Alpinestars Gravity Shorts 2014
Reviews / Shorts
3,045,367
With their knowledge of making clothing for motorsports Alpinestars are a pretty dab hand at creating them for the pedal bike world too. The Gravity range is their line up for the downhill market, as the name suggests.
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They’re not as heavy as some of the other downhill specific shorts on the market and this thinner and light weight construction makes them ideal for warmer weather, and all-mountain riding when you’re going to be working up a sweat. The additional vented panels on the thighs, and perforated fabric at the top keep the airflow moving, whilst the full mesh lining enhances the breathability even further.
Don’t be fooled into thinking these are flimsy summer shorts though, far from it. The fabric is a hardwearing polyester/polyamide blend, both synthetic fibres that are tear-proof and abrasion resistant, and also known for absorbing very little moisture, thereby transporting it away from the body well. In addition there is a rip-stop panel at the rear and inside legs increasing the durability in those high-wear areas.
The shorts are incredibly comfortable and flexible thanks to the 2-way stretch panels, both in the crotch area and at the back. You can achieve a good fit too as the waist has a decent amount of adjustment being slightly elasticated and with 2 neatly in-built Velcro adjusters either side. The shorts are a decent length so don’t grab onto your knee pads, or rise up baring any flesh, and should you want to taper things in a bit there are subtle pull cords in the hem.
The whole package is finished with stylish and flexible thermoplastic rubber (TPR) detailing, which looks great, and also adds a small amount of protection on any impact.
We’ve been really impressed with the shorts; super comfy, practical and they look awesome. There’s a good choice of colour ways too from more understated black and yellow, through to the more eye-catching red. The ‘blue marine and violet’ option we have here is bound to be a hit with the ladies. It certainly was with our female tester!
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This review was in Issue 26 of IMB.
For more information visit AlpinestarsRelated
By Mary Booth
Mary Booth has been a keen mountain biker for decades; she grew up on the Purbecks in the South West of England and has spent thousands of hours on the trails in that area. She moved to the South East to work in the IMB office and regularly gets out to the Alps and the Surrey Hills where she loves to ride the more technical trails…
