The Royal Racing Quantum Shorts are aimed at all off-road riding disciplines. They have a fairly square cut and are on the baggier side but are pretty average considering there are more refined options available for the same asking price.
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Royal Racing Quantum Shorts review - materials and details
Royal racing Quantum shorts feature a four-way stretch material that features a mix of nylon and spandex. It feels familiar to most off-road riding shorts but there are some differences with the Quantum in that they comprise a board short-inspired fly closure and then a ratchet to secure them. This is meant to save weight and get reduce any stretch.
Inside the waistband, silicone grippers help keep the shorts secure on the hips. There is a hook on the back to hang dry or wash them down. The two zips on each pocket on both sides were a little awkward to close and open sometimes and often snagged on the mesh liner. The right-hand pocket is a small elasticated inner pocket designed to secure your phone.
Length is cut just below or on the knee, with laser-cut holes on the inner thigh area to improve ventilation when riding. Silicone-laminated graphics on both legs add some detail.
They are built with a jean-style crotch, rather than a single panel, but the seam isn’t too bulky where it joins.
Royal Racing Quantum Shorts review - out riding
The Royal Racing Quantum Shorts are really comfortable and have a good range of movement with impressive stretch properties. The perforated area works for cooling, but this does make them feel more like a warmer-weather short option. That said, they do dry pretty quickly and don’t hold water. They have a DWR finish, and this adds some protection, but wears off after a few washes.
The shorts do flap slightly at times and the material isn’t massively elasticated but has proved durable during the test period. Sizing-wise, they felt a little large, or rather cut in a looser style - I tested a size medium and it felt a bit baggy. The in-seam measures in at 14-inches.
The fabric offers a degree of wind resistance, but also breathes well - they have a lightweight about them but, at times when riding downhill, they did flap quite a bit. Sizing down would help a little bit but I might reduce the length which I'd rather have over the knees.
When pedaling and moving around, the shorts did sit pretty well, staying up and in place, but I found the ratchet closure a little awkward with some bags and wasn't the easiest if a call of nature was needed.
They're best suited to mountain bike rides where the baggier cut allows movement on the bike. They allow enough room for use with knee pads with no issues when it comes to bunching up. I don’t feel there is anything especially remarkable about them other than the fact they can be used off-the-bike, too.
Royal Racing Quantum Shorts review - summing up
The Quantum Shorts are an average pair of shorts. They don’t especially shine in any way, but they also don’t do anything very badly. They lack refinement in the cut and in some of the detailing such as the pockets but if you like a baggier cut, they might make a decent option.
I’m not convinced with the ratchet closure and no fly and, while it's a viable alternative, it feels a little overworked and bulky for use on shorts. It doesn't make them easier to get off and feels overkill for a lighter bike short - on heavier trousers like Fasthouse Fastline 2.0 it feels more appropriate. I don’t feel it helps make them stay up better or felt much more comfortable.
Price-wise, the PNW Shuttle shorts are a better option, and a little cheaper. The Alpinestars ALPS 8.0 are more of the baggier style but the same price and feel like a more considered purschase. In this competitive price bracket, I feel the Quantums don’t have enough to make them stand out.