I mentioned in an earlier post that Jane and I got a little crazy on the Rapha site this last week. One of the items that I’ve gotten to test enough to comment on. The website calls them “FIXED. Shorts“… so make sure to comment about my hipster douchebagness if you want to. I deserve it.

Notice the fine textures of the hair on my legs. They feel as fantastic as they look.

But about the shorts, they have been roughing my (admittedly) easy ride to and from work this week with class. I took them out on on a training loop through the hills of West Seattle in the heat yesterday and they felt good. They are a fitted a bit better than my Chrome Shins, so my legs seem less likely to hang up on my seat when sitting back down after powering over a hill. It was never a huge issue, but I prefer the tighter fit anyways (being a hipster douchebag and all).

There aren’t cargo pockets on the sides like on the Shins. I consider that another plus since the pocket flaps were always extended in to the wind. I doubt it was a hug aerodynamic disadvantage, but it looked awkward anyways. The rear pockets have zippers and are high on the waist so you don’t have to sit on what is inside of them while on the bike.

As with any Rapha product, you need to get over the sticker shock. They are pretty damn expensive for what you get. If they hold up as well as my Chrome Shins have though, it will have been worth it. There are a lot of amazing little touches to these shorts that make them the bees knees.

There are tweed details throughout the knickers, including the pockets, zipper and side buttons. The side buttons tighten the leg cuffs around the calf. You can wear it loose, tighten it, or roll it up over the knee. Looking at the website, I thought it was just a fashion type accessory, but I am really liking the options now that I have them.

I haven’t been in any rain yet, but I managed to accidently spill half a glass of water on them and it beaded off without soaking through. That is a good start anyways…

Time will tell if they handle the abuse I plan on putting them through, but the first impressions are very positive.

Coming as soon as I put some miles on it: Rapha Gilet impressions.

p.s. Off topic. The SIR 1200k is finishing up today. I am kind of jealous. Next year it will be tackled.