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

enduropulse.com.au - Jan 10

Slipping into the Supersonics for the first time inspired me to hit the saddle for a long ride. Slightly shorter than my usual shorts, my tan line was now highlighted with a white band around my thighs. I felt like a zebra on wheels. Nothing that a sunny ride across the savannah wouldn't fix.

Ground Effect babbles about its gear in a deceptively laid back manner. However it's evident that someone is working hard behind the scenes to get it right. The Supersonics are fantastic. From the wide waist band to the smooth lycra, these shorts immediately felt like they were punching above their A$99 tag. 10 panel construction ensured a snug fit and Ground Effect's website has enough information to get the size right.

The Supersonics sit at the top of Ground Effect's lycra range. The 8 panel Sputniks appear to be something of a bargain at A$79 with the same comfortable synthetic 'chamois'. My Supersonics are showing no signs of slowing down after a couple of weeks' work on and off road. Now, off to 'ride long time' and work on that tan line some more.

Craig Baylis

UnderGround - Dec 06

I first discovered lycra about 20 years ago. That original pair of shorts changed my very existence. No chafing, wet or dry. No catching on the back of the saddle. They felt fast, and sooooo comfy. I've motored through a couple of pairs every year since. Green dresser, third draw down on the left contains about a dozen still in service - with the Supersonics in pole position. They arrived a year ago and have received a sound thrashing.

At first blush they were extremely comfortable. The wide waist elastic holds firm, even when caked with a heavy layer of mud, yet it doesn't feel restrictive - unlike some shorts that constrict abdominal breathing or squeeze your bladder three hours into a four hour race (I hate it when that happens). The squillion-panel design holds my quads snugly. Hike-a-bike or aero tuck, the Supersonics stretch freely and hold their shape. I really rate the high-tech pad. It's luxuriously thick where your pelvic bones contact the saddle and tapers to the edge to avoid chafing. It dries fast and has an anti-bacterial finish - great on multi-day trips.

After a year of constant use, my Supersonics barely show any sign of it. The fabric, stitching and pad have withstood my standard dealing of mtb abuse. I'd say this pair has another few years of toil left in them. For me, that durability clinches the deal. Oh, and my partner reckons they make my ass look good! Whatever.

Simon Kennett
Mtb original, guide book author, track builder, event organiser & good dude.

Bicycling Australia - May 06

New Zealand based clothing manufacturer Ground Effect has made its name producing products for the 'dirty' world of mountain biking.
The firm is renowned for its casual style 'baggy' clothing and use of natural fibres, and the aim has always been to offer a functional alternative for the bike rider who is not keen on the lycra clad 'mobile billboard' look.
While its baggy clothing and muted colours have been a hit with the mountain bikers, these were never going to make it in the slick and fast leg shaving roadie world.

Supersonics
The Supersonics are the top of the line 'traditional' knicks from Ground Effect. For AUD$99 you get ten panel construction, a contoured multi-density synthetic chamois and supportive 280gsm lycra. This represents great value for money.
Interestingly, the Ground Effect knicks lack the elastic 'leg grippers' that most knicks use. They say that a good fit is achieved through their contoured panels so leg grippers are unnecessary and uncomfortable. Many riders roll up the rubberised elastic on their knicks for this very reason (others just do it to get a better tan).
I found that the Ground Effect knicks fitted me perfectly. They are amongst the most comfortable knicks I own and more comfortable than some AUD$200 plus knicks I have tried. There was no rubbing, pulling, or riding up, and the lack of leg grippers didn't pose any real problems. The only issue is that if the leg length doesn't match your tan line, you are not able to readjust their position as reliably without the firm elastic that leg grippers provide. The chamois offered excellent comfort and dried quickly.
I can't say a bad thing about these knicks except they may not fit every rider as well as they fitted me-but that applies to any item of clothing. This brings me to the main issue with Ground Effect's clothing. This New Zealand made clothing is not sold through retail stores and can only be purchased over the internet (or phone/catalogue order) which means you can't try the fit before you buy. They do have a good return policy that but posting items back and forth to New Zealand adds to the cost of the clothing. At least they have comprehensive and relatively accurate sizing information on their website. The benefit for this purchasing system is that you cut out the middle man and get a great price by purchasing direct from the manufacturer.

John Hardwick

Summing Up
Quality 70%
Nice materials and a high quality chamois.
Performance 75%
Excellent knicks with a very good fit. Some minor issues with the jersey.
Value for Money 90%
Excellent value by purchasing directly from Ground Effect.
Overall 75%
An excellent alternative as long as you don't mind purchasing over the web and the potential issues involved with on-line clothing transactions.
Wash Rating 75%
After three months of use and regular washing the jersey material showed a little pilling but there was no fading of the colours.