100% R-Core X Pants on test Long MTB pants with a wide range of uses

100% R-Core X Pants on test: Long pants for trail and enduro use are becoming increasingly popular with mountain bikers. That's why we've extensively tested the 100% R-Core X Pants for you. Here you can find out how the pants performed in practice.

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100% R-Core X Pants: info and prices

Behind the admittedly somewhat unwieldy name 100% R-Core X hides a chic MTB pant that wants to convince with numerous details and practical features. Crafted from a flexible polyester/spandex blend, the long pants stand out from the crowd with stand-alone solutions like the Boa closure. In addition, silicone applications on the waistband should prevent the pants from slipping down, while laser-cut ventilation openings are responsible for good breathability. A DWR treatment also provides some rain protection. The utensils needed for mountain biking can be easily stowed away in the two zipped pockets. In addition, the extra reinforced inner pocket should be perfect for tools or the smartphone. The 100% R-Core X Pants are available in six sizes from 28 to 38 and in four different colors. The price of the trousers is €159.

# The 100% R-Core X is the DH specific model from the 100% portfolio - Tester Chris is 190cm tall with a 96cm inseam and wears a size 32 with an inseam of approximately 73cm.Slideshow: 100% R-Core X pants in the test: Long MTB pants with a wide range of uses Start slide show »# Comfortable fit and flexible material - good cut with diagonal seams above the knee.# The R-Core X sits close to the body around the buttocks - the Pants are not extremely tight.# BOA fastener on the pants - the pants are true to size and offer a fairly large adjustment range for the waist size.# Well-placed trouser pockets - pleasantly placed, made of the upper material, without anything around dangles.# Airy thanks to holes in the crotch area...# ...and over most of the back leg.

On the trail

When you put on the R-Core X for the first time, you will notice that 100% can now look back on several years of experience. The pants feel comfortable, the fabric reveals its high stretchability directly and is not uncomfortably stiff. The waist size can be meticulously adjusted via the Boa fastener. However, 100% uses the one-way ratchet from Boa here: To undo the pants again, you have to pull the button away from your body and you can't undo the ratchet counter-clockwise. In practice, however, this does not bother us and after a visit to the toilet, the trousers quickly fit perfectly again after a few rotations of the ratchet.

When you're in the saddle, the pants can fully exploit their good flexibility. Whether on the descent or in enduro and trail use - the R-Core X does not restrict freedom of movement, but fits like a second skin. From the outset, we hadn't expected any compatibility problems with knee pads when it came to downhill pants, and our suspicion was confirmed. Even somewhat bulkier pads, such as the IXS Carve, fit well under pants and don't get in the way when pedalling. Also pleasant: the trousers do not slip up when pedaling, as the knee pads are nicely enclosed.

# The R-Core X doesn't restrict you uphill - it's flexible enough so that pedaling isn't slowed down by the fabric and also offers good ventilation.

Holes in the crotch and on the back from the lower thigh down to the hem of the pants provide the necessary ventilation. If it gets cold, you'll want to wear a layer underneath because of the good ventilation. But since the R-Core X is made for downhill use, we're more interested in its performance on warmer days. This is where the 100% pants can really score.

In wet conditions, the R-Core X doesn't soak up water directly, instead the water just rolls off the upper material. With huge loads of mud, however, the pants cannot stay completely tight on the buttocks and slowly soak through.

The two pockets are also pleasant - they are not too big, so that even heavier objects such as a phone or multi-tool do not fly around, but are close to the body and well positioned. Both pockets are made of the upper material, a subdivision of the trouser pocket on the right trouser leg is made of mesh fabric. So if you keep your bunch of keys in the left pant leg, you don't have to free them from the mesh after the tour. The zippers are small and discreet, but thanks to the rubber coating they are still easy to grab.

More on the topicWell dressed through the cold Clothing tips for biking in winter!100% spring collection New designs presented for the 2019 seasonFour autumn and winter gloves from Fox, 100% and Ion tested Hands hot despite snow and iceIntroduced! Special clothes for autumn: 8 weatherproof outfits for the wet and cold months # The pants don't restrict you even going downhill - although they have a body-hugging cut, knee pads underneath have enough space.# The pants protect against water and mud - but if it gets very wet, then sometimes water gets on your underpants.

After several washes, the pants prove to be robust: the large, flexible logos are well applied and also hold up well at the corners. Even fine lettering has not separated from the upper so far. With an inseam of 96 cm, pants size 32 is a bit short on our legs. For the average size 32 wearer, however, the length should easily reach over the ankle and close well to the shoe.

Conclusion – 100% R-Core X Pants

Successful wearing comfort, good all-round properties and the simple look let the 100% R-Core X score a few points. However, the pants are not lightweight and not particularly cheap. So far, however, the R-Core X has not shown any weaknesses in terms of performance and seems to be able to withstand a lot. In addition, thanks to the timeless black, the pants are a purchase for more than just one season.

ProContra # Overall, the performance of the pants is convincing all along the line - it only leaves points in the key data: In the test field, it is tied with the Pearl Izumi in second place among the most expensive models and weighs a few grams more than lighter enduro/trail pants .

How do you like the 100% R-Core X Pants?

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