PNW COMPONENTS SHUTTLE SHORT REVIEW

Review by Drew Rohde | Photos by Dusten Ryen

PNW Components Shuttle Short is another offering further expanding PNW’s growing product line. We’ve spent quite a bit of time testing the PNW Shuttle shorts and like them quite a bit. The Shuttle shorts offer a pretty nice fit for slimmer riders of average height, have four pockets, a reliable waist adjustment system and DWR coating. If you’re looking for a versatile mountain bike short that’s not too baggy, but still offers some decent length and subdued styling, the PNW Shuttle Shorts could be the ones for you.

THE LAB

Water-resistant DWR coating is a must for a brand with PNW in their name. The Shuttle shorts are not waterproof by any means, but short drizzles or light rain will meet some resistance before saturating your nether regions. There are four pockets on the shorts, two zippered pockets on the outer side of the legs that hold the contents rearward of the zipper. It took some getting used to, but we like how it works. The weight of my iPhone 10+ was hidden well and didn’t slap against my leg no matter how hard I was pedaling. I don’t carry that much in my pockets and actually forgot about the slim hand pockets just below the waist of the short as their seams, and opening sit neatly closed.

PNW Components uses an abrasion-resistant 4-way stretch fabric that does a nice job of conforming and moving with the rider. The shorts have a 13-inch inseam, which is a nice length for my 5’11” height. Like the rest of PNW Component’s products, their Shuttle shorts come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Most shorts have gone to snaps or buckles, but not PNW. The Shuttle shorts use a traditional closure system which isn’t the fastest, but it works. We also really like the waist adjusters as they’re simple and hold in place better than most.

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THE DIRT

Finding a good, neutral short that works with whatever colored bike or jersey and helmet I may be riding in is important to me. And while I understand most riders probably aren’t cycling through as many test bikes or other products, I suspect most riders own more than one colored jersey and don’t want to own different color shorts to match each of those jerseys. For me, stealthy, black shorts that just match everything and don’t scream out with logos or graphics are a major plus.

Beyond my vanity, comfort and function are important factors when testing out shorts. I am 5’11” and weigh about 170-175lbs and am not blessed with a TikTok booty, so finding shorts that stay up is a challenge. PNW’s Shuttle shorts do a great job of staying put without me having to cinch down the waist adjusters so tightly that they create discomfort. The traditional button may not be everyone’s favorite, but it works. Similarly, the waist adjusters may not be the best for some riders with hip packs, but I love how well they keep the tension on the waist. Once I set the size adjusters in place, they stayed put.

As far as materials and wear are concerned, the PNW Shuttle shorts don’t feel like some of the thinner boardshort-type offerings, and I’m cool with that. Maybe I’m old school, but I like a short that feels like it has a little bit of strength to it and won’t leave my cheeks in the bloody breeze if I have to rapidly dismount my bike for a little dirt nap. Even though they’re not silky smooth, the shorts are still plenty comfortable, and I’d be happy to wear them on multi-hour pedals.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Overall, the PNW Components Shuttle Shorts are a great option for those looking for a comfortably rugged trail to enduro-level short. I like the 13-inch inseam length as they cover my pads without being overly wide or baggy. The waist retention is a standout feature as someone who has a hard time getting pants and shorts to stay up on my Hank Hill-like waist. PNW have done a good job creating a pair of mountain bike shorts that simply work, aren’t loud or obnoxious and come with a lifetime warranty.

Price: $99
Website: PNWcomponents.com

Disclosure: Our team selects all of the products we review and do so with honesty and objectivity in mind. Some of the products we receive come directly from Competitive Cyclist, who also value our readers and have offered them a 15% discount (exclusions apply) on their first purchase by using LOAMWOLF15. Through this program we may also receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support, TLW.