Freewheel Lite Ride Short - Men's
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Lightweight, stretch mountain bike shorts for high-performance comfort on the trail
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"These shorts are my go-to for warm-weather trail riding. The four-way stretch fabric moves with me, while the articulated leg openings ensure knee pad compatibility. The contoured waistband stays put even on aggressive descents, and the DWR treatment keeps me dry when I hit unexpected puddles. Plus, the zip pocket is perfect for stashing my key or a snack."
When we hit the trails, we want shorts that move with us, breathe well, and stay comfortable all ride long. The Freewheel Lite Ride Shorts from Outdoor Research check all the boxes with their lightweight, four-way stretch fabric and minimalist design. Whether we're climbing switchbacks or dropping into fast descents, these shorts deliver unrestricted mobility and a secure fit that won't shift mid-ride.
Designed with performance in mind, the contoured waistband features a higher back rise for coverage, while the bonded stretch waistband eliminates pressure points. A water-resistant DWR treatment helps us stay dry in unpredictable conditions, and the articulated leg openings fit seamlessly over knee pads. Finished with a zippered security pocket and side waist adjustments, these shorts keep us focused on the ride ahead.
Details
- Lightweight and stretchy mountain bike shorts for high-performance riding
- Abrasion-resistant fabric with four-way stretch for unrestricted movement
- DWR treatment repels water and dries quickly in wet conditions
- Contoured waistband with a higher back rise for a secure, comfortable fit
- Articulated leg openings designed to fit over knee pads
- Gusseted crotch enhances mobility and durability on aggressive rides
- Secure zip pocket for storing small essentials on the trail
- Item #ODRZ92R
- Responsible Collection
- Bluesign Approved (fabric)
- Material
- 90% nylon, 10% spandex, PFC-free DWR finish
- Fit
- regular
- Inseam
- 10.5in
- Pockets
- 1 zippered right hip
- Waist
- stretch
- UPF Rating
- 50+
- Claimed Weight
- 5.82oz
- Activity
- enduro, trail, downhill, cross-country
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
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Overall Rating
4.5 based on 5 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 5, 2025
Great shorts but frustrating button
Simple design that works. Fairly good stretch. Comfortable. Lightweight but robust fabric. I like the understated design and clean lines of the product. I'd prefer a different button b/c this button needs to slide to lock into place, and it is direction-specific. However, the button rotates over time and so it's frustrating to find the correct orientation to close it. Fix the button and this would be a 5-star product. It would also be good to add some no-slip silicon to the inside of the waistband. If you wear a shammy underneath the shorts tend to slip down a bit even with the side pulls secured tight.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
August 4, 2025
Fiddly fit
Like the short a lot. The fabric is supple, durable, and lightweight. The fit- initially you are going to think it sucks. I'm not 100% SUPER happy with the way the waist and crotch are for movement off the bike, on the bike, they're pretty good. It isn't perfect, but it's pretty good. I don't feel like they're going to break in and change fit, either. I like the button/snap system a lot, though. The good- tight enough that you aren't going to have fabric moving around on you creating hotspots, loose enough that you don't feel constricted. They're very true to size, as well. All in all, they don't suck. I'll count it as a win.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 27, 2025
great summer bike shorts
durability and breathability are great, they hold onto my waist with the pull tabs on the side, the button fly is great, the only thing i would change is to extend the length of the fly zipper, otherwise made well, my iphone fits in the side pocket
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
June 5, 2025
Just awesome shorts!
These are the best shorts I've ever owned. Buying more to have on hand
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
March 27, 2025
Five ride review! 4.5 stars!
Five ride review! I just got back from a 10 day trip to NC avoiding New England mud season! Observations - waist size is the same as my two pair of Freewheel shorts. Though these seem a bit trimmer cut thru the butt and legs. The material is allot thinner than I expected however seems really durable. With that the “waist section” is very stiff and a bit uncomfortable when you put them on however not really noticeable when riding. The one pocket seems a bit larger as my iPhone goes in much easier than my Freewheel shorts. These are certainly minimalist and I actually wish there was a second smaller pocket for energy snacks. Overall these are another great OR quality product and a great addition to my mountain bike kit! I’d certainly purchase again!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
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