The Endura women's MT500 Spray Short II is an updated version of its all-mountain MT500 shorts, with added waterproofing. It's a tough three-season short that protects from trail spray and light rain, dries quickly and looks good too. Oddly for Endura they come up a little small, however, so check the size before you buy.
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With a waterproof seat panel and a water-repellent coating throughout, the MT500 Spray Short II is a lightweight short for use on any day it's either raining or puddle-strewn, which accounts for about four-fifths of the year in the UK!
The fabric is stretchy and smooth enough to just glide over your underlayers, making these shorts extremely comfy – ideal for long pedals as well as harder, faster riding.
That rear panel is a tough three-layer material, and extends from the waistband down to the hem and halfway around the thighs. There are taped seams at the seat panel to further keep the water out, while the bottom hem is shaped to cover the tops of knee pads.
Personally, I'd like the legs to sit about an inch longer for a little more protection against the elements.
The waistband is high with silicone inside to keep them up, belt loops which I presume are just for style (does anyone wear a belt with mountain bike shorts?) and two chunky poppers.
There are two zipped hip pockets and, if you have an Endura Clickfast liner, attachment points inside. However, the shorts don't come with one even at £80.
The fit is a little on the tight side, which is odd for Endura – typically its sizing is quite roomy. I opted for a size small, but if buying I'd definitely try the medium too, in search of a bit more room at the upper thighs.
The MT500 Spray Shorts are comfy, as the stretchy, soft material allows for a great range of movement and is usefully breathable too. The waterproof rear and DWR coating fends off moderate amounts of water, and even at £80 they're reasonable value thanks to the quality build, suitability to UK weather and – to my mind at least – pleasingly stylish looks.