Review on Cycorld Mens Mountain Bike Shorts: Loose Fit, Zippered Pockets for MTB, Cycling, Hiking & Outdoor Activities by Christopher Karamba

Edit 11/25/18: Since the seller didn't want to return them, I've carried them on several trips. I have about 7 or 8 rides and they are already diverging at the waist on the right back just above the wallet. The material isn't very durable and while water repellency isn't an issue, its durability certainly makes a difference. For actual driving I would stay away from it, it's worth spending a little more for something that will actually last more than a couple of weeks. The back is not waterproof. As long as you're not riding in muddy/wet conditions these shorts will be fine. I really don't understand why the tail can't be waterproof as the tail gets a lot of spray from the rear tire during normal riding, but if you don't need it these comfortable, breathable riding shorts are a good value. Original Rating: I've only ridden these shorts once but so far I've been disappointed. I bought these on purpose because they claimed they were "water resistant". I tested it when I got them before the ride and in fact with some DWR coating the feet seem to be quite repellent, water droplets bead up immediately and don't penetrate the material. However, I didn't check the bottom and rear walls, and after two hours of riding in the mud, the rear was definitely wet. When I dyed the shorts it was pretty clear that the legs were coated but the back of the shorts weren't. Water and mud flowed right off the feet while the water just entered the back end and mixed with the existing mud. I have contacted the seller to see if it is just a quality control issue with my sample or if they are representative of all of their shorts and will choose a refund or replacement accordingly. All in all, aside from this glaring flaw, the shorts were pretty good overall. The fabric is "technical" quality and I assume you'll need to reapply the DWR over time (there are sprays that you apply and then tumble dry). The fit was a bit tight but I chose Large over XL with a 35 waist so I knew they would. There is plenty of room for stretch in the waist which is really nice. The fit on the feet is good (rather loose) and the fabric doesn't rub anywhere on the skin when pedaling. I like that they're below the knee (I'm not a fan of shorts that hit above the kneecap) and look pretty sleek (almost identical to my mate's waterproof Fox shorts that he wore during our trip). The rear zip pocket is great for a wallet (as long as it stays dry). In a 2 hour 12 mile ride up and down 1800 feet I never felt like they were interfering with my ride. In fact, they were very comfortable, except for the moisture. A few downsides, apart from not being able to be waterproof, the front pockets are a bit small as others have pointed out. I wish I had 1-2 inches more depth so I can fit my 5.5 inch phone instead of putting it in my fanny pack. The inside of the pockets is made of stretch material, which I don't prefer. I don't really see the point of zippered lower pockets as anything near your knee will rub every time you pedal. In fact, there was nowhere else I could think of stashing anything but a tic tac container other than the back pocket and not fret about it throughout the trip. .