The fabric combination, as we’ve come to expect from Gore, is superb in the Freeride shorts.The main body of the outer is light with a slight stretch and that’s panelled with stretchier open knit across the hips that not only makes for easy action but keeps you noticeably cooler when things warm up. That cooling action is aided and abetted by the (very) long leg vents.
If that sounds a little too delicate, be reassured, as we were, by the heavier inner thigh/seat panel that feels like it’s going to stand up to a lot of wear, even after our testing it looks like new. The Freerides aren’t cheap shorts, but that’s because as well as the high quality outer, the removable inner is top notch too.
Constructed with mesh panels where you need them, the pad is very comfortable even on epic allday outings. We didn’t like the elasticated back waist and drawcord front combination. It’s not the best for comfort if you have to use it, and seems an afterthought on an otherwise spot-on construction.
