Freewheel Ride Short - Men's
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Why We Like The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Short
Riding off-road is no joke—the falls are rocky, brush reaches into the trails—and Outdoor Research went all in on durability in these shorts. The Freewheel Ride Short is an essential piece of apparel for singletrack, gravel, and park riding due to its durable and stretchy nylon composition. In addition to the rugged fibers, these shorts feature a resin-based 3D-printed overlay, DuraPrint, to boost durability in high-contact zones without increasing weight or limiting flexibility. And speaking of flex, Outdoor Research mastered on-bike mobility in this style: stretch fabric, a gusseted crotch, and pedal-friendly leg articulation keep us moving.
Details
- Off-road bike shorts deliver comfort for gravel and singletrack rides
- 4-way stretch nylon is weather- and abrasion-resistant
- Durability boosted with DuraPrint resin-based print technology
- High, laser-perforated back offers coverage without impeding breathability
- Regular fit with gusseted crotch, articulated leg openings to extend mobility
- Adjustable waist ensures a comfortable, reliable fit
- UPF 50+ rating for substantial solar defense
- Item #ODRZ8WQ
- Responsible Collection
- [material] bluesign® APPROVED
- Material
- 88% nylon, 12% spandex
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Fit
- regular
- Pockets
- 1 zippered hip, 1 zippered security
- UPF Rating
- 50+
- Claimed Weight
- 9.3oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- cross-country, enduro, gravel
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
5 based on 4 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 3, 2024
Dialed, Slim, COMFY
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- 33
- Height:
- 6' 2"
- Weight:
- 150
These are my new favorite baggy short. Outdoor Research is best known for their climbing, mountaineering, and hiking lines, and has taken their expertise and crafted something really special in these shorts and several other MTB pieces. I’ve got weird proportions. I have a 32-33ish waist, a 32-33ish pants inseam, I’m 6’2”, and I weigh 150 pounds. Lotsa torso, supa skinny. I have a hard time finding a well-fitted short in the sea of options floating around out there. I appreciate something that isn’t super baggy, has thoughtful pockets, material with the right amount of stretch, and a length that provides good coverage without turning into capris. These tick all of those boxes, and have a few features that made me fall in love with them. Things that surprised me- 1. The material is a goldilocks blend of durability, stretch, and breathability that has had me reaching for these over other options as the weather has warmed. 2. Fit is perfect for me in a 33 with just enough room underneath for liners, with a really nice taper going towards the knee and a longer hem in the front compared to the back of the leg that falls nicely when pedaling but offers sun and debris coverage. Haven’t worn knee pads with these but foresee no issues with bunching or choking at the opening as the knee flexes. Low profile waistband adjusters at the hips that haven’t interfered with the hip pack I sometimes ride with. 3. Two zipper pockets that actually keep my phone and any nutrition from flopping everywhere! 4. Silicone grippers on the rear inside of the waistband keep these things in place on my admittedly flat rear end. 5. The slide-snap button design is one I haven’t encountered yet and I really like it! Super intuitive and seems to keep the lil button from straining against the fabric. Altogether, OR hit it out of the park with these and I’m really excited to keep putting in the miles on em. Reach out to a Gearhead with questions! #CompetitiveCyclistGearheads #BackcountryGearheads
March 20, 2024
Nice shorts!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought:
- 32
- Weight:
- 170
These feel good while pedaling. The fit is dialed and predictable. The structure and fabric is very durable. I'd recommend these to everyone!
February 28, 2024
Top notch
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- 30 (m)
- Height:
- 5' 9"
- Weight:
- 145
**Be careful with the T-close button! Aside from maybe the warning sticker on the closure system ( so you don't damage the T-closure) being on the outside, I can't think of much that would make these better in my mind. They fit my skinny legs like a dream, are the perfect length and look better than I deserve. The waist cinch system is the best I've seen, no unsightly straps hanging out. The pockets are bike specific for sure, but I try my hardest not to use those unless needed anyways. An excellent addition to the wardrobe and probably my favorite mtb short right now. (slim enough to get away with on the gravel bike too!)
February 28, 2024
Really like these!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought:
- M
- Weight:
- 176
I just took these on their first ride and I can say I am very pleased! The fit is almost perfect out of the bag, with just a quick tug on the side adjustments. They stayed snug the whole ride and I never had issues with them loosening. This is great because there are no belt loops. The slide-lock closure works great, but you definitely need to remember not to pull on it like a snap. The leg openings hit right where they should for this type of short, right at the back of the knee and a bit lower on the front. I didn't run knee pads this ride, but I can tell these will have no issues fitting over them. That being said, they don't fit too baggy. The overall feel is "fitted". The fabric did a great job shedding mud and spray from some creek crossings, coming out the other side looking spotless. The stretch is great and allow the shorts to move without any restriction. The left side pocket is perfect for my phone and I never felt it while riding. The right pocket is great for keys and your DL/credit card, but the opening is kinda small. I don't really have an issue with it, but it does take a bit of extra effort to remove items from the pocket. Honestly, that's the only area I see for improvement! These might become my new go-to shorts!
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