Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Ride Short

Review by Kate Agathon

For the last couple of seasons, Outdoor Research’s Freewheel MTB collection has been my favorite for its style and bike-specific fit construction.

Therefore, I was eager to try the Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Ride Short.

Look and Fit

Constructed from lightweight, breathable materials, the standard fit Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Short layered well over my chamois (not included).

They are a little longer than I like, but I am 5’0”, so most riders will likely not have the same issue. I found the extra length convenient because it prevented knee pad gaps and protected my skin from the sun.

True to size, the standard fit size 4 fit me (I typically wear a size small in Outdoor Research pants and shorts).

Features and Function

Outdoor Research clearly had mountain bikers in mind when they designed these feature-loaded shorts.

First of all, the slide lock snap at the center front waist is especially designed to provide a secure closure. Essentially, the slide lock snap prevents the random popping open that some snaps do when I lean forward.

It did take a moment to get used to the slide lock snap; especially when I had to hurriedly get them off for an emergency bathroom break. But the purpose was extremely thoughtful.

Other mountain biking-specific features included the Low-Pro™ Side Waist Adjustment Tabs that eliminated the need for belt loops and helped to personalize comfort, and the Contoured Waistband that featured a higher back waist to provide extra coverage while riding seated.

Discreet look-and-you’ll-miss-it ventilation on the back panel helped to keep me dry, while the DuraPrint 3D overlay along the outer hems added resistance to abrasions. Clearly, the Freewheel MTB Ride Short was built with mountain bike parks and burly, technical trails in mind.

My favorite features were the deep pockets and the pulls; super handy when I’m wearing gloves. The pockets could be a bit wider, but the depth made up for it.

I thought the left front leg pocket was placed in a strange place (basically the front thigh). I could keep my credit card there, I suppose, but the location was so odd I admit that I rarely used it.

In comparison, the right front pocket placed along the side of the shorts was deep enough to hold my phone and zippered to keep valuables secure.

Finally, I appreciated the stretchy UPF 50+ fabric; perfect for riding in the desert of Colorado’s Western Slope or the high-altitude mountain town where I live.

Other Features

• Top Loading Right Hip Security Zip Pocket
• Water-Resistant
• Wind-Resistant
• Movement-Mirroring Stretch
• Outdoor Research logos and branding
• Unrestricted mobility

For an additional peace of mind, the Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Ride Short is protected by the brand’s infinite guarantee (guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product).

Overall, I liked the stretchy Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Ride Short. The features and construction demonstrate that the designers had mountain bikers in mind. I’d recommend them especially for mountain bikers who prefer to ride in bike parks or take more challenging trails.

Available in 10 sizes (0 to 18), the lightweight and flexible Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Ride Short comes in three colors (Pro Khaki, Dark Olive, Black).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.