Gore’s Fernflow men’s shorts are built to cope with everything mountain biking can throw at them. Thanks to a range of handy features, they more than fit the bill and their pockets are absolutely cavernous. However, the closure is a bit overdesigned and they're pricey but still a good option among the best mountain bike shorts.
Gore Fernflow men’s shorts - Technical details
The Fernflow shorts are designed to suit all conditions, whether that’s the summer dust or the filth that’s best associated with the depths of winter. To build the shorts, Gore has employed a Cordura four-way stretch fabric and there’s an extended back panel that’s been added to fend off spray.
Gore has included extensions to the Fernflow shorts, such as the longer front leg hems that eliminate any chance of the dreaded knee pad gap. There’s also a stretchy panel at the rear to allow for a bit of articulation.
The Fernflow shorts are closed up thanks to a zip and popper configuration which also benefits from a hook and loop – similar to what you probably found on your school trousers. There are then laser cut perforations to help suck in a bit of air and there are silicone grips at the waistband, combined with Velcro adjusters to help keep the shorts in place.
Strangely, perhaps one of the most impressive features of these shorts is its pockets. It has two deep front pockets that can probably store a small tablet and there’s a smaller hidden pocket towards the rear which is ideal for a key. Finally, there’s a DWR coating on the back panel as well as taped seems.
Gore Fernflow men’s shorts - Performance
As with the Fernflow trousers I tested last year, the short-legged version fits rather well. Straight out of the packet, I’ve not felt a need to touch the adjusters. The legs are plenty long enough, running over half of the knee and there’s plenty of space for even the bulkiest of pads.
In use, these shorts have proven to be pretty versatile thanks solely to the weather protection that’s been added to the rear. It allows the shorts to easily shrug off any spray, mud and general wetness, keeping them comfortable through those warm but wet trips on the bike, all while offering great ventilation.
The range of motion in these shorts is as good as it gets. The use of the four-way stretch fabric allows plenty of space for the most radical of shapes and the stretchy panel at the rear only enhances that.
As mentioned before, the sheer size of the hand pockets is mighty impressive. And despite their depth, they’re shaped in such a way that anything inside won’t flap about as you ride. The small key pocket at the rear is super handy too, as it can store smaller and heavier objects that might scratch a phone or similar, securely and without it moving.
There’s a lot to like about the Fernflow shorts but there’s one little niggle and that’s in the extra hook and loop that’s used to close them up. It’s simply not needed and it only adds more to fiddle with as you undo or tighten the shorts. The shorts stay closed well enough without being fastened, so in future designs, this can be omitted.
Gore Fernflow men’s shorts - Verdict
At £130, these shorts are expensive, especially with so many great options for much less. That price tag puts it right in line with Rapha’s Trail Shorts which come with loads of pockets but they’re short in length, so the knee gap does rear its head.
Nukeproof’s Blackline shorts come in at a cheaper £70 and, for the cash the brand throws in a liner, which ups the value for money stakes. These are designed with a summer focus, however, don’t get a DWR coating. On the other hand, they benefit from eco-friendly materials.
If money is no object and you’re after a mighty fine pair of shorts that’ll see you through spring to the depths of winter, Gore’s Fernflow shorts do a cracking job. They’re comfortable and offer a wide range of movement. Their pockets are vast and the weather protection built in is more than useful. The extra hook and loop add a bit of faff though.