O’Neal’s Pin It II shorts have some nice touches. The rubberised inner waistband feels odd initially but helps prevent slippage, while the combination of a mesh lining and lightweight fabric with mesh panels and zippered vents helps keep things cool. There’s even a wipe for cleaning your glasses or goggles.
The problem is in the details. It’s great to have zipped pockets, but putting them low on the legs means you won’t want to carry anything remotely bulky in there. And, although most short manufacturers put a one-piece panel under the seat to stop seams chafing this sensitive area, O’Neal seem to have forgotten this rather important detail.
The quality of construction is very high, but at this price it’s hard to excuse the niggles.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.