Freewheel Ride Short - Men's
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Why We Like The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Short
Riding off-road is no joke—the falls are rocky, brush reaches into the trails—and Outdoor Research went all in on durability in these shorts. The Freewheel Ride Short is an essential piece of apparel for singletrack, gravel, and park riding due to its durable and stretchy nylon composition. In addition to the rugged fibers, these shorts feature a resin-based 3D-printed overlay, DuraPrint, to boost durability in high-contact zones without increasing weight or limiting flexibility. And speaking of flex, Outdoor Research mastered on-bike mobility in this style: stretch fabric, a gusseted crotch, and pedal-friendly leg articulation keep us moving.
Details
- Off-road bike shorts deliver comfort for gravel and singletrack rides
- 4-way stretch nylon is weather- and abrasion-resistant
- Durability boosted with DuraPrint resin-based print technology
- High, laser-perforated back offers coverage without impeding breathability
- Regular fit with gusseted crotch, articulated leg openings to extend mobility
- Adjustable waist ensures a comfortable, reliable fit
- UPF 50+ rating for substantial solar defense
- Item #ODRZ8WQ
- Responsible Collection
- [material] bluesign® APPROVED
- Material
- 88% nylon, 12% spandex
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Fit
- regular
- Pockets
- 1 zippered hip, 1 zippered security
- UPF Rating
- 50+
- Claimed Weight
- 9.3oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- cross-country, enduro, gravel
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 19 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJanuary 12, 2025
Great shorts
I got the freewheel pants mid summer. I love them so much ordered the shorts a few months later. Great fit, durable, well thought out (pockets), well bade. Another solid product from OR and I’m stoked on the OR MTB gear. I’ve used them for everything, XC, DH, park, trail, even did a 4 day 140 mile backcountry trip.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
January 10, 2025
The right fit makes riding better
I’ve never owned “bike specific” loose shorts before. Always figured that the basic shorts I owned already worked fine. Now I know that getting shorts built for the riding position is so much better. The pockets and the hems are in the right place, much nicer to ride in these. The one con is the diameter of the thighs shrank after the first wash, now they’re tighter than I’d like them. They fit perfect brand new. If future versions are built looser, so they shrink to size they’ll be perfect.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 5, 2025
exceptionally well designed for MTB
These are the first MTB shorts I've tried with a button and waist fastener that works well, feels comfortable and doesn't roll under a hip pack. The rest is all good too. The fabric is sturdy and stretchy. The pockets are well placed and functional. Overall they look good. I've tried lots of shorts from Fox, Kitsbow and Pearl Izumi, none have had a waist tightening/belt system that worked as well as this.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 25, 2024
Excellent riding shorts
Very happy with these mountain biking shorts. Fit is comfortable over my PI chamois. Love the 1" waist size increments! I'm a 31 and you just don't see that with other brands. Stylish enough to wear out after your ride. Looking seriously at the Ride pants now that it's getting cooler.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 24, 2024
Awesome shorts for MTB
I recently picked up the Outdoor Research Men's Freewheel Ride Shorts, and I’m really impressed! They’re super lightweight and dry quickly, which is a big plus when I’m out biking on warm days. The fabric stretches nicely, so I don’t feel restricted at all while pedaling. I love the pockets—there’s one that zips, which is great for keeping my phone secure. They look good enough to wear off the bike too, so I can easily go from the trail to grabbing lunch. Overall, these shorts are comfy and practical, and I’d definitely recommend them if you’re looking for something versatile!
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 8, 2024
Love these shorts - worth the wait
Mountain Biking - these shorts are the best I've found so far. Great fit, great pockets for Iphone (a must for me) adjustable and comfortable. Bought two different colours and rode with them 1st time today. Had to wait for the Canadian store to get them but worth it!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
July 5, 2024
wish they had hand pockets
great mtb shorts, I'm very happy OR is making mtb gear. These are my go-to, but I would like to see hand pockets in the next version. These work great while riding, but before & after riding you need to stuff everything in the thigh pockets (wallet, keys, phone, etc.), which is awkward and makes them swing like crazy with every step. I'm never going to race, so I'm happy to have the extra weight of hand pockets.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
June 24, 2024
Review
I wish these shorts had regular hand pockets as well. I would give it a 5 if it did. I often find myself trying to put stuff in where I think hand pockets are. Size is true to size. Perfect length to prevent knee pad gap.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
June 20, 2024
Perfect
These are my favorites! Just finished a 4 day trip Mtb trip to Quebec. I wore these day 2 , then realized I only wanted to wear these for the next 2 days. I washed them , wore them and loved them. Waist band sinched up perfectly and comfortably. I forgot that I had my phone in the pocket, because it is so well placed . Perfect fit me!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
May 8, 2024
All time favorite MTB shorts!
Time for a ten ride review! These shorts have all the right features I'm looking for in a bike short. Great material - stretchy yet durable. Great fit - right length, true to size waist with great adjustability (no belt needed) and they fit perfect in the crotch (doesn't get caught on seat). I wear these over a PI liner short and they've quickly become my all time favorites! I've ridden for for over 30 years and used many brands of shorts - these are winners! I've already bought a second pair. For reference I'm 64, 5'9" and 168 pounds. I wear 34" in everything Ferrosi and Method. These are 34".
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
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