1. Good protection, best for cool weather
I bought these pants mostly based on fit. I'm 5'8" and wear a 34/30".
There are a lot of good things about these pants. To start, they feel substantial and of good quality. The thought of sliding across the pavement isn't so scary with these on. Tough CE knee protection is complemented by some thinner foam hip protection. They fit easily over full length Cortech boots, and I really appreciate the velcros near the bottom of the pants that allow you to close the ends of the legs tight against your boots to prevent buffeting in the wind. I haven't tested the claim that they are water proof, but can believe it.
The pants come with an inner liner that is removable, so you can just wear the mesh-lined outer shell in the summer.
These are substantial, weatherproof pants. That being said, they are HOT. I really don't feel any ventilation on my legs when riding, which is uncomfortable on summer days. I always get a bit sweaty under them, even in shorts. However, I have only used them in summer riding. I bet they'd be ideal for the cooler months and would highly recommend them if that's when you plan to do most of your riding.