June Gear Review: Zoic Black Market shorts

Each month, our friends at Hawley share a review on the latest gear that is passing through their warehouse on its way to your local bike shop. As always, thanks to Ken Klatte, Production Artist with Hawley, for this sneak-preview and words of wisdom. For more from Hawley on the latest and greatest in bike gear, check out their blog or YouTube channel.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of riding with some like minded coworkers on National Bike to Work Day. A cursory glance over the assembled riders showed a spectrum of riding outfits from jerseys and bibs to jeans and t-shirts. Wanting to find a happy medium between function and comfort, I opted for the new Zoic Black Market riding shorts.

In an effort to keep their clothing fashionable while not sacrificing the technical aspects, Zoic chooses to use the traditional baggy short with riding short liner. Nothing new there, but the attention to detail and the materials used make the Black Market head and shoulders above other shorts. The short liner has the ZO-wick chamois which means moisture wicking and “fits-like-a-glove” feel. The outer short is a durable yet lightweight polyblend that is almost impossible to tear (believe me, I have tried). The adjustable belt allows you to custom fit the waist while the patented “Fusion” inseam gusset provides a superior range of motion.

My favorite aspect of the Black Market was all the pockets. So many pockets to choose from, it got to be difficult to remember where I put things. Two standard front pockets, two leg zip pockets, a stealthy rear zip pocket and the “tech” pocket for a cell phone or mp3 player. I used the tech pocket to hold my oversized point and shoot camera and couldn’t tell it was there (which explains why I sat on it later in the day).

While not meant for all day road rides, the Black Market is at home on the trail or for casual get-togethers where a bicycle may be used. Available in black, gray, tan and plaid. MSRP $60.00