When searching for women’s mountain biking pants, the Dharco Women’s Gravity pants came up consistently as a recommended purchase.
Now that I’ve logged some time riding in them, I see why — they have a sleek flattering silhouette, and most importantly, they’re comfortable. Made with durable, stretchy material, there’s also ample room for kneepads. Dharco also does a great job with tops that are functional yet feminine, and I’ve become a fan of the 3/4 length Jersey.
Features
Pants
- Nylon and spandex blend, designed specifically for DHaRCO. These keep you warm when it’s colder and cool when it’s warmer.
- Made with Blue Sign-approved fabric, meaning substantially fewer chemicals and water were used in the production.
- 4-way stretch, durable fabric
- 3 pockets!
Jersey
- Moisture Wicking Fabric
- Mesh Side Panels
- Side Zip Pocket
On the Trail
I put this kit to the test right away at the grand opening of a new gravity line at our local bike skills park. The pants allowed for movement, and the waist stayed in place through squats and turns. I had some doubts about how comfortable these would be over kneepads, but I soon forgot that I was wearing them, thanks to the stretchy material. I took advantage of the pockets for storing my cell phone and keys.
The Jersey is lightweight and provides adequate length for no skin exposure between the shirt and pants when riding. I haven’t utilized the shirt’s pocket yet, but anticipate that it will be handy for easy access to snacks or hair ties on longer rides. The mesh side panels and moisture-wicking fabric helped keep me cool during my pedals back up the hill. I’m digging the 3/4 sleeve length for protection from the sun and protection of my tattoos on rides that don’t require full elbow pads.
Fit and Sizing
Dharco notes “Our pants are a bit like your favorite pair of skinny jeans. They are on the slimmer side, but designed to fit that way so we’d say stick with your normal size.” Their sizing guide features measurements for when garments are laid flat. They also have a size equivalency chart to compare AU/UK to US Sizes. When researching these pants, many reviews said to check the size chart and likely size up. I am consistently a size 8 in pants, which is typically a medium. On the size equivalency chart, a US 8 is large, so that is what I ordered, and I’m glad I did.
They fit perfectly in the hip and thigh, form-fitting but stretchy, tapered at the ankle. As per usual for me, the waist was loose, but these pants feature pull-tab velcro closures on either side to cinch it in for a just-right fit. The stretchy fabric allows for both chamois and kneepads to fit comfortably underneath.
Gravity Pants are offered in sizes XS (US 2) to 2XL (US 12) so they are not as size-inclusive as other brands.
I ordered the Jersey in medium and small sizes. While the small is a little snug across my chest, there is still plenty of room in the waist. It tapers in slightly, making for a flattering silhouette that doesn’t restrict movement. For reference, I am 5’6 with a 36” bust and 28” waist, US Dress size 6.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great kit for colder-weather mountain biking. My only gripe with the pants is that they don’t have an ankle zipper for easier access to knee pads, but I will take that any day as long as there is an adjustable waist. I ended up getting two pairs- standard black and a new pretty blue color offered this season called Maverick. I am also interested in trying out the Gravity shorts when things start to warm back up!
Gravity Pants list for $156.00; the Jersey goes for $66. The high-quality materials and performance are worth the full price, but if you’re looking for bargains, you might find the previous season’s colors for a bit less both on the Dharco Website and through Competitive Cyclist.com.