Deuter Pants Protector

Deuter's Pants Protector is a modern and very practical take on the classic trouser clip, keeping your street civvies from getting soiled and ravaged by your bike's transmission. It's more than competent and will recoup the modest outlay in no time, if you cycle short distances in smart trousers.

Essentially, it's a huge 14x42cm neoprene strap with Velcro closure that whips on and off in seconds and is easily parked in a rucksack/pocket when not required. In common with the Respro tested back in 2012, it should fit the majority of adult ankles, but the larger surface area means there's even less chance of it slipping down, even when cycling at a very brisk pace.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The Protector is a practical black, but Deuter has added bold Scotchlite. The simple physics of revolving light ensures it's very eye-catching, even when you're crawling along in slow moving traffic, although it's not a patch on the reversible Respro (DayGlo one side, Scotchlite the other), perfect for dull days and dark nights alike.

Shorter commutes and rides around the two to three-mile mark are pretty much my limit in street trousers, but I'm pleased to report the Pants Protector has done its job handsomely. Initially it felt a bit weird, slightly unbalanced even, as it only benefits one rather than both legs (though you could buy two…), especially wearing boot cut jeans that turn borderline bell-bottoms with the first hint of a breeze.

I tried it with sand colour chinos too, which confirmed it works a treat on straight-cut office type trousers; no hint of that oily chainring print and no torn turn-ups.

In combination with full-length mudguards, the Protector's generous surface area provides good protection from gritty, silty spray thrown up along towpaths and country lanes.

> Buyer's guide: the best mudguards to help keep you dry

I've been caught out by the odd sharp, thundery shower and am pleased to report that, although a little damp, water never permeated the fabric, which is bone dry given an hour or so's close proximity to a radiator. It also seems to respond well to being chucked in with the wash every week or so, although this extended drying times by half an hour.

Ultimately, I've enjoyed the Deuter's simple, secure and convenient design. Some will baulk at a tenner and prefer store branded bargains, while others will say tucking their trousers in long socks is cheaper still – which is fine, but not the most credible look in professional settings.

Verdict

Decent trouser tamer for short rides in street civvies