Life In The Saddle

Spoke trousers featured here on Life In The Saddle last year, when I reviewed the superb Spoke Flex Chinos ; they proved to be a pair of trousers that were just at home in the saddle, as they would be on a formal night out. This year, Spoke has re-released their famed 'Bulletproof Chinos', with a number of twists that make them even more suited to life on two wheels. I thought they were worth a look! Build quality 'Bulletproof' is something that most cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts like the sound of... not because we tend to be in the firing range, thankfully; but because it would be safe to assume that something that can withstand bullets, should be able to withstand the rigours of outdoor pursuits. OK, so the Spoke Bulletproof Chinos probably (definitely) aren't actually bulletproof; even less so than Kevlar puncture protection strips... however, they are stunningly well made, and built to last. From the moment you unbox a pair of trousers from Spoke, th...

London based Spoke is a brand that has, and deserves, a great following. Despite their name resonating very strongly with the cycling world, it relates in truth to the "bespoke" nature of their products. That said, their beautifully tailored trousers are something that any cyclist will appreciate, and the new "Flex" model in particular, due to the subtle stretch in the fabric and the contoured fit. Cyclists often have "difficult" physiques. We're an odd bunch anyway, but due to the nature of our sport, we can have everything from the bulging legs of a sprinter, to the thin and spindly legs of a climber. In short, it's often difficult to find clothes (particularly trousers) that fit well. Perhaps I'm getting fussier, perhaps having tested a lot of well-fitted cycling kit, I'm just learning that a great fit can exist. Either way, the idea of a smart, reasonably priced pair of trousers, which actually fitted well, sounded like a pipe-dr...