The Joy Ride capri shorts from Club Ride are casual three-quarter-length riding trousers that are both comfortable and practical on the bike and good looking off it. They are clearly designed more for leisure riders than racers, with jeans-style press studs and lots of handy pockets, which makes them ideal for touring and commuting.

The Joy Rides are made from a stretchy, hardwearing material – 94% nylon and 6% Spandex – which is fairly thin yet warm enough to protect your legs from cool winds. The upper is warmer still, with its four good-sized mesh-lined pockets.

 

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The fabric has plenty of give so you don't feel at all restricted when pedalling. A clever and stylish detail is the slit at the back of the knee, which allows the material to move freely over your knee. Inside is a pretty magenta trim – it's a pity it doesn't show through.

The crotch is seamless thanks to the one-piece gusset, so there's no discomfort if you ride without padded cycling undies. Another bike-specific aspect of the design is that the waist is cut higher at the back, so your lower back isn't exposed when riding. But not only that, you can adjust the back of the waist between two positions using the internal buttons. I found I needed to pull it in to prevent the back gaping – my one issue with the cut is this tendency to gape – but then the buttons sometimes pressed against my hip bone, although this happened more when I was off the bike. Moving the position of the buttons inside the waistband by a couple of inches would solve this.

The two rear pockets have diagonal zips with useful toggles to make them easier to use. The open hand pockets at the front are equally generous in size. I like the small zipped pocket on the right leg – it's perfect for stashing a lip salve or train ticket.

There is minimal reflective detailing, with a CR logo on the left rear hip and a brand tag on the left leg – because Club Ride is American, so they're designed for right lane drivers to see. There's also a little loop on the hip to hook a carabiner or key chain onto.

Sizing

Unlike other Club Ride clothing I have been testing, the Joy Ride shorts are indeed a sport fit as described, and I took a size larger than normal – USA medium/EU large rather then USA small/EU medium. They are cut quite slim on the leg but more generously around the hips and waist, so if you have a very narrow waist you might find they gape too much, even with the internal adjustment.

They come in a dark grey 'Raven', as well as this Caravan colour.

If you have the body shape to suit, though, these are a great pair of capri shorts at a fair price.

Verdict

A stylish and comfortable pair of capri shorts, if the cut suits your body shape

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Club Ride Joy Ride Capri Women’s Shorts

Size tested: Medium, Caravan

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?

These are designed to be a practical pair of three-quarter length riding shorts for women who prefer a more casual look. You can pair them with padded briefs for longer rides or wear as they are, and happily mix in non-cycling company without feeling like a bike nerd.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

/ PowerWeave™ – Lightweight, 2-way stretch nylon blend fabric

/ Abrasion-resistant

/ Seamless crotch gusset

/ Articulated knees

/ Side waist adjustment system

/ Zippered storage pocket

/ RideLight™ reflective accents

/ Sport fit

/ Inseam: 16.5 inch

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Abrasion-resistant fabric.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Sometimes the inside button pressed against my hip, mostly off the bike.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Fair price for the quality.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

These capri knickers are great – comfy on the bike and stylish enough off the bike to wear in casual company.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The design and style, comfort on the bike.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 170cm  Weight: 60kg

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