On more casual days mountain biking this summer, I’ve been rockin’ Zoic’s Antidote mountain bike baggies and Mania jersey.
The Antidote shorts come with a lightweight, padded mesh liner that’s easily removable with little snap straps. The shell is a very lightweight polyester (83% recycled content!) with a bit of Spandex that’s held up well against brushes with trees, plants and hardpack. Seams are taped inside to prevent chafing, and they glide over the legs well during hard pedaling. They have six total pockets – two normal hand pockets, two zip thigh pockets, a media pocket with cable port and loop and a rear slant pocket that’s good for trail maps or used gel wrappers.
I wore a size Large and fit was perfect. I normally wear a 33-34 waist pant, and the combination of elastic rear section and Velcro adjustments on either side make it easy to get the fit dialed. Front closure is two snaps and a zipper. Mesh panels run along the front and sides of the shorts, helping keep things cool.
Both thigh pockets double as vents, and the right leg has an attached microfiber sunglasses wipe. Additional zip vents are on the insides of the thighs, too. Between all the ventilation and the lightweight material, they make a great summer short when you need a little more protection (or modesty) than your spandex. A gussetted crotch keeps them pedaling smoothly without undue bunching or snagging the saddle when you gotta get off the back.
The included padded liner shorts are pretty good, too. The mesh is plenty see-through and airy, so you couldn’t really wear them on your own, though. Pad is comfortable enough.
The Mania Jersey is also pretty lightweight, good for all but the absolutely hottest days. The 10″ front zip just can’t provide enough ventilation for 100°+ temps, but for most days, it’s perfect. Three pockets make it easy to stash the basics, all with zipper closures. The two back pockets are large, with the side pocket intended for your MP3 player. It has a cable port and internal loop to hold your headphones in place. A tiny third pocket on the left shoulder is sized for a gel, lip balm, etc.
Both items have new colorways available on Zoic’s website, and these colors are still available at their brick-and-mortar retailers. Just click the “find a dealer” links on their site. Shorts retail for $119 and the jersey is $59.
