TRAIL SHORTS
When shopping for shorts, let the ‘two Fs’ – fit and fabric – be your guiding principles. If your shorts don’t fit you properly, it doesn’t matter how much (or how little) you pay or how many fancy features they have, they’ll never be worth the outlay. And because everyone is shaped differently, the only way to truly tell if they’ll fit is to try them on.
Fabric is important because it provides protection and comfort, so choose according to your type of riding. If gravity bombing is your thing, go for more abrasion-resistant material that’ll cope with crashes; if you’re into XC epics, then lightweight comfort and stretchy freedom of movement will serve you better.
The waistband is the foundation of any shorts’ construction. It should be higher at the back so that when you’re on the bike it stays in place and doesn’t pull down. The best examples often look very low at the front on the clothes hanger, but don’t be put off – when you’re riding, this prevents them cutting into your stomach, but they still feel secure.
Velcro adjustment tabs are a common way to tune fit. We prefer these to be elasticated, because it makes for more comfortable movement and they don’t dig in. There’s an increasing number of pull-on styles available now, along with shorts with elastic belt fastenings, which can work equally as well as designs using traditional press-studs and buckles.
Pay attention to the rise (see Jargon). Too long and there’ll be sagging and potential snagging on the saddle. Aim for a close but not tight fit here, assisted by fabrics with some degree of stretch.
In terms of details, at least one pocket in a pair of shorts is useful but after that it’s down to personal preference. Other features that really make a difference are easy-to-grab zip pulls, gripper print at the back of the waist, a hanging loop, and the smooth, friction-free feel of ultrasonic seams. Once you’ve narrowed your search, remember to try the shorts on with the liner
