If you are looking for a padded liner to wear with your favourite pair of baggy MTB shorts, then the Missa liner shorts from Swiss brand Zimtstern are worth checking out, particularly if you don’t like a thick chamois.

[Interested in what else Zimtstern have to offer? Check out our First Impressions of their super-bright kit.]

The majority of baggy MTB shorts don’t have an integral chamois, so instead if you like a little cushioning in the nether regions you can add the chamois liner shorts of your choice.

Many people opt for Lycra cycling shorts, but in the summer I get quite hot when riding and am a fan of liner shorts as they tend to be lighter weight and are often made of a stretchy mesh. I used the Missa liner shorts from Zimtstern on several rides in hot conditions and I have to say they are the comfiest liners I’ve tried in a long time.

Firstly, the chamois pad is quite thin. It’s not bulky, but still did the job of keeping me cushioned through everything from a day in the bike park to a long cross-country ride.

Secondly, the shorts are long, reaching down to just about my knees. Most other liners I’ve tried have only come to mid thigh and given me sausage legs. This isn’t a problem visually as I usually wear baggy shorts over the top but it can be uncomfortable when riding. Not so with the Zimtstern Missa shorts. The end of the legs keep in place courtesy of silicone gripper dots on a soft, 2cm wide Zimtstern branded elastic band.

The waistband is made from the same Zimtstern elastic band and for the most part I found this comfortable. The seam has been flat stitched then covered over with another soft material so it didn’t rub. The one thing I did find uncomfortable was the wash care instruction label, attached to the waistband on the front at the hip, which rubbed a little until I removed it. Replacing this with printed care instructions would really help.

Inside, all the seams are flat locked stitched, and the body of the shorts is made up from lightweight and breathable mesh panels at the front and back, and smooth, soft Lycra panels at the sides.

I tried a size Medium, and was pleasantly surprised that they fit very well on my curvy size 12 frame (other Zimtstern shorts I’ve tried have come up small). So I’d say the liner shorts come up true to size.

All in all, these are a comfortable pair of liner shorts, and particularly good if you don’t like bulky chamois but do want a little cushioning and protection. They felt cool to wear in hot weather, for short intense rides and long all-day adventures.

Zimtstern are a Swiss brand that currently don’t distribute to the UK. You can however buy direct from them online, and some of their products are available online.

PROS
– Thin, non-bulky but effective chamois
– Cool mesh panels at the front and back
– Long leg length

CONS
– Irritating care label attached at the waist.

Price: €49.95 or approx. £49.99
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
More info: Zimtstern

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