What appears to be a simple, clean mountain bike short offers more technology and features than you'd expect. Everyone wants a balance of fit, features, weight and durability, and the Specialized Trail Air Short delivers. Keep in mind that this MTB style short does not come with a liner-pad system, so you can choose your favorite option for top comfort. Like other Trail Air series items, the short features the VaporRize™ fabric technology, which remain light and stretchy, thanks to the polyester/spandex blend, while still pulling moisture away from your skin. This blend is durable, and can handle general trail abrasions with ease.

Specialized has also placed laser perforations to selected areas (like the inner thigh). These sophisticated points of ventilation offer some airflow and heat release and don't detract from fabric durability or overall performance. The woven VaporRize™ fabrics are treated for water repellency, so light rain or tire spray give no concerns as you rage down the trail (politely, given other trail users, of course). The waist is soft and features an offset fly flap that places the quick adjust buckle closure to the right of the center line, increasing comfort while effectively keeping your Trail Air's in place. The leg length varies a bit with size (size 34 waist has a 13.5" inseam) so it falls around the knees for coverage, and offers a roomy enough opening to set-up well with knee pads.

Specialized does provide a side leg pocket which has a secure zipper opening. This pocket is a bonded bag system, which tends to move more freely over your leg, keeps bulk to a minimum but still manages to hold the items you want to have at hand during a ride. If you are looking for a sweet performing trail short with smart features and the ability to choose your liner of inner short option, the Trail Air Short is tough to beat in this price range.