Endura's Urban jeans do what they say on the tin: they are jeans designed for cycling in. They work, they're very comfortable and I like them a lot. I'm not sure there's much more to say about them… Oh, go on then.
- Pros: Seam-free gusset, discreet reflectives, fit
- Cons: Umm...
There are a few things that make these jeans cycle-friendly. Most importantly, there's a seam-free gusset (it would be remiss of me to not link to Max's gussetfest of a review for similar jeans), where on normal jeans there's a confluence of four seams right where you don't want them.
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There is also reflective detailing on the right trouser leg when you roll it up, and there's a little reflective 'flag' hiding in the left rear pocket, ready to be deployed in dark weather.
The back of these jeans is higher than normal jeans, at first perhaps a little odd off the bike, but great for riding – no more exposed lower back. There's a loop for a mini D-lock too.
And there's the fit. Endura uses a mix of hardwearing Cordura (you know, the stuff that backpacks are made of) and cotton with mechanical stretch to achieve a fit that is not exactly skinny, but tight enough to not get in the way of chains or other bicycle parts, though not loose enough to bother your aerodynamics too much either. Most importantly for me, and I suspect other cyclists too, is that I can get my cyclist's thighs in no bother without having to go a size up. They feel just right.
I tested a medium, which according to Endura's size guide corresponds to a 33-35in waist. If anything, I'd say this comes up a bit smaller in the waist than the 34in jeans I'd normally go for. I'm 5ft 10in, and the leg length is spot on.
There are the usual pockets you'd expect to find on a pair of jeans; the front pockets are big enough to take your phone and keep it in place. Fastening is taken care of by a proper button and a zip.
If it matters to you, the website says they are made in Turkey, but the pair on test says made in Mauritius.
> Buyer's Guide: The best casual kit for commuting by bike
With an RRP of £89.99, they're comparable with other good cycling jeans – a penny less than the Resolute Bay jeans Dave tested a couple of months ago, though a tenner more than Giro's Transfer jeans. They're not cheap, but they are good, and they look like they'll last.
Verdict
Cycling-specific jeans that look good and are comfortable on and off the bike
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Make and model: Endura Urban Jean
Tell us what the product is for
All Endura has to say about this is "Technical performance jean".
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Endura lists:
Durable Cotton/Cordura® blend fabric with mechanical stretch
Slim fit extended back for ergonomic cycling
Discretely cycle specific cut with no flap calves
Front hip pockets
Rear patch pockets with pull out 'flag'
D-lock loop for rapid storage retrieval
Reflective tape exposed by rollup hem
Seam free gusset panel
Construction: Cotton 55% / Polyester 30% / Nylon 15%
Size Options: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
The higher back might take a bit of getting used to off the bike, but you soon appreciate why it's there when you hop on a bike.
Rate the product for sizing:
5/10
I normally go for 34 inch waist jeans, which are then a bit too big at the waist (so I have to wear a belt), but fit my cyclist's thighs. I'd say there is a little less space left over around the waist on these, and I have lost a bit of weight recently as well, so I reckon they come up a little small.
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Really nice jeans to wear.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
£89.99 is not cheap, but they are very nice.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Machine wash at 40 is what the label says. I had no problems with washing, but as with all jeans, don't go washing them with your whites first time.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very comfortable jeans both on and off the bike. They just work.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The fit and the feel of the product.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing comes to mind.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
These jeans work well both on and off the bike, they look good and they are comfortable. I can't think of a single thing I don't like about them.
Age: 38 Height: 1.78m Weight: 78kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking
That's how I read it too. Bang out of order if that's the case.
Indeed.
Me too.
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