Loose Riders C/S Riding Short

Vital Rating:
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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: Loose Riders C/S Shorts and Nebula Cool 3/4 Jersey
Party up top, business down low with this fresh looking combo from Loose Riders.
Rating:
Vital Review
s1600 looseA 600855

Loose Riders Global Alliance apparel departs from the race-inspired aesthetic while retaining the kind of features you want while going fast downhill. The prints and graphics say party. The build and fit say shred. -by Alan Sangma

Strengths

  • Rugged build
  • Snug fit
  • Flex where it counts
  • Well-placed and waterproof pockets
  • Jersey has sublimated graphics

Weaknesses

  • Heavy for a pair of shorts
  • Tight hip pockets

Highlights

  • Protective heft
  • Waterproof pockets for keys, large phone
  • Gripping waistband
  • Built-in mesh liner
  • Ratcheted belt
  • Vented flex areas
  • Shorts: $114.99 / Jersey: $54.99

Initial Impressions

The Nebula Cool three-quarters is a lightweight jersey with graphics that will set its wearer apart in the lift line. The graphics are sublimated keeping the jersey light by avoiding the extra layer of vinyl. This jersey is also offered in the Warm colorway which is the same graphic in an orange/red tint.

The C/S (Cult of Shred) Shorts are on the opposite end of the weight spectrum. They are some hefty shorts. They offer three waterproof pockets with sealed zippers. Two smaller pockets are on the front of the hips while the third larger pocket is positioned lower on the leg. The waistband has embedded vinyl for grip, and the legs have flex zones which double as vent areas in the hip crease and across the back.

On The Trail

The jersey feels immediately comfortable and moves easily with the rider. It drapes well and almost feels like it’s not there when flowing down the trail. Generally, it’s a good jersey. It sets itself apart by signaling that it’s more about good times than fast times.

The C/S Shorts feel concerningly heavy in the hand, but once wrapped around the legs, their excellent fit and easy flex make the heft feel like a welcome layer of protection against the inevitable. Once in the attack position, it’s clear what the C/S shorts are made for - not pedaling. During rowdy descents, the flex ensures that the shorts move with the rider, and the snug fit means there’s no baggy crotch to catch on the seat.

There are two smaller hip pockets intended to fit a key or other small item. They hold their contents securely, but getting the goods in and out can be a bit of a pain due to the lack of excess material in the area. The large pocket on the leg handles a phone and wallet easily. The position of the pocket keeps cargo securely out of the way so you can forget about it while on the trail.

Things That Could Be Improved

The LRGA jersey and shorts look and work great. The only gripe this tester can squeeze out is the difficulty of getting stuff out of the small hip pockets. We could talk about how the shorts might be heavier than some DH pants out there, but their heft seems to be a choice, and it makes them less like shorts and more like thigh armor.

Long Term Durability

The jersey hasn’t yet seen a crash so until that happens, it can only be said that the print shows no discernible fading. The shorts are clearly built to last. They are not meant to go into the washing machine, so this tester has taken to hanging them up and hosing them off with the bike. So far, they are proving to be a rugged piece of kit that is going last at least a few seasons.

What’s The Bottom Line?

These two pieces of kit are a vertical mullet. Business on the bottom, party up top. The Nebula jersey gets standard marks for functionality but scores points for style. The C/S short is ready to manage everything the rider and trail throw at it. These two pieces are a small slice of what Loose Riders has to offer, so check out their full lineup for more.

About The Reviewer

Alan Sangma - Age: 46 // Years Riding: 3 // Height 5'5" (165cm) // Weight: 160 pounds (68kg)

Alan, aka MTB Alan, is the weekend warrior who tries not to get caught reading mountain biking articles at the office. He came into mountain biking after nearly 30 years of skateboarding, so he knows all about finding fun ways to get hurt. Nothing intoxicates the SoCal shredder like a 50:50 concoction of fun and progression. Alan indulges too much time editing and sharing mountain biking videos, but he still loves how any trail can lead to being in the moment. Jumps, dust, slop, tack, chunk, exposure...and that’s just Alan when he’s in a good mood.

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Specifications

Product
Loose Riders C/S Riding Short
Riding Type
Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Downhill
Enduro / All-Mountain
Freeride / Bike Park
Rider
Unisex
Shorts Type
Shorts
Material
93% Polyester / 5% Nylon / 2% PVC
Pockets
3 waterproofed
Vents
Stretch mesh panels
Size
28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38
Colors
Black, Grey, 420
Miscellaneous
- Softer fabric than V1
- Improved pocket position
- Regular/slim fit
Price
$114.99
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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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