Merlin Lombard Cotec Wax Textile Trousers - Olive

After over 20 years of wearing my leather jeans, I really wanted something new that provided warmth, comfort and waterproofing and started checking out the Merlin Lombard online about 6 months ago. Living in Scotland no dealers were stocking them and I was unable to try before I bought them, reading reviews I was concerned about the sizing, however last week with a trip to Applecross looming I took the plunge and ordered a pair.
Despite what the reviews of others suggested and some other online sellers said, these trousers were neither small made or too high at the waist, I'm normally a 36" waist in jeans, trousers, shorts etc. And the xl for the lombard fits perfectly, slightly lower at the waist than I'd prefer if anything, however so impressed was I with them that I immediately bought an Eadale jacket to match and as they zip together, the lower waist is irrelevant.
The trousers are comfortable, appear well made and during the ride to and from Skye kept me warm and dry during some torrential rain (about 3hours worth on way home).
As for Sportsbikeshop, I ordered my trousers on a Friday evening and they arrived on the Sunday, returns were free, the RRP was competitive, however I finally took the plunge after seeing g the trousers were reduced to almost half price - hence the decision to buy a jacket!
I hadn't used Sportsbikeshop prior to September 2023, however they are now very much a company I trust and will use again

I've had these trousers for about a month or two now. I shouldn't have listened to some of the reviews saying go a size up. As a medium would have fitted. Still I use a belt to keep them up. I was waiting for some rain so I could give an all round review. Coming home from Scotland the other day and it lashed it down and I didn't get wet at all. These are very comfortable off the bike as well. They can get a bit hot when you stop riding on a hot day. Other than that excellent pair of trousers

Lovely fit. Very accurate to sizing guide.
Maybe a little short on the waist, could do with an inch longer height to allow more crossover with a jacket.
Extremely comfortable.
I think they should have chosen to include a removable thermal liner as opposed to a fixed one. It's also only in the upper legs, which means you need to layer for extreme cold.
Also think they should have included vents.
Overall great though. Just some easy tweeks to make perfect.

I got these to go with my Merlin Perton Cotec wax jacket. I'm usually a 34" so went for the (L) they were ok but felt I was a little restricted when getting on/off my adventure bike, so swapped out for the (XL) now much better fit. These are very toasty due to the Outlast temperature regulated liner (non removable) they have a waterproof membrane material, also a Cotec wax protective outer. Comes with a low profile level 1 D30 armour. I really like them and will be wearing them most of the year apart from the hotter days.
The only negative I have found is there needs to be two extra belt loops at the front as there is no support for the belt (very strange) see close up pictures to see what I mean, I have added an extra two using a piece of material. Just makes them feel better around my waist, it's not a deal breaker but thought I would mention it. As usual exchange of sizes with Sportsbikeshop always easy. Would have been 5 stars if it had the extra belt loops.

Will write based on info I look for in reviews. Wanted a summer shower proof / water proof trouser when weather looks iffy for jeans - not disappointed.

Size wise - am 5ft 11 and wear a Levi 501 32 x30 jean. I took a chance on the Large 36 waist in a short leg as will be wearing boots with them - fit perfect for me, not tight and not baggy - 501 style if you will. Great material, soft - look worn in, comfy first time on. I had ankle boots on and they did sit at the top of the boot when on the move but doesn't bother me as my jeans are the same and I don't like too long or baggy trousers.

Wore them for a short ride to try them out in the dry and low and behold the Scottish summer didn't disappoint and got caught in a torrential down pour for 15 minutes - bone dry and they dried out quickly too once rain stopped. Reckon I will use these autumn and spring too and leave my heavier ones for the odd winter ride out. They look very smart off the bike and got some great comments from other bikers when parked for coffee.

These are very well made and are heavy ish without being cumbersome will have no issues on summer days wearing these if weather looks to be showers. Suits my café racer style ;)

Felt price was good given quality and expect they will last me for quite some time, pockets are good. No protector inserts but they are reinforced at knees etc. And am sure you could add your own.

As ever advice and help from Sprotsbikeshop ( Emily ) was great and they arrived next day.

Cheers, Greg

I had to go a size up on these as the waist fits very high but other than that I really love these pants.
Comfortable on the bike and keep the cold and wet at bay without getting too hot when the sun shines.
They look great too.