Baggy Trouser II Review

Today it is time to talk winter kit. The weather up here has changed and we have more wet and windy days than anything else. So that means one thing it's time to get the winter kit out. I am going to do a series of these winter kit reviews as I know a lot of us wonder what to wear in winter. 

I like to think living up here in the Highlands having Fort William as my locals I know a thing or two about riding in all weather but up here we spend more time in our winter gear than most people. My go-to winter riding trousers have been the Endura Women's MT500 burner pants if you look at my Instagram you will see I have lived in these over the years. I love them. After years of not being able to find a pair of mountain biking trousers that fit me. I had found a pair that not only fitted but that looked incredible and kept me warm. Thanks to one of my close friends for the recommendation. 

I am super lucky to have got my hand on the newly released Endura Women's MT500 Spray Trouser II in cayenne. They also come in Black.

First the elephant in the room. The Endura MT500 baggy pants look a bit crumpled on me and that is because this ride was some of the worst rain showers I have ever ridden in but I really wanted to put these trousers to the test. Standing for these shots I was very blue and I completely forgot to adjust them. My cameraman couldn't even see the screen so we just had to hope we actually got some photos for you all. 

The Endura Women's MT500 spray trousers are favoured by some pretty special women riders like Mikayla Parton and Rachel Atherton. So I knew they would be good and I have of course been wearing an older version for years but just how good are they and can they hold up in a Highland storm? 

The design 

The Mt500 spray baggy trousers have been designed with expertise and precision. Endura has spent a lot of time developing these new woman's spray trousers. They are the ultimate all-rounder trouser. Designed to excel in damp and changing conditions. 

This trouser features a waterproof taped seat panel. Which I put to the test this day and it kept my bum nice and dry considering the conditions I am not sure how that was possible. The waterproof seat panel helps save your bum from water spraying up from your rear wheel. Or your friends trying to soak you in the puddles. We all have that one friend, right? 

The spray trouser is made from durable stretch nylon fabric giving comfort and complete moveability on the bike. The front panel is made from a 4-way stretch front panel allowing better movement on the mountain bike. The women's spray trousers are finished DWR coated to help water to just bead on the non-waterproof parts of the trousers. This means the water will not soak through the trouser and should just bead off and that is what it did for me.

DWR is a ground-breaking treatment that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, PFC free and is part of Endura's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Yes, Endura go you. I could go on and on about Endura as a company and all their amazing policies but If you have a few mins go and read it here. 

The sizing 

I am a size 6/8 I am wearing a size xs. When I was a size 10 I wore a small. Hopely that gives you an indication of sizing.  I am also wearing the Endura women's single track liner underneath. The women's MT500 Spray baggy trousers II have the Clickfast poppers feature so any of Endura's Clickfast liners can be worn with them also. 

The Women's Spray trouser comes in a size XS to XXL. This gives a UK dress size range from 8 to 20. With XS being 8/10 and XXL being 18/20. Which I am loving! You might not know this about me but I have been on the larger side having been a size 22 in the past. So I love seeing an inclusive sizing range.

 

Adjustments 

The Women's MT500 Spray Trouser have quite a few adjustment features. There is a velcro waist adjuster Which acts like a belt to keep the trouser in the right place. I normally have them on the tightest fitting and they work great for me. The waist at the front has a zip and popper fastening to really make sure there is no way of your pants falling down. I mean that would be pretty embarrassing. 

 

The baggy spray trousers also have lower leg adjustment so you can easily get your trousers on and off. These make the trouser a really nice shape on the bike and allow a lot more freedom of movement and no change of any material catching on your bike. 

The Endura woman spray trousers also have some thigh vents for some extra ventilation. 

 

Knee pads compatible 

Of course one of the most important thing about any mountain biking trousers is do knee pads fit underneath them. I have tried all my Endura knee pad under these from the bulkiest Endura's MT500 hard shell knee pads to the slimmer line one and they all fit like a dream and still allows you to have full freedom of movement on the bike. You can actually see the water beading in these photos. 

Other notable features
The Endura Spray trousers also feature two zip pockets to secure your items.

My Review

I was at first completely drawn to the colour of these. They remind me of team Atherton. Now I am not saying if you buy these you will be able to shred down a trail at Rachel or Gee's speed. These MT500 spray trousers were built for riders who are not afraid to hit the trails in any weather and we know that is me. 

I really like the cut of these trousers I like that they are baggy but not too baggy. Being overly baggy just wouldn't work for me on the bike. I would be all tangled and headfirst in a bush. These are a great shape for me. 

They fit me really well which is no mean feat as I am an unusual size. I am pretty small thanks to all the cycling and training I do. I am over the moon with Endura sizing range in these trousers.  

They are so comfy to wear you forget you are wearing MTB trousers. I have complete freedom of movement on my bike. I move around my bike a lot, especially when riding wet loamy trails. It is always best to be able to do some crazy moves on the bike than fall right and that is me. I will use my body to save me sometimes. 

The Women MT500 spray Baggy trousers II have been crashed in and they survived. As I said I like to move about the bike that doesn't always mean I ain't coming off. The trouser held up really well without any marks or anything. 

So the storm test. They might not be fully waterproof but they did help keep me on the trails when the weather was wet and awful. I get cold really easily and these kept me drier for long enough to stay out on the bike even in a hoolie. The waterproof back panel is a god send and just amazing for winter and autumn riding. 

So all in all I would highly recommend the Endura MT500 Spray trousers II to any woman who is looking for winter riding pants that will keep you pedalling for longer this winter season. Plus the red colour is amazing. 

Enduras new MT500 MIPS Helmet Review

Today we are going to talk about a very important subject, mountain biking helmets. I have had many helmets over the years. I have been biking for quite a few years now. I have had everything from stupidly heavy full facers to extra light roadie helmets and I like to think I know a thing or two about the subject. 

I am a massive advocator that all cyclists should wear a helmet. I have been unfortunate enough to see some horrendous crashes and I can promise you helmets should be mandatory. I, like a lot of us bikers have had a couple concussions in the past and thank goodness I was wearing a helmet. 

Quite a few years ago, was one of my worst to date.  I was going down a trail I do at Nevis Range. I do it all the time, every ride there in fact. But this time all I know is I woke up on the ground with a pain in the head. I had fallen off and my head had smashed off a massive rock. I had passed out and had a terrible concussion from it and a nice big dent in my helmet. But thank goodness I was wearing one. I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't been. So wear helmets kids. Big crashes can happen anywhere from trails you know like the back of your hand to new trails. It is so important we protect our noggin right? 

Endura MT500 MIPS Helmet. 

I have been very lucky and got my hands or head even on one of Endura's MT500 MIPS helmets. I have had the predecessor to the helmet and loved it so what is new and is this better than its award-winning predecessor? 

The Endura MT500 MIPS Helmet comes in 6 colour ways. Which is an amazing amount of colours and gives everyone an option for one they like. The colours are black, concrete grey, olive green, spruce green, white and paprika. Paprika is the one I am wearing today. 

Sizing
Before we go into the design let's talk sizing. The Endura MT500 Mips helmet comes in three sizes S-M which is 51-56cm, M-L 55-59cm and L-XL 58-63cm. A really good range of heads can be covered with the Endura MT500 Mips helmet.

 

I am a bit of a pea-head. I will not lie to you my head is small. I have in the past really struggled to get helmets that fit me. I have been biking for many years and in the past I had to wear children's helmets. No I am not joking. Pea head problems. But thank goodness for mountain biking development and the range of helmets getting better and better with each and every year.

Enter Endura into my life and I have found their helmets fit me the best. But I have to say the Endura MT500 Mips is the best fit I have ever had the new adjustment cradle incorporated into the MIPS design has a massive range on it and you can tighten or loosen it to your needs.  with a super easy chin strap system too. I wear an S-M.   

Design 

After chatting with the lovely people over at Endura I know the amount of development that went into this New MT500 helmet. To say they have really put the work in would be an understatement. When you have already built an award-winning helmet the pressure is on with any new launch but wow the MT500 MIPS helmet is cram packed with features. 

Built with increased coverage along with Koroyd and Mips protection and large vents this really has had an overhaul in the design and style whilst still keeping all endura style and flare. 

Koroyd 

So if you are new to Endura helmets. You might be wondering what is Koroyd. Well, you know on Endura helmets where you see what looks like a honeycomb. That is not just a nice-looking design feature. It is in fact 3D formed Koroyd insert which provides lightweight and breathable protection for your head. But this is not just any protection this is highly tested superior and award-winning protection. If you have ever picked up an endura helmet you will be surprised by just how light they are and this is in part down to Koroyd. For more info on exactly what Koroyd is click here. 

MIPS

I think most mountain bikers are aware of MIPS. We have all been amazed by the videos on this invention. MIPS brain protection system is basically designed to reduce the rotational motion which is transferred to the brain when you crash. Which in turn helps when you take big impacts. 

So the New Endura MT500 MIPS helmet has both Koroyd and MIPS in my opinion making it one of the safest enduro helmets on the market. I mean if you were to design a helmet after learning about both these systems you would want to have them both right and that is exactly what Endura have done. 

Other notable features 

The MT500 MIPS Helmet is super lightweight and breathable. With lots of nice large vents for increased airflow which also included a top airflow vent to help with getting increased airflow in your helmet.  To help stop your head from getting too hot.

Speaking of getting too hot all the padding in this helmet is super soft fast wicking, quick drying and removable. 

Extra features 

Goggles and Glasses compatible

Designed to be goggles friendly and with a built-in rear strap gripper. Dont worry if you are more of a glasses wearer like me. Endura has also taken this into consideration and the front vents act as a nice place to store your glasses on climbs too. 

 

Visor 

The visor on the MT500 MIPS Helmet is removable. It also has some of the best adjustments I have ever seen in a helmet meaning goggles straps fit nicely for the climbs too. 

Accessories

The Endura MT500 MIPS helmet also comes with an accessory mount, accessory clip and light mount. 

Endura Crash Replacement 

The MT500 MIPS Helmet is covered by the Endura crash replacement policy. This means if you have a crash in your helmet. All you need to do is send the damaged helmet to Endura with proof of purchase and you can get another at 50% discount. This is off the same model if available. 

My Review

I have never had a better-fitting helmet. Endura helmets have always fitted me but this one hits different. It really has that range of adjustability and feels like it was made for my head. I feel so comfortable in this helmet. It is super lightweight and easy to use. Now I know what you are thinking but bear with me. I hate an over complicated helmet. I have had a few that are just too fiddly to put on my head. You know the ones you spend half your time trying to work out the clips or how the adjustment works. This one is made for me. Put on your head and ride whilst feeling safe. 

I love that I can use it with goggles and glasses. I wear glasses a lot on most rides as my eye runs a lot and I find helmets are either made for one or another and this is good for both. So Thanks Endura. I really feel like this is a helmet built for actual riders. It is built to look good, yes but to protect your head most importantly. I am over the moon with this helmet and I love wearing it knowing how well-protected if the worst does happen to me. 

I hope you enjoyed this little review. Do let me know what you would like me to review next you can comment here or head to my Instagram.