Freewheel Ride Short - Men's
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Why We Like The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Short
Riding off-road is no joke—the falls are rocky, brush reaches into the trails—and Outdoor Research went all in on durability in these shorts. The Freewheel Ride Short is an essential piece of apparel for singletrack, gravel, and park riding due to its durable and stretchy nylon composition. In addition to the rugged fibers, these shorts feature a resin-based 3D-printed overlay, DuraPrint, to boost durability in high-contact zones without increasing weight or limiting flexibility. And speaking of flex, Outdoor Research mastered on-bike mobility in this style: stretch fabric, a gusseted crotch, and pedal-friendly leg articulation keep us moving.
Details
- Off-road bike shorts deliver comfort for gravel and singletrack rides
- 4-way stretch nylon is weather- and abrasion-resistant
- Durability boosted with DuraPrint resin-based print technology
- High, laser-perforated back offers coverage without impeding breathability
- Regular fit with gusseted crotch, articulated leg openings to extend mobility
- Adjustable waist ensures a comfortable, reliable fit
- UPF 50+ rating for substantial solar defense
- Item #ODRZ8WQ
- Responsible Collection
- [material] bluesign® APPROVED
- Material
- 88% nylon, 12% spandex
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Fit
- regular
- Pockets
- 1 zippered hip, 1 zippered security
- UPF Rating
- 50+
- Claimed Weight
- 9.3oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- cross-country, enduro, gravel
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 39 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Here's what customers have to say
The mountain biking shorts are praised for their excellent fit, stretch, and durability. Customers note the shorts are true to size, provide great coverage and protection without being too baggy, and have well-designed pockets with a secure zippered pocket. The waist adjustment system is also highlighted as a standout feature. Overall, the shorts are described as comfortable, stylish, and exceptionally well-suited for mountain biking, with several reviewers stating they are the best they have ever owned.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 31, 2025
Best bike shorts
These are now my goto mountain biking shorts. Offering a wide range of sizes especially larger which are hard to find Lock in front button and side pull tabs lets you fine tune the fit and keep them secure.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 29, 2025
Great Bike Shorts
Great bike shorts. enough pockets to put your stuff and not have to always wear backpack. Good pocket placement. The material is good, dries quick and the shorts do a great job of moving with you.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 24, 2025
Most comfortable riding shorts
I’ve been riding for 25+ years. I’ve gone through a lot of shorts that are loose and baggy, reminiscent of the 2000’s free ride scene, and i just couldn’t find a good fitted pair of shorts. Until now. These shorts fit perfect. Enough room to pedal and move around the bike, while still being fit enough to not flap around. Only reason I didn’t give it a 10 is because the pocket system is a little interesting to get used to.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 23, 2025
Disappointed with lack of service
I placed my order on 7/15, today is 8/22. I have yet to receive my order, and the only message I received was asking me to write a review. Obviously I cannot comment on the product I ordered, but my experience has been very disappointing.
August 15, 2025
Epitome of Fit and Function
Legit, solid, well constructed, and relatively inexpensive. That's what these have become. They're the first short that I reach for now. The fit is spot on- if anything, they run just a touch large. I'm in a 34" waist and have plenty of room. (FTR- Raceface, Poc, Zoic- fit almost the exact same as these.) The fabric moves well, it doesn't bunch, and allows excellent mobility. Dries quickly and doesn't hold the "stink" after riding. I dig these shorts without question.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 1, 2025
Stylish and Functional
These serve two important functions. 1) They improve my looks while on the bike ride, and 2) they improve my looks around town after the bike ride. Both are important factors in raising my social profile. All kidding aside, they also serve their primary purpose very well as a performance mountain biking short.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 3, 2025
Best MTB Shorts Ever!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- Mens 34
I've been mountain biking for over 30 years and these shorts are the best I've ever had. Better than Patagonia & Fox by far. Superior materials, superior cut/fit. Also, you get the best warranty in the industry! Fit is true to size. My 34's fit as expected and are a great length for me. I'm 5'7" and 150 lbs.
June 26, 2025
Nice short
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- xxl
Really like these shorts, stretch is great and integrated belt adjustment works really well. As some have said the legs are on the narrower side especially at the bottom of the leg, but the slim fit works well for riding. If you’re on the fence on sizing, going up a size is provably a good call and the integrated belt can take up the slack.
June 15, 2025
New Favorite Shorts
Amazing shorts! I use these for both gravel and mountain biking, and I’m really impressed. The front left pocket is perfect for holding the next snack or small item, and the front right pocket is deep enough to securely hold my iPhone 13 Pro without it bouncing around and still easy enough to get it out. The zipper pull tabs are smooth and easy to grab every time; (It's the little things) I’d definitely recommend these to both new and experienced riders.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
June 6, 2025
Great MTB Shorts
I really like the button closure OR uses for these shorts (kind of like a chain lock on a door). It keeps them from popping open or tearing out buttons. The cinch tabs on the hips keep things tight. The pocket layout is great and will keep things tight on the outside of the thigh. The material is stretchy and robust, holding up to scuffing, tire chafe and the occasional tumble in the dirt. The black color will show dirt and sweat pretty clearly, but that's to be expected with a soft shell type material.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
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