For Australian surf-inspired brand DHaRCO, its Gravity shorts are quite sedate compared to the rest of its eye-searingly lairy range. Aimed at trail riders, they come in a range of muted color tones and a wide range of sizes from S to XXXL with a focus on performance, but they are pretty spendy. With so many choices in the best trail shorts category can DHaRCO's Gravity Short gain as good a rep as its downhill clothing?
Design and specifications
Best described as mid-weight, the DHaRCO shorts are constructed from its own special blend of Nylon and Spandex which is purported to be temperature-regulating. The fabric is Blue Sign approved too which is less damaging for the environment as fewer chemicals and water are used in their production. The fabric has a good four-way stretch and has some built-in water resistance.
They’re a regular fit, with a slightly tapered leg and a good length that sits off the knee with plenty of room for knee pads. A rear yoke adds a bit more stretch room and also houses a small zippered pocket, which is big enough to stash a small item. Closure is taken care of by a zip fly, two press studs and a small Velcro tab. Adjustment is at the side externally via two Velcro tabs. You also get two zippered pockets to the front. DHaRCO has sneaked in a little slice of Aloha into the inner waistband in the form of an island-style print graphic.
Performance
These shorts certainly stay firmly in place once secured and adjusted via the Velcro side tabs. They do feel pretty substantial when first slipped on owing to the mid-weight material and waist adjusters. My size Small, 30-inch waist fitted well with the waistband sitting quite high, but that didn't feel too intrusive or uncomfortable. The length is good and they fit easily over lo-profile pads and my protective and padded short liner.
I’ve worn them in hot weather and was surprised how well the material handled moisture movement as I didn’t overheat – something I was worried about. I could fit my iPhone in the back pocket – but it is a smaller model, so that pocket may be better used for carrying a card or cash. The side pocket is fine for housing a bigger phone although I wouldn't use the front-facing pocket for anything more than a lens wipe.
They are good solid and robust shorts that shrug off trail debris when smashing through puddles and can handle light showers. They should be able to take a crash and survive and the muted colourways mean that they can easily be matched to any outfit.
Verdict
A good option for a tough mid-weight short that will see you through the seasons. I like the eco-credentials and fit and they are certainly comfortable enough for all-day epics or thowing some shapes at the bikepark.
Tech specs: DHaRCO Mens Gravity Short
- Price: $107 / £90 / €99.99
- Material: Nylon and Spandex blend
- Colors: Loam / Black / Gorilla Green / Slate
- Sizes: S to XXL
