Gear Shots #23 - The Race Face issue

Rally DH shorts, arm and leg pads, and Cross Fade jersey


Rally DH Shorts
Words by Dan Austin

Having admired Race Face gear since my early days of riding in Victoria, I jumped at the chance to give the Rally DH shorts a whirl.

Dubbed the “manpris” (a variation on capris) by my fellow riders, the fresh look of these shorts is definitely the first thing you notice.

The make-up of these shorts shows that some thought and riding experience has gone into design, fit, and finish.

The material is tough 330 denier cordura, with a “light polyurethane coating for increased durability,” and the Rallys are lined top to bottom with a light polyester mesh to soften the feel of the cordura.

They have a zippered front, ratcheted waist closure and a stretch waist that is a great bonus after a long rideless winter in Calgary. The flex panel in the back doesn’t hurt in that department, either.


The manpris, chillin' in the Kootenays || Photo: B.A. Belton
You get two zippered pockets up front on the lower leg, and two smaller pockets out back to hold whatever you need to carry in your pocket during your ride, while the 10” zippered vents down each leg provide ample ventilation for those warmer days. I’m 6’1” and the size large is definitely big enough for my 34” waist; the 19” inseam stops just below the knee. The shorts are only available in the black/grey colour, and come in sizes from small to extra large.

Rally DH Arm and Leg pads
Words by Dan Austin

After almost eight years of service, my trusty Roach pads have certainly done their fair share of protecting. But after that many seasons their days were numbered, and when I was asked to review the new Race Face Rally DH armour, I gladly stepped forward. 


Wrist to bicep protection, with flexibility || Photo: Bad Ass

Here’s the breakdown of these purpose-built bad boys. First of all, these pads were designed and tested with input by freeride legend Wade Simmons, and for some of us that says enough! But for those of you who require more technical detail, here it is.

On both the arms and legs, the outer shell is made up of a light, fairly malleable impact-resistant hard plastic shell.

The shell is backed with 15mm high density, thermo-molded closed cell foam, covered with a soft nylon cloth. This foam definitely adds to the impact absorption and comfort quality of the armour.

The thermo-molded design of the foam, with its raised surfaces, helps to keep it off your skin allowing air to flow through and keep you cool.

The two-piece design of the hard plastic shell allows flex and comfort in those bendy parts of the extremities we try so hard to protect. Finally, both the arms and legs come in size ranges from small to extra large to accommodate everyone from the most delicate of riders to the burliest (kids as well).

Specifics about the arms: 12 vents designed for ample air flow are scattered throughout the forearm area of the pads. The back panel is a full-length Lycra/spandex material that keeps the pad from wandering, and they are locked in place with two loop-back hook-and-loop straps over the forearm and a wrap-around strap for the upper arm.

Specifics about the legs: with 20 vents and a new floating back panel, airflow, cooling and comfort were definitely well considered in the design phase. There is also a “Knee Stabilization Pad” that floats in the knee cup to help keep the knee centred and the armour stable. Attachment is taken care of by via three lower-leg hook-and-loop straps as well as two wrap-around straps above the knee.

It will be my pleasure to test these pads out. Judging by the heavy-duty design, I hope I’m up for the challenge. I suspect that I’ll back down before they will, though! Pricing for the arms is US$55 / CDN$79, and for the legs is US$85 / CDN$119.


Definitely different closures that we're used to || Photo: Bad Ass

Cross Fade Jersey
Words by Stuart Kernaghan

Race Face’s clothing line also includes jerseys, which are perfect for anyone interested in a new jersey, or for the RF aficionado who wants a jersey to match their shorts and pads. There are six jerseys to choose from in the Wicking Layer line of products, and five of them come in short or long sleeve versions.


I am a SEXY bitch! The jersey's not bad, either. || Photo: Denny Byrne

The short sleeve Cross Fade jersey is made with Coolplus II 160 gram fabric, so it’s nice and light.

The cut is casual, but not exactly on the generous side of things. Size up from your normal T-shirt size if you plan on wearing upper body armour underneath.

Construction is heavy duty, as you’d hope for with this type of jersey, and cover stitching is used to reinforce seams that take a lot of stress.

Seamless shoulders make it easy to slide a pack on or off, and the wicking collar helps move sweat away from your head.

The Cross Fade comes in o live/grey and black/grey colours, both of which have contrast stitching. Sizing runs from men’s small to XXL, and pricing is US$50 / CDN$69. Check out your local Race Face dealer to pick up the shorts, pads, or jersey - or any of the other RF soft goods.