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Review: Chromag Seton Pants and Dominion Jersey

May 23, 2024
by Matt Beer  
Chromag Bikes started off building hardcore hardtails and heavy-duty stems but have since expanded their offerings to include apparel and eventually even full-suspension bikes. Their latest batch of bike season apparel, including the new light-duty Seton pants, is designed and tested for their needs on the trails around Whistler.

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Dominion Jersey

Price & Features

The Dominion long sleeve jersey has been a long-standing staple in their line and ranges from natural shades to funky colors with some featuring their bear motifs, such as the Kurt Sorge signature print.

At $95 CAD, the Dominion jersey is made from 92% polyester, 8% spandex and features a small zippered pocket for a lift pass on the lower left hand side.

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The medium fit loosely but with a nice tapered mid-section
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A zippered stash pocket for a lift pass, snack, or the like.

Fit & Performance

Five sizes from XS-XL are cut into a casual fit. A size medium fits with a looser style fit compared to other brands in the equal size without looking too baggy. There’s enough length in the torso and arms so that it never rides up while descending either.

If you’re in search of a slim fit, sizing down wouldn't be out of the question. A full size chart is available here.

The material is on the lighter side but hasn’t proved to be too fragile. Ventilation is on par with other similar polyester tops and with a medium amount of stretch built in, mobility isn’t an issue. After a good number of washes, the material still looks and smells pristine.

Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesWhether you're a fan of a bold or basic design, the Dominion jersey has options. A looser fit is comfy to wear all day and allows for armor to be worn underneath without needing to upsize. The pass pocket could be an overlooked touch but it's handy for keeping an RIFD card separated. Matt Beer




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Seton Pants

Price & Features

The Seton pant is the second set of trousers that Chromag has brought to their apparel line. They’re built using lighter materials and intended to be worn for pedalling all day long with minimal restriction.

Compared to the Feint, the Seton runs a few bucks cheaper at $180 CAD. There are no heavy-duty knee panels and the new style waist closure provides an improved fit. Instead of the ratchet closure, there’s a full zippered fly and jean-style button with a metal “G”-shaped hook to adjust the waist. If that’s not secure enough, a belt could be threaded through the loops too.

For storage, there are two hand pockets and one along the right thigh that is large enough for a phone. All of those use zippers and the hand pockets are guarded by an extra strip of material for a less scratchy feel while lounging around.

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Belt loops and a zippered fly with a jean-style button closure.
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A metal hook slides into a half dozen waist loops.

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A zippered phone pocket is well-placed out of the thigh/crash zone.
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Stretchy cuffs finish off the tapered fit.


Chromag Apparel
The burlier Fient pants, seen here, have abrasion-resistant panelling on the knees.
Chromag Apparel
They also use a ratchet closure and velcro fly. It's faster to cinch down but Seton's zipper and waist loop provides a more refined fit.

Fit & Performance

The Seton pants span size 28-38 and are a unisex fit. I found the shape of the size 32 to be comfortable overall but a bit strange in some areas.

The knees have a generous amount of material for larger pads, however, the crotch and backside are on the short and slim side. I found myself always pulling the rear waist hem up while seated, though this wasn’t as much of a concern while standing to ride.

The leg length is also on the shorter side, however, the thighs and knees lean towards the baggier side. Personally, I find most size MD or 32 pants to run long, however, a 34 would likely be too baggy mid-leg. Referencing the size guide would be useful if you’re unsure of the fit.

In terms of ventilation, the lighter-weight material is complete with small perforations at the back of the knees which helps the Seton pants breathe well even on muggy days. At the back of the lower leg, a stretchy panel aids in pulling your foot through the cuff with less hassle than other extremely tapered pants.

Durability hasn’t been an issue so far through muddy spring conditions - the seat panels and seams are holding up well. No signs of wrinkling or damage have occurred from frequent cycles through the washing machine either.

Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesThe Seton pants have the materials and features to do well as a lightweight pant to pedal all day in, however, the fit was on the slim and short side in some areas for a typical size 32. Given that they are a unisex design, though, they could suit riders who have struggled with other brands.  Matt Beer


Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
380 articles

57 Comments
  • 27 3
 Let me guess, the fit sucks because the inseam is too short.

You can always get stuff hemmed if you want,
can't make it longer.

idk I can't get stoked for tight plastic trousers,
stretchy sports joggers do the same for less.

I get the tightness around the ankle; I wish these trousers had more room in the quads,
this slim/skinny fit looks horrendous
and my legs are too big for them.

Does anyone ever pay retail for this sort of stuff?
  • 10 0
 >the slim, skinny fit looks horrendous

damn times have changed Lol
  • 4 0
 I cant fit into any of the dharco pants. They all fit tight around the calf and thigh. By the time I get the right leg size, the waist is too large. If I go off standard waste sizing, the fit leaves nothing to the imagination...
  • 2 0
 @IF-OBA-WILLS-IT: It takes a certain person to pull off skinny
most people look better in something that follows the leg or wider

Then again I see most people in lulu commission and ABC's on the tube
They are a facsimile of a suit trouser which feel like tracksuits
clearly no-one cares anymore, that's fine.

All I know is most people don't buy bike company branded clothing
and these may be a good buy for an average person on sale.

I'll wear my joggers on the bike and relaxed fit trousers and call it a day.
  • 3 0
 I too struggle with this, I have a pair of raceface pants that fit great and have pockets not in stupid places. They’re great.
  • 4 1
 @IF-OBA-WILLS-IT: The only reason we aren't all rocking around in baggy pants like those super modern free skiers is because they would get caught in our shit.

Oh also in my case because I'm over 30.
  • 26 5
 And yet again, the longest inseam they have is 32.5", which guarantees I'll never buy one. Why does no one make pants for tall people?
  • 8 0
 I recently did some searching on this. Seemed like Interwebz consensus was NF in the tall option is the way to go if you're willing to throw down the $
  • 13 0
 They do if you're on the portly side. Why do so many of these companies assume the longer your legs are the bigger your waist size?
  • 1 0
 @commental: I find the exact opposite... normally if I fid the bigger waist sizes (only 36 or 3Cool then they have short inseams (all trousers, not just bike related).
  • 1 0
 I'm 6'4" and wear a 33x34 jean. . . I find the Endura MT500 pant in Large and Specialized Trail Pant in 34 to fit me really well. . . if I needed another pair of pants I'd either get the Mt500 or NF.
  • 1 0
 @Bad-Mechanic check Endura, they do. At least with Singletrack II pants. After three years of riding in them I just ordered another pair, cause I know they fit my long legs and are of high quality. I literally haven’t found any other pants fitting me that well since I’ve bought these.
  • 1 0
 I’ve had good luck with some specialized and tld pants and I’m 30 waist 36 inseam. Went with size 32 in both and the legs fit perfect and the waist isn’t bad either
  • 3 0
 @commental: I'm sure you have shopped for clothing and realized that it's all sized for very un-athletic bodies. It's no different with sports gear apparently.
  • 1 0
 @dwbaillar: am tall, got the NF, pricey but fit is great. Endura also do well for the tallies.
  • 5 0
 Other than not being tall enough on Hinge, I'm right in the perfect place. 5'10". Places always have my shoe size and pant sizes are always just about right.

Sometimes life just works out for a guy.

Condolences for your tallness.
  • 1 0
 @wobblegoblin: speciazed pant are amazing, probably best in terms of fit/quality ration

Regular jeans 33, 34 fits perfect from them
  • 1 0
 @wobblegoblin: I am of very similar proportions and have the precious generation of arc'teryx gamma LT pants in medium tall. Hands down best fitting synthetic pants I've ever owned. Not too tight, not too loose, maybe even a bit too long. However, Arc'teryx went to numerical sizing and made the fit a little more generous and they are no longer ideal for biking... the LT is a pretty substantial material so really a cold weather pant. I'm surprised you would go NF. I tried them and though... I'm not looking for tights that end 2" above my ankles thanks. I'm not huge either... about 190 lbs. Maybe the revised ones are better. I will look at the Endura and Specialized products. I have found both of those brands offer good value and reasonable fit and quality. I hope OR releases pants to go with their shorts in the future. I have OR ferosi transit pants that work for biking too but they require a belt which is not as ideal for riding.
  • 4 0
 Does anyone know of any kit for tall skinny people? I'm yet to find something that isn't half mast, or exposing my midriff as the speed builds up. I am only 6'2", but a 30" waist. Last time I bought 38" trousers and had them tailored in, but even then too short.
  • 3 0
 Same can be said going the other way. I'm short, only 5'5" with a 30" waist as well, articulated "knees" and additional room for pads, usually sits somewhere right around my shins. Hemming them doesn't help the main construction of the pants. I guess manufacturers have to shoot for something between people like you and people like me.
  • 5 0
 Maybe the Cathro extensions? (Honestly, that's what they're called):
eu.dharco.com/collections/cathro-extensions-mens
  • 1 0
 6’2” (all legs and accordingly long arms), 32” waist here.
The best fit I’ve found so far are Endura Singletrack II pants (size L, just a tad roomy around waist) and everything from Fox in size M for the upper body. Been searching and trying for three years.
  • 2 0
 6'6" and both NF and endura offer good pants for us
  • 1 0
 I’m 6’2” with a 34” inseam, 32.5” is fine for me as I don’t need my mtb pants to drag on the ground or get caught in my chainring. I prefer the taper and shorter legs as it’s more a function over form thing. If you’ve got a 36” + inseam I hate to break it to you mass produced mtb pants might not be your bag.
  • 3 0
 I’m 6’6” (198cm) with a 36” inseam. Have tried everything. Here is what fits me best:

If you want bougie:
- RideNF tall sizes
- New 7mesh Glidepath

If you want cheap:
- SportHill MTB pant (still awesome quality)
- Amazon “wrangler” athletic pants
  • 2 0
 @bigbrett: name checks out
  • 1 0
 Teapot build checking in from the other end of the spectrum.

If I find something that fits my fat ass and thighs, then it's going to be a minimum 2" too large in the waist.

But I'm getting older so I'm hopeful the waistline will catch up.
  • 1 0
 whatever ben cathro wears should work
  • 5 0
 Chromag makes some of my favorite MTB stuff. I wish any of my LBS carried some their clothing line as I like to try on things before buying yet another jersey, pants, etc.
  • 6 0
 Unfortunately Its their biggest fault. Their sizing fit can be so wide ranging across different segments like gloves-pants-shirts. I cant buy Chromag stuff without trying it on because I've learned you cant expect any of to fit "true to size" .
  • 7 1
 I still stand by my walmart wrangler sport pants... theyre $25 and do the exact same things this pants do.
  • 2 0
 I second this. Best riding pants I've ever had and 1/8th of the price of bike specific pants.

All my Chromag shorts ended up wearing a hole through the butt in one summer.
  • 2 0
 Yes. I have had mine for 2 years. Fit great. Eady to clean. Always have other riders ask me, where I got them.
  • 2 0
 Anyone that actually buys mtb clothing let alone anything polyester ...hahaha or must be an ebiker they seem to like all that shit..at least that's what I've seen since getting back into mountain biking..it's really hilarious
  • 1 0
 This review lines up with my comments on the release post a month ago! These Seton pants are a great option for the vertically challenged folk like myself. I ordered these pants on a whim a couple of weeks before the Pinkbike release, as I noticed in Chromag's web photos they seemed rather short. Sure enough, the size 32 fits my short 28-inch inseam perfectly. After having them for a bit, I honestly love these pants.
  • 4 1
 Oh good, a pants and long sleeve shirt reviews just in time for daily highs in the 80s and 95% humidity!
  • 7 2
 Some of us live in places with no summer.
  • 1 0
 @Bitelio: There's no summer in Scotland? OK, I take my comment back then.
  • 1 0
 Nah....not a proper one anyway.
Here when we reach 18° the locals are already boiling, hahaha.....
  • 1 0
 Mtb companies can’t name something themselves… apparently all the good names are already in use on other products, but that does t really matter. Now I can have a jersey named after my brakes !?
  • 4 5
 I love riding pants, but they need to be a flared, just a little, at the bottom. This would cover your ankles and stop debris from getting in your shoes. Even if the pants are a little long to cover your ankles and stop rocks and dirt from entering your shoes.
  • 1 0
 Just glanced as the “Photo Epic” from the last WC DH round and nearly everyone’s cuff (men and women) is well above the ankle. Notably, Bruni had pulled his sock up over the bottom of his pant legs.

So lit seems like there’s a gap in market for “trail pants” as opposed to race pants.

That said, I have non-MTB specific pants that have generous ankles and long inseams, and I still catch a lot of duff in my shoes.
  • 4 0
 My snowboarding pants have a small hook so you can hook it to your laces to keep the pants down and overlapping the top of the boots to keep snow out. It surprises me that no MTB pants have a similar feature. These pants end so high it is likely your shoes are going to collect debris
  • 3 0
 What about when my tight ankled waterproof Fox pants channels water runoff straight into my 510 GoreTex shoe! Love that.
  • 2 0
 @NERyder: I would get some riding pants if they were long enough and had a hook to go into your shoelaces.
  • 1 0
 Anyone tried Specialized Trail pants? I bought a pair recently and while they have some good features; the leg cuffs are ridiculously tight. Have to stand on the leg to remove them like a wetsuit, and they always feel like they’re about to rip putting them on. They’re also far too tight around the calves and don’t breathe well. Odd design. My old NZO pants had Velcro tabs around the cuffs which worked perfectly
  • 4 0
 !!Hail Seton!!
  • 1 0
 Still disappointed they don't make XXL tops. Pants/shorts have been alright, but bummed they don't make tops for the bigger/taller folks.
  • 2 0
 I'm still rattling around in shorts , maybe one day I'll go longs but knowing me it'll be when they're out of fashion.
  • 1 0
 No MTB clothing MFG can make an affordable pair of pants - a plain version as per the Wrangler pants a commenter mentioned above?
  • 1 0
 Another commenter suggested Decathlon hiking pants. They're good and not so expensive.
  • 1 0
 Outdoor research Ferrosi Joggers are a good option too if you can get a deal (full price they are too expensive). Hard wearing, not too heavy, room at the knee for pads, little bit baggy at the thing perhaps, drawstring waist isnt ideal but you get what you get.
  • 1 0
 I've used my Decathlon hiking pants for riding plenty of times,and they work great.
Light,good fit,and a steal at 20€.
  • 1 0
 Still have t found riding pants that fitter better for my 35” inseam than LULU lemon ABC Warpstreme 37”s
  • 1 0
 Is that jersey pocket big enough to hold an air guitar and two packs of darts?
  • 2 0
 I like Chromag but I'm not paying for polyester let alone $95
  • 1 0
 i bought one fits horrible im 6,2







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