We tested this short over a year ago, but Royal has made quite a few changes since then.

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The Stage 2 is now constructed from a lighter-weight polyester material and features a DWR (durable water repellent) coating.

Perforations on the thigh area enhance venting, but the mesh-lined pockets are no more, although Royal has retained the extra-long waist adjusters, durable double-studded poppers and hook-and-loop fasteners.

There’s no liner short inside, but the price is the same and it’s still available in a ton of sizes, including an absolutely enormous XXL.

The key change is to the cut — the new Stage 2 is much roomier in the hips, but not as long in the leg. This means it hangs lower in the crotch, so catches more often on the nose of the saddle and billows out at the knee when riding fast.