I'm not a big fan of the Lycra look, preferring padded underwear beneath baggy shorts, and Club Ride's Dazzle Inner Short meets my criteria perfectly – it is comfortable, not too hot and manages to be fairly flattering, and it's a fair price too for the features you get.
I like the low-rise 'boy short' style, which means no digging in at the waist, and the broad elastic waistband is nice and comfy against the skin. Likewise, the leg bands are super-comfy, being made from a silky soft material, and all seams are flatlock stitched.
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The anatomically contoured chamois is low profile and not bulky, thanks to being split into six separate pads – two at the front/middle and then two distinct pads each side at the back. The rear two are positioned under your sit bones and have extra gel inserts for added comfort, which certainly seemed effective.
Although the Dazzle is marketed as suitable for rides up to three hours, I wore them on day rides and found them amply comfortable. The dual-density chamois is made with Coolmax fabric and perforated for ventilation, but inevitably you still get pretty sweaty. However, it does have an anti-microbial treatment.
Due to its not-too-obvious chamois, the Dazzle is really versatile – if you're going out for a short spin into town you can wear it under normal shorts or jeans, even a skirt, and on longer rides it works well under non-padded riding shorts and cycling tights. I especially like the stretchy mesh fabric they're made from because it's breathable and wicking – even on cold days you can't help getting sweaty around the pants area if you're riding at any intensity.
> Read more road.cc reviews of cycling underwear here
Nice extras are the side loops at the waist so you can attach them to compatible shorts, and the pretty waistband in Club Ride's 'Wheel cute' pattern, which finish off a great pair of padded pants.
You can find cheaper liners but they're unlikely to be of the same quality. One good alternative is the Craft Cool Bike Boxer, available online for between £15 and £30 if you hunt around, but its padding isn't quite as thick.
Verdict
Attractive padded underwear that will keep you comfortable and cool on long rides
Make and model: Club Ride Womens Dazzle Inner Short
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?
Club Ride says: "The women's Dazzle baselayer is the perfect long-range padded 'boy-brief' chamois that provides comfort, anti-chafing and moisture transfer during rides lasting up to 3 hours."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
ActiveAir™ Quick-drying, breathable, stretch compression mesh fabric
82% polyester, 18% elastane
Wide elastic waistband with soft inside for comfort & lasting fit
Tunnel sewn chamois pad for smooth contact on the skin
Female-specific 3D moulded 8mm dual density foam chamois constructed with Coolmax soft fabric
Gel inserts in pad at the sit bones for vibration control
Anti-microbial microfibre sanitized by MITI®
Perforated memory foam for increased ventilation & elasticity
Low-rise boy-cut brief
Inseam: 1in
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
The USA M/EU L size is a comfortable fit on me, and I'm a 10-12.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Can find much cheaper options (Decathlon £10) and others up to £45.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Machine wash 30 degrees.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Dazzle does everything Club Ride claims - it provides comfortable padding and the thin material wicks well. I wore them on day rides and found the chamois fine, despite being rated just up to 3 hours.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The cool mesh fabric and chamois comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
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
This undershort is very good all round so easily warrants an 8.
Age: 44 Height: 170cm Weight: 63kg
I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1
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, club rides, mountain biking, audax
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