Spring is nearly over and we’re about to head into what we hope will be another incredible summer of riding. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll be needing to switch to your warm-weather riding kit. One key item being a decent pair of trail shorts. These need to have a comfortable fit that’s neither so baggy they’ll flap in the wind nor so tight it’ll restrict your movement. The legs have to be wide enough to fit knee pads underneath, and a decent length (preferences vary, but at least make sure there’s no gap between your shorts and pads!). Whatever fabric they’re made from must have sufficient stretch and the right balance of weight, durability and breathability for your riding.
Then there’s the smaller details – are the pockets in the right places, is there any ventilation, can you customise the fit without badly-placed Velcro ripping your jersey to shreds, etc. Of course, aesthetics play their part, too. Several brands have gone all-out with their use of prints and bright colours this year, and it looks like wild cat prints are still in, too.
Also, think about how the shorts are made. Many brands are making a big effort to use more eco-friendly manufacturing methods and reduce their carbon footprint. Look for the bluesign logo – an initiative set up to change the mentality of the textile industry with regards to sustainability – and check manufacturers’ websites to see if they
