Hein Gericke Sheltex Trousers

Overall these have done the job asked of them. They have stayed waterproof in all but the heaviest of rain, coped with sub zero temperatures and been comfy enough to wear for 10,000 miles of all weather commuting.

"You know Gore tex, right," said the flash London kid shop assistant, "well, these are Sheltex, it's the same". Good sales technique - in my customers head I was already thinking Gore Tex but looking at a cheaper substitute. And you know what? Gore tex trousers for bikers aren't a big deal. You don't really need the kind of porous membrane and breathability that Gore Tex offers adventure athlete and high end mountain climbers.

What bikers actually need is waterproof kit.

Really, really waterproof kit.