With the Alps 8.0 shorts, Alpinestars has done everything right. They define what baggies should be with a very useful array of features that’ll please any mountain biker and a fantastic fit. However, if you like hand pockets and a low price, you’ll miss them here.
- Buyer's guide to mountain bike waterproof shorts - how to buy the best ones
- Five Ten Brand of the Brave shorts review
- Buyer’s guide to summer mountain bike jerseys
The Alpinestars Alps 8.0 shorts are made with a lightweight advanced poly-fabric that’s designed to encourage moisture-wicking. That same fabric is also treated with a water-resistant coating to keep dry from spray. There’s also a snap button and fly closure, Velcro waist adjustments at either side, two zipped pockets, and laser-cut perforations for airflow.
Moving onto the fit and there are absolutely no complaints here. I usually fit a medium size short, and this size 34” works really well for me. I have had to cinch up the adjusters a touch, though, so they’ve already proved how worthwhile a feature they really are.
Unlike a range of Velcro waist adjusters on other shorts, they stay where they're supposed to be without peeling away and sticking to the inside of your jersey.
These shorts are perfectly long enough too. There's more than enough knee coverage to avoid the dreaded pad gap, but the length also adds some splash protection, stopping water from finding its way up your legs.
The Alps 8.0 shorts are very baggy, though, but that's a great touch for me. They offer plenty of room for all kinds of pads, regardless of how bulky they might be. That extra bagginess doesn't get in the way either; it leaves you free to move without becoming an annoyance.
Niggles are very few with these shorts. For many, they would never be used, and that’s totally fine. However, hand pockets really wouldn’t go amiss. I just find them very handy (no pun intended) when travelling to and from the trails.
The one true downside, though, is the price. £90 is pretty steep when there are shorts like the Endura Singletrack Lites priced at £60. Much like the Alps 8.0, the Singletrack Lite’s fit is impressive, and they’re super comfy. However, the Singletrack Lite’s pockets are a little more strategic in their placement and purpose, and there are some hand pockets.
There are also the Polaris Bikewear AM500 TX Repel shorts at £80, which get a host of very useful pockets and features, fit excellently, and while great for year-round use, they're even better sorted for wet weather with their DWR coating.
If you're looking for proper baggy shorts and you're happy to pay the price, the Alpinestars Alps 8.0's are a very respectable pair of shorts that you won't be disappointed with. They're comfortable, they fit really well, and there is plenty of space for all kinds of kneepads.
- www.alpinestars.com