The Morvelo R.A.D. (Rise And Descend) shorts are designed to be a good all-around baggy short with a lightweight design for flying up the climbs, while the reinforced fabric and construction ensure they are tough enough for heading back downhill. They are packed full of neat details and come in six sizes, making them a superb option for anyone looking to upgrade to one of the best mountain bike shorts options around.
Design and aesthetics
Morvelo has a really good reputation for its bold designs that stray away from the mountain bike conventions, but these R.A.D shorts play it safe, with an understated design. There are still a few signature flashes of Morvelo's flare with the “Ride Everything” slogan emblazoned on the back panel. They’re only available in black; a few more color options would be nice to see. They are a slim-fitting short with a generous six-size range, ensuring most body shapes are accommodated. They are true to size and compare well with other brands.
Specifications
Morvelo employs a stretch ripstop fabric for its lack of weight and durability in the construction of the shorts, with a coating of DWR to fend off rainfall and puddle splashes. Key areas are reinforced with double stitching included in the gusset area prone to high wear. The paneled shape ensures a good fit while the four-way stretch in the fabric enhances comfort. Fit can be adjusted with velcro waistbands with a zipped fly and twin press-stud closure. You get three zipped pockets for mountain bike essentials and side vents keep you cool.
Performance
The fit of the R.A.D. shorts are excellent with the true-to-size and slim fit working extremely well. The shape works well on the bike with pre-shaped knees ensuring there’s no discomfort or restriction when pedaling. The low weight of the fabric makes them a comfortable option for long rides, and they’re comfortable to wear off the bike as well or useful for commuting as an added benefit. The pockets are generous in size and well-placed, with the rear zipped pocket ideal for keys or cards. Waistband adjustment is generous with belt loops if you need more.
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Verdict
The Morvelo R.A.D. shorts strike a good balance between XC lightness and enduro toughness. They’re comfortable for long all-day rides and durable enough for downhill sessions with reinforcements where needed. The fit, shape and nature of the fabric give total pedaling freedom with no restriction at all, and the silicone-lined waist stops them from sliding down. The fabric handles occasional showers and they keep you cool on warm rides with added vents for much needed airflow. The pockets are generous and well placed to be genuinely useful, perfect for packless riding. They don’t look rad but they do work rad!
Tech specs: Morvelo R.A.D. Shorts
- Price: $115 / £80 / €110
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Pockets: Hip and rear
- Colors: Black
- Liner: Not included
- Inseam: Unpublished
