Stio Women’s OPR Short Review: The Mountain Bike Shorts I Actually Wear
Most mountain bike shorts feel overbuilt.
Too much fabric. Too many panels. Too much structure.
They look fine standing still, but once you’re riding, you start noticing everything—the stiffness, the weight, and the way they don’t quite move with you.
I have a pair from another brand that I can literally hear with every pedal stroke. That constant fabric noise is distracting, especially when I’m recording rides.
After trying several different pairs, I finally found a short that got the balance right.
The Stio Women’s OPR Short is lightweight, comfortable, and designed to move with you instead of fighting your movement.
I now own four colorways.
My latest pair arrived right before a trip to Moab, and after riding in them there, it confirmed what I already suspected:
These are the shorts I reach for.
Why Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts Are Hard to Get Right
Finding good women’s mountain bike shorts is surprisingly difficult.
I’ve tried plenty that looked great at first but didn’t work once I started riding.
The problems were usually small things that became impossible to ignore:
- Waistbands that didn’t sit right
- Fabric that felt stiff
- Shorts that were too baggy
- Cuts that didn’t move naturally while pedaling
The worst issue is fabric.
If the material feels heavy, restrictive, or noisy, you notice it every minute of the ride.
Good mountain bike shorts should disappear once you’re on the trail.
What Makes a Good Mountain Bike Short?
For me, the best mountain bike shorts come down to three things:
Material
The fabric needs to feel lightweight and flexible.
Heavy or stiff material quickly becomes uncomfortable, especially during longer rides or warmer weather.
Fit
The waistband and cut need to stay comfortable while moving.
A short shouldn’t require constant adjustment once you’re riding.
Length
Length comes down to personal preference.
Some riders prefer shorter shorts for a lighter feel, while others want more coverage.
The important thing is finding a length that works with your riding style.
Why the Stio Women’s OPR Short Works
The biggest reason I like these shorts is that they don’t try to do too much.
They are simple.
The material is lightweight and flexible, but still has enough structure to feel like a real mountain bike short.
The fabric is probably my favorite part.
Some shorts are soft but feel too casual on the bike. Others are durable but stiff and uncomfortable.
The OPR Short sits right in the middle.
It feels comfortable immediately and stays comfortable throughout the ride.
The other thing I appreciate is how quiet they are.
That sounds minor until you’ve ridden in shorts that constantly make noise with every pedal stroke.
These just move with you.
Fit, Sizing, and Length Options
Fit is where many women’s mountain bike shorts struggle.
A pair can look good off the bike but feel completely different once you’re riding.
The Stio Women’s OPR Short keeps the fit simple and offers two length options:
- 9-inch inseam
- 11.5-inch inseam
The shorter version works well for riders who prefer a lighter, cooler feel.
The longer option provides more coverage and works well for riders who prefer a more traditional mountain bike short length.
Both versions keep the same lightweight feel and comfortable movement.
Are They Comfortable for Long Rides?
Yes.
For longer rides, comfort matters more than almost anything else.
The last thing you want is to constantly adjust your shorts, notice the fabric, or think about your clothing instead of the trail.
The OPR Shorts feel comfortable from the first mile and stay that way throughout the ride.
They move naturally, don’t feel restrictive, and let you focus on riding.
Why the Stio OPR Short Is Worth Trying
A lot of mountain bike shorts fail because of small details.
The fabric is too stiff.
The fit feels awkward.
The waistband moves.
The shorts never quite disappear while riding.
The Stio Women’s OPR Short avoids those problems.
They feel good immediately, and they stay out of the way once you’re riding.
Nothing feels excessive.
Nothing gets in the way.
They simply work.
A Brand Worth Knowing: Stio
If you’re unfamiliar with Stio, the OPR Short is a good example of what the brand does well.
Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Stio focuses on outdoor clothing designed around performance, comfort, and simplicity.
Instead of adding unnecessary features, their gear tends to focus on getting the fundamentals right.
That approach is exactly why these shorts stand out.
I wrote more about the brand here:
→ Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should — Stio
Who These Shorts Are For
The Stio Women’s OPR Short is a great fit for:
- Trail riders
- Mountain bikers who value comfort
- Riders who dislike bulky shorts
- Warm-weather riding
- Hiking and other outdoor activities
If you want a short that feels natural on the bike, these are worth considering.
Who They’re Not For
These probably aren’t the best choice if you’re looking for:
- Heavy downhill or bike park protection
- Extra-loose oversized shorts
- Maximum coverage and armor compatibility
They are designed for comfortable trail riding, not aggressive downhill use.
Are the Stio Women’s OPR Shorts Worth It?
Yes.
The Stio Women’s OPR Short removes the things that make many mountain bike shorts frustrating and keeps the things that actually matter:
Comfort.
Movement.
Fit.
I now own four colorways, and after riding them through Moab, they became the pair I automatically grab when heading out.
They’re not complicated.
They’re just well designed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Stio Women’s OPR Shorts good for mountain biking?
Yes. They are comfortable for trail riding, with enough stretch and flexibility without feeling bulky.
Do the Stio Women’s OPR Shorts include a liner?
No. They do not include a chamois liner, so you can wear your preferred padded bike shorts underneath.
How do the Stio Women’s OPR Shorts fit?
They fit true to size with enough room to move without feeling overly loose.
Can you use the Stio Women’s OPR Shorts for activities besides mountain biking?
Yes. While they are designed with mountain biking in mind, they also work well for hiking, travel, and other outdoor activities.
