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Pedal Through, by first-time film director and new mountain biker Analise. Follow her journey of self-healing and growth during a week-long bikepacking adventure through the Oregon backcountry.
Find Your Fit
$ 148.00
Designed for the endurance rider who simply prefers a short. With thoughtful details like a yoga-inspired waistband to eliminate uncomfortable pressure and a seamless silicon leg band so they stay put. The 8.5" Inseam makes for a versatile, mid-thigh fit.
SKU: RS01BLKXS
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Many view shorts as the novice kit, a first step on the way to bibs. But our community was saying something different… They aren’t beginners; they’re out there riding centuries and multi-day tours, mile after mile. But they prefer the easy in and out of a short without losing any of the technical benefits of a high-performance bib.
- The 8.5" Inseam makes for a versatile, mid-thigh fit.
- The Essential Short features the same fan-favorite chamois as Machines’ Endurance Bib. It’s graded for 6+ hours in the saddle, bacteriostatic to inhibit infections, and wide enough for most women’s sit bones.
- The yoga-inspired waistband is revolutionary: compressive enough to stay up without sagging, but soft enough to eliminate elastic bands that dig when in the riding position.
- New seamless leg bands stay put without squeezing.
- Machines’ iconic paneled construction combines style and a flattering sleek silhouette.
- Highest quality European fabric is compressive, moisture-wicking, and silky soft to the touch.
A snug fit is crucial to performance!
If you are under 5'-3" tall we recommend sizing down.
If you are over 6' tall, you may need to size up.
These Cycling Shorts have a 8.5" inseam.
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Kaelani is wearing a size Medium and is:
5'10" / bust 34" / waist 28" / hips 40"
Anna is wearing size X-Large and is:
5'9" / bust 45" / waist 33.5" / hips 47"
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Check out our Fit Guide for more detailed instructions, or pop your measurements into our fit calculator for a personalized recommendation!
To get the longest life out of your garment, we recomend washing in cold water with a mild detergent and hanging it to dry. If you need to toss it in the dryer in a pinch, that's okay! Just keep this to a minimum. Overtime, heat can degrade the yar, resulting in lost compression and durability.
All orders are shipped free within the US, and will include a pre-paid return label for easy returns and exchanges.
If ordering from outside of the US, be sure to check local duties and taxes! Machines does not cover this cost and rates vary country to country.
For international returns, please use the carrier of your choice and return to 1475 S 5070 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
As always, we put fit first and this produt was developed to perform for every body shape, with sizing from X-Small through XXX-Large.
Our yoga-inspired waistband hugs the midsection, without pinching, for a comfortable ride.
Ordering two sizes to compare is a great way to ensure the perfect fit. Check out our super easy Return Policy and Happiness Guarantee!
For cycling bibs and shorts, the HIP MEASUREMENT is the most crucial factor. Measure around the WIDEST POINT of the hips/bum. If you are between sizes or petite (5'3" or under), we recommend SIZING DOWN for a compressive fit. A snug fit is crucial to performance. Check out our FIT GUIDE for more detailed instructions, or pop your measurements into the fit calculator above for a personalized recommendation! (Please note, the fit guide requires chest, waist and hip measurements.)
Excellent chamois, shorts fit perfectly.
I absolutely love these shorts! Please make them in more colors! I bought I small, at first they seemed like they might not fit and they took a little bit of wrestling to get in, but once they're in place they fit comfortably snug. I am 5'9" 148lb, and have thicker thighs and butt compared to my upper body.
I have the essential cycling pants and came back for the essential cycling shorts. Same great quality, love the chamois and no digging in the thighs. I wish I had enough money to buy all things machines for freedom! Best stuff out there!!!!
The quality of these shorts are top quality, just like all of the other things I've tried from MFF. But, beware the sizing. I am 5'3" and 155 pounds and fell between a Medium and a Large and neglected to take their advice to size down. My mistake! The yoga style waistband flops over constantly, which is pretty annoying. Had I gone with the snugger option, it likely would stay in place. (Again, that's on me -- they clearly say to size down. I've been burned by so many other cycling companies on that advice, but I should know known MFF knew what it was talking about!)
My -1 star is primarily for the length. I'd really like some options for us short-legged ladies. The 8.5-inch inseam almost makes these feel like capris. I would love a 6- or even 7-inch option.
This was my first MFF purchase and I’m happy about the overall quality/feel of the material. However, the sizing and performance could use a bit of improvement.
It does fit pretty snug. I used the sizing chart and it had me at a size small but I went with a medium because I almost always wear medium in all other brands and I’m glad I did because these are still pretty tight. For reference I’m 5’3” and about 125lb with larger than avg thighs.
I like the style of the waist band but it does come up pretty high on my torso being that I’m shorter (would probably me a more comfortable rise on a longer torso) Same thing with the inseam, I prefer a shorter inseam but these are quite long on short legs.
The chamois is larger than any other shorts I own. I wasn’t a huge fan of this because it felt like the seams on the thinner chamois part (the section that runs down the inner thighs) rubs a bit while riding. I haven’t taken these on a super long ride yet so it wasn’t a huge deal.
With our new fit guide, we take the guesswork out of finding your perfect size.
Learn MoreWe stand by our products and want you to love them too. We offer a three-tiered guarantee program to protect you and your purchase.
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