Rapha Explore Shorts review – versatile gravel/MTB baggies

Let’s face it, not all of us dig the full-on Lycra look for gravel and adventure riding. There’s no denying how comfortable it is, but for those who prefer a more casual look the Explore shorts from Rapha could be just what you’ve been waiting for. For 2024, the Explore shorts build on the original model – the Rapha Explore Overshorts, released back in 2022 – with some updated features, a new cut and new colors. 

Design and specifications

Mountain biking shorts have trended towards a more tailored cut, using lightweight and stretchy materials but the need to accommodate kneepads has meant they have needed to remain long - too long for gravel riding. The Explore short slips right in there for its gravel and adventure duties with an above the knee length and a slightly more relaxed cut than the original Explore Overshort.

The lightweight four-way stretch material has a slight brushed feel to it and it gets a DWR (durable waterproof repellent) treatment to help ward off showers and mud. There are two open side pockets, one zipped pocket on the thigh for a phone or snacks, and a rather generous rear pocket at the rear for small valuables.

A zip fly and small snap popper secure them in place with an elasticated waistband with a small snap buckle at the front for adjusting fit to suit. A simpler solution than the two adjustment buckles from the previous model. My size medium measured 11 inches at the leg opening with an inseam of 9 inches.

A small hanger loop at the rear is a nice touch, and means when sodden you can easily hang them up if you’re out in the wild.

If I’m honest, I did prefer the aesthetic of the previous model, with shared DNA from Rapha’s excellent mountain bike Men’s Trail Short. The angular seams and pockets are gone as is the simple one-color design. Replaced with a two-color design and more rounded off pockets and a small graphic and Rapha logo in subtle reflective print near the hem.

Performance

After many of miles during testing, I have become a real fan of the shorter looser fit. I was skeptical at first about the cut, but they soon proved to be very comfy when cranking out the miles with the hem of the short rising well above the knee and the loose fit really providing  a cool and comfortable pedaling experience, especially in warmer weather. They shrugged off trail spray and light showers and mud easily brushed off when dry.  

There’s no venting to the side pocket, it’s for storage only and my iPhone fitted perfectly as the pocket is high on the thigh and stayed place and didn’t flap about when pedaling hard or when out of the saddle.

That said, come summer it will be interesting how warm I get in them without any venting, but the lightweight material has so far proven to breathe well in spring temperatures.

Fit is pretty good for my size medium, at a 30inch waist, but I did need to cinch in the waist adjuster a little to accommodate the weight of stuff in my pockets. I like the stowablilty of these shorts using their own pocket, great when in transit of just storing them at home.

Verdict

These shorts could be described as multi-sport as they're as at home on a gravel/adventure bike as they are on an XC mountain bike and I’ve even gone trail running in them. They are high priced, but they certainly perform well, are lovely to ride in and look pretty good off the bike too.

Tech specs: Rapha Explore Shorts

• Price: $135 / £110 / €128
• Colors: Grey/Black Charcoal, Rock/Sage Grey
• Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
• Sizes: XS,  S,M, L,XL, XXL