Fox Defend Mountain Bike Shorts Review
Overview
The Fox Racing Defend mountain bike shorts are an excellent choice for most riders. Their durable material is stretchy and lightweight, making them comfortable for day-long rides.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Durable
- Easy to adjust
- Water-resistant
- Stylish
- Lightweight
Cons
- They are ideal for cross-country racers, who may find them too heavy and long.
- There is limited storage, so consider using a backpack or hip pack.
- There is no dedicated lift pass pocket.
What Are Fox Defend Mountain Bike Shorts?
The Fox Defend mountain bike shorts hit the sweet spot between comfort and durability. They are ideal for enduro, trail, and gravity-focused riders looking for fairly rugged MTB shorts that extend just below the knees.
Made from a stretchy fabric called TruMotion®, the Fox Defend shorts allow for a maximum range of motion while still being durable without being heavy.
Style
Fox has made sure the Defend shorts look great without being overly flashy. They come in a single solid color with a subtle Fox Racing logo on the right leg and waistband. However, you can opt for the higher-end Pro version with a two-tone colorway.
Fit And Comfort
The Fox Defend mountain bike shorts are not too tight or too baggy, which makes them suitable for any rider with skinny or chunky legs. The sizing is accurate, so you’ll get the perfect fit following the sizing guide. But the ratchet system enhances the fit quality, allowing you to fine-tune the tightness—handy when you’ve had a burger and a few craft beers at lunchtime.
The front and rear of the shorts feature laser perforations for ventilation, which is ideal for hot days. But the water-resistant coating helps you stay comfortable on wet days.
I really like the length of the Defend shorts, too. The bottoms sit just below the knees when standing, so they don’t interfere with knee pads when pedaling.
Living With The Fox Defend Mountain Bike Shorts
I wear my Fox Defend shorts on most rides, except when I’m up in the mountains on a cold day when I opt for pants. They have two zipped side pockets, big enough for your phone and a snack. I like how you can’t feel the contents of my pockets when riding, which can be annoying with some shorts.
It would be great if Fox had added a lift pass pocked to these shorts, as I often ride in bike parks here in the French Alps. But this is only me being picky.
Final Verdict
I am impressed with the Fox Defend mountain bike shorts. They are comfortable in all conditions I generally ride in, look great, and don’t restrict movement. Even though they are lightweight, I’m confident they will last a long time as long as I don’t have any nasty crashes.
If you ride trails, enduro, or downhill, you’ll like the Fox Defend. However, there are shorter and lighter options that are better suited for cross-country riders.The standout feature is the ratchet system, which provides exceptional adjustability and security. These shorts are among the best options available for versatile mountain biking.