Skip to main content

Gore Bike Wear Alp-X shorts


WE’D BE THE first to agree that 200$ sounds like an eyewatering amount of money to spend on something that’s going to get covered in mud.

But when you deconstruct a short designed for multi-day events, the price begins to make sense. It’s hard to overstate the quality of both liner and shell, which are unmatched in this test in terms of construction and features. The liner, with its contrast flatlock seams, has the pad and construction of a 70$-plus pair of cycling shorts, while the shell combines light weight with hardwearing splash- and wind-resistant panels in the seat and crotch. From the long mesh vents to the well-placed D-ring on the waist, the details are perfect. The proof is in the riding, and let’s just say that, bank manager permitting, we’d wear these every day.

PRICE 200$


Labels

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>