First Impressions
ZOIC continues to impress with its mountain-biking-oriented apparel. Their Downtown Cycling jacket kept us warm on many a winter ride. And their Ether frankly sets a benchmark in the cycling short category that many other manufacturers can’t beat. Over the past month or so, we had the chance to test one of ZOIC’s new additions – the Black Market short – and were not disappointed.
Features
The ZOIC Black Market shorts arrived in a handsome dark gray plaid. Without the removable liner, you could wear these around town every day and feel right at home, they’re that casual and good looking. The Black Markets also have all the right pockets. Six, in fact. That’s double the number on the Pearl Izumi Revs and Sombrio Highline IIs (also in this review). There are two standard hand pockets, a rear zippered wallet pocket on the right hip, two zippered cargos on the thighs, and a hidden tech pocket on the right rear. Look inside the right cargo and you’ll find a tethered chamois to clean your shades.
Specs
Fabric: Stretch polyester
Liner: Removable, synthetic chamois
Pockets: 6
The removable chamois liner is also nicely done, well sculpted and padded in all the right spots.
Fit
Dynamite. Not too trim nor too loose. The liner delivers comfort and freedom of movement. No need to size up or down.
Final Verdict
ZOIC Black Markets deliver best-of-the-bunch styling and performance. The shorts are equally at home around town and on the trail. They have all the right pockets, great urban styling and all-around comfort. Move over Ether shorts, there’s a new standard in town.