Vaude Moab Shorts II 2017
Reviews / Shorts
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At A Glance
Vaude’s second iteration of the Moab Short is available in both a men’s and women’s fit and is aimed at the perennial trail rider, with an 80% windproof (surely an oxymoron) fabric and water-repellent coating. Featuring a strong ecological story, the Moabs are made from a sustainably sourced, fairtrade, lightweight 4-way stretch material designed with strength and comfort in mind.
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Available in three bright, blocky colour ways and a black/grey version for the more subtle rider, the Moab II shorts are host to a range of nifty features; front facing vented pockets, waist adjustable straps, articulated knees and an interesting pair of almost full-length side zips designed to provide additional venting and additional expansion for fitting the shorts over knee or shin guards.
The overall first impression from the Moab II is that they’ll be a reliable and ever-present pair of shorts for most riding occasions.
On The Trail
The shorts pass the all-important first test of length with flying colours, providing plenty of material down low to cover the dreaded ‘gap’ between shorts and knee pads. At over six feet tall, and suffering from a pretty severe case of lankiness, it’s perhaps not imperative to all wearers of the Moab II's, but it’s better to have too much length than not enough.
Another area where material quantities are concerned is in the girth of the leg. The medium shorts on test offered a little too much in terms of loose material around the thighs, and this was most noticeable - and almost problematic - when descending a particularly steep section of trail and getting the shorts caught on the nose of the saddle. If you’ve ever been in this position you’ll know it’s not fun when trying to move around the bike. It’s safe to say that the shorts felt a little on the baggy side.
This probably could be remedied by running a 150mm dropper post to get the saddle well out of the way prior to dropping in, and trying a couple of sizes to get the fit just right.
Other than this unfortunate episode comfort was very good indeed, with no obvious seams digging in and a good fit around the waist provided by a high-cut panel and the aforementioned adjustment straps.
The flexible 4-way stretch material allows a good range of movement on and off the bike and the two zip pockets offer somewhere safe to stash a key and some cash, though being forward facing they might not suit taking a phone, unless you want it sat on top of your thigh.
Overall
A great set of ‘go-to’ shorts that will spend a good amount of time on the go-to kit pile and which are easily long enough and wide enough to be worn over a set of chunky pads. The Moab IIs are comfortable, well made and offer buyers with one eye on the planet an environmentally-friendly option.
Take some time to find the correct fit for you (they’re available in S - XXL so there's plenty of options) to avoid saddle snagging issues in precarious situations.
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By James Swann
Originally from Sheffield, James lives and works in the mountain bike mecca that is the Lake District and has been falling off bikes since he was six. In between working on bike events, riding bikes, racing bikes and writing about bikes he enjoys talking about bikes with anyone who will listen. He really likes bikes.
