Acre Traverse Short
(discontinued)

Vital Rating:
Discontinued
Related:
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Tested: Acre Traverse Short
Rating:
Vital Review

Review by AJ Barlas // Photos by Steve Li

Acre - a brand that focuses on the minimalistic, functional side of products and less on meaningless marketing slogans - has been steadily building a following among cyclists for a number of years now. Their products are aimed at getting riders into the great outdoors with a focus on the necessities, because the extras can often result in things going wrong. Whether going on a multi-day trek or just a quick power hour rip, no one needs the hassle of garments getting in the way.

The Acre Traverse short is a prime example of their mantra. This super minimalist short is all about getting the job done without making itself known, and it doesn’t feature any of the unnecessary bells and whistles that some of the competition make a big deal of. These are not a cheap pair of shorts, however, slotting in at the upper end, though to the naked eye they look a lot simpler than some of the competition. So is the price tag worth paying, and are the nominal features too few for general riding? We’ve been ripping about in a pair for several months to find out.

Traverse Short Highlights


  • Side cargo pockets
  • Custom anodized aluminum belt adjustment designed by Mission Workshop
  • Integrated waist belt
  • Gusseted inseam
  • Mil-spec four-way stretch fabric
  • 140 g/sm American-made stretch nylon fabric with added DWR finish
  • Heavy-duty Prym snaps and YKK zipper front closure
  • High-backed tapered waist
  • Sizes: 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, and 36-inches
  • Colors: Charcoal
  • Weight: 250g (8.8-ounces)
  • MSRP: $165 US

Initial Impressions

When we first took the Acre Traverse short out of the packaging we were impressed by their construction. Everything about these shorts shouts top shelf, from the custom anodized aluminum hardware to the tough but flexible nylon fabrics. We were initially stumped that there were no pockets, only to discover that they are so stealthy we simply didn’t notice them.

The integrated belt is something we have not used before and is an interesting feature. Its construction is high quality and the position on the rear left side allows for single-handed adjustments with ease. The leg opening has a slit on the outer portion to make for a comfortable fit with pads, but allows the short to keep a more tailored fit when you're not wearing any knee protection.

Upon trying them on, we were happy to find them to be comfortable through a wide range of motions. The stretch fabric moved freely while the pattern gave them a more fitted appearance.

On The Trail

Out on the bike we were pleasantly surprised to find that the tailored fit kept the shorts away from any hazardous situations with the seat or bars. This allowed for us to get on with it when the going got rough without worry of the shorts snagging. The four-way stretch material also allowed for incredibly easy movement and added comfort that was welcomed every time we got on the trails.

The shorts were just as comfortable when ridden with trail-specific knee pads as they were without - a testament to the flexible construction and the small slits in the opening of the legs.

The shorts also remained comfortable on the trail whether sweating like a pig or getting wet from the heavens above. They won’t keep you dry, however, but they do resist soaking up the water like a sponge which keep them lighter than many others when things get moist.

While the Acre Traverse short does not come with a chamois as a standard option and many others in this price bracket do, the careful combination of a nice cut, fine materials, and crafted simplicity is something that we'd be willing to pay extra for. We never felt we needed something that wasn’t already part of the short’s design, and the two cargo pockets were plenty for us.

Things That Could Be Improved

While the integrated belt is very nice, we feel it could be better with some level of elasticity. This would allow for more flexibility and an even better fit.

We also found that the cargo pockets, while nice, were not as well thought out as the pockets on some of Acre's competitors. The current design requires riders to straddle the top tube or dismount to access items stowed in the pockets. A more ergonomic design would allow easier access when seated on the bike and less risk of losing items while fishing around.

Long Term Durability

After several months of riding in the Acre Traverse short we have had little in the way of problems. They consistently come out of the washer looking like the day we received them with no loose seams, fraying threads, or anything of the sort. We have had a number or small crashes in them and they have yet to show any wear. This speaks well for their durability despite the lightweight materials used in their construction.

What's The Bottom Line?

The Acre Traverse short is a comfortable, high quality pair of riding shorts for the person that doesn’t mind paying for something a little more unique. This rider is interested in the details and possibly looking for something a little more ‘dressy’ than what the rest of the pack offers. They can be worn comfortably in a semi-casual setting without looking like a dirtbag, just as well as they can stand up to hours and hours of trail abuse. Given the way they are wearing (as in, there is none), it begs the question of whether you get what you pay for? In this instance it would appear so. The only downsides are that they don’t come with a chamois and the pockets are difficult to access on the bike, which is something we feel is sorely missed on an otherwise well designed, detail-oriented pair of shorts.

Visit www.acre-supply.com for more details.


About The Reviewer

AJ Barlas - Age: 35 // Years Riding MTB: 15+ // Height: 6'3" (1.91m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

"Smooth and fluid." Hailing from Squamish, BC, AJ's preferred terrain is chunky, twisty trail with natural features. He's picky with equipment and has built a strong understanding of what works well and why by riding a large number of different parts and bikes. Observant, mechanically inclined, and always looking to learn more through new experiences and products.

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Specifications

Product
Acre Traverse Short
Riding Type
Trail
Rider
Unisex
Shorts Type
Shorts
Shorts with Liner
Material
Lightweight, Mil-Spec 4-Way Stretch Fabric, 140 g/sm American-Made Stretch Nylon, with Added DWR Finish
Pockets
Side Cargo Pockets
Vents
 
Size
28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36
Colors
Charcoal
Miscellaneous
View Optional Padded Liner (Parallel Short)
Knee Pad Compatible Length
High-Backed Tapered Waist
Gussted Inseam
On-The-Fly Waist Adjustment
Approx. Weight - 250g (8.8 oz)
Price
$165.00
More Info
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Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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