HOSS PONDEROSA KNICKERS REVIEW:

Product Tested: Hoss Ponderosa Knickers

Cost: $69.95

As mentioned on their site:

Based on Hoss’ popular Ponderosa Shorts, the Ponderosa Knickers offer urban and/or trail riders classic Ponderosa function and comfort, with the versatility and additional coverage of a ¾ length design. Great for commuters, hard working messenger types, or off-road riders looking for that extra bit of coverage.

Features & Benefits

* 8 panel microfiber polyester outer shell is lightweight and durable

* 6 panel polyester/Spandex liner with CoolMax for moisture management and comfort

* CoolMax sanitized chamois with multi-level technology improves comfort by relieving the pressure points between body and saddle

* Adjustable bungee cord closure on legs

* 6 pockets, including 2 side cargo pockets and a rear cargo style pocket with Velcro closures

* Partial elastic waistband with extra secure belt and buckle for comfort and fit

* Rear stretch panel for comfort and flexibility

Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL / XXXL

What’s Hot: I love POCKETS! So when I got the Hoss Ponderosa Knickers the first thing I checked for were the pockets. Sure enough this thing has a total of 6. I usually carry my cell phone in one pocket, and my camera in another. I also like the elastic/bungee cords on the cuff of the pant legs. This made it an option to wear the knickers higher than normal. All I had to do was pull on the bungee and lock it in place.

Another thing that’s great about the Hoss Knickers is the chamois. I love the fact that I can wear these knickers either on a long commute or a good trail ride on my mountain bike. The fabric is very comfortable and breathable, which makes it perfect for those warm commutes.

The shell or the actual knicker portion of the Ponderosa’s are constructed in 8 different panels. Now I’m no clothing expert or anything, but I know that when cycling shorts have multi-panels on them that usually means comfort. It’s because the panels will move if you move and not necessarily the whole garment will have to move when you don’t want it to. Then the liner/spandex is also a multi-panel garment that consists of 6 total panels. That meant even more comfort.

hoss knickers

The rear of the shorts has a stretchy part of it. Now this actually is really cool because it prevents your butt crack from showing. The elastic and adjustable buckles allow you to custom fit it to your body’s needs. Being a husky sized rider, I had days when I felt fatter than normal and all I had to do is redo my straps on the waist and bam, perfect fit. On days where I felt skinnier, same thing, adjust, and I had a perfect fit. I never experienced the knickers to ride low or pull down while I was riding.

I also liked wearing these knickers while I rode my fixed gear bike on my commutes. But they are also perfect for anyone that wants to add some protection while riding down a trail. My Fox Knee/Shin guards fit perfectly underneath the knickers and kept them from sliding down to my ankles. They’re also perfect to wear during rides that take your through some trails that are packed with brush. The extra length can protect you from shrubs and thorns that come your way.

What’s NOT hot: There was only two things I didn’t like about the knickers. For starters, I had to wear them super high like an old man wearing his golf slacks. Being a shorter person than the most, I stand at a towering 5′7″…on a good day and when I wore these knickers on my normal pant wearing waist position, the looked like high water pants.

The second thing I didn’t like was there were a few times that my right pant leg would get caught on my water bottle when I was trying to do skid stops on my fixed gear. I take it that the incident is related to me being short. So if I was taller I assume this wouldn’t have happened.

Now don’t get me wrong, there were not deal breakers for the Hoss Knickers. All I had to do was cinch up the bungees on the pant legs so the cuff was secured right below my knee and it was fine. After that I didn’t have any problems with snagging my water bottle nor was it too long for a short guy like me.

Summary:Let’s get down to the Nitty Gritty….Hoss Ponderosa Knickers are an exceptional value at $69.95. Other knickers can sell up to $130! To me it doesn’t make sense at all to spend that kind of money. Why not save cash, get the Hoss Knickers and use the rest to take your wife out on a date, heck get some other gear for your bike.

Honestly, when Hoss told me that they were introducing knickers in their line up, I expected them to be listed around $99. But boy, I was REALLY surprised knowing that they were only $69.95. One thing you have to understand, the knickers are basically their MTB Ponderosa shorts…but longer. If you know anyone that has a pair of Hoss shorts, they’ll tell you how much they love them. I don’t think Hoss realizes that their shorts are probably worth more than what they’re selling it for. So if I were you, I’d get a pair now before they figure out that they are selling them WAAAY too cheap.

Bottom line, great knickers, great deal, quality built and I never had any issues with them.