Outdoor Research Freewheel Jersey and Shorts Review

 

This year, Outdoor Research launched into the mountain bike category with its new Freewheel MTB Collection, an eight-piece assortment. Many new Freeride pieces are available in inclusive sizing, a category in which Outdoor Research has led the outdoor industry in recent years. We reviewed the Freewheel Long-Sleeve Jersey, Freewheel Short-Sleeve Jersey, and Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts.

Freewheel Long-Sleeve Jersey

Full Coverage, Bike-Specific Fit, and Breathable UPF 30+ Sun Protection

The Freewheel Long Sleeve Mountain Bike Jersey is a breathable, moisture-wicking top with a bike-specific cut for year-round trail and gravel riding. This top combines wicking, quick-drying, and breathable bluesign-approved materials with features like a drop-tail hem, UPF 30+ sun protection, and strategically placed shoulder seams for comfortable pack wear.

ActiveTemp, a thermo-regulating treatment, manages body temperature during long ascents, and the jersey adds an integrated microfiber wipe on the hem for cleaning eyewear. The Freewheel Long Sleeve Jersey is an ideal addition to any bike kit for full coverage sun protection and moisture-wicking with a fit designed for epic days in the saddle.

Thoughts => The Freewheel Long Sleeve Mountain Bike Jersey provides excellent sun protection and ventilates and wicks moisture on even the warmest days. I liked the blue colorways of the Cortez/Cenote scheme, and the slight accent below the front neck added charm to the look. Even though the material seemed lightweight, it has been durable, and I haven’t had any tears, snags, or piling issues. The jersey has a loose cut, and the drop tail offers additional coverage when extended over the bars. One design scheme provides extra comfort, like keeping the top seam away from pack abrasion zones. All in all, it is an excellent yet simple, long-sleeved jersey.

• Fabric Performance:
  • Thermo-Regulating ActiveTemp Treatment
  • Recycled Polyester
  • Breathable
  • Wicking
  • Quick Drying
  • UPF 30
• Design Features:
  • No Seams on Top of the Shoulder for Comfort with Backpack Straps
  • Interior Microfiber Wipe at Left Hem for Keeping Eyewear Clear
  • Interior Center Back Locker Loop
  • Contoured Hem with a Drop tail for Extended Coverage

Freewheel Short Sleeve Jersey

Lightweight, Bike-Specific Fit And Breathable UPF 30+ Sun Protection

The Freewheel Short Sleeve Mountain Bike Jersey is a breathable, moisture-wicking top with a bike-specific cut for trail and gravel riding.

Thoughts => This jersey is the same as the LS version, just with short sleeves. I dig the Black Cloud Scape/Black color scheme. I often wear this jersey around the house; it is so comfortable and soft.

Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts

The Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts focus on durable comfort and breathability with a bike-specific fit and features for riding singletrack, gravel roads, and fast bike park descents. Sturdy four-way stretch fabric is complimented by DuraPrint, a 3D-printed overlay, on the outer hems for extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas. Duraprint’s proprietary resin-based structure adds durability without adding weight or impeding flexibility in the fabric.

The higher back waist offers better coverage when seated, and laser perforations in the back yoke increase breathability.

Low-profile waist adjustment tabs dial in the fit, hip pockets, and a clever slide-lock snap closure are intuitive, bike-friendly features. Built to be the perfect trail-riding shorts, the Freewheel Ride Shorts offer added durability and comfort for logging miles on the climb and quick, skillful descents on the trail.

Thoughts => The Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts are durable, stretchy, breathable, and comfy. They utilize a bit tougher material, which is perfect for extra abrasion resistance, making them long-lived when you sit on the ground, fall on the ground, and slide around on the saddle. I have taken them on rainy rides, and their water resistance was greatly appreciated; I stayed warm and dry. The two zippered pockets were deep and functional, and it was nice to have both a side and thigh one for carrying different items. The rear of the shorts has a tall riser, so it provides additional coverage up the back, and there is an excellent wide perforated section just below the waist for ventilation purposes. The inseam seems a tad long until you start riding, and then it works perfectly, just hovering near the knees. It uses a secure sliding lock snap for a secure closure. 

• Fabric Performance:
  • Water Resistant – C0 DWR
  • Wind Resistant
  • Breathable
  • Quick-Drying
  • Movement-Mirroring Stretch
  • Abrasion-Resistant
  • UPF 50+
• Design Features:
  • Layers Over a Bike Chamois/Liner Short
  • Contoured Waistband with Higher Back Waist for Coverage in Seated Position
  • Slide Lock Snap at Center Front Waist for Secure Closure
  • Low-Pro Side Waist Adjustment Tabs
  • Top Loading Right Hip Security Zip Pocket
  • Side Loading
  • Left Hip Security Zip Pocket
  • Laser Perforated Holes at Back Yoke Panel for Breathability
  • DuraPrint Overlay Print at Outer Hems for Abrasion Resistance
  • Gusseted Crotch
  • Articulated Leg Openings with Front Drop Coverage over Knee/Kneepads
  • Inseam: 30.5 cm / 12 in