Animal Crank women’s soft shell shorts review

These stretchy, breathable softshell shorts, designed for female riders, have a water-repellent finish that makes mud splats just fall off. Well worth a look if you’re not afraid of a bit of mud but want to shred in comfort.

Although they’re not fully waterproof, they really keep you comfy when the trails are heading towards the soggy side.

The great cut keeps your lower back covered and doesn’t pull tight over your knees. Velcro waist tabs provide a customisable fit, and there are vents at the legs to keep things cool.

A DWR coating keeps water at bay. The print is pretty in a tough sort of way, and there’s a secure zip pocket for your lip balm/tea money, too.

Sizing is vast, so try before you buy. The rubber tabs on the adjusters grabbed at jerseys and spoilt the shorts’ otherwise svelte lines, and a padded liner isn’t included.