Sugoi Viper Shorts : Secure Your (Bike) Tools in Style

I suppose I would rather walk into most bars wearing bike shorts than a lobster bib, but while both garments are extremely functional once you stop doing the particular activity they're designed for serious style issues come into play. This was most evident when I cycled crossed country.

Though my bike shorts were an essential part of my wardrobe - they prevent chafing and the butt-pad cushions the impact of the seat -- walking around small towns in skin-tight, lumpy-bottomed, sweat-stained shorts drew curious stares and made me self-conscious.  

To remedy that fashion faux pas I now don the Viper shorts by Sugoi. These durable nylon shorts, which feature a moisture-wicking liner, are designed for off-road knobby tired aficionados, but they're also perfect for long distance touring. Because I often lift weights and then cycle on the stationary bike at my gym, I've gotten good mileage out of mine there as well.

What makes these shorts so user-friendly is the proverbial form-meets-function factor. Made with a strong but lightweight fabric, the outer layer has a baggy to-the-knee board short look. There are four deep pockets - ideal for storing gels, tunes or tools -- that stay securely shut with Velcro, which beats futzing with zippers when you want to get something mid-roll. The inner lining, which fits snug to my thighs, has a 4-way stretch chamois seat pad that makes the hardest bike seat feel far softer. The Viper provides all of the comfort of my old spandex diaper shorts with none of the social stigma.   

Available in men's sizes S-XXL in black and gunmetal.

Bottom LIne: Functional and stylish, durable and breathable with an ergonomically designed butt pad to cushion your ride, Sugoi's Viper shorts are the ticket for riding off road or in the gym or, if you dare, with a lobster bib. --J.G. (Aug. '09)

Price: $80

BUY ONLINE :, Wilderness Running Company, , shop at amazon.com

Manufacturer's Site: www.sugoi.com

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