Alpinestars Stella Hyperlight shorts - Review
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Alpinestars Stella Hyperlight Shorts
Alpinestars are renowned for their technical apparel in the moto world. They have been getting into MTB riding kits for the past few years, first with their DH range, followed by a more AM/trail range. Alpinestars' Stella line targets female riders who don’t want to exclusively wear spandex but still want to look good on the trails. As per its name, the Stella Hyperlight version of their shorts is a lightweight product for trail riding. Fastening is done with a hook-and-loop and also a snap, so there is no risk of dropping your shorts in an untimely manner. Waist adjustment can be made through a sliding hook-and-loop band. Waist belt lining is made of soft mesh for a more comfy feeling and sweat wicking for hot days. To fit better female forms, the back of the waist belt has been raised and an elastic back panel has been integrated for more freedom of movement. The Stella Hyperlight shorts feature two side pockets and an additional lateral zipped one on the left leg for extra storage. Stella Hyperlight shorts also get their internal, flat snap adjustment system to clip-on Alpinestars’ mesh liner. MSRP: $74.95.
Alpinestars
Alipinestars raised the rear panel of the Stella short and includes an elastic cinch to keep the waistband fitting snug and comfortable.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | More and more brands are catering for the women's market when it comes to clothing for XC, but not as much for trail riding. Finding a pair of shorts that we like, which doesn't make us look like a potato sacks, becomes tricky. If you add comfort to the equation, it suddenly becomes problematic. Alpinestars' Stella Hyperlight shorts have quickly become a favorite for spring riding. They fit nicely and are curve friendly. They are lightweight and breathable. The length is such that, If you wear kneepads, you won't have any skin showing between the pads and shorts, so you won't look like a dork. Branding is quite subtle, so you won't feel like a moving billboard. The quality of manufacturing is high and the stitching is low-profile, and doesn't chafe. All in all, the Alpinestars Stella Hyperlight is a great pair of mid- to warm-weather trail riding shorts. Add some affordable Italian fashion to your closet. - Mary Moncorge |
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Or have I just reached the age where fashion doesn't make sense any more?
But hey, buy one pair of $100 bike shorts and they'll last forever.
www.endurasport.com/ranges.asp
(slight grumble - now my female friends won't be wearing tight fitting clothing to motivate me to ride faster, great work Alpinestar)
And as for manufacturers who put the velcro adjustment on the INSIDE of the waistband ... Maloja, what are you thinking?
Even though Alpinestars is an Italian company, something tells me these are designed in SoCal, the hub of the action sports apparel world.
@Pikasam, and unfortunately with guys shorts, girls often have to size up, cause they aren't designed to accommodate a womans hip. I've been down this road with my gf all too many times...
And don't get me wrong, I'm not ragging with the mtb woman generalization. I'll admire a strong, fit cyclist over a scrawny, wispy, stereotype any day. (there might not be a polite way to describe that without putting my foot in my mouth... I'm sorry...)
They nice shorts wish my girlfriend rode bikes i'd buy her them.