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Reviews

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

Cycling Plus (UK) - Jun 09

Although Ground Effect describes these as 3/4, they're quite short, reaching just over the knee. The style is baggy rather than city - they fit well around the hips with a smooth front and stretchy 'Easy Rider' section across the back, but the legs are wide and let plenty of air in - great on a hot day, a little breezy when it's cooler. The inner attaches with poppers, so you won't have to wash the outers after every ride, and the comfortable Softail pad isn't bulky. They're made of tough, water- repelling nylon and are high waisted so cover you well when riding. One zipped front pocket holds your valuables and has Ground Effect's calling card, a puncture patch, sewn into the seam.
8/10.

Ride On - Sep 07

'Shy' shorts are ideal for lycra-shy urban commuters making short trips. They offer the comfort of chamois-lining without the full disclosure of tight-fitting knicks. Ground Effect's women-specific Martinis have also removed any vestiges of the daggy baggy shorts syndrome that some brands suffer from.

Like with all canny Ground Effect designs, it's the little flourishes that make this a classy product. Although mostly made from tough Nylon, the high-waisted shorts have a stretchy lycra 'lumbar panel', so they fit snugly but comfortably. There's a well hidden left hand pocket with a puncture repair patch sewn into the seam.

The all important, detachable chamois liner is made from lycra mesh with 'softail pad'. Well placed press-studs make this easy to attach and detach, so you can still wear the shorts while you give the chamois a wash.

The whole ensemble is very comfortable for short trips, but on a longer trip I found myself pining for my all-in-one lycra knicks. Even with the best designed shy shorts there's a slight rubbing factor, and I found the chamois in the pad wasn't enough for 50km+ in the saddle. A fine option for short café rides, but consider some heavy-duty lycra knicks for the long haul.