Details
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
Dirt Rag (USA) - Aug 06
Founded 12 years ago, New Zealand-based Ground Effect takes an approach to distribution unusual among manufacturers of cycling clothing - their products are sold exclusively via mail order or web. Despite the ubiquitous trend in all things toward off-shore production, Ground Effect still makes its entire line-up, except gloves and packs, locally in New Zealand.
I know I've found a good pair of shorts when I find myself regularly grabbing them off the line for the next ride before they are quite dry or saving them for longer rides. The 8-panel, contour-hugging Jitterbugs are not too clingy or tight. S-shaped flat seams create a unique form-fit and attractive styling. The shorts lack leg grippers, but stay in place, comfortably moving with you. On me, the 8" inseam reached to just above mid thigh, an average length for women's shorts.
Not folding over or pinching my abdomen, the 1" waistband sat lightly, firmly, and comfortably between my waist and hips. Styled with a relatively higher back and lower front, the Jitterbugs eliminate gaps between shorts and jerseys when bent over low and cranking. Sizing runs large - I usually wear women's mediums or larges, but smalls fit perfectly.
As advertised, these shorts were good for use on and off road. The durable, quick-drying fabric did not tear of snag when subjected to overgrown singletrack. Fortunately, their road crashworthiness went untested.
Padding opinions are highly subjective, but I'll say anyway that ideally, the padding could extend slightly further forward. Female riders with aggressive roadie positions or with significant anterior pelvic tilt may find the forward padding inadequate.
A good value for the money, the humble, yet comfy Jitterbugs have earned a place on my list of candidates for the next time I'm short shopping.
Sue George
Cycling Plus (UK) - Jun 05
From New Zealand, Ground Effect prices are dependent on the exchange rate (currently about $2.6 to the £). Emphasis is definitely on comfort. From the smooth waistband to the lack of leg grippers there's nothing to grab or mark the skin - the shorts stay put without digging in. The 8-panel construction, similar to the Nikes, contours round hips and thighs but fit is more relaxed in a less clingy material. Comfort continues with the well-curved waistband, with a noticeable dip at the front and a higher back to keep skin covered up. The seamless chamois has different levels of padding but overall is the thinnest on test. Not necessarily a bad thing - it conforms well to the body and doesn't bunch up.
Verdict: 9/10
Good value, comfortable, non-binding shorts for all-round use.
Cycling Plus 'Best Buy'
Ditte makes hay on Cullens Track, Marlborough.
Photo: Dave Mitchell
ShockWave™ Lycra®
4-way stretch nylon with a non-shiny finish. It’s soft against your skin,
yet is incredibly tough and dries quickly. Blended with 16% Lycra® to deliver
body-hugging performance and durability.
> Composition: 84% nylon; 16% lycra
Sizing
Check out the chart to suss out where you fit. This 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.
| Women | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WS (8-10) |
WM (12) |
WL (14) |
|
|
Bust |
88 - 92 cm |
93 - 97 cm |
98 - 102 cm |
|
Waist |
63 - 69 cm |
70 - 76 cm |
77 - 83 cm |
|
Hips |
89 - 95 cm |
96 - 102 cm |
103 - 109 cm |
Deluxe stretch cycle shorts made from hardwearing nylon Lycra fabric. Jitterbugs deliver plush, long range performance with a seamless, moulded synthetic 'chamois'.
> 'Contour fit' with s-shaped seams allows the lycra to stretch freely with your body.
> Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
> 8-panel construction.
> Softail Pad - 3D anatomical shaping, multi-level foam, rapid drying, seamless synthetic 'chamois' pad with anti-bacterial finish.
> Hardwearing, quick drying, non-shiny ShockWave Lycra.
> HighRise rear ensures a generous overlap with your cycle top.
> Wide elastic waistband for maximum comfort.
> Hazard! reflective label.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Jitterbugs and Mojos are made from Nylon Lycra with a high Lycra content (16%) giving the fabric heaps of stretch and memory. In addition it is treated with a moisture management solution which disperses moisture - which makes them less 'sweaty' than conventional nylon shorts and they dry very quickly (overnight if you're touring).
> The Jitterbugs and Mojos share the same multi-level Softail pad. The Mojos boast a 10-panel design with twin s-shaped seams compared to the Jitterbugs 8-panels and single s-shaped seams. The additional panels in the Mojos allow for more shaping in the design, providing a firmer performance fit. The Mojos also have an internal rear pocket.
Tell me about the pad in these shorts.
> 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 hugs your body for a performance fit. Ribbed polyester-knit face fabric against your skin disperses heat and moisture. Anti-bacterial finish maintains hygiene. Dries rapidly after washing.
> 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. 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.
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.