Riding in trousers can be a hassle, but riding in shorts can be very cold and wet in the UK. However, Sombrio's no-nonsense brushed herringbone shorts made from thick waterproof nylon not only look cool, they also keep you warm and dry in all but the foulest of conditions.
Cut fairly loose, the shorts sit just below the knee and have plenty of room for pads but also have a high crotch and snug fit up top for efficiency. There are belt loops, two pockets at the front, two zippered pockets on the arse and a zipped fly and popper on the waistband. Two large zip vents on the thighs and a wicking mesh lining throughout keeps them comfy even when it's hot.
They are fantastic for all but the more serious of XC rides, when the oversized fit can hamper movement. I've been living in these shorts ever since I got them and now I won't ride in anything else - they are truly amazing shorts with the best appearance and quality compared to anything else I've seen. Period.
The Wildcards will keep you dry most of the time, but you do get damp after a while because the seams aren't sealed, although given how fast they dry, and how warm they are, this is only a minor niggle.