Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

Stio’s OPR 11.5” Shorts are designed for mountain biking adventures, prioritizing durability, comfort, and sun protection. They have a clean, understated look that works just as well off the bike as it does on the trail, making them easy to wear in casual or social settings. For 2026, they feature a new sustainable Pertex® Equilibrium® NetPlus® fabric, which immediately stands out as a premium update. The color I chose is “Castle Rock,” and there are two inseam options available: 9” or 11.5”.

The OPR line sits in Stio’s performance mountain bike category, designed to balance pedaling efficiency with everyday versatility. The slightly longer 11.5” inseam is clearly aimed at riders who want more coverage and compatibility with knee pads without sacrificing mobility.

Detailed Review

The Stio OPR 11.5” shorts are made from Pertex® Equilibrium® NetPlus® four way stretch fabric, which delivers strong moisture wicking, breathability, and quick drying performance. The material is soft but durable, and it feels noticeably more premium than standard nylon riding shorts. A major highlight is that the fabric is made from recycled fishing nets, which is a great step toward reducing ocean plastic waste. The durable water repellent finish also helps shed light moisture and trail spray without compromising breathability.

One detail that stands out is how well the fabric balances wind resistance and ventilation. It blocks enough airflow to avoid feeling exposed on fast descents but still breathes well during climbs. The perforated paneling at the waistband and pocket areas adds to overall airflow and comfort, especially on warmer rides.

Sizing runs fairly true, though I found the fit slightly on the relaxed side at the waist. The built in stretch helps maintain comfort while riding, walking, or even wearing them casually. I tested the 38 inch waist, which matches my usual sizing, but I still found myself tightening the side adjustment system for a more secure fit. The hook and webbing adjustment system allows for fine tuning, though I would still recommend trying these on in person if possible. Belt loops are also included if you prefer a traditional setup and I used a chamois liner underneath with plenty of room to spare.

The Stio snap T-lock waistband closure is simple and effective. You align both sides and slide to lock it in place, which makes quick adjustments easy without fuss. It holds securely once set and never came loose during rides. A standard zipper fly rounds out the closure system and works as expected without issue.

Storage is well thought out, with two front hand pockets, a rear zip pocket, and a YKK® zippered front thigh pocket. The zippers feel smooth and high quality, with no snagging or awkward alignment during use. The thigh pocket in particular is a standout for secure storage while riding, easily holding keys, cards, or small tools without movement.

In use, the 11.5 inch length works very well with knee pads and provides solid coverage without restricting movement. The fabric stretch allows for full pedaling freedom, and I never felt any binding or restriction on climbs or technical sections. Breathability is strong overall, and I never felt overheated, even on longer rides or warmer days. The gusseted construction and hem quality also held up well, with no signs of fraying or loose stitching during testing.

I also found the shorts versatile enough for off bike use. They transition easily into casual wear, and I wore them for errands and everyday outings without feeling out of place. The combination of stretch, breathability, and clean styling makes them one of those pieces you can comfortably wear all day without thinking about it.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the Stio OPR 11.5” Shorts stand out as highly versatile riding shorts built on a premium, sustainable fabric platform. The Pertex® Equilibrium® NetPlus® material delivers excellent breathability, durability, and light weather resistance, while also offering a comfortable, natural feel on the bike and off.

Fit runs slightly on the relaxed side at the waist, but the adjustment system helps dial things in once set. Combined with strong storage options, high quality construction, and excellent mobility, these shorts perform well across a wide range of use cases.

These have become a favorite for me, especially for rides where I want something comfortable enough for all day wear but still technical enough for trail use. They strike a strong balance between performance, comfort, and everyday versatility.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.