These lightweight undershorts are made from a moisture-wicking mesh fabric, with a seamless construction that helps to minimise itching and irritations.
Pores in the synthetic material are supposed to allow air to circulate – something Lycra doesn’t do so well – but despite the chamois’ ventilation channels and the shorts’ super-breathable meshing, we did find ourselves getting a little, uh, clammy on longer, warmer rides.
This is down to the chamois’ ability to store moisture rather well, which negates the wicking mesh somewhat. Over distance the lack of chafing was impressive however, and only more so without cream.
Dry, the chamois is like a thin, airy sponge and feels soft and comfy against the skin, but once wet it feels like your bum is being treated at a walk-in car wash. Not so good. Pair these with waterproof shorts in winter.
If you’re looking for liners to turn waterproof baggies into something more distance friendly, the S.100s are quality, but not without issues.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.