Dakine is one of the big mountain bike apparel companies that really keeps an eye on performance as well as style. Add in durability and a good fit and you have the recipe for the perfect mountain bike gear! I rocked Dakine for more than half the summer and now I’m ready to share my review of the Descent long sleeve jersey and shorts.

Descent LS Jersey

The Descent LS Jersey has a familiar DH cut with a high v-neck collar and a rather roomy fit. The Raglan-cut jersey naturally has a nice-fitting arm in the long sleeve version thanks to the tubular cut. If you’re planning on wearing full armor you need to buy one size larger than normal for a proper fit.

Made from a durable 220 gm/yd polyester, the Descent jersey takes abrasion fairly well. I have had a few close calls with trees and even a crash or two on the rocks, and with the exception of a small tear (I was using elbow guards at the time), everything has held up great. Sewn into the jersey’s left side seam is a protected chamois to clean up your lens when things get really down and dirty. And to prevent stinking like a trash can, the fabric has an anti-microbial treatment which manages the deluge of bacteria that can cultivate while riding (or leaving you jersey in the trunk of your car for a week after a big ride).

As far as style goes, the asymmetrical  graphics are a bit different but I think they’re pretty cool. What looks like simple stripes from afar is actually an intricately printed maze – the graphics are definitely eye-catching.

Descent Short

The Descent shorts are purpose-built: constructed from 400D plain-weave nylon, they feature a mesh-polyester liner. That makes for a durable and comfortable short.

As far as fit, Dakine has you covered with perforated panels for better air flow, a ribbed crotch gusset for comfort, and a bit of extra stretch to provide maximum range of motion. What makes this a truly downhill-specific short is the 16″ inseam legs: perfect for just covering the knees, even with armor. The ratchet-type waist adjustment and back lumbar pad add to the durability, fit, and comfort.

If you didn’t already pick up on this from the pics, the Descent shorts and jersey are designed to match. Running both together makes you almost feel like a sponsored rider! But critically speaking,  the jersey and shorts do fit together perfectly with approximately the same fit and a similar feel to the materials.

The Test

The Descent shorts and jersey found themselves used and abused on the slopes of Blue Mountain and Horseshoe Valley resorts. Coincidentally, the instructors at Blue also use the same gear. You can imagine the confusion that arose from time to time. I was informed that the guys at Whistler also use the Descent jersey and shorts. With that kind of street cred, I feel like I’m in good company!

During the late summer months and into the fall, the Descent gear held up superbly! Despite taking various spills on rock gardens and hard-packed berms, the jersey and shorts endured, with very little sign of wear. I personally loved the feel of the material and the roomy fit that the Dakine gear provides. In case you haven’t been on a downhill or freeride bike before, there is a lot of body movement going on, with the legs and arms really working it. The combination of roominess and cut keeps the clothing from snagging up. Nothing bugs me more than having my clothing snag and pinch while I’m trying to get my groove on.

Not only do the Descent jersey ($60 MSRP) and short ($100 MSRP) look good, but they measure up in the performance and comfort arena as well.

Thanks to Dakine for sending out the Descent short and long sleeve jersey for review.

The Dakine Syncline features an “all-mountain fit” with a 14.5″ inseam. It has a conveniently removable Italian-made Comp chamois, ventilated mesh lining, zippered hand pockets and leg vents, a heavyweight rib knit back stretch panel, side waist tab adjustments, polyester birdseye waistband, and a crotch gusset for an increased range of motion.

But what does all of that even mean? Nothing if it doesn’t translate into a comfortable ride out on the trail.

Out on the Trail in the Syncline

I first tested the Syncline shorts during a long day of shredding the Evolution Bike Park at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The baggy fit easily accommodated some beefy knee pads without any catching or binding. Thanks to the removable chamois, I think you could easily wear a hip and tail bone protector under these shorts and still feel very comfortable (although I haven’t tried them with one yet). The exterior of the Syncline short is much heavier and tougher than a cross-country short (as you’d expect) since it’s built to survive a few tumbles off the bike now and again without getting shredded to pieces. I’ll admit I took a couple of spills, and the Syncline shorts thought nothing of them.

When is a pair of downhill shorts just another pair of shorts… and when is it something more?

Obviously, the Syncline is designed for the downhill aficionado, and with all of these DH-specific features and its durable build, it excels in this category.

I was surprised to discover that the Syncline performs well in a number of other applications, too.

Cross-country

Despite the fact that these shorts hit below the knee, they ride very well even on cross country rides. I guess the “all-mountain fit” lives up to its name, by keeping them from catching on the knee or saddle. There were several chilly, early-morning rides in Crested Butte when I threw the Syncline on for a little extra warmth, and they were both comfortable and toasty! Obviously, because of the heavy, durable exterior they wouldn’t be ideal for hot summertime rides, but as the temps continue to cool here in North Georgia I am looking forward to many fall rides in the Synclines,

Commuting

The cooler fall temperatures have also convinced me to start commuting to school again. As a result, my Syncline shorts have been seeing significant use as a pair of commuter shorts. They’re the perfect mix between bicycle comfort and classroom style. I don’t have to  destroy my taint on the uphill slog to campus, and I don’t have to pack an extra pair of shorts to change into before class. Dakine’s Phantom pattern (tested) is low-key enough to not draw any weird stares from my fellow English students. Want to sport a different style? The Synclines are available in 5 different colors.

Bottom Line

From the big hit bike to the carbon hardtail to the commuter, the Syncline shorts provide stellar performance and classy style!

MSRP: $135.

Many thanks to Dakine for providing the Syncline shorts for review.

Oakley is a name that nearly all people know, and when you think about Oakley you automatically think high-end eyewear. Well Oakley also has a bunch of soft goods available, from pants to bags to nearly everything in between. I recently tested out some Oakley riding gear: the Retro Vert jersey, Retro Vert short, and Hand Ratchet glove.

The Retro Vert jersey is not an old jersey brought back as the name might imply. The “retro” part is the late 80′s logo but everything else on this jersey is new tech. With modern fabrics (polyester) and strategically placed mesh under the arms and back, along with antibacterial treatment and UV protection, the Retro jersey is anything but.

Now this is a long sleeve version which I prefer to wear even in the summer due to the overgrowth in my area and the number of bugs that are in the trails during the spring and summer (Oakley offers a short sleeve version as well). The long sleeve Retro has shaped arms that are pre-bent at the elbow and stitched in a way that allows the jersey to flex easily rather than tug. The entire back is a mesh material which is great since most riders today are using hydration packs which tend to get hot and sweaty. With the mesh at least there is a greater chance for moisture and heat to dissipate around the pack. Oakley even added a small microfiber wipe area along the waist of the jersey to clean up your optics.

The Retro Vert short is a premium short for the trail rider with just the right weight fabrics (100% nylon) and strategically-placed stretch panels for comfort on epic rides. These shorts feature a CyTech E.I.T. multi-segmented chamois that is one of the most comfortable I’ve worn. When things get dirty or need cleaning, the chamois can be removed and washed on its own. The two cargo-type zip pockets offer plenty of room for keys and protein bars while silicon grippers at the waist and leg bottoms make this a no-slip fitting short. Add to that a smart two snap, two position waist with elastic adjustment and you’ve got a short that fits well all day long. And of course the Retro Vert features classic retro-style Oakley graphics for maximum effect.

Oakley’s top glove for the Trail rider is called the Hand Ratchet 2. Before this glove’s release, the design underwent the scrutiny of some of the top riders in mountain biking before being released to the public. The end result is a bunch of materials all working together to maximize comfort, control, and durability. The one-piece palm is made from sheepskin leather for durability while the separate synthetic Pittards leather thumb and fingertips add comfort. Up top you get a mesh upper with a two strap system to hold the glove comfortably in place and a stretch kevlar knuckle protector for those occasions when you happen to get too close to the trees.

On the trail

Wearing the Oakley gear for trail riding and at the slopes (when not donning full armor) I was happy with the performance of both the jersey and shorts. I really appreciated the mesh back on the jersey, especially on those days when I rode with a hydration pack. At the very least I didn’t feel as hot as I would have with other tops. The jersey cuffs didn’t ride up my arms on the bike and yet the elastic wasn’t so tight that it felt like it was pulling. There was even enough room in the arms for me to add elbow guards underneath, though not enough room to fit a full pressure suit.

The Retro Vert shorts felt very comfortable without a hint of riding up my leg. The silicon around the leg and waist really stayed put. Even when sitting and pedaling for hours I didn’t feel like I was overheating.

As for the gloves I was a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong: they fit great and I like the reverse stitch on the palm which really does make a difference. However, during my testing the velcro strap on one of my gloves started to de-laminate. I was able to fix it on my own with contact cement and it didn’t come apart again. Fortunately that was the only issue with the glove. The palms and fingers are very grippy, even when wet. Falling a few times and using the gloves to stop myself showed no sign of abrasion on the palm. Speaking of the palm, newer riders may not like the fact that these have no cushion to them but for a seasoned rider who wants maximum feedback, these may be a good choice.

Check out Oakley for these and other cool products. At $50.00 for the Ratchet glove, $150.00 for the Retro V short, and $90.00 for the Retro V long sleeve jersey, you’re getting the best Oakley has to offer.

I would like to thank the folks at Oakley for sending down the gear for review.

I’ve been wearing THE gear – helmets, armor, and soft goods – for a while and I’m a big fan. So I was stoked recently to get my hands on the F-1 short and Sport Jersey. One thing you can always count on with THE: there’s always more than what meets the eyes. The F-I short and Sport Jersey are certainly no exemption with simple looking graphics at a distance but as you get closer you see the subtle sublimated graphics like something out of a fine tattoo parlor.  Not only does the gear look great but it’s functional on the trail as well.

The Sport Jersey comes in sizes from X-small to XX-large to fit the majority of riders out there regardless of physical size or dimensions. With three colors to choose from (red, blue, and black) and a white background you can be sure to find something to match your bike and kit.

My favorite thing about the Sport Jersey is how much this thing breathes. With fully vented arms, lower back, and front, I found the jersey felt cool when riding without the heat build-up that some long sleeve jerseys can cause. The fit is roomy enough to wear your armor underneath while the added padding on the outside of the arm around the forearm is a nice touch for extra durability and minor thorn protection.

The Sport Jersey has a tapered and bent cut on the arms which feels great without feeling like it’s pulling when you’re steering. The built collar opening is adequately sized so that it won’t snag or tug on your neck with gear on, a big plus for sure.

The F-1 bicycle-specific shorts are very similar in cut to the pants but in a short version. The short is cut just below the knee with a seamless crotch and a thin contoured pad. The super durable stretch nylon material in the F-1 shorts is great and there’s even a tailbone pad. For those who drive up to the slopes and park your vehicle, the two vented pockets are adjustable to hold your keys and whatnot. The F-1 shorts also have a bit of bling to them with detailed chrome and carbon logos.

Having worn THE gear for a while I am already familiar with the durability of their products so I didn’t expect anything less from the Sport Jersey and tech pants. Having cased it more than a few times and dragged my clothes through a few mud patches (unfortunate but it happens), the gear is showing little sign of wear. I was even impressed with how easily this stuff cleans up – just be sure to hang dry everything. After one particularly muddy day at the trails I did have to wash my shorts through two cycles but other than that everything is still bright.

Both jersey and pant are true to fit. A 34″ is a 34″ not a loose 33″ for example. So ordering up gear is pretty easy. I did find that the short is a bit stiff (due to its shear toughness) so they would not be my first choice if I was heading out for a long trail ride. These are, however, one of my top choices when I do hit the slopes or know I am hitting the park (durability trumps here). I found that I was reaching for the jersey particularly since it has such a great feel to it. It tends to run cool and kept me pretty dry.

So for $50 MSRP you can get the jersey and another $89 gets you the shorts. These are definitely mid-level prices for some premium features. If you have a chance, take a peek at THE’s gear and try them out for yourself.

Thanks to Toby Henderson and the folks at THE for sending up the gear for a review.

Mavic is one name that doesn’t need an introduction. The yellow Deemax rims sport an iconic look that, unless you’re totally new to the sport, you know right away is a Mavic. The company has actually been in business since 1889 and the name Mavic is actually an acronym – Manufacture d’Articles Vélocipédiques Idoux et Chanel (translation: manufacturers of articles for bicycles from Idoux and Chanel).

For 2011 Mavic is keeping most of the MTB wheelsets the same but did improve the mid-level Crosstrail Disk wheels, making them lighter and stiffer and adding a host of features. Mavic is also bringing back the Crossride UB/Disc wheelset which is a good replacement wheelset for those who are ready to swap out their OEM hoops. The Crossrides are compatible with either disk or v-brakes and perform well at a budget-friendly price.

Beyond wheels, Mavic is serious about electronics and showed off a revamped Wintech Wireless USB cycling computer that can be hooked up to your PC for serious data crunching. The large display makes it easy to see key stats at a glance plus, with the power to customize the data fields, you can view various sensor outputs (power, heart rate, etc.) on a single screen.

I also got the chance to preview Mavic’s expanded shoe and clothing lineup at Interbike. With the help of parent company Solomon (also a huge name in Alpine skiing / sports wear), Mavic has put considerable resources into creating high quality footwear for 2011 and beyond.  Both trek7k and I were impressed with the quality and weight of the various shoes in the line up. With high-end racing XC shoes in the upper $300-range (the yellow Fury above) down to shoes in the $120-range (more my speed), Mavic has a ton of options to choose from (plus three colors of each model). I was really impressed with their new AM shoes (the white ones pictured above) – great ankle support, hidden laces to prevent brush snags, and a decent tread design for hike-a-bike.  Definitely explore the Mavic website yourself and see what else they have for 2011!

Having sampled Gore products before and being very familiar with their high level of fit and finish, I was interested to see how the Countdown shorts compared to the Freeride shorts I reviewed a while back. Since I love my Freeride shorts so much I decided to be sorta tough and nit-picky with my review of the Countdown shorts.

Countdown Shorts

The Gore Countdown shorts feature a padded insert that’s easily removable for cleaning. The insert is designed with the rider in mind and is engineered by a company called Cytech, one of the best padding manufacturers around. Strategically split in a few spots, the pad doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a wet diaper and offers tons of freedom and comfort down there on long rides.  The padding really takes the edge off saddle sores and also minimizes the chances of chafing.

The Countdown shell is a tailored multi-panel arrangement that’s cut to fit best in the riding position. The inseam is 11 inches which (for most people) places the hem of the short right above the kneecap when riding. Unlike the Freeride short, the Countdown features stitched pockets rather than higher-tech welded pockets. This cost-saving measure only marginally changes the overall appearance of the short. The upside is that the Countdown comes with five pockets (two up front, two on the sides, and one zip pocket right in the middle at back).

Speaking of the pockets, I found the front two a bit too tight for my hands to get to my keys. The side pockets, on the other hand, were fine and comfortably held a wallet and cell phone. Even when pedaling like mad, the contents of my pockets didn’t move around too much. The rear pocket is one of those things that you can only get to if you’re not using a hydration pack.

For those who like riding at night, the added 360° reflective material coverage is nicely hidden in the Gore logo, two small patches on the pockets up front, and in the piping in the rear of the shorts. The effective positioning of the reflective materials ensures that people will see you from far away. Lower leg placement also ensures that the reflective material remains free from obstructions such as your hydration pack or jersey.

Now, to be picky, I would love to see the short get the same double snap and zip that’s featured on the Freeride short (though obviously this will raise the cost). Other than that I found the short to be very comfortable and I even caught myself wearing them around the house (removing the liner of course). The short is a great MTB short as well as a short that you can use every day without having people stare at you. The same understated good looks of the rest of the Gore product line carries to the Countdown shorts, backed by a solid construction and good feel.

Countdown Gloves

Choosing gloves often comes down to a personal choice between full-fingered or fingerless gloves. I’m one of those who prefers full-fingered gloves and have worn them almost exclusively for years. With that in mind, I’m introducing the Countdown Summer, a mid-level short-finger glove from Gore’s lineup.

The multi-panel palm ensures that there is no bunching which can lead to chafing as well loss of grip. Near the finger base there are vent holes to help regulate heat. Gore decided to create levels of protection on the palm by regulating the padding in the forehand and base of the palm. The forehand gets foam padding while the heel of your hand gets foam as well as gel for maximum impact resistance.To finish everything off, Gore added a silicon pattern to help reduce slippage.

To improve on some of the shortcomings of fingerless gloves, Gore has added loops in between the fingers to make glove removal easier (one of the things I hate about short finger gloves). There are two loops on each glove which makes it a matter of just grabbing both loops at once and pulling the glove off. The top of the glove is a combination of airy fabric and mesh to help regulate heat and the velcro strap locks nicely without slipping.  Around the thumb you get a terry cloth insert to help wick away any sweat when your ridding.

On the trails I would say these gloves suit the XC – Trail rider best; they’re a bit to lightweight for the AM – DH crowd (stick with full-fingers). The big selling point for the Countdown glove is the level of comfort it offers the rider. The glove doesn’t pinch or bunch up and the grip it affords is top notch. Even after a few hours on hardpack I didn’t notice that numbing feeling that I sometimes get with thinner padded palms. After a few rides the gloves are still in tact with no splits at the seams. I did find it a bit difficult to get my hand back in mid-ride when the glove started to get wet.

The Countdown shorts are listed at $99.99 MSRP and the Countdown Summer gloves come in at $39.99.

I would like to thank the folks at Gore for providing the Countdown shorts and gloves for review. Check out Gore’s webpage for these and additional items, colors and specifications.

Depending on your perspective, this is either the coolest or most ridiculous pair of mountain bike shorts you’ll ever see. The Opulent mountain bike shorts from ZOIC have iPod controls built right into the fabric so you can control your tunes without digging into your pocket on the trail. The shorts feature a removeable liner and sport a “freeride fit,” though ZOIC says these shorts will also work for XC and AM riding. iPod controls include play/pause, volume, and skip forward/back and there’s even a special grommet hole for your headphone cord.

In a completely unscientific forum poll about iPods on the MTB trail, 57% of respondents said they ride with an MP3 player sometimes so these shorts could appeal to a broad audience. If you’re part of the majority, head over to ZOIC.com where you can get these shorts for $120 (normally $150).

Opulent shorts? Absolutely.

Trying out new things is always fun, especially since sometimes you find stuff that’s way better than you even thought was possible. For me, I’ve always had a hard time finding MTB clothing that is comfortable right out of the box – until now. Gore Bike Wear’s new Freeride shorts and ALP-X Jersey are easily two of the most comfortably fitted pieces of MTB apparel I have worn.

The Gore Freeride shorts are understated in design and graphics. They are not the flashiest shorts out there but perform exceedingly well, going beyond my expectations of how a short in this class should feel. One great thing about these shorts is that when you’re done with your ride and want to go for drinks or a bite, you can just keep them on – these shorts are a big step up the fashion ladder from spandex.

Beyond good looks, the Gore Freeride shorts breathe so well you won’t overheat or feel uncomfortable even with the hammer down. I especially appreciate the adjustable zippered vents in the front of the shorts; unlike other shorts I’ve worn, these slots are actually large enough to let a comfortable amount of cool air inside.

With an MSRP of $149, you may be wondering if these shorts are worth the investment but a quick check of the spec sheet shows you’re getting a lot for your money. Like all Gore products, these shorts are constructed with cutting-edge materials and the company has spent hundreds of hours on research and development to get the perfect fit and performance.

Although these are called “Freeride” shorts, don’t let the name fool you – these are not full-on Freeride shorts by any means. Instead I recommend these as a Enduro / Trail / XC shorts, a great all around choice for anyone who like to ride fast and long!

A perfect compliment to the Gore Freeride shorts is the ALP-X jersey shown here in grey/green with black trim. This Jersey is a slim fit style so try one on before you purchase to get just the right fit. Based on the fit of my ALP-X I’d say this jersey is really a cross between a race jersey and a slightly baggier, casual jersey. One thing I really like about the ALP-X is the subdued logo just above the top left breast – nothing flashy here, just simple, understated, purpose-built stuff here. Like other pieces of outerwear Gore makes, the ALP-X jersey sports reflective piping instead of ugly, fat strips of reflective material.

The multi-paneling on this jesery enables a ton of freedom in the arms as well and there is little to no pinching when moving around. For a MSRP of $119 I think it’s a decent purchase, a bit more than you would normally pay but since it’s a Gore product you know you’re getting a superior product with leading edge moisture control materials.

Going for a few rides around the local trails and hitting some of my favorite stunts and hills I have fallen in love with the Freeride shorts and ALP-X jersey, and I may have to say goodbye to an old favorite of mine (made by another well known brand). Buy the Gore Bike Wear Freeride shorts and ALP-X jersey – you just might find that you end up riding a whole lot more because of them!

Cheers…

A girl can never have enough mountain bike clothing.  We need cycling tops in a myriad of colors and materials and we want variety in our MTB shorts, too.  Fortunately, Loeka’s line of tech shorts offers an alternative to your basic black or brown baggy short.  Although the tech shorts do come in black or brown, I really like the pinstripe and plaid options.

Last month I got myself a pair of brown plaid (Loeka calls this print “Harmony”) capri length tech shorts and a matching Mint Chocolate Chip half sleeve jersey.  This jersey and shorts combo takes the guess work out of trying to match plaid with anything in my current mountain biking wardrobe which is pretty awesome.  However, I’m not sure what else I could wear the plaid shorts with–maybe a green Singletracks t-shirt if I’m not riding my bike; otherwise, I guess I’ll have to invest in a few additional Loeka tops.

Not that I would mind having more than one Loeka jersey.  The colors are great and I could definitely see myself wearing the half sleeve jersey for running or even casual Fridays at work.  The fit is close to the body and feminine, but not tight.  I usually wear an XS and this jersey was true to size.  This jersey is made of a light wicking polyester material, and because it is more fitted than most jerseys, getting adequate ventilation was challenging.  This jersey is even designed to accommodate body armor–that is, if I ever was daring enough to have the need for body armor!

As I mentioned earlier, the Mint Chocolate Chip Loeka jersey was a perfect match with the Harmony tech shorts.  These stylish shorts have a cute plaid print and fun capri length.  They are big and baggy, much looser fitting than the top.

Obviously style is important to me in choosing mountain bike clothing, but function is just as important on the trail, if not more so.  My first functional criteria with mountain bike shorts is having a removable chamois or room for your own chamois.  Since I’m particular about my chamois, I love the fact that the tech short offers plenty of room to wear whatever you want underneath the shorts.  Without a bulky sewn-in chamois, I can wear these shorts comfortably off the trails too.

The Harmony tech shorts are made of a thick micro suede polyester, similar to that of board shorts.  This material makes some noise with leg movements which seems like a fair trade-off since it keeps the shorts water resistant (against spring showers or dewy morning rides).  Thanks to the soft inner mesh liner and water resistant coating, I can stay cool and dry under any conditions.

Last on my functional requirements list are ample pockets and there are pockets galore on the Loeka tech shorts!  With two side, two front, AND two rear pockets, I can take extra goodies like snacks, my cell phone, a mini camera, and chapstick, with me on a ride.  I appreciate all the pockets even more when wearing these shorts off the bike since there’s plenty of room for my keys, ID cards, money and other junk.

If you’re looking for functional and feminine on the MTB trail, check out Loeka’s Spring and Summer lines for some great mix-and-match options!

I’m a big fan of mountain bike specific shorts for a lot of reasons: they’re comfortable, they look good, they fit well, they protect stuff, and they’re ultra-low maintenance. The Viper shorts from Sugoi are the perfect example of what’s great about mountain bike shorts and if you’re not already a believer, allow me to explain…

Comfort: The Sugoi Viper shorts are designed first and foremost with comfort in mind. From the integrated S.100 chamois with one piece construction and zero seams to the breathable dry wick outer material, these shorts just feel good on the bike and on the trail. Some folks may not care for an integrated liner but for me, it’s a good compromise because the liner material can be much lighter weight and breathable than typical spandex bike shorts. I hardly noticed the padding which is a good thing – not so thick that I feel like I’m wearing a diaper but thick enough that my ass wasn’t hurting after a moderate ride.

Style: The Viper shorts look cool as hell. I know, I know, you’re gonna say buying clothes based on how they look is silly but if that were true you’d be going to work covered in a burlap sack. Nope, style is at least a little important to most of us and the Viper shorts are semi-fitted giving them a sporty profile and just the right leg coverage (down to the kneecaps). Colors are neutral and sleek on the outside while the inside includes some neon details that just might surprise you (I’ve never seen a bright orange chamois before). In terms of fit you may want to consider choosing a smaller size if you’re unsure – the large shorts are a little droopy on my size 33 waist.

Fit: In my mind fit and style go hand in hand but when you’re mountain biking fit is all about managing flapping fabrics. The Sugoi Vipers have a high cut in the rear to keep your shorts from snagging your saddle nose on steep descents and are are virtually unflappable even at high speed. No need to worry about material getting sucked into your wheel or chain either – the length on the Vipers is perfect. One thing the Viper is missing is a drawstring for cinching up toward the end of a dehydrating epic ride (or epic diet).

Protecting stuff: We all have stuff to protect and the liner in the Viper shorts will secure your family jewels comfortably. The outer shorts are made from tough Nylon material that should stand up to all but the gnarliest tree snags and dirt slides. The Vipers also include four velcro-sealed pockets (two front, two back) to keep your gear secure, even on rooty and rocky trails. I actually had a hard time quickly accessing my pockets because the velcro is so tight – must be some extra strength velcro or something…

Low maintenance: Throw the Viper shorts in the wash with all your other clothes – how low maintenance is that? The shorts also include two elastic loops inside which I imagine could be used to hang them to dry after a quick rinse at the campground. Integrated liner means you won’t have to match up your shorts after every load of laundry.

Yep, the Sugoi Viper shorts make a solid foundation for any mountain biker’s trail ensemblé and are a HUGE upgrade for anyone still rocking the tight spandex or Umbro soccer shorts on the trail. Try them out and you’ll see what I mean – no need to thank me.