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
Road cc - May 10
The Mojos are Ground Effect's women's version of the New Zealand company's top of the range lycra shorts. The men's counterparts are the Supersonics. Known for producing high quality bike clothing at reasonable prices, Ground Effect design with comfort, style and practicality in mind. On first appraisal these are an understated and low key looking pair of shorts. The 10 panel construction is highlighted by curved colour contrast seams, the curve not only looking flattering but also allowing the lycra fabric to stretch easily with the body's contours. The fabric itself is soft, comfortable to wear, non-shiny and flattering to every body shape. This is one of the areas where Ground Effect excel, in producing kit that women (and presumably men) of all shapes and sizes can wear and enjoy using. Although the Mojo's are only available in small, medium or large, catering for women up to about a UK14-16 (other options are available in XL), they don't have leg grippers, so don't produce the dreaded 'stuffed sausage' effect caused by some shorts in those with less than perfectly sculpted thighs. Despite this lack of leg grippers, they don't shift in use and cause irritation, remaining comfortable even on the longest rides. A well-shaped and broad waistband also enhances comfort. The anatomically shaped quick-drying synthetic foam chamois pad is a good balance of not bulky yet is genuinely comfortable in use, with different densities of foam where needed, and features an anti-bacterial finish. The shorts are washable at 40 degrees, which is a bonus that's sadly unusual in technical kit, and they'll last for years. A simple interior rear lumbar pouch pocket is useful for stashing tissues. There's also a reflective logo on one thigh. Verdict: A supremely comfortable and flattering pair of hardwearing lycra shorts. Especially good for those who dislike leg grippers. 4.5/5 stars by Leonie Jennings - Road.cc
Cycling Plus (UK) - Jun 07
The new Mojos are one step up in performance with two more panels than the Jitterbugs (now £26) we rated in the 2005 kit tests. Coming all the way from New Zealand, prices are killer value at the moment thanks to the exchange rate. The Mojos 10-contoured-panel construction gives a ride specific fit with strong, contrasting flat stiching. Both the Mojos and Jitterbugs are made from lightweight matt Lycra fabric that has a relaxed feel. It's comfy and non-restrictive, with a smooth waistband and no binding leg grippers. They also have multi-thickness 'antimicrobial-finish' pads that feel good under the seat yet are thin up front. Unlike the Jitterbugs, the Mojos have great reflective logos on the sides.
Verdict: 8/10. Great value performance short with relaxed feel.
Ride On - Apr 07
Riding in these newly-released Ground Effect 10-panel women's knicks has been no hardship. The knicks have a moulded feel and move with your body. Over long distances and full days they performed well - no soreness or rubbing. Leg bands have been a problem with other women's knicks that I've tried, but these were barely noticeable. At the end of the day I'm usually keen to get out of my bike-shorts, but I found myself happily wandering around in the Mojos.
The Ground Effect people know their riding and the shorts have plenty of features: flat-stitched seams, so no bumpy stiching against your skin; a wide elastic waistband, so no digging into your tummy; and a high rear waist, so your back stays covered. Other features include a small internal pocket, and a reflective logo on the side.
Ground Effect is a NZ company. Orders usually arrive in 3-4 working days, and no problems with exchange[s].
Sue Robinson
UnderGround - Dec 06
It was with mixed emotions when earlier this year the Black Mambas and Black Widows quietly slipped from our product line-up. We consoled ourselves, regarding their undoing as a benign casualty of the increased demand for performance over basic riding shorts. The Mambas dated back to our original 1994 catalogue. In protest against the traditional roadie-strip, we made them from non-shiny cotton lycra. Cunning seam placement achieved 6-panel shaping with just three panels. Having fewer seams was better by our reasoning, and using a high-lycra content fabric negated the need for lots of panels to achieve a decent fit. They also had a simple lightweight fleece pad. Determined to complete the break with tradition, we offered them in True Blue (as well as Jet Black). They worked pretty well but had some issues with durability, were slow to dry... and True Blue was a runaway failure, hence the current Henry Ford colour palette. We figured we could do better.
The Sputniks and women's Jitterbugs followed. Constructed from nylon lycra with a 3D moulded pad - they were a substantial step forward in performance and durability. We overcame our aversion to nylon after tracking down a low sheen variety, with a natural feel and moisture management treatment to disperse sweat. It felt cooler and drier than the cotton we so loved, was heaps stronger and dried quickly. A couple of iterations later they arrived at their current configuration - 8 panels, curved flat-seams and a sophisticated multi-level Softail pad... all for $89. Imported shorts of comparable spec retailed for twice the price, or more. The Sputniks were a bargain and flew out the door.
Buoyed by their success and the rave customer feedback, we toyed with options to create an even better cycling short. We experimented with fabrics and pads that added expense but no discernable improvement in performance. What surprised us was the improved fit and pad position from adding two extra panels and a couple of curved, flat-seams down each leg. The Supersonics hit the market last summer and were an instant winner. The women's Mojos have followed hot on their heels this summer.
Frase,
Ground Effect Product Designer.
ShockWave™ Lycra
The core fabric of our summer shorts… 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. Knitted right here in New Zealand.
> 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 |
Unisex vs Women's Sizes
If you're struggling to find that certain something in the Outskirts™ women's range, then check out Ground Effect's standard range of unisex gear. As unisex items tend to be larger than our women's designs selected products are also available in XS (approximately women's small) to provide a more complete range.
No compromise cycle shorts for long spells in the saddle. The Mojos' 10-panel design, coupled with their twin s-shaped seams, hug and move with your body, while the Softail&trade multi-level pad provides maximum comfort with minimal bulk. Hoodoo voodoo.
> 'Contour fit' with s-shaped seams allows the lycra to stretch freely with your body.
> Twin flat seams for enhanced comfort.
> 10-panel construction.
> Softail&trade 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&trade rear ensures a generous overlap with your cycle top.
> Out-of-the-way internal rear pocket.
> Wide elastic waistband for maximum comfort.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Mojos and Sirens are made from nylon lycra with a high lycra content (16%) giving the fabric heaps of stretch and memory. Both feature Bandolier cuffs - textured-lycra bands that glue the legs of our premium shorts to your thighs, and provide muscle support, all without the discomfort of gripper elastic.
> The main difference between the Mojos and Sirens is in the pad. The new eXo pad in the Sirens has 3D padding on both the inside and outside - more cushioning but with less bulk. More critically the pad and shorts' outer fabric are laminated together as a single layer for increased precision, with minimal movement between the fabrics and your saddle.
> The Mojos sport 10-panels while the Sirens lift it a couple of notches to 12-panels. More panels allow for more shaping in the design, providing a firmer performance fit.
What's the difference between the Jitterbugs and Mojos?
> 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 Jitterbugs sport 8-panels and single s-shaped seams, while the Mojos boast a 10-panel design with twin s-shaped seams and Bandolier cuffs - textured-lycra bands that glue the legs of our premium shorts to your thighs, and provide muscle support, all without the discomfort of gripper elastic. The additional panels in the Mojos allow for more shaping in the design, providing a firmer performance fit.
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, 4-way stretch 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 and 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 moulded 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 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.