Rohan Outrider Shorts

They're good all-purpose shorts, these Outriders from Rohan. They're bike-specific in a very understated way, well constructed and comfy; just the thing for short rides and any destination where showing up in lycra might be frowned upon.

The shorts are constructed from a stretchy polyamide/elastane mix fabric, and the build quality is very high indeed; after three months' use there's really no sign of wear at all. They're pretty unadventurous style-wise, with two front pockets, a zipped rear and belt loops, and the leg length leaves the hem sensibly clear of the knee for riding.

Rohan have employed their Forward Pitch Cut for these shorts, meaning they're designed to look right off the bike and feel right on it. That worked okay in one of the Rohan jackets we tested, and a bit less so in the other, but for the shorts it's just so. They look like normal shorts but you don't feel all bunched up across your belly when you're on your bike; job done.

The Outriders are very comfy to ride in. Rohan have stuck to the traditional seam pattern which can be an issue with some shorts, but I've had no problems with these. The fabric is stretchy but not clingy, and doesn't restrict your movement at all on the bike. When it rains it's fairly quick to get wet, which can be an issue if you're wearing cotton briefs; although the shorts dry quickly once it stops raining, your pants won't. It's a shame they don't offer a pair with Rohan's excellent water repellant coating.

The Outriders also work well over lycra, although the leg length means that longer bib shorts will poke out the bottom.

The wicking belt band keeps everything comfy at the waist, although the fact that it's not attached along its bottom edge does mean that it sometimes rides up. It's not a big problem, mind. Sizing wise, well... bless you Rohan for attempting to combat my body issues but we both know I'm not a 34in waist. If you're buying online, size down unless you want 'em baggy.

All in all these are good all-purpose shorts with enough bike-specificness to make riding in them enjoyable. The neutral styling means you can just wear them about too, if the sun ever comes out. They're not cheap at £60, but they look like they'll last.

Verdict

Good all-purpose shorts for shorter rides where you don't fancy the lycra.