If you can't be bothered to read the following in-depth analysis of the Brooks Leather Trouser Strap I'll cut to the chase, it's a posh leather trouser clip made by Brooks and it's pretty good too.
Now, for the rest of you that like a little more meat to your reviews I shall begin. Unless you wear skinny jeans or trousers that don't meet your ankle, or indeed Lycra, you are going to have to gather your trouser leg some how in order to stop it getting chewed by your chainring while riding.
The most modern way seems to be rolling up your trouser leg up to your calf, half mast, effectively transforming your longs to 3/4. This approach is commonly adopted by hipsters, regardless of the fact they are wearing trousers so skinny they are ineffect denim tights, presumably it is to stop any oily chain marks on their expensive Japanese selvage denim.
The other approcah is be be a member of the sock stuffing brigade, maybe not en vogue at present but a remarkably effective and useful way of keeping the bottom of your trousers out of harm's way and maintaining leg warmth in winter. Mainly practiced by the more casual riders, (by that I mean relaxed, care free and not one to follow the crowd or fashion for that matter), for convenience on short commutes.
I am generalising of course. But there is another way and to me it is the most dignified method of arranging one's trouser leg – the good old fashioned trouser clip. And when it comes to purveyors of trouser clips who better to herd your trouser bottoms than the skilled craftsmen at Brooks, the UK manufacturing outfit famous for their handmade and utterly delectable leather saddle, they have fashioned a strip of leather into a 'snap band' that will collect your loose trouser material at the flick of the wrist. No button, velcro, zips or other fastening arrangment is used to steamline your trousers making it a cinch to pinch the material away from your chainring. To remove it you merely give the strap a tug and it will pop off.
Only one strap is provided so you might need a second if you are attempting to ride to a Seventies themed disco in your 'Oxford bags'.
The Brooks Trouser clip is an elegant solution to keeping your trouser leg away from your chainset while riding. The leather is supple and the colour didn't run and if treated correctly is waterproof and should see off any bad weather.
Verdict
A posh leather trouser clip that will make your left leg jealous
road.cc test report
Make and model: Brooks Leather Trouser Strap
Size tested: Brown leather
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
It's for keeping your trousers away from your chainring so they don't get caught up or dirtied. It does this very well, without the use of any mechanical fastener, staples or glue
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
It's made of spring steel and clad in leather. Available in brown or black
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
the leather is remarkably robust with the occasional bit of spit and polish required to bring them back to their full glory
Rate the product for value:
6/10
You do only get one for this price but it should help you look dapper for a very long time
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
My trouser leg was happy to have its company.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The leather matches a smart pair of Brogues and your Brooks saddle of course.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
There is only one. Wearers of wide trousers will literally be at a loose end
Did you enjoy using the product? My trousers did mainly
Would you consider buying the product? By golly yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? maybe as a gift
Age: 37 Height: 180 Weight: 80
I usually ride: Bike that I am testing at the time My best bike is: Giant CFR pro. Old school carbon converted to fixed. Kinesis Convert 2 fixed. Shorter cafe racer
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, bare back
Wiveliscombe residents urged to join community protest against new car parking charges...
EE have just offered me TNT sports and Disco+ as part of my mobile package as an add-on, for 2 years. Seemed too good to be true, but it is real....
If you've still got the pedals there seem to plenty of cleats on eBay starting at around £14 a pair - I don't know if they are any good but worth a...
a loss of concentration is often accepted as mitigation...
It's not the first country to spring to mind I admit but Ridley make some very nice mountainbikes that are being used by the KMC team.
Someone should point out that Sky lose money on their football channels, how does that fit into the bull they put out? And as for watching free to...
To measure chain wear with a ruler you have to be able to measure so precisely that you can tell the difference, measuring from the exact centre of...
"However, he said he was running late and decided to turn left into Norwich Avenue to avoid congestion, when he heard a bang which he said sounded...
Salisbury Shopmobility to reopen after car crashed into wall...
The bars are included although they are apparently 400 mm in all sizes which won't suit everybody. From a recent picture (below) of Astana's...