Details
Integrated liner with breathable Lycra® mesh.
Softail™ Pad delivers unparalleled comfort for those gnarly long days in the saddle. Differential density, multi-level foam construction provides additional padding at pressure points without increased bulk. 3D anatomical shaping and seamless construction hug your body for a performance fit. Polyester-knit face fabric against your skin disperses heat and moisture. Anti-bacterial finish maintains hygiene. Dries rapidly after washing.
Reviews
Australian Mountain Bike - Feb 08
Yum. It's the many panels of these all-new shorts that make them so flexible and comfortable. Zippered hand pockets are mesh-lined, the crotch is gusseted and there is even a tube repair patch sewn into a pocket. Happys are loose fitting but neat around the legs for maximum flexibility without bagginess. The integrated Lycra mesh liner is smooth against the skin and the ribbed polyester-knit padding in the seat is so plush it feels like nestling into a favourite old armchair at Grandma's place. For ultimate comfort, do not wear underwear. She's seen it all before.
UnderGround - Feb 07
L'histoire des baguettes...
Once upon a time bike tyres got fat and rough. Eventually bike clothes joined the fun and shorts went from tight and shiny to big and loose. Ground Effect was there. Our first attempt were the Helter Skelters (1994) - a stunning plaid pattern and a blend of Linen and Cotton for comfort. Two years on, boys needs became bigger and so did their shorts. The Supertankers dropped in with Hi-Impact Cotton fabric and legs so wide they needed speed tabs to reel them in. They reigned supreme through the 90's until long days in the saddle required more sophisticated padding. The Double Happys were born in October '99. A short with a serious multi-pocketed outer and a Lycra-mesh liner with a molded cycle pad. As the years have passed the 'Happys have become lighter, cooler, cheaper and gained more panels for a better fit.
Just like the blokes, not all women go for Lycra and that's where the Tom Thumbs hit the spot. Again they've enjoyed a series of refinements over the years to their current clean-lined version with a flattering fit and performance liner. Both the men's and women's shorts are made from Hi-Impact Nylon - light enough to make wearing a double short bearable in the heat, and tough enough to take the grazes. They have a 6 panel Lycra-mesh liner with a plush Softail pad for similar comfort to our slim-jim Lycra options. Letting you match your shorts with your sense of off-road style. Is that a baguette in your pocket?
Frase,
Ground Effect Product Designer
Cycling Plus (UK) - May 04
Price and postage of the Double Happys depends on the exchange rate, as kiwi company Ground Effect mail them direct. The shorts have a nylon outer and a stitched-in, padded mesh inner. A lycra lumbar panel, elasticated waist and webbing waist strap - which dangles a bit - help give a comfortable fit. There are two zipped side pockets, one with an emergency puncture patch sewn in, and one zipped cargo pocket. The seat pad isn't too bulky off the bike, and the closer, mid-thigh cut is fine for touring etc. They're listed with reflective piping which ours didn't have. (note: 2003 version reviewed - ernie) Colours: titanium grey, jet black. Wash: Machine 40C. Sizes: S, M, L. Weight (M): 363g.
Verdict: 9/10
Comfortable closer-fitting baggies for off-road, casual or touring use
Cycling Plus 'Recommended Buy'
NZ Mountain Biker - Jun 04
Ground Effect is a Christchurch based clothing company that should be familiar to most Kiwi Mountain Bikers. If you don't already use their gear then you probably know someone that does...
We've been riding in the Double Happys for a good few months now. For 2004 the Double Happys have scored a new Softail chamois in the nylon/lycra mesh liner. This is wrapped in a hardwearing nylon shell with three zippered pockets.
...if your coming from traditional Lycra shorts then you'll love the extra freedom these shorts provide. With the mesh inner and light but durable outer they're comfortable in all weather, the mesh inner being welcome during the summer months. Snagging on the seat is not an issue - this is a myth invented by hardcore Lycra wearer's hell bent on keeping members in their skin-tight crowd. As I've been wearing baggy shorts for a few years now it did take some time to get used to the chamois, however the benefits on long rides were definitely felt in the nether regions.
Australian Mountain Bike - Apr 04
Ground Effect has been throwing out no-bullshit riding apparel for some time and has developed a loyal following among riders of all kinds keen on quality gear that's low on hype but big on function. The Double Happys I tried were by far the most rugged-looking of the three kiwi models. They are lined with an ample contoured chamois protection held in by a comfortable mesh. The stretch fabric panels means you won't be scaring those behind you by revealing the dreaded "plumber's butt". They are a slightly heavier short that will stand up to scratches and spills impressively. In fact, they look as good as new after four months of hard yakka and numerous offs under my care. They breathe well despite their slightly heavier weight and are fine for long rides in the sun. I also think the zippered pockets are a great idea. How many coins, valve caps or muesli bars have you spilled on the trail?
Verdict
Ground Effect has a winner here! The Double Happys will be happy (!) in any weather conditions, are hard-wearing and will keep all your soft bits well protected. As with all Ground Effect apparel, they come with a puncture repair patch sewn into one of the seams. You never know when you'll need it!
Nic Lamond - Editor
Dirt Rag (USA) - Jan 04
About this time last year I took it upon myself to try out some clothes that not many people had heard of - Ground Effect Clothing. Based out of New Zealand, these folks have put out a line of high quality clothing at prices comparable, if not better than many other choices. Since not many people I know are aware of this company, I thought it best to give a '"best of" review, as I've been using quite a few Ground Effect items over the past year of riding.
Double Happy Shorts
Laurence at Ground Effect bills the Double Happy shorts as "rugged, baggy and brutally handsome". As for being rugged, I can back that up - a parking lot rock jump turned hip-first asphalt encounter proves they can handle abuse, as the ensuing 10-foot slide managed to scrape my hip, yet the short remained the same. As for being baggy - they sure look it. Brutally handsome? Sure, they make my bubble butt look semi-slender.
What about comfort? The liner is nice, but it's still a simple design. At ~US$75, a baseball or anatomically cut chamois would be a great value. Leave it to the Kiwis to have already made the change for '04. Otherwise, I have no complaints - two side zipper pockets, plus one on the front thigh, all part of the somewhat breathable, super bombproof material. You could even say I'm double happy on these shorts...
Side note: Ground Effect's sizing is a little odd. Where I normally take a medium, I wear their small. So if you're ordering without trying anything on, be sure to measure yourself and choose smaller if your measurements fall in between sizes. Michael Browne - editor
What Mountain Bike (UK) - May 03
The web direct kiwi firm Ground Effect (GE) has built up a great reputation over the past couple of years, based mostly on these shorts. This years version get longer legs for a less 'hot pant ' feel and the cargo pocket on the left side gets a zip, while the two deep zipped hand pockets and vents stay the same. The single buckle webbing belt gets a lycra lumber panel to stop them bunching at the back, and there is reflective piping plus GE's sewn in trademark puncture repair patch inside the pocket too. Fabric is a happy medium between durability, lack of flap and ease of movement. The mesh and lycra liner short id fully stitched into the waist-band, with a relatively basic but comfortable pad, that soon shapes up to keep everything nicely in place when you're riding. The fact that Ground Effect now pay duty up front, plus postage make them more expensive than they were, but they're quality baggies.
Performance: 9 /10; Value: 8/10
Verdict: Increased price for increased features but still a firm favourite.
BikeMagic.com - Aug 02
Right over the far side of the world in New Zealand a bunch of New Zealander mountain bikers are frantically trying to fill air mail bags with their excellent no-nonsense cycling clobber and send it over here. Mainly because we and other mags generally like it so much we keep telling you to go plunder their website.
The closest fitting of the baggy shorts we've got on test. Still some flappiness to them, but definitely more Glen Hoddle than Stanley Baxter.
Lightweight, close cut fit and full internal liner and pad means you rapidly forget you're wearing baggies at all once you're on the bike. This holds true whether you're out for an hour's thrash or a peak all dayer making them excellent riding shorts that won't startle grannies or get teenage girls giggling if you wear them off the bike.
For more check out... http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article.asp?SP=&v=2&UAN=2753
Mountain Bike Rider (UK) - Jun 02
New Zealand's web kit master's Double Happys have plenty going for them for the price. A fairly heavy-duty, high impact nylon outer with Lycra lumbar panel has two deep zipped pockets and a zip cargo pocket allows plenty of safe stowage. Concealed, elasticated waist strap with a buckle holds the short firm, while a breathable mesh Lycra inner short with anti-bacterial chamois, combined with a gusseted crotch, makes for easy pedalling.
Value: 5/5; Performance: 4/4
Mountain Bike UK - Jul 02
Noted for its exceptional value and good quality products. Ground Effect doesn't disappoint with the Double Happys.The simple styling and relaxed fit, in combination with a soft, comfortable liner and chamois, is the perfect mix for a quality performance short. As soon as you pull it on it feels instantly cosy and performs well on both hot and cold conditions. Neat touches, such as the webbed belt and oversized zipped pocket, add to its overall appeal. The Double Happy is a great short for any occasion. Only available over the internet, check out the sizing before you order as it comes in on the large side.
MBUK Verdict: A short, so simpleit's brilliant: 5/5.
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Jun 02
Like the Snappers from Endura the Double Happys are another baggy that have stood the test of time. We have a pair entering their thrid year without any sign of tiring. In fact they're getting more comfortable with time. The high impact outer is tough without being heavy and the meshed liner and chamois is well ventilated for all day comfort. The elasticated waist isn't overly tight and doesn't dig in, plus it's backed up by a webbed belt. The zipped hand pockets are very generous and there is an additional cargo pocket on the right leg. The Happys are a definite all day favourite.
Performance 9/10; Value 9/10
Cool looks and consistent quality performance for the price.
What Mountain Bike GOLD Award
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Sep 02
What Mountain Bike 2002 Awards
Tough on the outside with a meshed liner and well ventilated chamois inside, the Double Happys are sailing through their third year of trail trashing without any sign of tiring. The stylish Zamboni shirt works as well in a smart restaurant as on soaking wet Welsh singletrack.
Murray races his shadow. North Canterbury.
Photo: Dave Mitchell
Hi-Impact
Hard wearing and quick drying nylon fabric - tightly woven to deliver
bulletproof performance.
> Composition: 100% nylon
Sizing
This chart is a guide only – if you fall in-between sizes, the right size for you will depend on your body shape and how loose or tight you like to wear your clothes. It's no hassle to swap it, if your first choice is not the best fit.
| Unisex | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
|
|
Height |
154 -
164 cm |
163 -
172 cm |
169 - 178 cm |
175 - 185 cm |
183 - 191 cm |
|
Chest |
84 - 90 cm |
91 -
97 cm |
98 - 104 cm |
105 - 111 cm |
112 - 118 cm |
|
Waist |
66 - 72 cm |
73 - 79 cm |
80 - 86 cm |
87 - 93 cm |
94 - 100 cm |
|
Hips |
78 - 86 cm |
87 - 95 cm |
96 - 103 cm |
104 - 111 cm |
112 - 120 cm |
Unisex vs Women's Sizes
Most Ground Effect designs are unisex. The jackets, tights
and baggy tops generally fit both men and women equally well.
Fitted garments like cycle shorts and some tops are more gender
specific so there is generally a women's version in the Outskirts
range.
Rugged, baggy and brutally handsome shorts with an integrated liner. Loose fitting but not excessive - so you won't get tangled with your seat on those steep descents... but still maintain your composure when ordering up a short black.
> Integrated liner with breathable Lycra mesh.
> Softail Pad - 3D anatomical shaping, multi-level foam, rapid drying, seamless synthetic 'chamois' pad with anti-bacterial finish.
> Easy-Rider stretch lumbar and hip panels.
> Smooth fitted waist with zipped fly.
> Tough Hi-Impact nylon outer.
> Mesh-lined hand pockets - zip 'em down to keep your cool.
> Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
> Secret tube repair patch.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> The Softail is Ground Effect's premium pad. It delivers unparalleled comfort for those gnarly long days in the saddle.
> Differential density, multi-level foam construction provides additional padding at pressure points without increased bulk.
> 3D anatomical shaping hugs your body for a performance fit. Ribbed polyester-knit face fabric against your skin disperses heat and moisture.
> Anti- bacterial finish maintains hygiene.
> It requires no special care and dries very quickly after washing (it loves a warm wash!).
> There are two main differences between the women's-specific and men's-unisex versions of the Softail pad. While the molded part of the pad remains the same the pad is shorter at the front in the women's version with no black foam padding. The position of the pad in the short is also gender specific, with differently shaped Lycra panels in the short's gusset supporting the pad.
What's the difference in performance between baggy and stretch shorts?
> A stretch short will always deliver more performance than a baggy number as there's no surplus fabric bunched up between your bum and the saddle. Baggy shorts can be more challenging for technical mountain biking, as by definition there are more baggy bits to inadvertently snag on your bike - but are still the preferred choice of many gun riders who don't appear to suffer any problems.
> The Supertankers, Juggernauts, Double Happys, Tom Thumbs and Martinis are made from lightweight, quick drying Hi-Impact nylon, and Hi-Impact nylon Plus. They combine a loose, but not super-baggy fit, with a mesh liner and moulded pad to provide many of the performance benefits of conventional stretch shorts with minimal compromise.
What's the difference between the Supertankers and Juggernauts and Double Happys?
> All are loose fitting shorts made from tough Hi-Impact nylon fabric.
> The Supertankers are constructed entirely from the gruntier Hi-Impact Plus. The Juggernauts utilise Hi-Impact Plus through the gusset while the rest of the short is made up of the same standard Hi-Impact nylon that the Double Happys are constructed from.
> The Juggernauts and Double Happys have an integrated liner and moulded pad - making them more suitable for longer rides and more technical trails. Of course you can throw a pair of Underdogs under the Supertankers to get them up to speed.
> The Supertankers are long suckers - hanging around your knees. The Juggernauts are about 2-3cm shorter and the Double Happys 2-3cm shorter again.
> The finish on the Supertankers has a distinctly urban edge. A smooth fitted waist, belt loops, open hand pockets and a zipped rear security pocket.
What's the difference between the Juggernauts and the Double Happys?
> The Juggernauts are our premium baggy short. They have a detachable liner to provide greater versatility - take it out for washing or to use as casual shorts. Or winterise your Juggernauts by replacing the liner with a pair of Montezumas three quarter length shorts. They use gruntier High Impact Plus fabric through the crutch and bum for increased durability.
> Both the Juggernauts and Double Happys use a simliar performance liner providing a firmer fit and more precise pad placement.
> The Juggernauts and Double Happys also have a stretch lumber panel at the back, Easy-Rider stretch gussets on the hips, and mesh lined pockets that double as air vents when you zip 'em open. The Juggernauts have additional vents on the lower leg.
> The Juggernauts are long - hanging down around your knees, the Double Happys are around 2-3cm shorter in the leg.
Should I wear underwear with these shorts?
> Hell no. You want to have as smooth an interface as possible between your bum and the saddle. The seams on your underwear will inevitably be in the wrong place - causing rubbing and saddle sores. Also underwear is generally cotton - nice for everyday use but damp skin below is more susceptible to chaffing.
Washing Instructions?
> Ground Effect shorts enjoy a warm machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach. The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and may cause skin irritation. Bleach strips dye and can also cause irritation.
> With shorts in particular, cold-water detergents and those with bleach can cause 'nappy-rash' so if you're experiencing issues in that department try a warm wash and a change of cleaning brew. As a rule of thumb, product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Plant based soaps like Ecover or specific sport wash formula are recommended.
> Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
> The shorts and pad dry super-fast, so drying on the line or hanging over the bedpost does the trick. Or use a dryer on a warm (not hot) cycle.
> UV rays accelerate the decay of Lycra. Our fabric is knitted so the Lycra component lies on the inside of the fabric - shielding it from the sun when you're out riding. Consequently you should avoid drying these shorts inside-out. It's not a bad idea to do so occasionally as the sun does help keep the pad hygienic - although it is treated with an anti-bacterial finish anyway. But drying in this manner is a trade-off with the damage done to the Lycra.
> It's common practice to not wear underwear with your riding shorts so you need to wash your shorts daily.