Wearing shorts specifically tailored for mountain bikes is the deciding factor. The right pair of bike shorts have the right type, durability, weather resistance, pockets, fit, etc.
Our top pick is the 7MESH INDUSTRIES Glidepath for men, which offers lightness, durability, and extremely fast drying for long hikes. Meanwhile, Gore Wear is best suited for women. The long yoke pant for the best breathable fabric.
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Patagonia Landfarer
Wearing a pair of mens Patagonia Landfarer bike shorts will give you a light, breathable fabric feel. Apply the plain weave with a durable water-repellent finish to best enhance mobility.
The mountain bike shorts focus on their low profile for a chafe-free fit below your packs hip belt. And an elastic waistband with snap closure frees up discomfort. Because the curved waistband follows the natural shape of your hips, your movement wont be restricted.
The Patagonia Landfarer has a 12-inch inseam, relaxed leg openings, and snap loops at the waist. They are long enough to cover your kneepads with airflow for ventilation. There are two secure zipper pockets on the thighs and a snap pocket on the left hip, which is safe for your items.
These shorts are constructed with soft, supple materials, including recycled nylon and spandex, and are completely breathable and comfortable in various temperature conditions. Plus, whats unique about Patagonia is its water repellent, thanks to the materials.
With the curved waistband and large leg openings, this best road bike short allows users with all kinds of cycling movements. It also provides air circulation to create cool feelings on the road.
These shorts are highly customizable as they offer a zippered pocket and hip belt slots. Riders can easily accessorize with necessary items and jewelry on the road.
In addition, the Landfarer features Fair Trade Certified™ sewing technology for environmental sustainability.
Pros:
- Breathable and stretchy
- Highly customizable
- Cool and comfortable
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Low friction reduction
SPECIALIZED Enduro Pro
SPECIALIZED shorts have impressive features related to durability, comfort, and highly adaptable parts compared to other products.
These shorts are designed with waterproof and flexible materials and take full advantage of nylon, polyester, spandex, and elastane blended materials. In particular, the Mountain Chamois 3D polyester-elastane liners are removable for easy personal styling and optional padding.
The shorts can be worn with a compatible bib to change the style if users wish. SWAT-compatible garments are available to facilitate this. When worn alone, the shorts look casual as everyday clothing.
There are 2 zippered side pockets available for more secure storage. Laser perforation and UV 50+ deflection technologies improve ventilation and redirect the suns rays onto the skin. This means the shorts can be used in sunny or rainy weather.
Pros:
- Great customization
- No time limit
- Good stretch and comfort
- Ventilation and reorientation towards the sun
Cons:
- High price
Fox Racing
Cyclists can get familiar with the Fox Racing branch and its high-quality product. The Fox shorts are indeed one of the best cycling shorts on the list.
The unpadded shorts feature the 4-way stretch fabric to improve the cyclists smoothness of movement and comfortable feeling. Compared to other unpadded products, these pairs offer a more fitted and stretchy structure with close leg openings.
Dual-density chamois is integrated into the liner to improve saddle friction. The liner is removable for personal use.
These shorts are constructed with an over-padded hem and are made discreet and easy to put on. The waistband is snug against the hip to create a secure and smooth feel. Hidden pockets are placed on both sides and are secured with a zipper. It accommodates small items for travel such as medication, cell phone, or watch.
Pros:
- Flexible and well-fitting
- Removable lining
- 2 side pockets
Cons:
- Poor ventilation in hot weather
TROY LEE DESIGNS Skyline
Last but not least, the TROY LEE shorts are no less popular than the previous products on the list.
This TROY LEE is reasonably priced, but the features remain the focus. Constructed with Bluesign certified fabric, the shorts use Coolmax polyester and Lycra for durability. Also, as mentioned in the primary references, the shorts are moisture-wicking for quick drying of sweat and moisture.
These unpadded pairs are designed with 2-way stretch and offer significantly less stretch structure compared to 4-way technology. While acceptable for almost any cycling activity, it would be better if it allowed for more types of cycling.
There are 2 side pockets, several adjusters, and snap closures for quick and easy use. A silicone waist grip is also installed for personal decisions.
Pros:
- Durability
- Reasonably priced
- Highly customized
Cons:
- Limited scalability
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Womens Road Bike Shorts | Best Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts |
Best Cycling Shorts For Long Distance | Best Cycling Bib Shorts |
1. 7MESH INDUSTRIES Glidepath
If youre a fan of mountain biking, then the Glidepath from 7Mesh Industries is your first choice. With two-way stretch nylon, the best MTB shorts are lightweight. Durable and extremely fast drying is also their main features.
The mens MTB shorts fit you perfectly with the invisible waist adjustment. With 2 hands, 2 zippered sides, and 1 phone pocket, your snacks, trail accessories, and phone are always at your disposal.
Besides having reflective details for night visibility, the Glidepath also offers 3 color options. In which the corresponding detailed sizes are included. Check your chest, waist, hip, thigh, arm length, and inseam numbers to find the perfect fit.
Fox Racing
Another variant for the runner-up in mens mountain bike shorts is Fox Racing. The shorts are lightweight, durable, and comfortable with a material made of nylon polyamide (57%), polyester (38%), and elastane.
The shorts have a snap closure and removable lining for quick access. At the same time, the dual-density chamois and two-way stretch fabric give you excellent mobility on your MTB rides.
With 10-inch inseams and an adjustable waistband roll, the shorts give you a certain feeling at the waist. In time, nutrients are provided with 2 hand pockets while riding. You can wear these shorts with the best-recommended hardtail mountain bikes.
Patagonia Dirt Roamer
Featuring 4-way stretch material. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer offers a green solution for the environment and is lightweight and stretchy.
The OppoSetTM inner waistband design curves to follow the natural shape of your hips, leaving room to move and feel great. The mens MTB shorts also help moisture bead on the surface with durable water repellency (DWR).
Ultrasonically welded seams allow the shorts to stretch, and the lack of front pockets or belt loops helps reduce chafing under a hip pack. Plus, the 11.5-inch inseam covers the top of most kneepads.
Zoic Camo
Zoic Camo has won the hearts of cyclists thanks to its superior quality. First, the shell material includes 94% polyester and 6% spandex. The gusset is 87% polyester, 13% spandex, the lining is 95% polyester, and 5% spandex to be robust, relaxed, and comfortable while cycling.
The fused crotch gusset, removable lining, and integrated Air Flow mesh ventilation panels. They help all cyclists feel comfortable in all trail conditions. That means cross-country, all-mountain, freeride, downhill, and even around town.
The Zoic shorts provide you with a bunch of pockets involving 2 front hand pockets, 2 zippered leg pockets, and a subtle rear zippered pocket. Your essentials are within easy reach. The elastic back waistband and velcro side tabs allow you to adjust your fit.
Fasthouse Ripper
The Fasthouse Ripper gives you another choice for highly ventilated mens shorts with the perforated front and back panel. Plus, the velcro side adjusters will fit you perfectly.
With the water-repellent coating, you can easily splash in the water. The unique zippered pocket keeps your essentials safe from falling out. There are 2 color options: slate and black, which have a clean, masculine look. Shorts with FastHouse words embellished enhance the aesthetic features.
Troy Lee Designs Connect
The Troy Lee Designs shorts appreciate comfortable performance and have high-quality construction. Combining stretch nylon and spandex in a proper ratio with bi-stretch warp and weft fabric.
The addition of flat webbing drawstrings makes it easy to adjust.
Two thoughtful front pockets and a zippered left pocket are easy to access. While 2 deep back pockets keep your money safe. The Troy Lee logo printed on the inside of the waistband impressed the pros.
They have a subtle, casual style with button closure and zipper fly. Meanwhile, the water-repellent function and quick-drying feature make them a great versatile addition to your riding kit.
Fox Racing Flexair
Fox Racing is a familiar brand to cyclists. Fox Racing Flexair is also one of our recommendations among their various types of MTB shorts for men. Lightweight, it features 4-stretch fabric and designed airflow zones. Youll feel comfortable all day while riding.
The shorts adjust quickly on the fly. The buckle closure and the secure zippered hand pockets keep your essentials safe. Flexair shorts focus on water resistance, adding a durable water repellent coating to the material.
The fabric dyed with the manufacturers iconic screenprints draws more about the aesthetic. The removable lining features a dual-density chamois to enhance comfort at all times.
ZOIC Ether
The construction combines a tough polyester shell and UPF 50+ rating. They also use recycled materials whenever possible. The ZOIC Ether has an understated style and is comfortable for a few reasons:
The multi-level stretch chamois with shock-absorbing impact reduces vibration in the saddle. The liner is also fully removable. All this gives you great versatility. Plus, youre well ventilated with the Fusion Gusset crotch and under-belt vents.
The pocket system will please you with plenty of room for your essentials. There are two in the front, two on the thighs, and one in the back.
A dedicated media pocket is available for your headphones, phone, or music player.
Club Ride
Club Ride focuses on the casual look, a convenient transition from the road to the food court. The shorts use stretchy woven fabric for two color options. These are navy and ochre prints attached to cute little patterns that make the MTB shorts much more familiar.
As a performance, internal Velcro adjustments for all sizes while the WR finish for water and dirt resistance keeps you clean. The shorts add reflective RideLight accents to enhance safety on the road.
With a 12″ inseam, your knees are moderately covered, and with 6 pockets, your essentials are ready every time.
Things to consider when buying mountain bike shorts
Types of MTB shorts
MTB shorts come in two types: baggies and Lycra. Baggies are loose-fitting, durable, and offer more storage options.
For XC racers, baggy shorts generate more wind resistance than lycra. And its a stricter requirement for enduro or downhill racing, which can lead to a lot of prevention.
Cross country shorts (XC)
XC bikers wear lighter, more breathable shorts to fit nicely on the high-speed, high-energy bike. Some Lycra, like Eco-daily or PEARL IZUMI, are cyclists preferred samples.
XC cyclists may encounter watery terrain or light rain. Thats why shorts must have a water repellent feature. They are also quick and easy to adjust with an adjustable waistband.
MTB Trail Shorts
MTB riders tend to wear heavier fabric baggy shorts to protect themselves from falls. Problems that MTB Trail riders often encounter can stem from road damage. Thats why shorts with plenty of pockets for gear, food, and other necessities are top-notch.
Riders can wear the Fasthouse Ripper or the ZOIC Ether, which are common examples. In addition, they are also water and mud resistant to rainy situations.
Enduro shorts
The manufacturer focuses on the durability of enduro shorts. Because enduro cyclists need to maintain the riding position for hours, the fabric that combines the elasticity of nylon and a durable coating usually creates the best enduro shorts.
Specifically, we have Troy Lee Designs and Patagonia. These shorts are fantastically comfortable, which is also a big requirement for cyclists on the Enduro trails. (1)
Pockets
A pair of mountain shorts is more attractive with lots of pockets because they allow you to store essential items. For example, phone, keys, headphones, cash, etc. There are several pockets, such as cargo pockets, hip pockets, and front or back pockets.
A small note for this category: putting a lot of gear can cause your pedaling to sway. Glidepath Short is the brand of MTB shorts I like the most. Its zippered utility pockets are big enough to store my tools and food.
Durability
Durability is hard to recognize at first glance: technically, shorts have thicker fabric and tend to have better abrasion resistance. So they give you more support when riding on dangerous trails.
Fox Racing is blended with polyamide-nylon, polyester, elastane, and EVO chamois. They pamper your riding on mountainous terrain.
Water-resistant
Riding in light rain forces you to consider the water-resistant and quick-drying properties of a pair of MTB shorts. The short stress on the nylon material can adapt well to your requirements. Treatment with a durable water repellent (DWR) is mandatory to help moisture bead on the surface.
Adjustability
For easy adjustment to your size, I would advise choosing the adjustable bike shorts on the outside instead of the inside. Its convenient to control and doesnt irritate your skin. For this type of adjustable waist, Zoic is my favorite.
Fit
Choosing the suitable bike shorts for your long bike trip means youre in a tight fit. You do a lot of moving, including sitting in the saddle, standing up, walking and running, etc. Therefore, they also stretch slightly.
Sports accessory brands often provide you with a sizing chart where you have time to think about which one is right for you. REI Co-op Link is a good example.
Conclusion
Overall, 7MESH INDUSTRIES provides you with a beautiful model that is ideal for a comfortable walk. The quick access and fashionable style appeal to all picky customers.
And if the price is the primary concern, then Troy Lee Designs pocket set provides you with affordable style. Perform with a casual look while performing on the trails.
There are several womens MTB shorts, in which Gore Wear has won the trophy for comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bike-specific fit. These shorts provide harmonization for ladies during strict weather.
Select Liner is the preferred baggy for general sports activities and cheap downhill bike shorts. Youll enjoy your hours of riding in the saddle over rocky terrain without feeling like youre abusing your seat bones.