Fox Women’s Flexair Shorts review

Fox’s Flexair shorts sit within the all singing, all dancing top-of-the-range, lightweight, sleek-fitting race gear category.

These shorts don’t disappoint when it comes to well-considered tailoring, with functional features that enhance their aesthetics.

Fox has "strategically placed laser-cut perforations" over the forward-facing aspect for what it claims is "exceptional breathability". Air enters through the holes and circulates around your legs, but how much will depend on how tightly the shorts fit you.

Made from a 10 per cent elastane four-way stretch TruDri fabric, designed to wick sweat away from the body, Fox hopes the Flexair shorts will give the rider all-day comfort.

The size-small test sample weighed 178g, which is only marginally heavier than Altura’s long-leg Esker trail shorts that I've also tested.

Fox Women’s Flexair Shorts performance

When you pick up the Flexairs, a good proportion of the weight lies in the ratchet closure, which also serves to cinch in the fit of the waistband.

Featured across most of Fox’s repertoire of shorts and MTB pants, this system is easy and flawless to use but feels somewhat out of place on an otherwise lightweight piece of kit.

Thankfully, its location means it was comfortable even when worn under a hip pack. Being a size small in Fox’s Defend range, I opted for the Flexairs in the same size.

The Fox shorts have a race-like sleek fit that feels slightly snugger than the brand claims. It offers just enough space to wear a liner underneath comfortably, but there’s no room for expansion.

Their 9.75in inner-seam measurement enhances the racy fit; they finish just above my knees and when in the saddle slide up to just below mid-thigh level, perfect for riding a cross-country bike without knee pads on a hot summer's day.

However, I wish they were available in a long version.

Fox Women’s Flexair Shorts bottom line

Designed for a close, race-style fit, the Flexair shorts are high-quality, XC-oriented women's mountain bike shorts.

Alongside cross-country riding, they lend themselves to multiple sports and activities where freedom of movement and keeping cool in warm weather are of paramount importance.