Fitted MTB Shorts Rockrider Race - Black

I bought these shorts as I was looking for a more practical alternative to lycra shorts (I'm a road cyclist, so have plenty of bib shorts, but wanted something more practical for work, and a slightly cooler look when I jump on my gravel or MTB 😀). These shorts are exactly what I was after. Nice material and weight, very fitted cut with a good amount of stretch (I've a waist that fluctuates between 32 and 34 inch, but the constant is rugby players glutes/hammies). Also some great features including a small front pocket for a key or a card and a zip on/off bum bag that is perfect for a mobile phone and some bike repair kit. Very well thought through cycle shorts and highly recommend

Overall I really like the fit in the legs, close but not tight, they ride up to sit snugly where your thigh muscles widen up and low enough to clear padded under shorts. These are perfect for gravel riding or more sedate road riding when Lycra just seems a bit too revealing or formal and MTB shorts flap in the wind on faster or road sections. Although in warm weather they do get a little hot as there’s no ventilation since they are snug on the thighs. And for MTB they’re a little thin when it comes to brambles and so on. Being a 34” waist I originally ordered size L. It’s marked as L/34 but actually measured closer to 32, and with the waist adjusters already at max and with no stretch left I couldn’t get close to even doing them up, so I exchanged it for XL marked 37”. It’s more like 35”. With waist adjusters pulled in it’s just enough to fit if a little loose. If the waist sizing was a little better they’d be perfect, but they’re still my fave shorts for gravel rides. Side pocket is well placed for a phone and doesn’t notice while riding, I’ve even put a short pump in there. Rear pocket seems a bit odd and I keep forgetting to use it, but it zips off if it becomes an issue, which it didn’t for me.

Fitted but not tight and clingy. Just the right length. Good amount of all round stretch. Phone pocket is the right size and positioned well. The pop on pouch at the back is just right to carry a wallet.