Lightweight & cool: 5 enduro shorts put to the test

Nothing is more annoying than pinching, rustling, uncomfortable trousers. That's why we've picked out five lightweight shorts for you - with a feel-good guarantee:

BONTRAGER FORAY

- Material: 85 % nylon, 15 % elastane
- Sizes: XS-XXXL - Weight: 175 g
- Price: from 100 €
- www.bontrager.com

"It's like riding naked, so cosy!" was how one tester summed it up. The Bontrager is light, airy and comfortable. Elastane increases comfort. Good: The manufacturer dispenses with bells and whistles. There is only one sensibly tailored zip pocket. Mesh strips increase ventilation. Also included: optional inner trousers with padding. Very dirt-resistant (even in neon green). Also available in black

ConclusionLightweight, comfortable. Our Enduro favourite.
FREERIDE Grade: 10 (max. 10 points)

ION TRAZE EPIC

- Material: 86 % polyester, 14 % spandex
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight: 156 g
- Price: 80 €
- www.ion-products.com

A hint of trousers - the Epic shorts flatter the legs and are barely noticeable. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear. Nothing rustles, nothing rubs. The amount of stretch is well chosen, because too much stretch gives an unpleasant neoprene feeling. The waistband can be easily adjusted using two Velcro straps. There's a mini zip pocket for emergency money or keys. The only drawback: somewhat dirt-prone.

ConclusionSuper light, super comfortable. Top!
FREERIDE Grade: 9.5 (max. 10 points)

ROYAL HEX

- Material: 100 % polyester
- Sizes: S-XL
- Weight: 222 g
- Price: 60 €
- www.cosmicsports.com

The Hex is made from 100 per cent lightweight polyester fabric - reminiscent of the legendary balloon silk tracksuits of yesteryear: a little rushed and not quite as cosy on the skin, but okay. The Hex has a Velcro pocket (which we didn't quite trust), two open lap pockets and a zip pocket that sits low on the leg, where you might want to put a banknote at most, otherwise it's annoying. Also included: a pair of liner trousers.

ConclusionSimple but good enduro shorts.
FREERIDE Grade: 8 (max. 10 points)

SPECIALISED DEMO PRO

- Material: 89 % nylon, 11 % elastane
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Weight: 309 g
- Price: 80 €
- www.specialized.com

The demo is cut longer than the competition and reaches further over the knees. That's already moving towards 3/4 trousers. Clever: a mini zip pocket at the back of the waistband can hold keys and a wallet. The two thigh pockets, on the other hand, are superfluous. They increase friction and could bother sensitive bikers. The fabric looks a little more robust, but the Demo is still comfortable to wear. Available in green, black and red.

Conclusion: Longer, more robust - one short for everything.
FREERIDE Grade: 9 (max. 10 points)

CINNAMON STAR TAURUS

- Material: 90 % nylon, 10 % elastane
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight: 268 g
- Price: 149,95 €
- www.cosmicsports.com

The soft, elasticated fabric of the Taurus Pro from Swiss manufacturer Zimtstern is very comfortable to wear. A zip back pocket provides useful storage space. A perfect enduro short if it weren't for the two bulging ventilation zips with mesh lining on the thighs. In our opinion, they are superfluous and rub, albeit only slightly, on the leg. Also included: liner trousers with padding. Available in black, green and grey.

ConclusionPleasant short at a great price.
FREERIDE Grade: 8.5 (max. 10 points)