Very good almost-smart cycling trousers with bike-specific features

Not long ago I reviewed Osloh's Lane jeans and I liked those. Now I'm trying out the company's Traffic jeans and I like them too. They're arguably a better cut for actual cycling, and they're equally well made, albeit in a lighter fabric that probably won't offer quite so long a service life. They've worn well during testing though.

  • Pros: Comfortable, good on the bike, well made
  • Cons: Double button is an issue with a belt, lighter fabric

The Traffic jeans are a slim fit, but a sensible one with enough room at the top of the legs to accommodate cycling thighs. I'm more of a sprinter's build than a climber, and I found them pretty comfy, especially after a few washes when they'd relaxed a little bit. The Black Cavalry Twill is a 10oz cotton fabric that's 2% Spandex, so it's lighter and stretchier than the 12oz/1% Spandex denim of the Lane jeans. That makes it more comfortable on the bike, and the close fit means there's no danger of getting your legs caught up in the chain.

> Buy these online here

There's a reinforced patch on the right leg to take any wear that might occur, and inside the seat there's a quilted chamois that's thin enough to not really be noticeable off the bike and thick enough to add a bit of comfort on it.

Osloh Traffic Jean Black - reinforced gussett.jpg

With the stretch in the legs, the slim fit and the comfort on the saddle, these trousers are really good for cycling in, if cycling in trousers is a thing that you find yourself doing a lot. I habitually change into cycling gear for the ride in and out of work, even though it's not very far, but since I've been testing the Traffic jeans I've found I've been bothering with that less.

Osloh Traffic Jean Black - side.jpg

There's a worry with the thinner fabric that they won't be quite as hardwearing in the long term, but I've had these jeans for a good few months now and they still look good as new after plenty of miles and maybe a dozen washes. So my worries might be unfounded. I'll update this review with my long-term findings.

Osloh Traffic Jean Black - gussett.jpg

The Traffic jeans use the same double button closure as the Lane jeans. I didn't like it then, because the belt loop and the second button foul each other, and I don't like it now. That being said, the lighter and more pliable fabric makes it less of an issue here.

Osloh Traffic Jean Black - buttons.jpg

There's a preponderance of pockets, including a phone pocket that'll be fine for your iPhone SE but isn't really big enough for anything with a 5in screen or bigger. There are plenty of other pockets though, and that one is useful for cards and stuff when you're out and about.

Osloh Traffic Jean Black - pocket detail.jpg

Overall I really like these trousers. If you do a lot of riding in civvies and you don't need to be suited and booted when you arrive, they're spot on.

> Buyer's Guide: The best casual cycle commuting kit

They're not cheap at over £100 (they're $149, the UK price varying with the exchange rate), but then if they were cycling shorts we'd be talking about them as mid-range for that price. So if you need them for your riding, they're a good investment.


Very good almost-smart cycling trousers with bike-specific features


road.cc test report

Make and model: Osloh Traffic Jean Black

Size tested: 34w x 34L

Tell us what the product is for

Osloh says, "A modern jean in a slim fit that offers bicyclists the best details and feature set available in a 5-pocket style that moves effortlessly from the bike to the destination."

Black Cavalry Twill is a 10oz. fabric. 98% Cotton / 2% Spandex

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Osloh:

Contoured double shank waistband

Adjustable snap waistband side tabs

Internal drying loops

Reinforced button fly

Stretch pocket bags

Binding at seams

Quilted poly chamois reinforced seat and crotch

Quilted reinforced chain side leg panel

Double lined cell phone pocket

Tonal signature turning wheel embroidery

Rate the product for quality of construction:
Rate the product for performance:
Rate the product for durability:
Rate the product for fit:
Rate the product for sizing:
Rate the product for weight:
Rate the product for comfort:
Rate the product for value:


They wash very well on a cool cycle.


Very good for riding and general wearing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit is good, and they're clearly designed to be comfortable when riding.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The double button/belt loop clash makes wearing a belt a bit more of a faff. The lighter weight fabric may end up being less durable (although I've had no issues thus far).


Cycling-specific jeans range from about £70 to £150, so slightly nearer the top end of the market than the bottom.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

They're about as good a cycling jean as I've tried, so if you need jeans that are comfy for cycling they should be on your list. They're not cheap, but then nice things generally aren't.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 189cm  Weight: 92kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Kinesis Tripster ATR, Merida Scultura


I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track
