While browsing our local Patagonia store, we stumbled upon some mountain bike shorts, unaware until then that the legendary outdoor brand had launched bike gear. We looked online at the gear lineup, and reached out to Patagonia to get a test going. We soon found ourselves riding in the $99 USD Dirt Roamer shorts, $79 USD Endless Ride liner shorts, $59 USD Nine Trails 3/4 jersey, and the $249 Nano Air Light hoody.
Nine Trails Jersey Specs
- Soft, lightweight fabric stretches and breathes
- Moisture-wicking, fast-drying fabric with Polygiene® permanent odor control
- Articulated seams and longer back hem contour to body posture on bike
- Hidden zippered pocket at right hip stores keys and valuables
- Small woven label at bottom hem
- Flatlock seams eliminate chafing
- 159 g (5.6 oz)
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4-oz 100% polyester spun jersey with Polygiene® permanent odor control.
On the trail
The Jersey fit accurate to our size, (our tester is a medium). The thickness of material was a bit warm at times, especially when paired with the shorts, which are quite thin and breathable. The Nine Trails jersey features Polygiene odor control, which was very helpful in keeping the stink down, and while traveling this Summer actually enabled us to wear it for more than on ride, which is typically unusual.
The jersey features a small pocket on the rear, which we never put to much use, likely due to keeping car keys in our shorts or hip pack. We could see an added goggle/glasses wipe to the pocket being a welcome addition.
Dirt Roamer Shorts Specs
- Articulated, sonic-welded seams reduce weight and allow shorts to stretch as one garment while eliminating chafing during prolonged saddle time; clean, minimalist styling offers versatility between rides
- Curved waistband follows the natural shape of the hips; slightly slim through the seat and legs to provide a contoured fit and help keep shorts in place
- Snap loops pair with our Endless Ride Liner Shorts or Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
- Separating zip fly and mountain-bike-specific OppoSet™ adjustable waist customizes the fit
- Zippered pocket on left thigh; tonal logo at left hem and right-back hip
- Light, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric dries fast
- 11.5″ inseam length covers tops of knees and low-profile knee pads
- 153 g (5.4 oz)
- 4.1-oz 90-denier 87% recycled polyester/13% spandex with 4-way stretch and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
On the trail
The Dirt Roamer Shorts are incredibly lightweight at 153 grams. At a first glance they are quite reminiscent of board shorts. The fabric is super stretchy, and contours the body shape snugly. The height of the shorts covers the tops of lower profile kneepads, and leaves some room in the back of the leg for pedaling. The sole pocket is sufficient for some keys or a phone, but it’s not meant for anything heavy or bulky, as it would throw off the weight and pull the left side of the shorts down.
The Patagonia OppoSet adjustable waist is a simple and clever idea, it’s much less bulky then velcro type adjustment, though it tends to slowly loosen during the ride, needing to be snugged up again. Worth noting shorts fit well with the separately sold Endless rider chamois.
Endless Ride Liner Short Specs
- Comfortable, supportive liner shorts in a nylon/spandex blend with breathable panels of nylon/spandex power mesh
- Comfortable, low-bulk, 3-D, 3-layer premium Italian chamois pad protects and breathes on long rides
- External snap loops on waistband pair with Dirt Craft or Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts
- Soft, subtle silicone leg grip eliminates chafe and slip to keep the pad in the right place
- 8.75″ inseam
- 125 g (4.4 oz)
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Body: 4.2-oz 79% nylon/21% spandex stretch interlock knit with Polygiene® permanent odor control. Mesh panels: 4.7-oz 73% nylon/27% spandex
On the trail
We didn’t have the chance to drop the shorts for close up chamois shots, but the above video from Patagonia highlights the features of the liners.
The fit of the Endless Rider liners is spot on, there’s no bunching up of material anywhere, likely due to the pre shaped fit of the shorts and especially the chamois pad itself. The pad is three layers thick, and provides a very good cushion between rider and seat, we actually found it to be thicker than the other liners we’ve been using. Overall the day long comfort was superior to some of the other options that we ride in, and it’s held up to washing extremely well.
Nano Air Light Hoody Specs
- Light yet durable 100% nylon ripstop shell and plain-weave lining offer generous mechanical stretch and exceptional breathability, with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Revolutionary 40-g FullRange® insulation warms and stretches; combined with the shell and lining, this creates excellent mechanical stretch and unprecedented air permeability (40CFM on front; 130CFM knit on back)
- Airy, wicking waffle knit on the backs of arms and side and back panels manages excess heat and moisture
- Minimal, center-front zipper with low-profile zipper garage
- Two handwarmer pockets are zippered, welted and low-bulk to wear comfortably with a harness or pack
- Sleek, low-bulk, snag-resistant Variable Conditions Cuffs use stretch knit for easy push-up and have discreet thumb slots to provide versatile coverage and comfort
- Stretch binding at hem to seal in warmth
- 286 g (10.1 oz)
- Shell: 1.3-oz 20-denier 100% nylon ripstop.
- Lining: 2-oz 50-denier 100% nylon plain weave.
- Both with mechanical stretch and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
- Cuffs: 4.9-oz 100% polyester warp knit with a DWR finish. Knit: 6.3-oz 100% polyester stretch waffle knit with Polygiene® permanent odor control.
- Insulation: 40-g FullRange® 100% polyester stretch insulation
On the trail
The Nano Air Light hoody is an incredibly well thought out piece of gear, featuring mesh waffle knit on the backs of the arms, side, and back panels that wick away moisture and provide airflow. The front of the hoody is a nylon ripstop shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. We felt the 40-g insulation was the perfect amount for cold mornings and chilly night rides, but not so much as to get sweaty from. The fit of the hoody is to our liking with a size medium being the perfect combination of loose enough to move around, but not bulky. The discreet thumb slots are a nice addition on those extra cold mornings, and even fit under gloves. We live in a relatively mild mannered climate here in Northern California, so most of the time a jacket isn’t needed, but when it is, this minimalistic option is our go to.
Overall
It would be expected that a brand as large as Patagonia would make quality gear. Often times product from brands new to the mountain bike market can be less thought out then ideal, but in this case it’s obvious that the designers put their experience and full creative power into building out the bike line. The quality of stitching, comfort, and aesthetics, lent to our real liking of the kit. We’d recommend checking out Patagonia’s bike apparel options, and remind potential buyers that all the gear is backed by Patagonia’s Iron Clad guarantee, which allows for the product to be returned, replaced, exchanged, or repaired free of charge, and if you wear it out from abuse and time, they’ll fix it up at a reasonable cost. We definitely can stand behind Patagonia’s morals, and goals to look out for the environmental impacts of the garment industry. It helps knowing your gear was made in a safe, and fair work environment, with consciously sourced materials.
For more information visit: http://www.patagonia.com
