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Snipes

220 reviews
Colour
Jet Black
Kākāriki
Size

Sharp baggies for enhanced performance at the edge. The Snipes are stripped back with minimal pockets, generous mesh front-vents and slightly shorter legs than the Juggernauts or Supertankers. Making them cooler in hot weather, and less likely to mess with your landing gear. Combine with a mesh liner for optimal off-road comfort.
+Features
  • Easy-Rider™ stretch lumbar with adjustable velcro Trim Tabs™.
  • Smooth fitted waist with zipped fly.
  • Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
  • Combine with Innuendos, Underdogs, Stowaways or Flatliners mesh liner for increased performance.
  • Zip security pocket.
  • Mesh front-vents.
  • Tough Hi-Impact™ Stretch nylon fabric takes the knocks.
  • Mid-length legs sit just above your knees.
  • Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
+Tech

  Weight: 220 gm

+Hi-Impact™ Stretch
Hard wearing and quick drying nylon fabric. Super stretchy for a closer, performance fit. Tight double weave 'looped' construction combines bulletproof durability with next to skin comfort.
  • Composition: 89% nylon; 11% lycra.

+Easy-Rider™
Stretch hip panels and Trim Tabs™ keep Ground Effect baggies 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.

+Luxury Liner
These baggies are supremely versatile. Add the InnuendosUnderdogs or Stowaways lycra mesh liner to deliver no-nonsense performance in the saddle. Whip ‘em out for washing or when moving into après ride mode. Winterise by using a pair of Geronimos or three-quarter length shorts as the liner.

+More than Kiwi Made
Ground Effect clothing is crafted right here in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Has been ever since we started back in 1994. Manufacturing locally works for us. We operate a quick-response system - holding minimal stock of any one item, but churning out a few more quick-smart when the pile gets low. The upshot is that we are seldom caught with our shelves empty, so orders get despatched the same day you place them.

+Compare

  Hydroslides Juggernauts Snipes
Fabric

HydroFoil &
Hi-Impact Stretch

Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Stretch
Liner Separate Separate Separate
Trim Tabs™ Yes Yes Yes
Leg Vents No Yes Yes
Leg Length Above-Knee Mid-Knee Above Knee
Fit
Sizes S - XL S - XXL S - XL
  Double Happys Slim Jims Supertankers
Fabric Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Plus
Liner Integrated Separate Separate
Trim Tabs™ Yes No No
Leg Vents No No No
Leg Length Mid-Knee Above Knee Mid-Knee
Fit
Sizes S - XXL S - XL S - XL

+FAQ

+Baggy vs Lycra
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. However, 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.

+Are they water-resistant?
The Hi-Impact™ fabrics have a water resistant treatment. While the pants are not waterproof, they do provide some short term resistant to drizzle and light rain. They are windproof, dry faster than lightening if you do happen to get caught out and are extremely hard wearing. For increased rain protection checkout the splashproof Hydroslides with their HydroFoil™ Plus rear panel.

+Washing

  • All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
    • The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
    • Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
    • Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
    • Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
  • As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
  • Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
  • Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellant finish.

+Shipping
  • Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
  • Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
  • NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
  • Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out. 
    • More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.
    Customer Reviews
    4.8 Based on 220 Reviews
    5 ★
    82% 
    180
    4 ★
    14% 
    30
    3 ★
    4% 
    8
    2 ★
    0% 
    1
    1 ★
    0% 
    1
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    Filter Reviews:
      CW
      17/11/2023
      Catherine W.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Comfy snipes

      So comfy and durable, this is my second pair and the first have had a hammering. Apart from some colour fading they’re still going strong, just can’t get them through the wash fast enough, hence the second pair. Light weight, stretchy and the leg pocket is so handy. Also love the adjustable waist.

      JH
      30/10/2023
      Jonathan H.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Snipes

      Love the snipes, my second pair after I tore my original ones open . My wife stitched up the original pair so now I have two. Love the new colour

      JY
      31/05/2023
      Jim Y.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Not what I expected - but that didn't matter...

      I needed to replace my Cactus Supershorts. These I used when working outdoors. I wore them out - the creases in the canvas eventually became rips. The Snipes seem too lightweight for heavy-duty outdoor activities. Instead they fill another critical niche - my need for smart active wear. I wear these a lot; the pocket is a perfect size for wallet or phone. They feel much nicer to wear than the Supershort and look better. Perfect for my bike-based lifestyle. Only slight worry is whether the mesh will stand up to the abuse I give my clothes. Time will tell. Highly recommended.

      JB
      29/05/2023
      Jeff B.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Sniped

      These are my go to shorts not just for the trails. Continued fantastic products and service from Ground Effect

      A Ground Effect Customer
      PJ
      01/05/2023
      Paul J.
      Australia Australia

      A true cycling specific short.

      Have had other shorts but went with these as ground effect has great gear. Spent 5 days on the west coast of tassie with some windy and wet weather. Much like the west coast of the south Island. A great fit performed really well, kept the water off and dried really quickly. Thanks again Ground Effect