The XA Pro shorts exude the quality and attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Mavic. They’re made from a lightweight ‘Trail Tech’ fabric, which feels comfortable yet durable, thanks to its dense weave and 11 per cent elastane content. A small internal key pocket is hidden near the waistband and there’s a zipped pocket just above the knee. While these don’t provide enough storage to let you ride packless, there’s space for the key/card essentials. On the bike, perforations on the inner thighs aid breathability but undermine the effectiveness of the otherwise sprayresistant DWR-coated material. Small diamond-shaped grip sections help keep you perched on the saddle, until it gets really muddy. Getting the sizing right is crucial, since there’s no waist adjustability, but we found Mavic’s size chart to be accurate and the stretch rear panel allows some flexibility.
Price $120