Details
Reviews
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
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
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
S |
M |
L |
XL |
|
|
Height |
163 -
172 cm |
169 - 178 cm |
175 - 185 cm |
183 - 191 cm |
|
Chest |
91 -
97 cm |
98 - 104 cm |
105 - 111 cm |
112 - 118 cm |
|
Waist |
73 - 79 cm |
80 - 86 cm |
87 - 93 cm |
94 - 100 cm |
|
Hips |
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.
Super-sized shorts for those who prefer living long and loose. Cooler and lighter than the Supertankers for enhanced performance at the edge. Paired with the Underdogs mesh liner, options abound for temperature control with leg vents and mesh backed hand pockets. Or winterise your Juggernauts by replacing the liner with a pair of Montezumas three-quarter length shorts. Hoo-hah!
> Easy-Rider™ stretch lumbar and hip panels.
> Smooth fitted waist with zipped fly.
> Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
> Combine with Underdogs mesh liner for increased performance.
> Open hand pockets plus zipped rear security pocket.
> Vents on lower leg - zip 'em down to keep your cool.
> Tough Hi-Impact™ nylon outer.
> Long legs hang around your knees.
> Secret tube repair patch.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> These baggies feature a stretch-fit waist that delivers a snug, performance fit. Pull them over your hips, and there should be a 3-5 cm gap before you close the dome. The waist is then under tension so your shorts stay put when hitting the trails or tarmac.
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. Baggies are the default choice of battle-hardened cyclists off road, on tour and around the streets. They combine a loose but not super-baggy fit with an optional mesh liner and moulded pad... providing the performance benefits of conventional stretch shorts with minimal compromise.
> 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, and combined with a mesh liner and moulded pad 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, densely woven to take the knocks. Hi-Impact Plus is gruntier than the standard brew with a cotton handle and finish.
> The Supertankers are constructed entirely from Hi-Impact Plus, while the Juggernauts and Double Happys are constructed with the standard brew.
> The Double Happys have an integrated liner and moulded pad - call up a pair of Underdogs to wear under your Juggernauts to get them up to speed.
> The finish on the Supertankers and Juggernauts has a distinctly urban edge. A smooth fitted waist, open hand pockets and a zipped rear security pocket. The Juggernauts are cooler and lighter than the Supertankers, with leg vents and mesh backed hand pockets, for enhanced performance at the edge.
> The Supertankers and Juggernauts are long suckers - hanging around your knees, and the Double Happys 2-3cm shorter.
What's the difference between the Juggernauts and the Double Happys?
> The Juggernauts are our premium baggy short. They come without a liner to provide greater versatility - call up a pair of Underdogs for those long days in the saddle, or winterise your Juggernauts by replacing the liner with a pair of Montezumas three quarter length shorts.
> The Double Happys use an integrated performance liner providing a firm fit and precise pad placement.
> Both the Juggernauts and Double Happys have Easy-Rider stretch hip panels keep them hitched up. Intelligent design reduces surplus fabric for a smoother and therefore more comfortable interface between bum and saddle. There's also less risk of getting hooked up on technical trails. A stretch lumbar panel and HighRise rear overlap with your cycle top to keep you covered. No bare skin or lewd exposure.
> The Double Happys have 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.
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.
