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 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.
Detachable liner with breathable Lycra mesh.
Reviews
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.
Ride like an Egyptian. Ditte in Mesopotamia, South Canterbury.
Photo: Dave Mitchell
Hi-Impact Plus
Hard wearing and quick drying nylon fabric - tightly woven to deliver
bulletproof performance. Gruntier than the standard Hi-Impact fabric.
Also sports a cotton handle and finish.
> Composition: 100% Nylon
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) |
WXL (16-18) |
|
|
Bust |
88 - 92 cm |
93 - 97 cm |
98 - 102 cm |
103 - 107 cm |
|
Waist |
63 - 69 cm |
70 - 76 cm |
77 - 83 cm |
84 - 90 cm |
|
Hips |
89 - 95 cm |
96 - 102 cm |
103 - 109 cm |
110 - 116 cm |
Three-quarter length shorts for cranking through rush hour traffic, sifting along the back roads, or lounging with Dean. Martinis provide dinkum cycling comfort with their detachable liner and Softail pad. Remove the liner for washing or hitting the strip. Best shaken not stirred.
> Integrated liner with breathable Lycra mesh.
> Softail Pad - 3D anatomical shaping, multi-level foam, rapid drying, synthetic 'chamois' pad with anti-bacterial finish.
> Easy-Rider stretch lumbar panel for maximum flexibility.
> Smooth, flat front with zip opening to ease over your hips.
> Tough nylon outer.
> Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
> Cargo pocket with concealed zip.
> Three-quarter length flirts below your knees.
> Sky Blue piping.
> WXL size option.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Both are loose fitting shorts made from tough Hi-Impact nylon fabric.
> The Martinis are constructed entirely from the gruntier Hi-Impact Plus fabric utilising Hi-Impact Plus through the gusset like the men's Juggernauts.
>
> The Martinis are our premium women's 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 Martinis by replacing the liner with a pair of Witches Britches three quarter length shorts.
Tell me about the pad in these shorts.
> 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.
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.