Feminine not girlie, there’s a difference people.
The Overview:
As active, adult women we know it can be challenging to find outerwear that tows the line between cute and cool. Shredly, an Aspen-based women’s mountain biking apparallel company does just that. You won’t see much pink or flowery prints on their products—which I personally really appreciate—but you will see hip designs such as peacock feathers (see photo), cutsy punk-rock skulls and vibrant, swirly art deco prints.
Owner, Ashley Rankin, not only designed these shorts as a hip/funky alternative to plain or girlie women biking shorts, she also put a lot of thought into the cut of the shorts, and you should be glad. She’s looking out for your ass, literally. Ashley says she designed a high waistband in the back “so the rider behind you can focus on something other than your crack.”
The Test
I wore these shorts on a SheJumps downhilling day at Snowmass here in Aspen, CO, so granted I didn’t do a lot of sitting on my bike seat (ladies, you’re supposed to stand up going downhill, don’t forget), but I did do a lot of sitting on a patio seat drinking apres beer. And trust me I’ve sat in chamois apres biking many-a-time and Shredly chamois top in as most “un-diaper” like, thanks to understated, but sufficient padding and a low-cut, wide waistband. Heck, I could’ve gone out to dinner in these shorts and felt comfortable. Which is a small feat in itself. No woman wants to feel like she’s wearing the world’s largest feminine pad while biking.
In full downhill gear—on a hot summer afternoon— these shorts were notably cooler than my usual bike shorts. They’re also the perfect length and fit in my opinion; they were long enough to qualify as a stylish “freeride” fit, but slim enough that the legs didn’t rub together.
These shorts are a bit pricey, running at $125, but with all the thought that went into both pieces, I think they’re worth every penny.
Cons
I’d like to see more pockets and zips for shorter rides when I don’t want to carry my CamelBak.
Rating
4.5 stars
Design: Although these shorts are in need of more pockets, or larger ones, the actual fit is extremely flattering on nearly every body type. -.5
Style: Nearly every woman, of every age, style and ability can find a print they’d like to sport. +1
Durability: This fabric can hold its own against outlying branches on the trail. +1
Performance: Breathable, slightly stretch fabric and the understated, low rise chamois makes these ideal for long, hot mid-summer rides. +1
Comfort: The reinforced crotch makes moving easy and increases comfort in the saddle. +1
Buy Shredly Shorts.
