Maloja Peggy Shorts Review

The Peggy by Maloja is the short for you if you're looking for a conversation piece that doubles as a pair of shorts. The printed short isn't too comfortable for the long haul; it lacks stretch and mobility, making it most applicable for shorter rides, or dog walks.

Performance Comparison

Fit and Comfort

The Peggy earned a 4 out of 10 because of the stretchy back panel that helped to customize the fit of this otherwise restrictive short. While the rest of the waistband remained rigid, the stretch in the rear accommodated for any curve our testers might have had. The internal Velcro waist adjusters were easy to use and the slightly higher rise in the rear kept the shorts close. For an all-around more flexible fit, try the Pearl Izumi Elevate Women's or Troy Lee Skyline.

Pedal Friendliness

This contender is made of 100 percent polyester while all other shorts in the test are constructed with a spandex blend. Even with the Peggy's looser fit, we found the shorts to be constrictive. While the silky smooth interior helped the shorts to glide over the thigh and move with the rider, it wasn't enough to impress our testers, who scored it a 4 out of 10. The Club Ride Ventura, with a similar loose fit, offered more stretch, making it more popular with the ladies. We found the 100 percent poly Peggy to be somewhat warm. Without the addition of venting panels, the material actually collected moisture on the inside of the short.

Protection

The Peggy has a 10.25-inch inseam, the second shortest in the review, which is why it scored a 5 out of 10 in protection. Based on length alone, we would keep these shorts out of the downhill park. Paired with knee pads, most of our testers noticed a gap between the thigh and the top portion of the pad while pedaling.

Similar to the Norrona Fjora, the Peggy's DWR finish proved itself in the late fall riding of Lake Tahoe, beading up after each puddle splash.

Pockets

We scored the Peggy a 6 because it has a total of five pockets, two of which are zippered, while the other three are Velcroed shut. The zippered front pockets on the waist are ample enough for keys or an energy bar. The thigh pocket is oversized and massive. You could fit an entire sandwich in there! Just be leery that the Velcro closure is not as secure as a zipper and should you have an unexpected dismount, you may lose your lunch. Though not nearly as large, the thigh pockets of the Troy Lee Skyline and Zoic Navaeh are fastened with zippers, which is a more secure option.

Style

You won't fly under the radar when you're sporting the Peggy. The tropical flower and swallow printed short could easily be worn for Hawaiian shirt day at the office. The loose-legged silhouette, perfectly roomy enough for us strong-legged ladies, is paired with a slightly higher rise in the waist, which is why we scored the Maloja a 6 out of 10. The Peggy offers a fun alternative to the more traditional solid colors. If you like a pop of color, but aren't too into prints, check out the Fox Ripley, which has a similar inseam but comes in a few different shades.

Best Applications

It's a pretty cute, casual short, and we think the Peggy would work best if you're coasting a bike path or mellow single track. If you plan on breaking a sweat or working hard on the bike, we would recommend the more stretchy and breathable Club Ride Ventura or Dakine Cadence.

Value

$125 is pretty steep for the Peggy. Yes, it could be a summer wardrobe staple too, but for $80, the Best Buy Club Ride Ventura could also work at the beach AND it's way more breathable.

Conclusion

While we appreciated the fun print and great pockets, we couldn't really look past the restrictive construction of the Maloja Peggy. With slightly more give than your favorite pair of jeans, the Peggy would make a great casual short for pedaling around town, but not for any sort of epic ride.