Dakine sent over some of their mountain biking shorts to review on Mountain Biking by 198. To make sure that these mtb shorts got everything that could be thrown at them…MTB by 198 had Chad Oliver beat them up on some super tech riding. Below is Chad’s full review on everything Dakine sent over.
Dakine MTB Shorts – Chad Oliver Review
Dakine has been in the flow-sports business since 1979 producing gear for windsurfers, snowboarders, kiteboarders, skiers, mountain bikers, and skaters. Everything from bindings and straps, to packs, shovels, gloves, hats, bags, and harnesses. Dakine truly understands the demands of a variety of outdoor athletes. This year they added the much awaited mountain bike shorts to their extensive product line, with three models; the Syncline, the 8-Track, and the Chorus. Each pair of shorts showcases Dakine’s attention to detail and quality, with clean lines, sturdy construction and durable materials. Each pair offers different inseam lengths and pocket configurations, giving options to all types of mountain biking styles.
None of the three models have an inner-chamois liner, but do sport handy belt loops and snap/zipper closures and run true to size. The absence of ‘geriatric’ elastic waist bands and the presence of belt loops are a big plus in keeping the shorts solidly affixed to your waist. I’m a 32” waist and the mediums fit perfectly. The cut is dead-on; with gusseted crotches and good articulation, while providing extra room in just the right places.
Intelligent ‘Dakine-Details’ are found in each short that make them stand out. Mesh lined pockets provide ventilation, while nylon is added to the bottom portion of the pockets to prevent small items from slipping or poking through. Additionally, the pocket ends are stitched to the liner so they don’t pop inside-out when you pull your gloved hand out of your pocket. Zipper pulls are rubberized and spring loaded so they are easy to use and don’t flop around. All load-bearing seams are bar tack reinforced for excellent durability. Subtle screen printing is added to the shorts for a splash of color and style points. Nylon is used in the outer shell material which does a good job of not getting loaded down with moisture on those sweaty or rainy rides. Polyester mesh liners used in two of the three shorts are thin, wicking and very breathable.
Dakine Syncline $84.95
The pedaling short. With a 15” inseam, the Syncline is the shortest of the three. By no means ‘short shorts’ they hit right above the knee when pedaling providing more freedom of movement for longer rides. The Syncline has two front zippered pockets with two deep rear flap/velcro pockets for secure storage options, along with vents on the front-inner thighs giving you extra air movement. The Synclines are lined with a lightweight, comfy mesh and incorporate a stretch panel on the upper back of the short above the pockets for added mobility and comfort. This Dakine short uses the thinnest nylon outer shell of their short line-up giving them the award for being the lightest and most breathable one of the bunch.
Dakine 8-Track $89.95
The all mountain short. With a 17” inseam, the short hangs down a bit lower, covering up about half of a knee pad giving you more protection and coverage. Dakine busts out some of their intelligent design ideas with the 8-Tracks’s innovative liner of polyester mesh that has nylon patches incorporated inside the knees preventing pads from getting hung-up on what is otherwise mesh material in that spot. The nylon lining at the knees is nice and slick, providing a drag-free pedal stroke when you are wearing pads. The one downfall to this feature is when you are not wearing pads, the nylon sticks to sweaty knees making the shorts less than ideal if you are in hot humid weather riding pad-free, but Dakine did add zippered leg vents to provide some relief to this complaint. Mid-weight nylon is used in the outer shell fabric for a good balance of weight and durability. A stretch panel on the back of the shorts gives added movement. The 8-Tracks have two front pockets, two zippered rear pockets and a side thigh pocket with a vertical zipper allowing easy access when sitting down. In addition to belt loops, the 8-Track short has elastic Velcro tabs that can be used to tighten the shorts without using a belt.
Dakine Chorus $74.95
The classic burly short. With an 18” inseam, the Chorus hangs down nice and low, covering the knees for a different style and use. Constructed of a thick and incredibly durable nylon, the Chorus is capable of taking some serious abuse. There is no stretch in the fabric and they are not lined. These are great for times you are not pedaling long miles, but just downhilling or jumping. This short also has two pockets on the front and rear while providing storage in the semi-expandable cargo pockets secured by Velcro closure flaps. The only zipper is in the fly.
When it comes to design, function and durability, Dakine has proven itself over the years as a leader in the flow-sports soft goods industry. Their mountain bike shorts are just what you’d expect from such a diverse outdoor sport company; built to last a long time, fit well and look good. Overall, I give Dakine an A+ on their debut into the mountain bike shorts market.
Dakine MTB Shorts – The Bottom Line
PROS – Dakine MTB Shorts
- Quality
- Durability
- Good fit
- Attention to detail
- Belt loops
CONS – Dakine MTB Shorts
- A touch on the pricey side
- Depending on pedal stroke style and frame design, the zipper pulls on the open leg vents of the Syncline and 8-Track may clink against the bike’s top tube while pedaling.
