Shredly Review: Shorts, Bibs, Jerseys, & More

At Femme Cyclist, we’ve polled our community on their favorite mountain bike shorts more times than I can count. Shredly wins every time. That’s convenient, because they’re my favorite too (specifically the 7″ Limitless with the yoga waistband).

Why so popular? Shredly is a woman-owned company that makes shorts that are fashion-forward, have high-quality construction, and actually fit regardless of your size or shape.

But shorts are only where it starts. Over the past several years I’ve worked my way through most of the Shredly line: pants, jerseys, chamois liners, gloves, a romper, and most recently their first road and gravel kit and a packable rain jacket. My mom, my sister, and a few girlfriends helped me test along the way so we could see how everything fits on different body types and different sizes.

This review covers every piece, what I like about it, and what I don’t. Read on to learn more.

Oh, and if you’re interested in learning about Shredly as a company, make sure to listen to my podcast interview with Shredly founder Ashley Rankin.

Also, don’t forget to peruse my list of favorite mountain bike shorts for even more options.

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Shredly Shorts

If you haven’t tried a pair of Shredly shorts yet, you’re missing out. But what pair to get?

They come in two different waistband/fit options and four different length options–it can all get a little confusing. For now, know that there is a All Time short (a more fitted, traditional short with a mid-rise waist and snap and zipper closure) and a Limitless short (a looser cut with a high-rise waist and yoga style waistband).

I’ll explain more shortly….

Price: $98-$138

Two Different Waistband/Fit Options

Shredly offers their mountain bike shorts in two different waistband options. There is the All Time short (previously known as the MTB Original) which closes via zipper/snaps and the Limitless short (previously known as the CURVY short) which has a yoga-style waistband.

Personally, I think the yoga-style waistband on the Limitless short is THE BOMB and I can’t imagine ever going back to a normal waistband again. It works well for “curvy” women of any size (myself included) who struggle with finding shorts wide enough for their hips and bum, but narrow enough for their waist.

With the yoga band waist, you don’t have to worry about muffin-top, plumbers crack, or any fly-related disasters. In my opinion, all mountain bike shorts should be made with a yoga waistband! (And in fact, since Shredly created this short, a few other brands have copied it).

If for some reason you prefer a traditional zippered waist closure, then the All Time Shredly shorts will work well for you. This waist closes via (very fashionable) snaps, and zipper. That said, the back of the waistband is still stretchy, so it still provides a more forgiving fit than most traditional waistbands.

The rise on the Limitless short is a little bit higher than on the All Time, so that might also influence your decision.

Short Or Long: Pick Your Poison

The Limitless short is offered in 7″, 11″, and 14″ inch lengths; the All Time shorts are offered in all of those plus a super-short 5″ length. The 11″ short falls just above the knee and the 14″ long falls just below the knee. The short shorts are well above, and let you get a little extra sun on your thighs.

The 11″ short is a fairly traditional length for a mountain bike short and offers a good amount of protection. But the 14″provides even more protection. It’s a good choice for using with knee pads for downhill days or for colder fall/spring riding. It’s also nice for the taller ladies who might struggle to get enough coverage with other brands.

Here’s my mom in the 11″ length. She’s 5’6″ for reference.

The Shredly 5″ or 7″ shorter shorts are fantastic for ladies who don’t want to mess up their tan lines, or who simply like a shorter short. The 7″ Limitless has become my personal favorite go-to short. My legs still get a little sun, the waistband is comfy, and they don’t necessarily scream “bike short” so I’m able to wear them for other activities as well.

This is my favorite Shredly short–the 7″ Limitless.

Lots Of Different Prints/Designs

Shredly really made a name for themselves by leaving the boring black bike short behind and creating colorful and fun baggies for women instead. While you’ll see lots of brands following their lead today, Shredly was definitely the first.

They still have one of the largest (and loudest) selection of designs. While I do know a few ladies who choose the more demure Shredly shorts (yes, they do offer a black short too), far more of my friends hoard the Shredly prints like their collector items.

Black might be great for a cocktail dress, but the trail is the one place where it’s okay for women to be loud, silly, and a little crazy–and Shredly reflects that vibe.

A Looser Fit

Most women who mountain bike also have more muscular thighs, which is why I’ve never understood why most mountain bike shorts are cut fairly narrow. The Shredly shorts aren’t cut excessively wide, but they do provide plenty of room for more muscular quads. The shorts are easy to maneuver in and never hug or squeeze my quads.

While this is a good fit for my body time and preferences, ladies with narrower bodies might prefer something with a narrower fit. I’ve also heard some folks complain that they look a little frumpy or not tailored enough for their taste.

Zippered Pocket

.All of the Shredly shorts have two front hand pockets as well as a zippered pocket. The zippered pocket is a newer addition to the Shredly shorts and something we really appreciate. It’s great to have a secure place to stash your phone, credit card, or car key.

Wide Range Of Sizes Fit True To Size

One of my favorite things about Shredly is that they offer their shorts in regular pant sizes. That means if you normally wear a size 8, simply order a size 8 in the Shredly shorts.

I get really stressed looking out most brand’s S, M, L size charts trying to guess where I might fit and whether or not the shorts run true to size. It’s a lot more work for a company to offer all those sizes rather than 3 or 4, but we greatly appreciate it.

The sizes run from size 0 to size 24 (!!!!) depending on the short. I don’t know any other company that offers that many sizes, and we love that they are so size inclusive.

Don’t Come With A Chamois Liner

The Shredly shorts are sold as baggies without a chamois liner. This means that you’ll need to buy a liner separately (assuming you like a chamois). Shredly offers two chamois liners (reviewed later on).

Our Top Shredly Short Picks

There are tons of Shredly options, so you should have no problem finding the length and waist combo that’s right for you. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are two of our faves.

Limitless 14″

by Debra Bonkoski (my sister!)

The Limitless 14″ shorts offer a flattering variation on the traditional mountain bike short silhouette.  The longer length is convenient for wearing with knee pads on a gnarly downhill day, avoiding scrapes on an overgrown trail, or providing extra coverage on a chilly ride. 

Prone to chafing? The combination of the length, material and inseam gusset of these shorts helped my size 14 short thighs with a history of painful chafing, avoid discomfort on hot, afternoon rides.  

Shredly describes their curvy line as accommodating to all shapes, regardless of “whether your shape is boxy, straight, hourglass, pear, or apple.”  The shorts range in size from 0-24 and the stretch in the material make these a no-brainer to reach for when you are feeling your best but also when you feel bloated.  Although a separate chamois is available, I found these shorts incredibly comfortable on their own.  

After sitting trailside after attacking a steep climb, I was able to easily brush the dirt off the bum of these shorts thanks to the recycled poly/spandex blend. The yoga-style stretch waistband is a game changer in terms of comfort.  After a long ride, the shorts hold their shape and are a great choice to wear for a post-ride drink with friends.  

Limitless 7″

by Kristen Bonkoski (me)

As a “professional bike short tester” my drawers are overflowing with mountain bike shorts. And yet, I find myself grabbing the Limitless 7″ short over and over.

I like these “short” shorts so much, that I have a few pairs. For me, they are the perfect length for trail riding and bikepacking.

They are short enough that they don’t screw up my tan line, and they are airy enough that I get plenty of airflow on hot days. There’s also nothing about them that screams “bike short” so I felt comfortable wearing them to school pickup or around town on occasion as well.

As with all the Shredly Limitless shorts, the waistband is incredibly comfortable. They are quick and easy to pull on and off for trailside potty breaks, and even on loooong bikepacking trips, the waist never dug in or irritated me.

Finally, they are durable and brush off dirt easily, so I could wear them on multi-day adventures and didn’t worry about sitting on the ground.

Bottom-Line: Fun, Colorful, and Well-Fitting Mountain Bike Shorts

Shredly doesn’t make the trade-off between form and function; they manage to excel in both categories. Their shorts come in the funnest designs and prints out there, and yet offer a wide range of sizes and cuts to fit all body types.

Shredly Biker Bib

Shredly has been focused on facilitating comfy bellies for years, so it’s about time they created a bib short. If you’ve never tried bibs, they’re amazing because there is no waistband to dig in, and you never have to worry about jersey creep exposing a little midsection.

I’ve been wearing the Biker Bib for a couple months of long days in the saddle as I train for the Park City Point to Point later in the summer. We’re talking three, four, and five hour rides, which is exactly the kind of saddle time that puts a pair of shorts to the test.

Pros:

• Chamois is comfortable for long days in the saddle
• Drop tail is amongst the best I’ve tested for potty breaks
• No leg bands to squeeze or dig, cute scalloped design
• Big leg pockets fit a phone
• Inclusive sizes XS to 3X
• Some of the cutest bibs around

Cons:

• Straps twist EVERY time you put them on
• Less compressive than higher-end bibs

Price: $148

So Cute, So Many Compliments

These are possibly the cutest bibs I’ve ever worn. I’ve gotten a ridiculous number of compliments on them, and on the matching jersey. More than any other kit I’ve worn this year.

Granted that has nothing to do with performance, but let’s not pretend it doesn’t matter. Feeling good and wearing fun clothes in what you’re wearing makes you want to get out the door, and Shredly has always understood that better than anyone.

I have the Flora Azul print, but there are plenty of other cute ones as well. You might have to order more than one pair!

No Leg Bands, Just Silicone Dots

Like with the Biker Cham (reviewed later down), I’m obsessed with the leg design on the Biker Bib. Instead of a traditional wide leg gripper or a smaller tight elastic band, the Biker Bib uses tiny silicone dots to hold the legs in place. It doesn’t seem like they would work, but somehow they do.

The legs stay firmly in place with none of that squeezing sensation you get from a gripper band that’s a hair too tight. If you’ve ever finished a ride with a red ring pressed into each thigh, you know what I’m talking about.

The scalloped edge is also such a sweet, thoughtful touch. It’s the same detail Shredly uses on the Biker Cham, and it’s the kind of tiny thing that sets it apart against a myriad of options on the market.

A Chamois Built For Long Rides

The chamois on the Biker Cham is designed for longer rides. It’s fairly thick, but narrow between the thighs, which is where I sometimes get rubbing and chafing on longer efforts with a more substantial chamois. Three hours in and I wasn’t thinking about it, which is the highest compliment I can pay a chamois.

The material is high quality, well-stitched, and anti-microbial. It also seems to do a good job of being stain resistant. I got my period on a long ride, free bled into the chamois, and it ended up washing out with no stain.

A Drop Tail That Actually Works

Here’s where the Biker Bib beats out what’s perhaps its closest competitor: the Wild Rye Billie Stash bib. The Billie has a lot going for it, but it has no drop tail, so a bathroom break means peeling off your jersey and dropping your straps.

The Biker Bib, on the other hand, makes bathroom breaks easy. The straps are HIGHLY stretchy and fairly long, so it’s easy to pull the bottom down over your bum. In fact, I think this is the easiest drop tail of any bib shorts I own, even far more expensive ones.

That said, those longer straps did come with a disadvantage. They cross at the back and stay in place once you have them sorted out, but every single time I pulled these on, the straps in back were twisted. Wrestling them straight required reaching around behind my back and doing a little blind origami, and if my husband or son were around. I’d ask them to help me.

Mesh Front Built For Bustier Riders

The front of the bib is mesh, which keeps things breathable, and the cut appears to be designed with bigger chests in mind–big score if you’re a busty lady.

On me, it was loose.The good news is that it wasn’t at all obvious once I pulled a jersey on over the top.

The front also comes up nice and high over the belly, which adds some extra support and means there’s no worry about your jersey riding up.

Love Me Some Leg Pockets

Both legs have a side pocket, and they are big enough for a cell phone. Side pockets have been showing up on more and more women’s bike shorts lately and I am HERE for it.

When you’re out on a long gravel ride, you need all the places to stash stuff (phones, snacks, tools) and having even just a little more space on your body is super helpful.

Fits True To Size

I wear a size 6 and, per the size chart, ordered a medium, and it fit correctly. That’s notable because so much cycling clothing is cut absurdly tiny.

If you’re used to ordering up a size in cycling clothing, you don’t need to do that here. Order your normal size.

And like everything Shredly makes, the bib is size inclusive and is offered in XS through 3X, which is a range almost nobody else bothers with.

Soft, But Not Super Compressive

The fabric is soft. What it is not is highly compressive.

If you’re coming from a premium bib like the Velocio Luxe, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Whether that’s a pro or a con is entirely a matter of preference. Some women want that muscle-hugging squeeze; others hate it.

Shredly Short Sleeve Cadence Jersey

If you’re grabbing the Biker Bib, you gotta grab the Cadence jersey as well. It is designed to be worn with and complement the Biker Bib, and the two together are super cute.

Pros:

• Three rear cargo pockets plus a zippered pocket
• Mesh side panels move a lot of air
• Super duper cute prints
• Sizes XS to 3X

Cons:

• Zipper doesn’t lay flat
• Rear pockets are hard to access one-handed

Price: $128

Form Fitting, Built To Match The Bib

This jersey is fairly form fitting, which is a departure from Shredly’s looser, relaxed mountain bike jerseys. It’s cut to sit close to the body the way a road or gravel jersey should, and it’s clearly meant to be worn as a kit with the Biker Bib (or other pair of bib shorts). If worn on it’s own with non-bib shorts, you’ll likely struggle with it riding up.

While I like more form fitting jerseys with my bibs for a tailored look, this one did feel a little smallish at the belly due to the band that wrapped around the entire bottom of the jersey. It wasn’t bad (it is on pair with a lot of other performance oriented road jerseys out there), but surprised me as Shredly is usually a VERY tummy-conscious brand.

Mesh Sides Keep The Air Moving

Mesh panels run up both sides, and they do their job. I wore this jersey on long summer gravel rides here in Boise where we have very little shade, and I never felt too, too sweaty. The fabric is thin, and the full zip front helps too. I generally unzipped the jersey to where the top of the mesh on my bibs started.

The Pockets Are Great (With One Catch)

The jersey has three large pockets across the back, all tall enough for my phone. There’s also a small zippered side pocket that’s perfect for a credit card, a car key, or your ID.

The top of the rear pockets has a wide, grippy elastic band, and it holds your stuff in there SECURELY. Nothing is bouncing out on a chunky gravel descent.

The tradeoff is that it’s hard to get things in and out with one hand while riding. If you’re the type who fishes a bar out of your pocket mid-pedal without slowing down, you may find yourself stopping. I’d rather have the security, but I did forgo looking at my phone a few times just because it was pain to get it out.

The Zipper Is The One Tell

If you’re looking for the place where this jersey gives away that it isn’t a $200 Italian race piece, it’s the zipper. The seams around it always looked a little wrinkled (for lack of a better word) and don’t lay quite flat.

Cosmetic? Mostly. It doesn’t affect the ride at all. But it’s the one detail my eye kept catching on.

Bottom Line On Biker Bib + Cadence Kit

The full kit (bibs and jersey) runs $276, which yes, is real money, but significantly cheaper than the high end road brands. And you get Shredly’s size range and fun prints, which almost nobody else is offering.

If you’re a gravel, road, or xc rider who has been waiting for Shredly to make something for you, the wait was worth it. The bib is the stronger of the two pieces and I’d buy it on its own without hesitation, but you’ve got to grab the jersey to complete the unbeatable look.

Shredly Trail Romper

Looking for something a little bit more playful than your average pair of mountain bike shorts? Check out the Shredly Trail Romper!

This one-piece mountain bike uniform makes it easy to look pulled together and is sure to garner attention on the trail.

Price: $138

No Boring Cycling Kit Here

The biggest thing the Shredly Trail Romper has going for it is the fact that it’s unique. This doesn’t look like every other black short, boring jersey get up on the trail.

The Trail Romer comes in a couple of different colors, including the Graphite Tie Die design we tested. Flashy? Yes. Dull? No.

I love that there is zero coordination required. You don’t have to think about which jersey will match with which shorts.

Nor do you have to worry about how well that jersey provides coverage or how low those shorts are cut. You won’t end up with any plumbers crack or with your jersey pulling up to flash a bit of belly.

Fit Will Work For You…..Or It Won’t

Like most clothing items, the Shredly Romper might work great for you, OR it might not. (Sigh).

After coveting the Romper forever, I finally got one in a size medium. I wear a size 6 in all the Shredly shorts, so the medium should have been the right size for me according to the size chart.

Unfortunately, it was HUGE. I am smaller on top than I am on bottom, so therein laid my problem. The shoulders were way too wide.

I also have a long torso which made the shorts that much shorter AND gave me a bit of a wedgie. After reading other reviews, this seems to be a common complaint. If you are a longer torso girl, skip the romper. And if you’re small on top, size down.

After a few rides in the Romper, I decided it just wasn’t comfy or flattering on me. (Sadness!). I passed it on to my girlfriend Ashley who it luckily fit really well.

The one really nice thing is that the waist is adjustable and cinches down via buttons. Assuming you order the right size for your body, you should be able to get a nice tailored look.

The Romper also comes in sizes from XS to 3X which we really appreciate. Options are generally limited for larger gals, and Shredly is doing a good job of being size inclusive.

Wear With A Chamois Or Without

I don’t usually wear a chamois, so chose to wear the romper without one. Ashley, on the other hand, felt that the legs were way too short without so wore a pair of shorts underneath.

You could also choose to wear the Shredly Biker Cham underneath the romper. They are made to match so the little bit of leg sticking out underneath looks intentional, not sloppy.

The one issue to be aware of if wearing a chamois is the pee-trap factor. When/if you have to pee in the woods, you’re going to have to strip all of the way down.

If you are wearing just undies (or a short pair of chamois like the Hipster Cham), you could theoretically pull your undies and the romper to the side and pee without undressing. Whether or not you are coordinated enough to do this is up to you….

Fabric Is Durable Yet Stretchy

The fabric on the Shredly Trail Romper is synthetic and quite thick. At first, I thought this might make it hot or unbreathable, but that wasn’t the case.

Even Ashley, who is notoriously hot bodies, felt that the Romper was comfortable. “It was surprisingly breathable for someone who is a heavy sweater.”

The fabric also has a fair bit of stretch to it, making it both comfortable and easy to maneuver in.

Shredly All Time Pants

The moto-inspired Shredly All Time pants have become my go-to bottoms for downhill bike park days. They can also be used for general trail-riding although are not my favorite pant for that style of riding.

Moto Inspired Design…With A Feminine Flair

These pants are more gravity oriented than trail, and look a lot like a moto or BMX pant with their slimmer fit. That said, most moto pants I’ve worn are awfully masculine, and these manage to offer a feminine touch with the pintuck detailing and fun colors/prints.

I found that they were a great option for the downhill bike park. They provide plenty of room to maneuver but are slim enough, particularly in the bottom half, that they won’t snag or get caught in your drivetrain.

I did try them for trail riding, but they’re not my top pick for singletrack cruises due to the slimmer fit and fabric. The fabric is thicker (for protection and durability) and feels synthetic. The small vents up the back half of the leg allow decent airflow when you’re sitting on the chairlift, but not equate to great breathability when you’re chugging up a mountain.

For downhill days though, oh la la, I was a big fan. The best thing about them was the ability to access my knee pads!

Both legs have a nice long zipper that can be used to put on or take off knee pads without having to undress. Cause how wants to drive up the mountain wearing knee pads?!? Not me.

While I do think these are a great pick for gravity riding, there are a couple of things that might give the most aggressive riders pause. The first is that the knees are not reinforced. This is where most pants will tear if crashed in, so that’s a bit of a bummer. Also, unlike brands like Dharco, Shredly doesn’t have a crash replacement policy, so if you ride hard and shred these, you’re probably out of luck.

Large Range Of Sizes

Like the rest of Shredly’s offerings, the pants come in a large range of sizes (0 to 24). According to the website, Shredly recommends ordering up a size on these, but I went with my normal size (a 6) and they fit just fine.

There is plenty of room for my larger hips, bum, and thighs, and the waistband provides a good fit on my narrower waist thanks to the stretchy waistband. While the pants have a traditional zipper, snap closure, the back of the waistband is elastic and fits snugly without being restrictive.

Plenty Of Pocket Space

Unlike trail rides where I usually have a hip pack AND some sort of bag on my bike, when I’m downhill riding I have….nada. That leaves pockets as the sole place to carry essentials.

Thankfully, the Shredly pants have four large zippered pockets (two at the hips and two on the legs). I used these to fit my lift pass, credit card, cash, car key, and snacks.

There is even enough room for my phone, although I found that putting something that bulky in my pocket did limit my ability to maneuver on the bike.

Other Shredly Pant Options

Like the Shredly shorts, the pants come in an All Time and Limitless version. The pants I have are the Vented All Time pants.

I haven’t tested the Limitless pants, but they do appear to be a little looser fitting and more oriented for cool weather trail riding, if that’s what you’re looking for. Like the Limitless shorts, they also come with a full yoga waistband.

Beyond Tech Jersey

The Beyond Tech jersey comes in several versions: short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long sleeve (which is what I have). It’s a silky, loose-fitting a stink free top that comes in fun prints to match your other Shredly pieces.

Seamless Construction, Stink-Free Fabric

Something that’s quite unique about the Beyond Tech jersey is its seamless construction. All of the seams (including at the neck, sides, and waist) are bonded rather than stitched. For those of us with sensitive skin, this is huge! And there are no tags to rub either.

The fabric is silky-feeling and is–amazingly–pretty stink free. Shredly explains: “the jersey is treated chemically-free with FAR infrared ray and negative ion technology to achieve anti-bacterial and odor properties.” Sounds crazy, but it seemed to work for me!

Size-inclusive, loose fit

The Beyond Tech jersey has a looser, less fitted cut. This worked well for me on hot downhill days as I got plenty of airflow and never felt restricted.

It also comes in plenty of sizes (xs thru 3xl). That said, I ordered a size small and felt like it was a little too big. If I’m an XS, I have trouble believing tinier ladies will get a good fit in this jersey.

The long sleeves have thumb holes which are fun off the bike, but on the bike, I’m not sure of the purpose. They are awkward to use with gloves–so I just didn’t.

Shredly Biker Cham

Who says a chamois has to be boring? Or hidden underneath your clothes?

The Shedly Biker Cham is longer and more substantial than most so that you can wear it under your baggies, or all on its own!

Pros:

• Well constructed chamois
• Can wear with or without baggies
• Pocket space
• Pretty designs, cute leg scallops

Cons:

• Not all women will like the longer inseam and high waist
• Hotter than thinner chamois liners

Price:$108

Well Constructed Chamois

Chamois liners fall all over the spectrum in terms of quality of construction. Many liners that come with baggies are almost an afterthought.

If you’re looking for a high quality liner, I’d highly recommend the Shredly Biker Cham. Both the chamois itself as well as the short material are high quality in fabric and construction. These should last MANY wash cycles.

The chamois itself is fairly substantial. The padding is thick enough that you could wear this for an all day ride. (If you’re looking for something more minimalistic, check out the Shredly Hipster cham instead).

Can Wear On Their Own

I’d consider the Biker Cham as more of a cycling short than a liner short. Yes, you can absolutely wear this under your baggies, BUT they work even better solo.

Unlike many liner shorts, the Biker Cham is made of a thick, durable material. This means they aren’t see through; but it also means they are a little hot for my liking underneath a pair of baggies (at least during the hot summer months).

Wide, High Rise Waist Band

The waistband on the Biker Cham is different than most chamois we’ve tested. Instead of an elastic band, there is a much wider panel.

This makes it nice in that there is nothing to dig into your middle. It is also higher cut than most, so it holds your belly and you don’t get that little roll of fat.

That said, I didn’t love the higher waist underneath many of my shorts. It worked well under my Shredly Limitless shorts with their higher waist, but less so with nearly every other pair of baggies I own. With most shorts, there was a section of chamois sticking up over the top of the baggies.

Fairly Long Inseam, But Cute Scallop At Leg

The inseam on the Shredly Biker Cham is 7 inches. This makes it longer than most chamois. My much loved Club Ride June chamois, for instance, has a 3 inch inseam.

If you are wearing baggy shorts that are 7 inches or less, the Biker Cham will stick out of the bottom. Even if you’re wearing longer baggies, they are likely to ride up while the Biker Cham won’t (thanks to the grippers on the leg).

Now, this might not be the worst thing in the world. The scallop and perforations at the bottom of the leg are very cute. But whether or not you want your liner to show under your shorts is a very personal style choice.

Small Side Pockets

Another nice touch on these shorts are the small side pockets on both legs. Can they fit much? No. But you can certainly stick a bar or gel or some cash in there.

The pockets also make them nice for use at spin class where you might want to stash a locker key or gym pass.

More Affordable Than The Closest Competitor

$98 might seem like a lot for a chamois. And in fact, some of our other favorite chamois cost half of that.

Still, the closest competitor to the Biker Cham is the Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy. The two shorts are VERY similar in quality and design. Both can be worn with or without baggies, both have side pockets and a high waist, etc, etc, etc.

That said, the Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy* is about $20 more. We’d say save those extra bucks and buy this one instead.

Seamless Hipster Cham

Unlike the Biker Cham, which can be worn without baggies, the Seamless Hipster Cham is a chamois that is designed to be worn under something. And unlike many chamois liners, these are short enough to fit under ANY short, including the 5″ shorts. They’re also super minimalistic.

Nothing to rub or irritate

I have really sensitive skin AND I have a tendency to get saddle sores right in my leg/crotch crease where undies rub, so I’m a big fan of the fact that these are seamless. Well *almost* seamless–there is a seam at each hip.

But around the leg, there is no seam, no elastic, no stitching, nothing to rub or irritate.

Does this cause a problem with the bottoms riding up? Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to for me.

VERY Thin Chamois

Of all the chamois liners I’ve tested, this has got to be the thinnest. If you’ve ever had a pair of tri shorts, that’s what these are like.

The chamois is basically a very thinly padded fleece-y liner. This is ideal if, like me you’re not a big fan of bulky padded chamois.

For some folks, chamois can cause more problems than they solve. All that padding and accumulated sweat can cause chafing, saddle sores, yeast infections, etc.

If that sounds like you, but you’re not brave enough to forgo a chamois altogether, this might be a good option.

Expensive For What They Are

My only complaint with this liner is the cost. These are, essentially, a couple of very thin, very small pieces of fabric. $58 seems wildly high.

The Club Ride June chamois, for instance, comes in at $40 and my favorite budget brief from Baleaf costs even less. Shelling out the extra dough for these might be painful.

Explorer Jacket

Shredly sent me the Explorer jacket at the start of summer and my first thought was that I’d never be able to test it. I live in Boise. Our summers are hot, dry, and aggressively rain-free.

The joke was on me. We got one of the wettest Junes on record, and I ended up with multiple training rides in heavy downpours plus one cool day at the Whistler Bike Park. Turns out I had exactly the right jacket sitting in my closet.

Pros:

• Incredibly light and packable
• Kept me dry through actual downpours
• Hood fits over a helmet
• Works as a wind layer, rain layer, and warmth layer
• Priced well below comparable ultralight shells

Cons:

• No rear pockets
• Stuff pocket creates an awkward fabric flap when unzipped

Price: $128

So Light You’ll Actually Bring It

The big selling point with this jacket is that it’s crazy light and packs down to nothing. It fits in a single hand all balled up and is feather light.

This makes it ideal for packing for those “just in case” moments where I might normally skip bringing a jacket. It easily fits in a jersey pocket or hydration pack.

I tend to be a light packer and will talk myself out of bringing a jacket. With the Explorer, I found myself tossing it in my pack for any ride where it might rain or the temps might drop.

I’m also planning to bring it on my next bikepacking trip, which is where I think it will really shine. When you’re counting every ounce and every cubic inch, this is exactly the kind of layer you want.

It Handled Rain Admirably Well

I’m not talking about a light drizzle here. I went for a training ride where it rained the ENTIRE 3 hours, and while I wasn’t exactly DRY at the end, I was pleasantly surprised with how long it held up. I was also able to pull the hood up and over my helmet which was a nice feature.

Now it’s not the jacket I’d choose for winter rain. The seams are not taped, and it isn’t as thick or as heavy duty as my trusty Pactimo rain jacket, which is what I’d grab if I knew I was riding in sustained nasty weather or cold.

But the Pactimo takes up roughly five times the packed volume. Five times! For an unexpected storm, or for a bikepacking kit where space is precious, I’ll take the tradeoff every time.

A Do-It-All Extra Layer

I’ve come to think of this less as a rain jacket and more as my all-purpose extra layer. It’s wind proof, it sheds water, and it adds just enough warmth for those summer evenings when the temperature drops on the ride home.

I was a big fan of the jacket on my recent trip to Whistler. Our first day in the bike park it was cool. I’d warm up at the bottom of the mountain, and be freezing by the top. I stashed this baby in my hip pack and would pull it out every time I went up the lift. On the last day of our trip, it was warmer but an afternoon thunderstorm was in the forecast. Once again, I brought the Explorer along just to be safe. \

The Stuff Pocket Is A Mixed Bag

The jacket folds into its own zippered chest pocket and becomes a little carrying bag. On paper, great. In practice, I wasn’t a fan.

The problem is that the pocket was awkward when you’re wearing it as a jacket. If that jacket is unzipped, even part way, that pocket hangs out, looking awkward and frumpy. I noticed it every single time, and was a big pet peeve.

I Wish It Had Rear Pockets

While there’s that chest pocket, I did find myself wishing that there were rear pockets as well.

When you’re riding in the rain, digging into a jersey pocket underneath a jacket isn’t ideal. A rear pocket or two on the jacket itself would let you snash some easily accessible snacks without unzipping everything.

Incredibly Good Value

In terms of packability and quality, this reminds me a lot of my Outdoor Research Helium jacket, which cost me WAY more. That’s not a comparison I expected to be making about a jacket from a company best known for colorful mountain bike shorts. If you’ve been eyeing an ultralight shell from one of the more expensive brands, this is worth a hard look first.

Bottom Line On The Explorer Jacket

If you want one jacket that lives permanently in your pack and covers wind, rain, and a chill, this is a very easy recommendation. It isn’t a full storm shell, and it isn’t trying to be, but it kept me dry through a soggy June and it took up almost no room doing it. Bikepackers and anyone who rides in unpredictable weather should put this at the top of the list.

Shredly Gloves

Looking for a pair of well fitting, super CUTE gloves for trail riding? The Shredly Glove might be your jam.

Fit Female Hands. And Look Cute!

One of my biggest complaints about mountain bike gloves are that they’re usually unisex and come in like 3 sizes, leaving the size “small” to supposedly fit all women. Needless to say, I never feel like I get a great fit with those gloves.

The Shredly gloves on the other hand, are sized for women, and come in SIX sizes, so you’re ensured to get a good fit. That right there is reason enough to buy these gloves. I followed the Shredly size chart, and what do you know, my gloves fit like a glove, ha!

Because they fit well I feel like I have more dexterity to do things with the gloves on. I’m not constantly taking them on and off out on the trail. The fingers actually work with the touchscreen on my phone too, so that’s helpful.

Finally, they’re incredibly cute. They come in a wider variety of prints, and match the rest of the Shredly apparel. So you can put together a super cute ‘fit that includes your gloves.

Lightweight And Breathable

For summer riding, these are awesome. They’re lightweight (you can actually feel the grips thru them) and the thin uppers provide good airflow. We’ve had ridiculously hot weather in Boise this summer, and these gloves have been my top choice on sweaty days.

The flip side, of course, is that the thinner construction makes them less durable. (I’ll likely need a new pair in the spring). And they provide less protection for gravity riding or on overgrown trails. Oh, and they’re not great for winter riding (duh).

Life’s a trade-off. Pick what’s most important to you.

More Mountain Bike Clothing Options

Looking for cute stuff to wear on the bike? Make sure to check out these articles before you go!

• Best Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts
• What To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!
• Best Women’s Mountain Bike Pants

About The Reviewer