Tag Archives: endura

Endura Hummvee Lite Shorts Review

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Tight spandex shorts are great for venting the summer heat, but I don’t care to wear them. I prefer baggie shorts that have pockets for utility, and have a fit that is less revealing. Most baggie shorts are two shorts in one, typically composed of a durable outer layer and a thinner liner with a chamois. Wearing two pairs of shorts in the heat of summer though can really store the heat, especially in the area of your body that is doing all the work when on the bike!

Endura Hummvee Lite Shorts
Endura Hummvee Lite Shorts

I recently visited the Bike Habitat to pick up some new shorts, and they turned me on to the new Hummvee Lite Shorts from Endura. Just as the names suggests, the Hummvee Lites are a much lighter version of the rugged Endura Hummvees. The outer shell is a lightweight stretch nylon, and there are mesh vents on the hips. The inner liner is also thinner than standard and allows increased airflow to your bicycle’s engine room.

Endura Hummvee Lite
Double Snaps and Adjustable Belt

Even though the Hummvee Lites are lightweight and breathable, they are still packed with features.

FEATURES:

  • Durable 4-way stretch light-weight nylon with DWR finish
  • Mesh rear sections for optimal breathability
  • Front hip pockets
  • Side cargo zipped flap pockets
  • Seamfree inseam panel
  • Fully elasticated waist band with integral stretch belt
  • Velcro hem adjusters
  • Reflective logos
  • Double layer seat
  • Compatible with all Endura clickfast liners
  • MSRP: $89

Endura Hummvee Lite
Clickfast Fastening System

The Hummvee Lites come with Endura’s ClickFast snaps. The inner liner easily snaps in or out of the short at the waist at four different contact points.  This prevents the shell from sagging below the liner, a problem I’ve had with other shorts.   To extend laundering intervals, you can purchase additional liners or use the liners from other Endura shorts you have in your cycling wardrobe.

I’ve had the Humvee Lites out for some hot rides. I do much of my mountain biking around the noon hour, and temperatures can easily climb into the upper 90′s. I’ve found these shorts to be much more comfortable in the heat than the baggies I was wearing, and I’m not ready to tear them off the second I get off the bike. And as I mentioned, I like the baggie styling and the utility of the pockets. The shorts look presentable when off the bike if I have to run into the store or walk through the office at work. I can also carry a camera, key, map, energy bar, or other trail necessities in the pockets, and get to the items easily and quickly when I need them.

Scott R
Hummvee Lites help keep you cool out on the trail.

The Hummvee Lites come in black and light gray.  I have the light gray color.  Although they show the dirt more, the lighter color doesn’t absorb as much of the heat of the sun, further adding to the coolness of the shorts.

The chamois feels a bit awkward when walking around off the bike compared to other shorts I’ve tried, but it settles into place just fine when riding and hasn’t caused any comfort issues. I still need to get the shorts out for an all day epic ride to see how they do for the long hauls. With all the cooling features though, I expect them to do well.

I noticed that the Endura shorts run a bit small, and not just the Hummvee Lites. I tried on 3 different models, and found I needed an XL in all of them. Being 5’10″ and 160 lbs, this was a little strange to me. I tried not to get my feelings hurt and bought the XLs. And for the bigger guys that are actually an XL, don’t worry as they come in XXL also.

Endura MT500 Overshoes Review

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A common complaint among winter cyclists is cold feet. Most cycling shoes are designed for fair weather, with copious amounts of venting for maximum ventilation to dissipate all that extra heat. Unfortunately, these qualities are not what you need in a winter shoe. Thankfully, many companies have come out with various forms of overshoes, sometimes called shoe covers or booties.

V&T Trail
Endura MT500 Overshoe

SPECIFICATIONS

Endura, a company based out of Livingston, Scotland, has become the largest brand of cycle clothing in the UK, and are known for their rugged and functional products. These are definitely two words I’d use to describe Endura’s MT500 Overshoes. These overshoes nearly convert your summer cycling shoes into a winter boot.

Here are the specs from the website:

  • Tough Nylon faced Neoprene upper
  • Rear zip with snap-down puller and Velcro heel tab to ensure snug fit
  • Molded rubber toe cap with ridged/grooved underside to help when climbing steep and/or muddy slopes
  • Neoprene meets behind the zip to improve water tightness
  • Welded center seam for smooth finish and improved water protection
  • Hard wearing Kevlar faced base and Kevlar stitching
  • Reflective logo and zip panels at rear
  • Available In Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Price: About $50 MSRP
  • Product website: www.endura.co.uk/

V&T Trail
Keep your feet warm and dry in the winter conditions

I’ve been using the MT500′s since the end of December, and they’ve been a big improvement over my previous overshoes, the All Terrain Booties from Gator Sports. While my old ATB’s are constructed from a respectable slab of neoprene, the front would constantly slip off the toe of the shoe. I’d often look down to see my shoes exposed and covered in snow, and realize why my toes were getting so cold. Winter riding in all terrain conditions requires you to frequently put your foot down, and even walk your bike on occasion. Overshoes that slip off easily defeat the purpose.

V&T Trail
The MT500′s stay in place even when walking through snow

The Endura MT500 Overshoes almost completely cover your shoe, and they do not slip off. Additionally, the overshoe has a rubber toe cap and grooved underside like the sole of a rubber boot. This additional material on the bottom not only keeps the overshoe in place, but also creates a decent walking surface, and further blocks cold air, rain, and snow from entering the shoe. I really notice the wind chill reduction on high speed descents. The rest of the underside is made of a stretchy Kevlar mesh that you can stretch around to expose your clipless pedal cleat and shoe heal.

Another nice feature of the MT500 Overshoes is the Velcro closure strap that ensures a snug fit around your ankle. Whether your cycling pants go over the shoe covers or under them, you’ll be able to keep the cold air out.

Endura MT500 Overshoes
Stitching Wear

SUMMARY

After about a month of use through some harsh conditions, some of the stitching around the bottom cleat and heal holes has worn away. Not a lot, but it’s going to have to be restitched soon to prevent further degradation. Even though there is a rubber toe area, most of the wear is directed to the mesh area on the ball of the foot. The stretch Kevlar fabric has held up remarkably well though, considering it has been walked on considerably.

The Endura MT500 Overshoes are the best shoe covers that I have tried or seen. The overbuilt rubber boot front end and mesh underside are what really set these apart from similar products on the market. The overshoes stay put, even after lengthy treks in the snow. This additional protection on the bottom of the over shoe keeps your feet warmer by creating a barrier from the winter wind, snow, and muck. I’ve ridden into places that ended up being a couple mile hike out, and the MT500′s stayed put and made walking easy.

Even though the MT500 Overshoes are shoe-like, they are not a shoe replacement due to durability issues. They are not designed for extended walking, and a little snow still finds its way up under the shoe cover. I still prefer my flat pedals and winter hiking boots for the coldest days and outings that may including a lot of walking, but for the cold days when you want the efficiency and stability of a clipless pedal, and will most likely have to trudge through the occasional patch of snow and mud, the Endura MT500 Overshoes will keep your feet dry and warm.  A top-notch product.