Giro Havoc vs Volta Short Sport W: Women's MTB Shorts Compared
By Bicycle Superstore | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Giro Havoc Shorts Womens and Volta Short Sport W on fit, coverage and padding so you can choose the right women's mountain bike shorts for trail riding or everyday cycling.
Quick answer
Choose the Giro Havoc Shorts Womens if you ride technical trails or enduro and want a 2-in-1 short with 4-way stretch coverage. Choose the Volta Short Sport W if you want a simple women's-specific Lycra short for active riding at a clearance price.
Coverage and fabric: trail shell versus Lycra fit
The Giro Havoc is built as a women's 2-in-1 trail short with 4-way stretch fabric that moves with you on climbs and descents. That construction suits riders who want more coverage over rough ground and a short that stays in place through technical riding. The Volta Short Sport W is a women's-specific Lycra short in classic black with a sport cut for active riding. It sits closer to the body and is the simpler option for road, path or light off-road sessions where you do not need an outer trail shell.
Padding: check before you commit
Neither product record supplied here states whether a chamois or liner is included, so treat padding as unconfirmed rather than assuming either short is padded. If you need a padded short for long saddle time, check the product page or ask the store before ordering. The 2-in-1 label on the Giro Havoc describes its layered construction, not a verified padding specification.
Price and sizing trade-offs
The Giro Havoc Shorts Womens is listed at USD 89.99 against a comparison price of USD 149.99 and offers colour and size options. The Volta Short Sport W is listed at USD 40.79 against a comparison price of USD 59.99 and offers colour only. That means the Volta is the lower-cost entry point, while the Giro gives you size selection and a trail-oriented build. If you are unsure of your size in the Volta, the lack of size options is a real limitation to weigh before buying.
Key trade-offs to decide between them
- Trail coverage vs close fit: The Giro Havoc's 2-in-1 construction adds an outer layer for trail riding, while the Volta's Lycra sport cut sits closer to the skin for simpler active riding. Pick based on how much coverage you want, not on which short is newer.
- Size choice vs colour-only availability: The Giro Havoc lists both colour and size options; the Volta Short Sport W lists colour only. If fit is uncertain, the Giro gives you more ways to dial it in. Confirm your size before ordering the Volta.
- Padding is not confirmed for either: Neither supplied record states whether a chamois or liner is included. Check the product details before relying on either short for long padded rides. If padding matters, verify it before checkout.
Product facts at a glance
- Volta Short Sport W: Women's-specific Lycra short in classic black with a sport cut, currently on clearance at USD 40.79. A low-cost, close-fitting option for riders who want simple cycling comfort without a trail shell.
Volta Short Sport W - Giro Havoc Shorts Womens: Women's 2-in-1 trail short with 4-way stretch fabric, listed at USD 89.99 with colour and size options. The stretch fabric and size choice suit riders who want more coverage and a tailored fit on technical trails.
Giro Havoc Shorts Womens
Which women's short fits your riding
Best for
- Women riding technical trails or enduro who want 2-in-1 coverage and 4-way stretch
- Riders who want size and colour options when ordering
Not for
- Riders who want the lowest-cost simple Lycra short
- Anyone who needs confirmed padding details before buying
