Unless you’re very lucky, for most women some sort of padded underwear is essential for any ride much over half an hour, and Endura offers a wide selection of bib and liner shorts for MTB. This SingleTrack liner is one of two MTB-specific ‘traditional’-style Lycra shorts (the other being the top-end EGM liner at $119.99 / £89.99). The SingleTrack liner is also available in a men’s version (which retails at $69.99 / £69.99 – interestingly more expensive in the UK than the women’s £56.99 RRP). These SingleTrack liner shorts can be worn under any MTB baggies, and integrate with any of Endura’s ClickFast-compatible overshorts, such as its SingleTrack Lite shorts.
Design & specifications
Endura really knows its onions when it comes to mountain bike clothing and has focused the design of this SingleTrack liner around temperature regulation, comfort and low bulk, which are exactly what you want in something you’re wearing under a pair of baggy shorts. To this end it features Endura’s women’s 500 Series multi-density MTB pad, which boasts antibacterial properties, a “cool-touch fabric top sheet” and uses a special foam said to “provide superior drying and dramatically improved air permeability”. While the fabric top sheet isn’t obvious to the eye, the padding certainly feels a lot thicker than Endura’s 200 Series pad in the liner that is included with Endura’s Hummvee shorts. The 500 pad also has a noticeably smaller footprint and is much slimmer at the gusset, in line with Endura’s claims.
As for the fabric, the liner has a thicker Lycra front and back and a lighter weight mesh at the sides and around the thighs in a multi-panel construction. Leg length is spot-on reaching to mid-thigh on me (my size medium has a 7in inseam). The generously deep leg hems are made from a folded-over band of material to create a soft-edged double layer, as is the rear waistband, and both have silicone grip inside. The remaining elasticated waistband is a good 2in deep, and there are Endura’s obligatory ClickFast tabs (for attaching the liner to Endura overshorts) front and rear. Oh, and a shout-out to Endura for including a hanging loop, it's such a helpful little detail.
Performance
These are superbly comfortable shorts as soon as you pull them on. The broad elastic waistband sits below the navel so doesn’t dig in, while the soft fabric rear is cut higher and stays put whatever your position on the bike. Likewise, the deep leg hems stay in place without digging in or causing any unsightly ‘bulge’ above if you’re blessed with ‘feminine’ thighs. The chamois pad felt unobtrusive despite its generously dense foam, thanks to its smaller overall size so none of that feeling like you’re wearing a nappy. It did its job very well, even on rides of four to five hours, and did seem to stay relatively dry even in hot weather (though it’s hard to compare without testing another pad simultaneously, clearly impossible!)
The super-stretchy fabric is soft against the skin and the mesh-like side panels wick pretty well. Worn under well-ventilated summer shorts like Endura’s SingleTrack Lites they didn’t get too sweaty, even during tough Lake District climbs in last week’s mini heatwave. Although, the thicker material that covers your modesty is certainly hotter – for better breathability I’d prefer if all the fabric was mesh, like the Hummvee liner is, and the more open/thinner the better. While I’m being picky, I found the thick elastic waistband got quite sweaty. If it could be made of or lined with a wicking fabric that would be ace.
Lastly, the thigh pocket baffles me. It is impossible to reach while wearing overshorts (unless they had massively flared legs), and even so it’s very small and opens sideways, so if you did want to hide a credit card or folded note in there I’d worry it would work its way out. However, you don’t notice the pocket at all when pedalling so this is a minor niggle.
Verdict
I'd thoroughly recommend these liner shorts for their comfort, performance and price. Their high-quality chamois, great fit and soft fabric make them ideal for all-day rides in any season, although they do feel a tad warm in very warm weather. Thinner fabric would help here. They are very well-designed and featured, even if the mini pocket is a bit bizarre. Overall, a superb kit staple.
Tech specs: Endura Women's SingleTrack Liner Shorts
- Price: $69.99 / £56.99
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black
- Materials: Polyester 40%, nylon 40%, elastane 20%
