Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Bike Shorts - Men's
Singletrack, gravel roads, bike park descents—whatever you like to ride, the men's Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride bike shorts offer durable comfort and breathability, so you can take another lap.




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- Sturdy 4-way stretch fabric with DuraPrint®, a 3D-printed overlay, on the outer hems for extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas
- DuraPrint proprietary resin-based structure adds durability without adding weight or impeding flexibility in the fabric
- Contoured waistband with higher back waist for coverage in seated position
- Laser perforations in the back yoke panel increase breathability
- Slide lock snap at center-front waist for secure closure
- Low-Pro™ side waist adjustment tabs dial in the fit
- Top-loading right hip security zip pocket; side-loading left hip security zip pocket
- Articulated leg openings with front drop coverage over knees/kneepads
- Gusseted crotch
- Wind- and water-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Movement-mirroring stretch
- Abrasion-resistant
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Layer over a bike chamois/liner shorts
Imported.
View all Outdoor Research Men's Bike ShortsBest Use | Mountain Biking |
---|---|
Bike Short Style | Loose |
Fabric | bluesign-approved 88% nylon/12% spandex |
Pad Type | No Chamois |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50+ |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Pockets | 2 |
Inseam (in.) | 12 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 9.3 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 52 | 52 - 56 | |||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | |||||||||||
Waist | 26.5 - 29 | 29 - 31.5 | 31.5 - 34.5 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 45.5 | 45.5 - 50 | 29.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
Hip | 32.5 - 35 | 35 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 40.5 | 40.5 - 43.5 | 43.5 - 46 | 46 - 49.5 | 49.5 - 53 | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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Great MTB shorts
Extremely comfortable, lightweight, and durable. They mirror movement very well. Have two complaints. 1. Right side zipper pocket is too narrow. Annoying trying to get stuff out. Gotta fish with finger tips. 2. Don’t care for the slide button closure for waist. If you’re not use to it you’ll have to be careful or you’ll bend the sliding mechanism and ruin your $115 shorts. Other than that they’re my new favorite MTB shorts.
My New Favorite MTB Shorts
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] So pleased with these new Outdoor Research mtb shorts. Everything you want and nothing you don't. Better than my previous favorite BackCountry mtb shorts because they have all the stretch and toughness, but are slightly lighter. They don't feel like you're wearing a vinyl wrap. Size was perfect. I got a 34 waist, same as my pants size. Clever side adjusters can make up for any differences. Side zipper pockets don't interfere while you're in the saddle, but they keep everything safe. Stretch is very good, but the cloth feels like it could withstand a pretty tough crash without damage. Looking forward to putting many more miles on these shorts.

Best shorts yet
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've been riding these Outdoor Research Freewheel shorts for a few weeks now. Put them through long adventure rides short technical rides, absolutely love them. Work well with my thick chamois one multiple hour rides as well as my thin ones for short rides. The length is great and aren't baggy, don't get hung up on my saddle. Really nice stretchy material, water resistant and doesn't make rubbing noise when you pedal. The zippered pockets work great for your phone, even the large phones. Really like the side snap closure instead of a button. Been mountain biking for 25 years and these have been the most comfortable shorts yet. Light yet durable, great product!

All time favorite MTB shorts!
Time for a ten ride review! These shorts have all the right features I'm looking for in a bike short. Great material - stretchy yet durable. Great fit - right length, true to size waist with great adjustability (no belt needed) and they fit perfect in the crotch (doesn't get caught on seat). I wear these over a PI liner short and they've quickly become my all time favorites! I've ridden for for over 30 years and used many brands of shorts - these are winners! I've already bought a second pair. For reference I'm 64, 5'9" and 168 pounds. I wear 34" in everything Ferrosi and Method. These are 34".
Awesome shorts for MTB
I recently picked up the Outdoor Research Men's Freewheel Ride Shorts, and I’m really impressed! They’re super lightweight and dry quickly, which is a big plus when I’m out biking on warm days. The fabric stretches nicely, so I don’t feel restricted at all while pedaling. I love the pockets—there’s one that zips, which is great for keeping my phone secure. They look good enough to wear off the bike too, so I can easily go from the trail to grabbing lunch. Overall, these shorts are comfy and practical, and I’d definitely recommend them if you’re looking for something versatile!

My new favorite pair of shorts
The fit is spot on with a tailored fit and stretch in all the right places. I have been out on 10+ rides in the three weeks that I have had these shorts and I absolutely love them. The length is just right for them to sit nicely while pedaling. With the tighter fit I have not had any issues while transitioning in and out of the saddle. I love the T-snap and you don't notice it even on long rides. I love these as a riding short and an everyday wear short. I will definitely be ordering another pair. Fit was true to size.
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.

The right fit makes riding better
I’ve never owned “bike specific” loose shorts before. Always figured that the basic shorts I owned already worked fine. Now I know that getting shorts built for the riding position is so much better. The pockets and the hems are in the right place, much nicer to ride in these. The one con is the diameter of the thighs shrank after the first wash, now they’re tighter than I’d like them. They fit perfect brand new. If future versions are built looser, so they shrink to size they’ll be perfect.
First Ride - Great Shorts Could be Improved
Just had the first ride in Colorado with 95 degree heat. For sizing i'm 6'4", 225lb with a 37.5" measured waist. Bought the size 36. These fit perfect out of the box. Length was great as they cover my legs with my knee sleeves. Crotch isn't too low to catch on the saddle. Phone pocket is perfect. Opposite side pocket is good for small items. The snap closure works good, but I am not the biggest fan since I can see myself accidentally ripping it out, but might get used to it. It is secure. Below are my criticizms that could be improved: - It stretches out quickly. These were a bit too loose post ride and I had to cinch down the waist straps to the point it was bunching up. I would be curious to try a size 34 knowing this, but am afraid it would be too short for me. - There could be more ventilation. It is probably adequate for most riding, but it happened to be hot the day I tested these at 95F+ so these (and everything else) felt hot while riding. I'd like more ventilation on the back above the butt and some in the crotch area. Otherwise I would absolutely buy these again. Just a few tweaks.
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.
