GoLite Crank Shorts
By Jon Sharp

As might be expected, I know many mountain bikers (and quite a few roadies, as well). Although these bikers watch the likes of Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton on TV with excitement, they somehow don't feel quite at ease in a pair of tight Lycra shorts. What is it about a mountain bike or singletrack that makes people feel odd wearing Lycra? Conversely, for myself, I feel quite out of place on my road bike in baggy shorts. In their cycling line, GoLite has two cycling shorts to choose from: the Crank shorts are baggies and the Torque shorts are Lycras. Here reviewed, in the interest of mountain bikers everywhere, are the Crank shorts.

The shell of the Crank shorts is made up of a fabric GoLite calls Tetralobal Nateo. The name is strange and, perhaps, fitting to the fabric. It is made of a special wicking nylon and stretch Elastan. The goal of the shell is not only to wick away moisture, but to move with the rider and be durable--after all, these are mountain bikers we're talking about. There are two standard open front patch pockets and two hook-and-loop closure side cargo pockets with mesh bottoms. The fabric around the waist is a Cordura nylon Lycra stretch material. One of the more interesting parts of the shell, though, is the inner thigh and crotch area. It is made up of that same Cordura nylon with Lycra for stretch. Though this doesn't cover the entire area where you and the seat make contact, the front part rests on this stretchy, seamless material for more comfort while riding. Overall, it makes for good freedom of movement in the shorts.

The most important aspect to any cycling short is the chamois. Many baggies I've seen and worn have skimped in this area--either because the maker doesn't think mountain bikers ride much, or just to cut costs. I was relieved (and so was my butt) to find a top-notch chamois in the Crank shorts. GoLite's Endurance chamois is made up of "100% polyester stretch thermoformed free moving panels". What this means is that it is a 4-way stretch, multi-density chamois. (They make a different mold for women and men.) The chamois also features GoLite's C-Thru fabric--which is purported to wick and disperse moisture faster than other base-layer materials. During my test period, I never felt that I overheated or got overly sweaty in that area--more than I can say for some other shorts I've used.

All this adds up to a light (13oz-men, 11oz-women) and comfortable short. The chamois was nothing short of wonderful. On both long rides and short, I found this chamois to be one of the most comfortable I've worn--in either a traditional Lycra short, or other baggies. Once riding, I hardly noticed the shell at all, and these shorts truly felt like tight Lycra shorts. When off the bike, I found the inseam to be a bit shorter than what I like (and am used to with other shorts), but while riding, it didn't matter. I was initially a bit worried about the longevity and durability of the shell's inner Cordura/Lycra panel, but after months of riding, I can see no signs of wear at all.

One thing that I've always liked in a pair of baggies is for the Lycra and baggy portions to attach not only at the waist of the short, but also to have a loose connection at the legs. (To my knowledge, Nema is the only company who does this.) This feature makes riding with items in the pockets that much more enjoyable, and helps the shorts feel more like a system, rather than two shorts put together [Is this a run-on?]. Despite my initial prejudice, I didn't even notice when I had a few energy bars in one of the cargo pockets. I think that GoLite makes up for the lack of attachment at the leg openings by keeping the baggy portion not so baggy, and makes up for the lack of material with the stretchy crotch panel. Either way, the design of these shorts felt great and I was never bothered by them on a ride.

Summary: GoLite's Crank shorts cost $99.99. This seems about right for high-end baggy cycling shorts. What you get for that price is a very comfortable pair of cycling shorts with a high-end stretch chamois. These shorts are so comfortable that--and I am embarrassed to admit this--I've used them while riding on my road bike. About the only thing that really bothered me with these shorts was the length of the shell--and that, only when I wasn't actually on my bike riding. I recommend this short to any mountain biker looking for a comfortable short that looks good. As a side note, GoLite's Torque Lycra shorts use the same great chamois found on the Crank shorts and cost only $79.99.

Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information, contact:
GoLite
www.golite.com
info@golite.com
888-5-GOLITE