TESTED: Rubber Side Down Men's Shorts and Gloves

Photos: Gerard Lagana

Men's Apex Technical Shorts

We love the Rubber Side Down materials, the cuts, the designs and the fact their jerseys are made in Australia. The Apex Technical Shorts have just been released, and it is clear thought has gone into them. The 4-way stretch fabric is a bonus for mobility on the bike and the material is Bluesign certified and has a light water repellent finish. It's also quick drying as well for post-ride swims!

The shorts have two, deep hand pockets on the front, with a hidden zippered pocket on the right side that can swallow a phone if needed and the left side has a long key clip. The shorts have a zippered fly with dual press stud closure, and very svelte tabs at each side to adjust the waist. Given they are so low profile they'll stay out of the way and sit well under a waist strap if you're wearing a backpack.

Read the Rubber Side Down story here! 

The cut has an extended hem at the rear to prevent a plumber's crack, and they're even a tiny bit longer on top of the leg. The leg cut will cover just about any knee pad around, but this subtle detail will help keep the lower hem where it's needed.

On the trail

There's not too much to report here, as the cut was spot on. I wore a size small, and the size range runs from small to XXL, in either black or coal, as shown here. Even on humid days the shorts were a good temperature with some mesh cargo bibs underneath, and paired with a Rubber Side Down Element short sleeve jersey ($99.95). Having the two pockets is good, my phone sat really securely in the right side zippered pocket.

TESTED: Rubber Side Down Cargo Base Layer

The length is good, being right at the knee so you won't find them getting in the way, but they're not so long that they flap around when riding. I think it also helps them work seamlessly between on the bike and off it. 

Our take

Rubber Side Down have been working on these for a while, and they've done a great job. The thickness of the material is spot on for Australian trail riding conditions. Those with a more serious gravity intent may want a firmer feeling fabric, but the material on the Apex Technical Shorts feels like it will wear well for a couple of seasons at least. Similarly, some riders may want something more fitted, or longer. But the Apex shorts really hit what most riders will be looking for. These are another great item from Rubber Side Down delivered at a good price with sustainability credentials.

RRP: $134.95

From: rubbersidedown.com.au

Hits:

• Comfortable, technical material
• Great range of pockets
• Good length

Misses:

• Some may prefer longer, shorter or bombproof gravity shorts

Element Gloves

Along with the new Apex Technical Shorts, Rubber Side Down have added a form fitting pair of gloves to their range. The Element gloves have a veritable tick box of features that most of us want from a pair of gloves. These are a unisex glove, running from XS to XX, and available in navy or black. I had a large on test and I found them suitably snug, so the stretch gave the tactile feedback I wanted.

The back is a 4-way stretch material, with a full cuff and velcro closure on the inside of the wrist. I do like gloves that are pull on, pull off – but have found they don't always last as well. There's spandex between the fingers which helps with the fit, but also a bit of airflow. The palm is thin, and completely unobtrusive. There's some grippy logos on the index finger, and this is also touch screen friendly for your devices.

In use, the gloves blurred into the background. There is no specific wipe area on the glove, which some people prefer for the warmer and cooler months. But otherwise I think this is a great addition to the range, suiting riders who want a minimalist glove that isn't so lightweight it wears out quickly. 

RRP: $39.95
From: rubbersidedown.com.au

Hits:

• Precise fit, quality materials
• Proper cuff closure
• Touchscreen friendly

Misses:

• No sweat wipe area