WRECKED & Rated MBUK
HOW WE TEST THE KIT
Starts with a detailed product check in the workshop. We strip and rebuild, checking for any problems. Next we hit the trails… hard! We test in real riding conditions for the complete picture. And finally we re-test with another tester.
WHY OUR TESTS ARE THE BEST!
Our test team is made up of some of the most respected bike and kit testers in the world. We have unrivalled knowledge and experience, and spend a vast amount of time making sure we get it right. We tell you the truth and aren’t influenced by PR or advertisers.
ABOUT OUR TEST TEAM
Our technical-editor-in-chief, Rob Weaver, gets new products in as soon as they’re available and coordinates all the testing through our vastly experienced band of reviewers, who have decades of riding and testing experience.
Fox Defend 2-in-1 winter shorts £170
Fox have combined waterproof shorts with full-length thermal tights – complete with in-built knee pads – in a bid to provide ultimate winter comfort and protection. While the outer shorts have impressive waterproofing (10,000mm) and breathability (30,000g/m2) ratings, they only managed to shrug off splashes from puddles and light rain. In severe deluges they didn’t cope as proficiently, and on one particularly soggy ride, water seeped through the seat panel. Mud and spray can also get in through the gap in the waterproof material on the inner thighs, which exposes the tights underneath. Thankfully, the leggings kept us warm even when soaking wet, and the chamois remained comfy after multiple damp, gruelling hours in the saddle. The shorts follow the shape of the tights, so aren’t especially generous in terms of fit. Also, the stitching that keeps them in place over the leggings caused small rucks and folds that no amount of repositioning or pulling taut could fix. The integrated knee protection is a bonus and works as well as standalone pads, with no movement – impressive, considering the lack of straps, which helps make them very comfy. The 2-in-1s are best suited to cold days with some puddles, rather than conditions preferred by ducks – but with a few tweaks could work for both. Alex www.uk.foxracing.com
HIGHS
Impressive comfort even when soaking wet and covered in mud
Built-in knee protectors are as secure as
