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I usually wear lycra on my CX bike, but thinking of getting something a bit more casual for bivvying, long days out, etc.
Saw this bike review and the rider's shorts look like the kind of thing I'm after:
http://enduro-mtb.com/en/open-u-p-review-unrestricted-generation/
Any ideas?
[url= http://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/touring-shorts/product/TSH03 ]Rapha Touring?[/url]
[url= https://www.swrve.co.uk/collections/shorts/products/lightweight-wwr-reguler-short-1 ]Swrve ? [/url]
[url= http://www.vulpine.cc/uk/mens/trousers-shorts/mens-gravel-short-in-black ]Vulpine?[/url]
Swrve for me unless you're somewhere hot. I did a three month euro tour in a pair - very hard wearing and yet nice soft/stretchy material. Wife got me some posh Rapha randonnee shorts which are beautiful, but can't bring myself to wear them touring now there's a snotty dirty baby along for the ride too!
Just got some of the Gore Alp-X shorts which are a lycra bib short and lightweight baggy combined with plenty of ventilation mesh too - very well made, fitting and airy so likely to be my first choice for my summer 'epic' rides of 24hr+ where comfort becomes really apparent and one mis-placed seam can be an instrument of torture.
Have a pair of Mavic shorts and seem to match your needs, very slim, nice cut and, after 5 years of riding, pretty bomb proof.
In fact, may get myself another pair at that price.
Endura MTR shorts are pretty slim and comfortable. I do get a bit of a swish noise from rubbing fabric when I wear them which annoys me as 90 of te time I'm just in lycra, but otherwise they are good
how's the sizing on the swrve shorts?
I bought some Rapha touring shorts in't sale after hearing lots of good stuff about them. I'm 32" in everything. got a 32" in these. Tighter than anything else I own by a good margin, and there are adjustment bands at each side to take them in by another 2"! Definitely not a pair for a pub lunch ride!
I was already wincing when I opened the Rapha link, but they're actually similar to a lot of normal baggies at RRP.
Maybe a touch 'urban' for me, but look ok.
Vulpines look a bit too jeansy for offroad to me. Maybe same for the Swrves.
The stretchy, floppy fabric on my Race Face shorts is pretty good - just with too loud graphics.
Those Mavic Crossmax look nice and light and airy - I'm definitely not XL or XXL though 🙂 so £65 for me.
Sizing on my Swrve is pretty regular I think, mine fit about the same as my jeans.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then the DHB baggy is a good slim cut, and really hard wearing. Quick drying also.
[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-flashlight-baggy-short/ ]DHB Baggy[/url]
A lot of outdoorsy shorts might be OK for this, if you're not worried about seat reinforcement or a pair of inner shorts
I've worn my craghoppers strech kiwi pro shorts over undershorts a few times. Nice and stretchy material, got fit not too baggy so work well on road/touring type rides
Cargo shorts from Sainsburys and some spray on proofer.
I've been doing quite a lot of riding over the last year in rapaha touring shorts and they're great - good fit, not too warm, not too heavy, not draggy across the knees and quite understated.
The only thing that lets them down is the pockets - a small zipped front pocket (of no use) and a zipped rear pocket that isn't accessible...
I bought some vulpine shorts last year in the sale, and I'm not convinced about them yet. quite stiff and heavy, and the sizing is a bit more towards relaxed cruising rather than comfortable touring.
I do work for Evans so there's the disclaimer but having had rapha, giro and vulpine tour shorts, the fwe samples I've been riding a while now are the best fitting and really durable. Not sure how final stock will be but I hope they're the same so I can stock up. Really nice slim fit, no flap when wet, dry fast. Brilliant.
Montane make good shorts
I use:
poly cotton work shorts
Or
Some sort of wool blend off / smart casual trousers chopped down and hememed to shorts.
Both of these work well, coupled with some padded hort underneath if required. Hard waring, comfortable, quick drying.
jameso - I'll keep an eye out for those - any sample pics?
I've been using some non-bike shorts for casual rides and they are mostly fine - usually lack a secure pocket, but tend to either be short or baggy - not long and slim. I will keep a lookout though as fashions are slimmer now than they were.
Endura MTR +1 NOT Vulpine they do not last stitching wish in the crutch
swrve shorts are too thick and denimy for hot/ long days. Love mine but would hate to do ore than 30 km in them in one go.
I have some sugoi HOV shorts which are great; but i got them end of line a year ago. [url= http://startcycles.co.uk/sugoi-h-o-v-utility-cycling-shorts-36264u-blk.html?gclid=CJaZm_Td-ssCFe8W0wodi1ALZw ]only seem to be available in XL [/url]
Endura Urban any cop?
Edit: actually I just bought some wild country climbing shirts which have a gusset crotch and are pretty snug. Maybe too snug but they are stretchy.
[url= https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Wild_Country_Work_Climbing_Shorts_M_Dark_Denim-(98922)?Curr=GBP/?keyword=&gclid=CjwKEAjw55K4BRC53L6x9pyDzl4SJAD_21V1I8L4edDEOO3LQ0PJUcuK7iY5__6ZXQEoPMDtuH7BzBoCXBjw_wcB ]these bad uns[/url]
These were good. Dunno what they're replaced with but they were a bargain and seem to live forever...
[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-navo-baggy-short/ ]DHB Navo[/url]
I keep [url= http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/for-the-rider/legwear/cycling-shorts/7mesh-glidepath-short.html ]looking at these 7mesh shorts[/url] but at £90 they are about £30 too expensive for my sensibilities.
Looking at the back, I wouldn't be surprised if the replacement was the 'flashlight' range.theboyneeds - MemberThese were good. Dunno what they're replaced with but they were a bargain and seem to live forever...
DHB Navo
Yep - they do look the ticket. (perhaps a little on the flappy side). In a half price sale...somafunk - MemberI keep looking at these 7mesh shorts but at £90 they are about £30 too expensive for my sensibilities.
Endura MTR are the slimmest, most comfortable baggies I've got for wearing over Lycra on the Road bike. The Singletrack Lites are a very similar fabric with slight more discreet logos and casual looks.
jameso - I'll keep an eye out for those - any sample pics?
Nothing that really shows them well. Plain w/o logos, std pockets plus 2 rear small side zip pockets, subtle reflective details on rear. Belt loops and 2-way stretch that fit/works better than I expected.
Yep the DHB Navo is now the Flashlight baggy I posted earlier. Kind of annoying really as I'm not a huge fan of the flashlight bits from a cosmetic view point.
Mavic Crossride look good if a bit more pricey and they apparently integrate with Mavics 'bum' bag thing, although no idea how well.
My Swrve size the same as my Endura singletracks but neither are as comfortable as plain lycra which I have to wear underneath anyway.
These are currently top of my list too - they look soft, light, well cut and plain.Mavic Crossride look good if a bit more pricey and they apparently integrate with Mavics 'bum' bag thing, although no idea how well.
When are the fwe's available?
Dunno sorry Jimmy, not my area. I just got passed some for testing after wearing through the seat of some other brand shorts in not much more than 3 months : )
For those with the Endura mtr's, how do they size up compared to Singletracks or MT500's ?
They are indeed a bit spendy - look good though!
For those with the Endura mtr's, how do they size up compared to Singletracks or MT500's
mine are all medium.
^^^^ thanks, that's what I was hoping. Cheers
Just rode in a set of the final-cut FWE shorts, will be ordering a few pairs. The sizing is great - I can get into the S as the fit is the same as the M samples I've had for a while, I'm 6' / 32" waist and the S size has a slim-fit on the leg with good length, ie the leg is relatively long for the waist and leg width. None of that Steve Irwin look. A production M will have a bit more room and added leg length but still not a flappy MTB short.
Edit. Steve Irwin eh. Miss that guy on TV. He was brilliant.
me too, although your 'Steve Irwin look' comment for some reason brought memories of Bob Mortimer doing a Ray Mears impression.Edit. Steve Irwin eh. Miss that guy on TV. He was brilliant.
On another note, I saw a FWE top in Evans the other day that looked reasonably priced for a decently cut top, so am hopeful for the shorts.
Please post back on here if you know they are available to buy.
(traditional size s waist, but looking for longish leg length).
Are these the shorts JamesO?
https://www.evanscycles.com/fwe-ridgeway-baggy-short-EV265701
If so apparently they are in stock at my nearest store.
Will take a look.
They look cracking JamesO
They're the ones. Just got myself a new pair but the sample short are still going strong. Top job by the clothing PM. I just rode them to see if I could wear the seat out of them as quick as some others I had .. failed.
Alex, sorry for not updating when they arrived, didn't see your last post til now.
Really liking the look of those shorts.
No worries James - I'm off to try them on today.
What's the advantage compared with wearing ordinary shorts over lycra?
Different cut in the crotch which stops the seams rubbing on your gooch etc
Not from a cycling brand, but Haglöfs Lizard shorts are brilliant - stretchy soft shell fabric, decently light and comfortable, close-ish fit, but not tight. Ideal over Lycra on a cross bike or on the mountain bike too. They could do with a reinforced seat for biking use, but they're still decently durable as they are. Built-in belt, pockets etc.
Expensive unless you buy them off season in a sale, but very, very good.
The FWE shorts look interesting.
Could the FWE shorts finally be a non-ludicrously priced slim pair of shorts to replace my DHB Dynos?
Only one way to find out, although I wish they had the regular horizontal zipped pockets on the rear....*orders*
Rapha touring short here, 4 years commuting duties and still look like they have another 4 in them. So pricey yes, but looking good value in my book, and nice to know that any repairs needed will be covered. They are true to size and cut to be a close fit. Bit dandy I guess, but I can live with that.
James.. any advice on the fit of those Evans shorts? True to waist size?
Ah well - the search continues for me.
Tried the small (xs wasn't in stock).
Fit was a bit baggy for me - especially at the back under the bum.
I do have very skinny legs though.
Length was a tad short (pretty typical for size s)
Fabric was a bit crunchy/rustley (although this might ease with wear).
With no adjustment possible, I would have needed a belt which doesn't quite seem right for road riding.
Pockets were a little weirdly placed, but at least there were 2 zippered ones for phone/key.
It wasn't a wasted trip though as I bought the fwe light blue jersey.
Here's the fit on my skinny pins
[img] 
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I just wish DHB would bring back a non-flashlight version of the Navo / Dyno, that was a decently priced slim style baggy. Mine have done nearly 4 years of commuting no issues.
Those Evans ones are closest I've seen, might be worth a visit.
After having a better look, and Alex's review, I think I am going to hold off till some more reviews come in.
If Evans did free returns, no store near me, I'd take the punt.
I just wish DHB would bring back a non-flashlight version of the Navo / Dyno, that was a decently priced slim style baggy. Mine have done nearly 4 years of commuting no issues.
Amen, Brother. I have the Dynos and they have been the best shorts I've ever had. The only thing I dislike is the laser vents can sometimes make wearing them casually a bit awkward 😉
...but apart from that I was gutted when I saw they'd stop selling them, and just had those crappy hi-viz covered baggys instead.
Nothing to ad, just bookmarking so I can find the thread later and have a look. I need shorts but always go for Mavic. Some good suggestions here by the look of things.
Alex, the smalls on me look very different, you're wanting a much slimmer fit. Any slimmer than the S is and I'd find them restrictive when pedalling. The FWE S size fit feels similar slim/closeness overall to a 32W Levi 501, the waist is the same and the leg is only fractionally wider seam to seam. About right for me, pedalling in 501s is ok but 514s feel a bit snug although simply a slim fit off the bike. Fit is so tricky to get right.
Fabric isn't what I'd call crunchy, if anything it feels a bit thicker than most but it's not the cotton feel of some that I've found can wear fast. Low-middling on the cotton-to-shiny scale when new?
For comparison I found the Rapha 32s too close fiting in places for a good on-bike fit, and a bit shorter from memory but the 34s were too loose at the waist. The Giro and Hoy Vlpine shorts are both a fair bit shorter in the leg in a M/32 than the FWEs in S.
I was also going to say Mavic :
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic/shorts-cycle
mine are nice fitting (or were last summer...), light and airy, and ergonomicaly cut for the knee, not sure which ones they are 'til I get home.
Yes, I can imagine that fit will be different for many.
I'm only a 29" waist, but I noticed that the length was getting shorter from L to M to S, so an XS would be even shorter.
It's definitely not bad compared to some, but I think I'm looking for something with a bit of stretch/floppiness to allow a slimmer fit.Fabric isn't what I'd call crunchy, if anything it feels a bit thicker than most but it's not the cotton feel of some that I've found can wear fast. Low-middling on the cotton-to-shiny scale when new?
The fabric in my Race Face shorts is excellent, but I'd want to remove the white highlights and large pocket flaps.
[img]
?v=1404066477[/img]I definitely don't want cotton/denim feel.
Just noticed this thread resurgence - tk maxx have (or at least had a few weeks ago...) a load of the Giro "new road" stuff in, I got a pair of shorts & a couple of casual styled riding tees which would fit the bill well for touring (I had to size up in the shorts, they are pretty slim), might be worth a look if there's one nearby
j
Ground Effect Double Happys - I have an ancient pair (10 years ish) still going strong.
They were cut a little short for my taste, don't know if thats still the case, but they are still in regular use.
Dakine 8 track.
I've had two pairs which have got me through 30 mins each way to work for 7 years(!) Had the arse repaired on one pair, zips on both replaced. Main material still going strong. Use for MTB too. Baggy enough to be very comfy, light enough in summer, dont flap about in the wind.
Pockets only on the front but are shaped so stuff sits down the outside of your legs.
Just brilliant.
I think I might have to try and find some Raphas to see in the flesh and try on. Maybe other people's 'too slim' is perfect for me.
@BWD
You're a big fan of Haglofs, I am guessing? 😉
@BWDYou're a big fan of Haglofs, I am guessing?
I really like the Lizard Shorts, but they are stupidly expensive, so I generally buy them reduced in sales off season. Been through around four pairs now and find it hard to see past them. The only two downsides are that wth heavy use the seat fades and eventually wears through, but it takes a lot, and the welded seams by the pockets come unstuck after a lot of use. You can re-glue them with an iron and sometimes some suitable heat-activated adhesive stuff. I couldn't justify buying them at full price though. 😐
Edit: oh, you mean the shoes as well. So yeah, I guess so, but they're the only two bits of Haglöfs I regularly use along with an old Windstopper-fronted gilet.
I just bought some of the FWE shorts mentioned above in a medium. Good fit on the waist and hips for a standard issue 32" waist and seem nicely made , but they're around an inch or two too short for my tastes, sit just above the knee. All personal preference I know, but I prefer my shorts to just about cover my knee-caps.
Yep, they do seem well made and I like the stealth reflective bits. Things in the pockets wouldn't annoy and they have a nice high back. I tried them again today and liked them more but for the length. Especially as they aren't ridiculously expensive.I just bought some of the FWE shorts mentioned above in a medium. Good fit on the waist and hips for a standard issue 32" waist and seem nicely made , but they're around an inch or two too short for my tastes, sit just above the knee. All personal preference I know, but I prefer my shorts to just about cover my knee-caps.
But... After looking around at all the normal outdoor shops today I just prefer the really lightweight fabrics of the Rab, North Face, Hagloffs, etc brands at the moment and they have zippered pockets and are nicely long and slim.
I've never tried them on a bike though.
Just tried the FWE's on. Don't suit my build - S was OK for my 32" waist but not my big butt, and the legs were boxy rather than slim. They did feel a bit like school shorts, too, albeit well made and seem robust especially for the money.
I think I'll stick to medium Endura and get some singletrack lites.
Inspired by this thread I've also been looking for some slim shorts.
I just had a few pairs of Troy lee connect shots delivered. Initial thoughts are they are pretty much perfect.
Lightweight, slim fitting and some nice details, like zippy pockets front and back.
They were half price, so only £24 a pair.
Army green is an awesome colour and the concrete is pretty nice too.
I'll have to see how they perform an the bike but in the ' strut around the house' test, they did well.
Where did you get them from? They look nice!
Decathlon do some walking shorts for 20 quid that are perfect for biking slim cut but very stretchy, have zip pockets and a decent belt. Short legs though so your lycra inners may show a bit!
I've got a pair of these on order: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/one-industries-tech-casual-shorts-2016/rp-prod139255
Look like they might be OK. I'll let you know how I get on.
[img] 
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The fabric looks good on those Ned - pockets might be a bit useless unless the zippered one is big enough for a phone and it doesn't get in the way.
on and on - they don't look bad. I can only find 28" black (which might be ok) at £24 though - where did you get them?
Another +1 for Haglofs Lizard Shorts, got a couple of pairs and i can't see past them. I've got the Lizard Jacket also, I use both of them for climbing and biking.
I think these are the same as the ones Joolsburger means: [url= http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mens-forclaz-500-dark-grey-id_8360675.html# ]http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mens-forclaz-500-dark-grey-id_8360675.html#[/url] - I've got two pairs and they're great, very lightweight, stretchy and seem pretty hardwearing. I'm 6'1" and 32" waist and the medium fits spot on, although if they were an inch longer in the leg they'd be perfect.
Of the ones I tried on in town (couldn't find the Haglofs Lizards), my favourites were the North Face Speedlights and the Rab Vertex
As you can see, they are nice and long and slim. Very light stretchy fabric too.
[img] 
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[img] 
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The bike-specific ones seem higher on the back, but otherwise I can't really see why I can't use them on the bike.
I ordered mine online from Rutland. I think CRC had them also but were a couple of quid more.
I've been using rapha touring shorts for commuting for years. They're hard wearing, very comfortable, shrug off light showers and the rear pocket is great for a phone.
And they're a slim fit.
They look great but unfortunate out of stock 🙁 . I wanted a pair
28/32 in stock, fat person sizes are out of stock. Are you sure you want slim fit 🙂
If you can access the rapha survey you can get a 20% code but you'd better go on a diet 🙂
I wanted a 34 for some extra comfort room. I'm 40 next week FFS 🙂
In all seriousness, I may order 32 as I'm boarder line ( fat ) do these size up small, ok or large ?
I wanted a 34 for some extra comfort room. I'm 40 next week FFSIn all seriousness, I may order 32 as I'm boarder line ( fat ) do these size up small, ok or large ?
If you're turning 40, I'd go for a 36 - trust me on this 😉
I've taken one for the team and been through:
FWE Ridgeway
Endura Urban
One Industries Casual
DHB Flashlight
By far the best fitting and most comfortable feeling are the DHB flashlight. Lightweight and well-fitted with a bit of clingy-stretch, they're also conveniently the cheapest.
*when I say been through, bought and returned.