Leatt: casual combination for enduro and trail
Leatt DBX 3.0 Shorts
- Price: 79,90 Euro
- Info: www.leatt.com
- Weight: 325 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: brush-blue / black / brushed
- Inside leg length: 36 cm
details
4-way stretch with water-repellent coating; zip pocket; 3D-moulded knee section; waistband width adjustable with hook & loop fastener
The South African manufacturer is actually known for neck protection systems and protectors. For some time now, however, Leatt has also been offering interestingly priced and stylish clothing. The DBX 3.0 shorts were developed for trail and enduro use and, with their pre-shaped knee section, reach just below the kneecap. The leg cuffs are wide enough to comfortably fit pads underneath. A reinforced hem on the inside prevents the trousers from being rubbed by the knee pads. However, if you ride without knee protectors, the leg cuffs catch a little on the knees when pedalling. Leatt is not stingy when it comes to features and has given the DBX 3.0 a dirt and water-repellent DWR impregnation, a zip pocket on the thigh and a well-functioning Velcro adjustment on the waistband. The seat area has also been reinforced with robust 500D material. The trousers could be cut a little higher at the rear and be more flexible. They tend to slide down a little when pedalling.
Leatt DBX 2.0 Jersey
- Price: 47,90 Euro
- Info: www.leatt.com
- Weight: 177 grams (size L)
- Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: brush-blue / brush-teal
details
MoistureCool material; special collar shape for neck brace; goggle cleaning cloth
The colour-coordinated DBX 2.0 jersey matches the shorts and is particularly striking due to its extremely soft, almost cotton-like feel. The downside: on hot days, the shirt quickly feels a little sweaty. A glasses cleaning cloth is integrated on the inside right. The collar is cut in such a way that it fits perfectly under the Leatt neck braces. The entire shirt is quite stretchy so that it can also be worn well in combination with elbow or back protectors.
Continue with Scott on the next page...
Scott: an extremely lightweight combination for trail use
Scott Trail MTN Aero
- Price: 79,95 Euro
- Info: www.scott-sports.com
- Weight: 138 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: black; dark blue; light blue; yellow; orange
- Inside leg length: 25 cm
details
UV protection material; taped seams; laser-cut ventilation openings; thigh pocket with zip; DWR coating; waistband width adjustable with Velcro fastener
The Scott Trail MTN Aero is the minimalist version of a bike short and the right choice for anyone who doesn't want to wear too much fabric on the trail. Nevertheless, the lightweight and fairly short-cut shorts are technically sophisticated. Almost all the seams are glued, the ventilation openings are laser-cut and the waist size can be adjusted quickly and easily using Velcro. The shorts are fastened with a zip, hook fastener and press studs. Guaranteed to stay in place, even if the cheese spaetzle from the mountain pasture stretches the trousers. A small pocket on the outside of the thigh offers space for money or gel. The surface of the Trail MTN Aero has a water-repellent coating. Unfortunately, this only keeps out a little splash water, but in no way transforms the shorts into fully-fledged rain trousers. The material is very comfortable to wear and only rustles slightly. However, due to the somewhat low stretch content, the shorts move quite far up the thigh when pedalling.
Scott Trail MTN Aero s/sl
- Price: 39,95 Euro
- Info: www.scott-sports.com
- Weight: 105 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: dark grey; light blue; navy; dark blue, green
details
Extremely lightweight mesh shirt without frills
Scott offers an extremely reduced functional shirt to match the lightweight trousers. Thanks to the ultra-light knit, the Trail MTN Aero Shirt is barely tighter than a fly net, at least at the back. It feels correspondingly airy during the ride. In addition, the two-layer construction of the fabric is supposed to allow perspiration to flow through channels to the surface. Whether this is just marketing blah-blah or actually works remains to be seen. The fact is: the Trail MTN Aero Shirt doesn't let heat build up even on extremely hot days.
Continue with Fox on the next page...
Fox: casual cut and well thought-out materials
Fox Attack Short
- Price: 85 Euro
- Info: www.foxracing.de
- Weight: 217 grams (size 34)
- Sizes: 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36 / 38 / 40
- Colours: black; red; light indigo; light blue
- Inside leg length: 33 cm
details
Ratchet fastening, laser-cut ventilation openings, 4-way stretch, zip pockets
If you only know Fox from suspension forks and dampers, you're missing half the story. The Californian company Fox Racing Inc. has been manufacturing functional clothing since 1974 and is a big name in motocross sport in particular.
With the Attack Short, the Americans have a light and airy bike short for hot summer days in their range. The shorts are made from a 4-way stretch fabric and fit comfortably and unobtrusively right from the start. The wide stretch waistband ensures that you hardly feel the trousers and that nothing slips during the ride. Unlike most models, the waist size of the Attack Short can be adjusted using a ratchet. This works quickly and comfortably, and the adjustment range is also sufficient for the right size.
The Attack Short is equipped with two zip pockets in which small items can be stowed. Laser-cut ventilation openings on the inside of the thighs ensure that the legs are well ventilated. The lightweight yet robust material rustles a little when pedalling. The length of the trousers is well chosen for trail use. Endurists and freeriders are better off choosing a model that extends further over the pads. Unfortunately, the Fox label on the thigh comes off after the second wash.
Fox Attack Pro Jersey
- Price: 65 Euro
- Info: www.foxracing.de
- Weight: 126 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL
- Colours: black; red; light indigo
details
Upper body made from temperature-regulating Polartec Delta material; sleeves made from hard-wearing Cordura; laser-cut ventilation openings
Unlike the trousers, the Attack Pro Jersey feels a little unfamiliar at first. This is due to the combination of two materials. While the torso is made from the extremely airy Polartec Delta fabric, which is slightly see-through against the light, the sleeves are made from the robust, but also somewhat irritating Cordura material. The shirt fits loosely like a T-shirt and is cut relatively long, so it still reaches over the back of the trousers even when in a cycling position. During the ride, the wind whistles through the almost mesh-like fabric. There is no need to worry about overheating here. The material combination is also not noticeable on the trail. The bonded cuffs on the sleeves and collar are very comfortable to wear.
Continue with Assos on the next page...
Assos: sporty combination for racers and trail bikers
Assos Trail Cargo Shorts
- Price: 120 Euro
- Info: www.assos.com
- Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XLG / TIR
- Colours: black
- Inside leg length: 33 cm
details
Stretch waistband with silicone prints; two zip pockets; 4-way stretch fabric
Surely the tailors were joking? That's what you think when you slip into the lightweight Assos suit for the first time. The MTB trousers stick out at the knees like an awning and almost reach the centre of the lumbar spine at the back when standing. The shirt feels like you've put it on the wrong way round. You intuitively look for the washing label at the front. What on earth were the Swiss thinking? They know how to make cycling clothes. They know too. But first you have to sit in the saddle. Then the Trail Cargo Shorts suddenly fit like a glove. The shorts end just before the knees and don't bump back and forth even when pedalling. The stretchy waistband looks like a pair of leggings. But where other manufacturers only achieve the right fit with Velcro adjustments, the Swiss simply solve the problem with the cut. The waistband always stays in the right place and is really comfortable to wear. Sitting down, standing up, behind the saddle: nothing slips, nothing pinches. You have to get that right first. Assos keeps the features of the Trail Cargo Shorts well organised. There are two well-placed zip pockets on the thigh that can be operated with one hand, an all-round reflective tape on the back and otherwise few frills. The fit is more athletic than loose fit. For now, however, prospective buyers will have to wait and see. Unfortunately, the lightweight trail suit will not be available until next season.
Assos Trail SS Jersey
- Price: 90 Euro
- Info: www.assos.com
- Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XLG / TIR
- Colours: green; red; blue
details
Mesh fabric on the forearm
As mentioned above, our first thought when putting on the Assos suit was: totally cut. The torso seemed twisted, the sleeves pinched in the armpits. On the bike, the picture changes. The shirt fits comfortably around the body and sits loosely without flapping in the wind. Only the sleeves are a little tight on the upper arm for our taste. The material is light and airy and doesn't make you feel sweaty. At the end of the tour, the shirt dries very quickly. The Swiss company doesn't have any pockets, zips or other features on its Trail SS Jersey.
Continue with Specialised on the next page...
Specialised: stylish and reduced to the bare essentials
Specialised Atlas Pro Short
- Price: 89,90 Euro
- Info: www.specialized.com
- Weight: 204 grams (size 34)
- Sizes: 30 / 32 / 34 / 36 / 38 / 40 / 42
- Colours: grey / black
- Inside leg length: 33 cm
details
Two zip pockets on the thigh; laser-cut ventilation openings; taped seams; press stud adjustment on the back
With the new Atlas Pro Short, Specialized has gone all high-tech: taped seams, laser-cut ventilation openings on the inner thigh and a lightweight 4-way stretch material that is nevertheless designed to be robust to a certain extent.
In size 34, the Atlas Pro reaches to around the middle of the knee and, when seated on the bike, is just short of the knee pad (if one is worn). The shorts are closed using a classic zip and press stud. The waist width adjustment is hidden behind a zip at the back. The width can be adjusted using three press studs. This is a little awkward, especially if you are already wearing the trousers. The adjustment range is also very limited. In comparison, the Atlas Pro is rather large.
The soft material is super comfortable to wear on the trail and the micro-perforation keeps it airy even on hot days. Nothing rustles, nothing flutters. The only drawback is the inconvenient and inadequate waist adjustment.
Specialised Atlas Pro Jersey
- Price: 59,90 Euro
- Info: www.specialized.com
- Weight: 146 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: blue / grey
details
Deflect UV 30 protection; taped seams; lasercut ventilation openings on the back
As with the shorts, Specialized also uses technically sophisticated materials for the Atlas Pro Jersey. The casual shirt has a pleasantly loose fit and feels like a breath of nothing. The front part is made of knitted VaporRize material and allows plenty of air to reach the body. The back has a so-called Xylitol print on the inside, which feels pleasantly cool against the skin. In addition, laser-cut ventilation holes run down the entire spine. The seams at the cuffs are taped and feel comfortable against the skin without scratching. Unfortunately, they wear out a little under tension, which can happen when slipping in and out.
Continue with Vaude on the next page...
Vaude: environmentally friendly combi for trail bikers
Vaude Me Slickrock Shorts
- Price: 100 Euro
- Info: www.vaude.com
- Weight: 211 grams (size M)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: black / light blue / dark blue
- Inside leg length: 34.5 cm
details
Two slit pockets; zip pocket on the thigh; belt loops
The Slickrock Short is part of the Vaude Green Shape Collection. This means that they are manufactured in a particularly environmentally friendly way. Their material is bluesign certified. For an enduro short, the shorts have a somewhat narrow cut. Pads only just fit under the trouser legs, which also slide up slightly when pedalling. There is no waistband adjustment, but thanks to the stretchy waistband, the Slickrock shorts stay in place. The material is pleasantly light and just right for warm days. It also dries very quickly. The shorts have two classic slash pockets, practical for a visit to the beer garden. On the trail, however, we would be afraid of losing the load at some point. Small items can also be safely stored in the zip pocket on the thigh. The elasticated material only rustles slightly when pedalling, but is otherwise comfortable to wear. The Slickrock shorts are available in three colours. The colour block on the thigh is of course a matter of taste, but we would prefer the shorts in a single colour.
VaudeMe Moab Shirt III
- Price: 50 Euro
- Info: www.vaude.com
- Weight: 150 grams (size L)
- Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: green / red / blue / grey
details
Reversible shirt, consists of 28% Tencel
The Moab Shirt is made from 28 per cent sustainably sourced wood. The mix of Tencel and polyester is very fresh and comfortable to wear. The open-pored fabric also allows plenty of airflow to reach the body. The shirt is cut rather loose and wide and also offers space for protectors underneath. Nice detail: the Moab jersey is a reversible shirt and can be worn on both sides. However, you should remove the thick washing label before reversing. Apart from that, the eco-friendly jersey doesn't offer any special features. Nevertheless, for a budget-friendly 50 euros you get a comfortable shirt with hardly anything to complain about.
Continue with Gore on the next page...
Gore: classic trail suit with lots of function
Gore C5 Trail Shorts
- Price: 119,95 Euro
- Info: www.gorewear.com
- Weight: 270 grams (size M)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: red / blue / green / black
- Inside leg length: 36.5 cm
details
Waist width adjustable via Velcro, 2 zip pockets, ventilation and extension for protectors on the thigh, splash protection on the rear and inside of the thigh
You have to dig deep into your pocket for the new C5 Trail Shorts. But you also get extensive features and, as usual from Gore, high quality. The relatively long-cut shorts can be perfectly adjusted at the waist using solid Velcro fasteners. Thanks to the stretch insert on the back and silicone inserts, the C5 Trail Shorts always stay in position, even when moving. A two-way zip on the thigh provides either some ventilation or a little more space for protectors under the shorts. The inner thighs and the seat area are made of robust and water-repellent material. There are two zip pockets at the front for small items. Despite being slightly heavier, the C5 is very comfortable to wear and is flexible enough to follow your every move on the bike. To close the two press studs at the front, you need a lot of strength in your fingers.
Gore C5 Trail LS Jersey
- Price: 59,95 Euro
- Info: www.gorewear.com
- Weight: 166 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: green / red / blue / black
details
Very stretchy shirt with a pleasantly cool feel, available with short or long sleeves
With the C5 Trail jersey, Gore naturally also has a jersey in a matching colour to the shorts in its range. The extremely stretchy material feels unfamiliar and cool on the body at first. On warm days in particular, however, it ensures a pleasant, fresh climate on the skin. The cut should be loose enough to wear protectors under the shirt. However, the long-sleeved version at least is very tight with elbow protectors. According to the manufacturer, the material is designed to be a little more robust so that it can withstand contact with the ground or trees. However, as the test has been crash-free so far, we can neither confirm nor deny this.
Continue with Mavic on the next page...
Mavic: sporty combination with top fit
Mavic XA Pro Short
- Price: 95 Euro
- Info: www.mavic.com
- Weight: 181 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: green / black
- Inside leg length: 35 cm
details
Inner key pocket, zipped side pocket on thigh, lasercut ventilation openings, DWR coating, reinforced seat area
Mavic describes the fit of the XA Pro Short as semi-casual on the website. In fact, the lightweight yet robust shorts are almost skin-tight on the thighs. Perhaps a few racers in a more casual style will be able to be seen on the trails. The XA Pro does not offer a waist width adjustment. However, the stretch inserts on the sides allow the shorts to adapt well to the body. A stretchy knitted insert at the back prevents the shorts from slipping down when sprinting. The material of the XA Pro has a DWR finish and at least keeps splash water away from the bum. The seat area is also printed with an abrasion-resistant print. Laser-cut ventilation openings cool the thighs. Despite the sporty fit, the XA Pro is flexible enough not to get in the way when pedalling. However, the rustling material of the trousers is a little annoying. Nevertheless, the Mavic is a successful compromise between cross-country shorts and trail baggy.
Mavic XA Pro jersey
- Price: 90 Euro
- Info: www.mavic.com
- Weight: 133 grams (size L)
- Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL
- Colours: green / blue / black / light green
details
Slightly wind-resistant material, microfibre insert for glasses, small back and chest pocket
For a trail jersey, the expensive XA Pro from Mavic is cut quite close to the body. This also makes it a good choice for racers who want a more relaxed start from the pit lane. The French have put some thought into the choice of materials. The material on the torso is woven a little more densely and is therefore slightly wind-repellent. This should protect against cooling on longer descents. A mesh-like fabric is used under the arms to ensure better ventilation, while laser-cut openings on the back allow air to circulate. There is also a zip on the chest for particularly hot climbs. Overall, the XA Pro jersey is very light and comfortable to wear. Bonded cuffs prevent the seams from chafing or scratching. Unfortunately, the jersey is cut quite short so that there is a gap between the trousers and jersey in the riding position, especially for taller riders. Practical details such as the integrated glasses cleaning cloth and two small zip pockets on the back and chest round off the harmonious package.
Stefan Frey
Editor
