Juggernauts

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Reviews

Mountain Biking Australia - Mar 13

Continuous tweaks mean that the Ground Effect clothing range is always evolving. Amongst the latest updates, you'll find their Juggernauts trail shorts have been updated. While they retain similar styling, with a long but not too baggy cut, they now feature an adjustable waist which makes it easier to achieve a perfect fit. These shorts go for $A109 and can be paired with their stretch mesh lycra Underdogs ($A59), which have also been updated with a better chamois and non-slip legs.
They've also added a range of new socks. Made in New Zealand from merino/nylon blend, they are offered in three heights; the ankle high Toe Rags, regular-length Foot Soldiers and the mid-calf Hijinks. They also offer a brand new knee-high merino compression sock called the Shindigs. They go for $A39 and serve to keep the lower half of your leg warm when winter rolls round again.

NZ Mountain Biker - Jan 13

Ground Effect have been making mountain bike baggy shorts longer than most, so it's no suprise 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. Available in Bitter Brown, these are always near the top of my shorts draw, especially in the summer.

Carl Patton

Spoke Magazine - Oct 12

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!

spokemagazine.com

Caleb Smith

Spoke Magazine - Dec 10

I have this blue box in my wardrobe, its full of shorts, so many of them are Ground effect Juggernauts that you can chart the shorts evolution through my blue box. When this latest pair turned up I was eager to see the latest developments; thankfully, they've taken another big step in the right direction. The biggest change is the fact that they are no longer available in shades of grey; they now in fact come in brown, a very cool shade of brown mind you, and so you look less like a mountain biker they're not two-tone.
The leg vents have moved from the side of the shorts to the front, making them far more effective when it gets hot. The front pockets have lost their zips and are now a little more jean styled as is the dome closure. I've ridden with stuff in the pockets and nothing has gone astray so far, but if you want security the new rear pocket features a secure zip closure. And finally these bad boys no longer come with a removable liner, although this is now available separately. My older Juggernaut's have always been my go-to shorts, but these are even better. I don't even want to wash them, just so I can get a few more day's wear out of them. The length is perfect and the durable fabric is light enough to ride in for hours. But its not all roses - I find that the leg openings are a little loose, and I've caught my shifter a couple of times while climbing. I don't want to see the cinch straps again on a Ground Effect shorts but a tiny bit of taper to the end of the short would would make them faultless.

If you're looking for a short that matches your 6 inch all-mountain rig, the Juggernauts are to all-mountain riding what Chazz Michael Michaels is to figure skating.

Caleb Smith

NZ Mountain Biker - Dec 10

Back in issue 39 Josh reviewed Ground Effect's Supertanker shorts; this time I've got a pair of the newly revamped Juggernauts. The key priorities for a pair of mountain biking shorts are that they are comfortable to ride in and that they look cool. Giving away the punch-line right now, Ground Effect have nailed both with the revised Juggernauts.

Made from Ground Effect's own 'Hi-Impact' nylon, which feels like cotton rather than something shiny and slippery, the shorts feel tough but are still pretty light - noticeably lighter than the Supertankers. A zip and button keep the front closed and sections of stretch material keep things snug without the need for faffy waistband adjustment - sweet.

While the zipped vent on each leg looked to me like it would be more fashion than function, riding on a few hot days with one leg zipped up and one down showed very quickly that the vents do their job nicely - bringing in a nice breeze to your thighs. There's no liner, so you can match them up with your favourite Lycra numbers underneath, or spring for a fresh set of Ground Effect's own Underdog liner, made from mesh liner to keep things extra breezy.

But it's the fit that makes the Juggernaut shorts so good to ride in, while at the same time making you look cool. So how does it fit then? Fitted. That is to say, it's not loose or tight anywhere, it's just right everywhere.
Previous Ground Effect shorts had a tendency to be on the loose and flappy side, especially around the legs, but not now. As well as ensuring they don't get snagged on the seat (not once over several months of riding) the slimmer and longer legs contribute to the short looking like serious riding attire, rather than looking like boards you're riding in down to the local swimming hole. There's still plenty of space around the bottom of the leg to let air in though. A non-zip pocket at each hip keep my keys and cellphone at hand, and while I would've preferred at least one to be zipped, just for peace of mind, nothing has fallen out of them.

With a great fit and snappy look, they're now one of my favourite pair of shorts, and the first pair of baggies I reach for on a warm day.

Carl Patton

UnderGround - Dec 10

Baggy Baguettes
Some shorts are more equal than others. Our search for the ultimate baggy riding short has taken us through various versions of different fabrics, liners, waist designs and leg lengths. Although it's tempting to focus on just the liner, the cut of the outer short is equally critical in determining comfort in the saddle.

The Double Happys with their integrated mesh liner have long been the benchmark for performance baggy shorts. Back in 2006 we introduced the premium Juggernauts - same design pedigree but with a detachable liner. The option to swap liners provided more versatility and an improved fit as both liner and short could move independently at your waist.

The latest greatest Juggernauts are now sold without a liner. You can choose to wear them alone (casual, but not as comfy on a bike), with the Underdogs mesh liner (the perfect all-day combo) or with Montezumas 3/4 length thermal shorts (for a winter upgrade). The Easy-Rider stretch hip panels combine a fitted front and rear waist with a zipped fly to give a flattering and supportive fit. This waist is now common to all six of our baggy designs. The Juggernauts and women's Martinis now also have open front hand pockets for stooging. The Juggernauts' new Bitter Brown Hi-Impact fabric is lighter than Hi-Impact Plus used on the more urban Supertankers. Leg vents and mesh backed pockets enhance breathability in hot weather.

Similarly the Martinis fit well on and off the bike, with their flattering below the knee styling. There's a second colour choice now - liquorice grey to supplement the traditional Jet Black. When used with the Dovetails multi-panel lycra mesh liner you get the performance of lycra matched with the understated look of your favourite shorts.

Four legs good, two legs better.

Frase

UnderGround - Dec 10

I ordered up the new Zip Tie riding top and a pair of Juggernauts a couple of weeks ago. They arrived the next day, just in time for a 420km weekend tour of lower North Island backroads. Washed up (the gear not me) at the end I immediately took the same ensemble out for another, shorter ride. Here's some initial thoughts. 10 out of 10 for the top. A great lightweight, fast-drying summer fabric. Classy style and a perfect fit for somebody just a bit bigger than me! 9 out of 10 for the shorts. Great material - light but not flimsy like soccer shorts. The thigh zips seemed a bit silly at first glance but they certainly provided effective cooling. Still I wished I could put a key or credit card in there rather than the rear hip pocket. I like the deeper front pockets. Love the bitter brown colour, styling and the cut - with virtually no snagging on saddle. The best fitting baggies I've used. Destined to be my favourite shorts over the summer.

Simon Kennett
Track builder, guide book author, race impresario and mtb masochist