These are the WWR (wind and weather resistant) version of Swrve's shorts, which also come in cotton and 3/4-length varieties. There's something pleasingly understated about these shorts. They come in only a choice of grey and black, and the cut...
So new that they weren’t even available for last issue’s baggies test, these are the first shorts from Surface, a new clothing brand from the creator of Charge bikes. Designed specifically to look ‘non-bikey’ the...
We like these shorts a lot because they can stand up stood up to a proper battering on muddy trails and rain-soaked commutes. Built from 500-denier Cordura, with a seamless crotch panel, they feel tough and best of all the DWR finish really help...
These sleek-feeling capris look casual but hide some pretty technical features: a fabric that gives great stretch and excellent breathability; four pockets; zip fly with snap closure; and a removable chamois liner that must rank as one o...
This pared-down baggy short includes a removable chamois liner that’s specifically shaped and padded for women. The waist can be cinched using a pair of adjusters and the zip fly is capped with a double popper. We’ve been impre...
We’ve come to expect great looking kit from Howies, and the Alders fit right into a classic range. With seven pockets, there’s a good mix of secure and easy-access storage for keys, wallet and phone as you ride. The regular fit mea...
These Kiwi-designed and built shorts come in a longer, baggy cut that’s indicative of the company’s mountain bike roots. Features include an elasticated waist, seamless gusset, single zipped rear pocket, front handwarmer poc...
This sturdy and understated pair is cut fairly short and the fit’s fairly snug, although a Lycra fabric mix provides a little stretch. A seamless crotch helps avoid pressure points, while Velcro and zipped pockets keep belongings safe. Not...
This is the top-rated 'baggy' from the Scottish bikewear supremos, packed with a multitude of ingenious features. The Cordura fabric has a Teflon treatment which makes them not only highly durable, laughing off the odd scrape or tumble, ...
First impressions were positive: they looked great with no shiny Lycra effect, instead more of an everyday casual legging look with discreet padding. The benefit of padding wasn’t obviously noticeable though, it doesn’t seem to prote...
Specialized have clearly made the effort to get the comfort aspect of these bibs right — we found the positioning of the ergonomic panels on the insert spot on for long distance rides. The company has also developed effective non-s...
Less well-known in the UK, Odlo have over 60 years of sportswear experience in Europe. The Everest Stretch outer fabric is lightweight, highly wicking and fast drying. The stretch and cut provide a comfortable fit and the detachable padd...
The most striking feature of these bibs is how thin and light they are, while still offering a comfortable, snug fit with good padding. In fact, if it wasn’t for this padding, you might have to check every now and then that you'r...
The shorts have non-gripper hems which means no marks are left on the legs. The mid-length cut works well but the low-rise waist needed the drawcord for a snugger fit. The padding, though designed specifically for women, was not as comfort...
Madison’s Flux is effectively two shorts in one — an outer short constructed from tough ripstop M:Tec 40 material which is lightweight and quick drying, and an inner Lycra short with a Coolmax anti-bacterial pad for extra comfo...