Fly Racing Radium Riding Short

With the exception of a functional pair of shoes, a good pair of riding shorts may well be the most important part to a rider's kit. Over the last decade I've tried every "trail" short from the major soft-goods companies with mixed results. All were functional, but every single pair has left something to be desired, be it lighter weight, better fit, better waist adjustment or more durability.

Come summer time I find myself living in my bike stuff. My career allows me to work remotely, so my "business attire" usually sits in the closet "just in case I have time for a ride". This means my shorts are usually the first thing I put on in the morning, last thing I take off before bed. Yeah, I know, there are 12 step programs for guys like me.

As a Vital Test rider, I really do my best to suss out the finer details of a product. I sometimes find myself over scrutinizing something, just so it seems like I'm doing my job. Well, after well over 100 days in the Fly Racing Radium shorts, they dang near look as good as the day I bought them and are far and away the best shorts I've ever ridden in. All the scrutinizing in the world has left me empty handed with anything that could be improved, a first for a pair of shorts I've worn. Even the fit is dead on. (I am a 34 in jeans and a 34 in these, too, with a bit of room).

They are vented well, comfortable, the waist adjustment system is absolutely genius (no velcro here!) and if I do take a spill offer just enough protection to keep cheese gratering to a minimum. From DH laps in the bike park to full on XC racing (I've done both) and everything in between these shorts have been stellar.

Sometimes a review goes no further than "they worked as advertised, I have nothing bad to report". Boring review? Yes. But like a good referee in a football game, shorts should be invisible to the experience.

I'll be adding a few pairs to my closet, sure does make my summer wardrobe selection easy!