Fox Head has come through for women riders with the introduction of the Defend Fire Pant. Water-resistant and fleece-lined, it’s ideal for cool fall and winter riding, with durable Cordura panels in key areas to ensure it’ll last.
Features (via FOX Head)
- Water-resistant, fleece-lined pant with stretch ripstop
- Cordura™ seat and knee panels
- Durable Water Repellent finish
- Bonded fleece lining
- Race Ratchet closure at waist
- Tapered leg with elastic cuff
- Inseam: 30.5″
Fabrics
- Main body: 94% polyester / 6% spandex
- Panel: 63% Cordura™ / 31% nylon, 6% spandex
On the bike
Finding a women’s riding pant has been almost impossible — for years, I’ve been envious of the boys and their warm, legs and badass-looking riding pants. When Fox Women’s pants first were released, I didn’t move quickly enough, and they were sold out. This year though, I managed to get a sample and it’s really been a game-changer for riding in cold and wet conditions.
I’m pleasantly surprised with the amount of stretch in the material, considering these are a heavier pant, and they are very comfortable. The Defend Fire is a cool to cold weather pant and I find I prefer to wear them when it’s between 30 – 55 degrees outside. Warmer than that will cause me to quickly heat up.
Also, I need to mention there are pockets. Most women’s products skip this feature and I’ve become accustomed to going without, its great to see them. There are two pockets, a side inseam pocket and a thigh pocket for small items.
Another feature I’ve become quite fond of is the ratchet closure on the waist; they do a great job keeping things secure and preventing the pants from slipping down when they get muddy.
While riding, I pair them with the Fox Enduro D30 knee pads exclusively and haven’t felt constricted when pedaling.
Fit
I wear a size small in all Fox women’s mountain bike bottoms. I find the pants fit true to size as the Fox shorts do. For reference, I am 5’8″, 125 lbs. I’m also happy with the 30.5 inseams as they hit perfectly at my ankles.
At $199, the price tag may seem on the high side but these pants are absolutely worth the investment, especially so if you live in the Pacific Northwest where it’s always cold and wet in the late fall through early spring. The pant features top-notch fabrics and closures and based on the quality, I expect them to be serviceable for some time. Also, it’s been nice not having to worry about my legs and knees getting cold and muddy. Now we’re coming into winter, I expect these pants to continue to get a lot of usage.
The Fox Women’s Defend Pant lists for $199.99. Learn more at Foxracing.com or support the site by shopping with our retail partners Amazon or CompetitiveCyclist.com.
Also featured in this kit: Helmet: Fox Women’s Speedframe Pro MIPS. Jersey: Fox Women’s Defend Long Sleeve Jersey. Eyewear: Oakley Flight Jacket. Clipless Shoes: Ride Concepts Women’s Traverse.