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Long Term Review Of The Frank Thomas FTW Eclipse Overtrousers - By Ren Withnell
I use the bike for transport, almost all the time. I also work as a computer engineer which involves getting on the bike, riding through the cold, rain, wind and sunshine to get to the customers, then getting off, then getting back on and riding home again. During the day I can put on then remove my waterproof pants3, 4 or 5 times a day.As you can imagine this is a pain in the ass. Especially if you need to remove your boots to get the pants on and off. When I first saw the Frank Thomas Eclipse pants hanging in the shop I noticed the zip all the way down each leg. This is what makes these pants somewhat unique. I have seen, only once, another manufacturer who makes waterproofs in a similar fashion. The full leg length zip means the pants are considerably easier to put on and remove than most other waterproofs.
Just a pair of waterproof overtrousers, but with magic zips that make all the difference
The other thing that attracted me to these pants was the material. It is NOT Cordura or Leather, but it is quite heavy anti-tear nylon. I know these pants will not offer the same level of protection as the other materials but in the event of a slide they’ll be better than just jeans. The idea is to wear strong pants such as jeans underneath then the extra protection of the pants should make an acceptable double layer of protection.
I purchased a extra large pair, not that I’m a big fella but I wanted to be sure there was enough room to tuck jumpers and underjackets in and get my kneepads underneath too. OK, so they’re a bit baggy in the summer but this allows the air to circulate and keep me cool. I just have to keep on pulling them up when I’m not on the bike, but then they’re so easy to remove I just take them off and put them in the top box anyway.
They’re great. They’re quilted so in the deepest darkest depths of a cold winter morning they keep the chill off. They are waterproof, well as waterproof as any other waterproofs I’ve owned. They’ll easily cope with a heavy shower or an hour’s ride in drizzle. Only on long rides in heavy rain have they leaked around the crotch, as most waterproofs do. In that case I double up as I’ve always done in the past. One surprise is that they don’t leak along the long leg zip. I thought they might, but nope, not at all.
They are just so easy to use. It’s still a hassle but not much more hassle than removing the jacket, knee pads, scarf and helmet is. I never wear anything else now, and I wear them for protection come rain or shine. I like them so much I purchased another pair from the Frank Thomas website. These did leak…so I sent them back and got them replaced so that’s OK. There’s always a chance of a dodgy pair isn’t there.
My only concern is whether I’ll be able to get them in the future. I know Frank Thomas went bust a while back and J&S purchased all the stock. When I was returning the pants this was done through J&S. I do not know if any more are due to be produced. If anyone knows of any other manufacturers making pants like this them please let me know below.
With the leg fully unzipped taking them off and putting them on over your boots is a doddle. I still hopp a little when I get it wrong though.
Reader's Comments
DannyW said :-
What a great idea. Hate having to pull waterproofs on when it starts raining. Where did you get them from?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Danny. I got them from http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/ costs about £60.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
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