Weight: 290 gm
Hydroslides | Juggernauts | Snipes | |
Fabric |
HydroFoil & |
Hi-Impact Stretch | Hi-Impact Stretch |
Liner | Separate | Separate | Separate |
Trim Tabs™ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Leg Vents | No | Yes | Yes |
Leg Length | Above-Knee | Mid-Knee | Above Knee |
Fit | |||
Sizes | S - XL | S - XXL | S - XL |
Double Happys | Slim Jims | Supertankers | |
Fabric | Hi-Impact Stretch | Hi-Impact Stretch | Hi-Impact Plus |
Liner | Integrated | Separate | Separate |
Trim Tabs™ | Yes | No | No |
Leg Vents | No | No | No |
Leg Length | Mid-Knee | Above Knee | Mid-Knee |
Fit | |||
Sizes | S - XXL | S - XL | S - XL |
Ground Effect Juggernauts have been my go-to shorts since they first came on the scene. The last time they were updated to the Bitter Brown non-tramper looking short I didn't think they could get much better. Well the 2013 pair I've been wearing for the last few weeks has proved that they could. From an aesthetic standpoint, the cool little contrast stitching touches add a tiny bit of flair and liven up the shorts. But it's the new waist cinch straps that are the most welcome addition.After wearing the previous model solidly for the last year, the only fault I could ever find was that when wet (I'm talking really wet) the rear stretch panel couldn't hold the shorts up and they would inevitably drop. Well the new Velcro tabs have seen an end to that. I've already ridden them in some nasty weather and the cinch straps hold them perfectly in place. They are nice and big and easy to grab and adjust even in gloved hands.I'm pretty sure that the rear yolk stretch panel has also been changed with some fancy new super stretch one way fabric. They aren't major changes but when the short wasn't really broken there isn't much point in messing with a good thing. You can buy Ground Effect stuff online right here. And from past experience you can order it right up to 4pm and still have it on your doorstep the next day!
Ground Effect have been making mountain bike baggy shorts longer than most, so it's no surprise that the recently revised Juggernauts are a superb pair of riding shorts. Made right here in New Zealand from 'Tough, Hi-Impact' stretch nylon, the Juggernauts are described by Ground Effect as suiting those who prefer their shorts long and loose. While they are quite long, they are not overly so - no one will accuse you of wearing stubbies. I wouldn't call them loose fitting though - there was certainly no chance of me snagging the crotch on my seat, nor did they flap about like board shorts, so I'd say the leg 'width' is just right. Pockets are uncomplicated and unsecured hip pockets, but they are suitably deep so when I ride with my wallet, phone and keys in them there seems no chance of anything ever falling out. There's an adjustable velcro waist teamed with your standard button and zip fly combo which keeps them securely nicely. The Juggernauts have zippered vents on the legs which I was a little surprised to find do in fact offer noticeably increased ventilation on hot days. Even without the vents, the Juggernauts' comfort in hot weather was their defining trait for me. The material feels light and this translates to a short that is among the coolest of any baggy shorts in hot summer weather without being so delicate you can't fall off without destroying them. These are always near the top of my shorts draw, especially in the summer.
Ground Effect Juggernauts are now my go to wear for winter cycling in the local Mt lofty ranges (Adelaide hills). In the past I use to struggle getting the temperature right in terms of my winter clothing (I would invariably be wearing longs) with an assortment of tops, but I would often overheat. Now with my Juggernauts combined with a Submerino, Berglar, Cadence (good old Cadence which I have had since time immemorial) plus a Vespa, this would be a perfect combination for a non weeping days riding, and would give me plenty of options for temperature adjustability. The length of the Juggernauts just nicely covers the knees for that extra bit of protection on a cool morning, just watch out not to snag them on those ****** pedals. Also loose (but not too loose), comfortable , lightweight, obviously fast drying (you have to admire the new generation materials in outdoor clothing), I can imagine they will also be perfectly fine on a not too hot day in summer. All round excellent shorts!
Upon pulling these out of the bag, they didn't strike me as either very tough, or with enough pockets. After half a dozen rides, they're now my favourite riding shorts. There is plenty of room in the pockets, as well as a zip up one in the back which is good for valuables, and they're positioned to sit well when riding, if you've got a multi tool or phone in your pocket.
The Juggernauts have been an absolute boon for my winter riding! Previously whilst wearing longs, I would struggle to control my temperature. Now, with the Juggernauts just being long enough to provide some protection for my old knees, combined with a couple of G.E. merino tops and the good old G.E. Cadence + a Vespa, I could ride with a great deal of comfort and temperature control on most dry winter days. (This is South Australian winter weather I am talking about of course). Having just ridden home up the hill on a thirty + degree evening I can happily attest to these beasties suitability for very warm weather riding as well, nice nice vents . Lightweight, extremely comfortable, versatile, nice deep pockets, seemingly hard wearing, ( just watch out that I dont snag the gnarly pedals on them), look fine in a casual office situation just purrffect!!