SPECIALIZED DEMO PRO PANTS

£110

Weight: 395g • Sizes: 28-40in • Women’s version: No • Contact: specialized.com

Specialized’s Demo Pro Pants have been going for a few years now, and the design has remained unchanged in that time. There’s only one colour – black – and it still uses the same Vaporrize fabric that’s claimed to offer good breathability, durability and splash protection. Although not as light as some of the fabrics here, the large vented panels – at the front and behind the knee – do a good job of channelling fresh air, and the result is that they run cooler than the weight suggests.

With 11% Spandex incorporated into the nylon fabric, there’s bags of stretch. The fit is also a touch looser than some rivals, and the waist has plenty of adjustment. However, the Velcro straps have sharp rubber tips that regularly get caught on jerseys and hip pack belts. At the fly there’s a zip, Velcro panel, and dual pop studs. Even so, we’ve had issues bursting out of the poppers with these pants in the past, so it’s an area that could be improved.

The DWR is still going strong on one pair of Demo Pro Pants that we’ve been riding in for years, even if the perforated panels let in anything more than a few splashes.

Our biggest criticism of the Demo Pro Pants, aside from the waist construction, is the pockets. There are three, which seems generous, but one is at the back of the waist and all but useless. The others are too low on the front of the thigh, so the contents slap annoyingly against your thigh when pedalling or throwing the bike around.

Although a decent product, the Specialized

Demo Pant is showing its age. While the price is keen, it needs an update to bring it up to the performance level of its rivals.