100% R-Core-X MTB shorts review

The R-Core X shorts from 100% deliver on cut and comfort, but they’re pricey and getting them on can be tricky.

• What to wear mountain biking
• Cheap cycling shorts: affordable options for road cycling, mountain biking and commuting

That’s down to the Boa waist closure, which limits how far they’ll open up, because the retention cable can’t be unhooked to provide a bit more give.

If you can shimmy into them though – seriously, it’s a really tight fit and you’ll be thankful for the four-way stretch fabric they’re made from! – the fit and feel are really impressive.

There’s enough length in the leg to ensure they’ll sit over your knees and prevent any pad gap when sitting down pedalling.

And while they’ll fit over bulky knee pads, the slim cut means they’re not left flapping about in the breeze when speeds pick up.

The lightweight construction, along with perforations that line the inner thighs and smooth articulation, make the R-Core Xs really comfy to pedal in too.

I found the zipped pockets just about big enough for the bare essentials, and the DWR coating helps water to bead off (at least until they’ve been treated to a number of washes).