Vulpine Gravel Trousers

[Colin63]

Many years ago, when Vulpine was a start-up making rather expensive urban cycling gear, I had a social media connection with the founder. He had great aspirations for his clothing company, and the gear he made and designed were exceptionally good in my opinion.
Now that I'm back riding after several years I need to restock my wardrobe and, after feeling that almost every online shop seems to stock nothing but Madison or Endura trousers, I was more that happy to stumble upon, and be reminded of, Vulpine – a chance to buy a British product with an old connection.

So I bought two pairs of Gravel trousers.

They look really good off the bike and have an excellent cut for riding. After just one ride I can't comment on their robustness, but they are very comfortable. If they are long-lasting I've found a real gem.

A sad thing is that Vulpine appear to now be a part of a company called Sport Pursuit that sells stock at discount prices, a sort of TK Maxx for cyclists. They only took 36 hours to deliver my order, so by todays definition of customer service they are very good.

But… The trousers label states 'Designed in Britain, Made in China' – no longer made in Britain

… I tried

[PH]

But… The trousers label states 'Designed in Britain, Made in China' – no longer made in Britain
… I tried

The original company floundered quite early on (2017?) and was saved out of administration. Not much was ever produced in the UK, they had introduced a "Made in Britain" range but it had barely been in stock before the administrators were called in. The company came in for some criticism at the time, partly for how heavily they'd played the Britishness card.
I have a Hoy jersey and a Harrington jacket from the original incarnation, 2015 I think, both of those clearly state designed in Britain, made in China.

[Nearholmer]

Strangely named trousers IMO. They look nice, and as the website pictures show they’d probably work well as urban trousers (in dry weather), but they honestly don’t look up to much for off-road riding to me, partly because they’re 98% cotton, so will soak-up water like nobody’s business. The cut doesn’t look right for the job either.

[Navrig]

Many cycle clothing manufacturers are struggling. Endura is a Scottish brand and produce good quality stuff but seem to have lost their way since the original owners sold the business.

I use Sport Pursuit. Their model is a bit different. They will offer manufacturers a deal based upon a certain price and volume. They then sell at a discount to RRP but don't place the order until they reach a certain volume. Often this mean delivery can take longer but the discount can be significant. They also buy struggling brands and create their own brands. Generally quality is good if very good.

I've bought 4 Isobaa heavy merino tops at 50% of RRP. Fantastic deal.

[Colin63]

Strangely named trousers IMO. They look nice, and as the website pictures show they’d probably work well as urban trousers (in dry weather), but they honestly don’t look up to much for off-road riding to me, partly because they’re 98% cotton, so will soak-up water like nobody’s business. The cut doesn’t look right for the job either.

They definitely don't claim to be off-road specific trousers. The nearest I get to off-road is are gravelly disused railway lines and canal towpaths that get me off the A6. I've bought them so that I can wear them all day at work rather than having to have different sets of clothing kept at the workplace.

[Nearholmer]

They look ideal for that - if I was still working, I’d have alteady ordered a couple of pairs.