Fox's Attack Q4 shorts are designed for winter riding when the trails are coated in slop rather than dust and warm sunny days are a distant memory. There was a time before waterproof shorts, hard as that is to believe, but the idea of constructing a riding short from a waterproof fabric is a sound one. The Fox Attack Q4 Cold Weather Shorts are made from a proprietary 2-layer fabric that is breathable, stretchy and durable, with welded and sealed seams throughout. The fabric has a 10,000mm waterproof and breathability rating. The two pocket zippers are waterproof as well, so any cash for the cake stop won’t go soggy. The fly opening is a simple zipper with two popper buttons. There are also two velcro waistband straps to adjust the fit. Available in six sizes 30 to 40in, the Fox Attack Q4 Cold Weather Short cost $149.95 USD. Weight: 253g.
www.foxhead.com Trail Report It's been a particularly wet and muddy winter, and it shows no sign of relenting, which means the Fox Attack Q4 shorts have been getting a lot of use over the past couple of months. Waterproofing is sufficient to make riding through the rain and tackling muddy trails a lot less unpleasant, preventing the ingress of water, mud and grit into the liner (presuming you're wearing one). They're not quite as waterproof as the high-tech fabrics found in more expensive shorts, but they're up to the task and provide far more protection than regular shorts. The fit is good, with an agreeable length over the knees and they're baggy enough to work well with knee pads.
You don't get as much protection as full-length rain trousers, but even when it's raining you don't get as cold, and you avoid the overheating that can occur with trousers. Waterproof fabrics can sometimes be fragile, but these shorts have so far proven to be very durable. The seat area of the short has coped with the sandpaper effect of grinding mud paste on the saddle, and they've even dealt with a couple of crashes. The taped seams are holding up just fine as well.
Pinkbike's Take: | There's no escaping that Fox Attack Q4s are pricey for unlined shorts, but they are at least backed up by decent performance, and are a sound investment if you are keen to ride whatever the weather. I'm not down with the camo styling personally, but other colours are available. I'm impressed with their good performance, fit, and attention to detail - these shorts work well. - David Arthur |
MENTIONS: @Fox-Head-Inc
"Son, it's raining out are you really going riding today?"
"Don't worry Mom, I'm wearing my water proof winter shorts"
The generation gap just grew by 1000 miles.
1. Belt loops.
2. Stating the inseam length of the short. Guess what? We aren't all the same height.
3. Making winter shorts a bit longer than usual for some extra coverage.
Also - with the big gaping holes at the bottom of shorts - why not just go crazy on the waterproofing, but not worry too much about breathability?
tenn-outdoors.co.uk/collections/mountain-mens-shorts
Avoid like the plague.
You hardly notice it on the bike and once it dries up snip a few zip ties and it's gone until next winter.
www.themudhugger.co.uk
Too short... why???
Not cut to generously enough to offset no flex (normal MTB shorts stretch pretty well)...why???
Crap taped seems...why???
The tenn shorts look good as does the price. Any idea on the fit? Does a 32-34 fit a closer to 32 or 34. For example, I wear a 33 or 34 waist for jeans, so not certain to go with 32-34 or 34-36.
Just spray some Teflon on jorts you made from value village. Sew a fox patch on
$9
#likeawhitecrayon
#useless