Designed to be as appropriate for high level racing as they are for a spin class, the Fierlan High Waisted Cycling shorts have quite a lot to live up to. Designed for women from first principles, with a flat fronted waistband, high density mid-distance pad, and robust and supportive Lycra, they're definitely a pair of shorts worth considering for all but the longest rides.
These shorts have been designed to address many of the issues encountered by female riders when choosing shorts. The waistband is broad and flat for comfort and a flattering look, the legs do not feature gripper tape, to help avoid the dreaded 'sausage leg' look, and the fabric is dense and doesn't stretch into transparency.
The legs finish at a mid-thigh point that suits all but the very shortest rider, there's a small zipped pocket on the leg, which is handy, and a smattering of reflective accents.
On the bike, the shorts are incredibly comfortable, with the waistband sitting high at the back and just right at the front. Sadly, the waist didn't quite stay put as I'd have liked, leaving me tugging up the shorts a few times when out riding, part of the trade-off with a broad flat-fronted waist and decent density chamois pad in my experience. The legs, though, were nice and secure, with no trouble with migration, despite the lack of gripper tape.
The pad was comfortable and effective over most distances, if somewhat hefty. Although the zipped pocket on the thigh is an innovative addition, and is, as stated, big enough to take an iPhone, I was only really happy popping something small in there, like keys. Others may find it more useful.
At £70 these certainly aren't cheap, but not so bad when you take into account that they are British designed and manufactured in Italy from high quality materials. A safe investment, particularly for those after a good-looking and well made mid-distance pair of shorts.
Verdict
A flattering and stylish pair of British designed shorts, good for most purposes
Make and model: Fierlan High Waisted Cycling Shorts
Size tested: Women's, Large, Black
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Aimed at female cyclists of any level of ability and experience - from racing, to mid-distance rides, to spinning classes.
Designed to be flattering and comfortable.
Achieve what they aim to.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
80% polyamide
20% elastane
MITI high density lycra fabric
3/8mm women's chamois pad
Made in Italy
Washable at 30
Available in sizes XS-XL
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Very well made and excellent quality fabrics.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Very comfortable but waistband did migrate a little.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
If there is such a thing as bombproof Lycra, this is it!
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
These are robust and supportive rather than lightweight.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Not the cheapest by any means but not a bad price for a small, independent UK brand and Italian manufacture. High quality too.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well indeed.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fit, comfort, style.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Slight migration of broad waistband.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Well made, nicely cut and very comfortable. Good quality too.
Age: 43 Height: 1.65m Weight: 73kg
I usually ride: Boardman Hybrid Fi My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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2 comments
I saw flattering and stylish and thought.. great just what I need.. then..dammit they're for ladies !
If you've not had your tackle removed for aero purposes then you're not really trying imo.