Wearing tailored specifically shorts for mountain bikes is the decisive factor. An appropriate pair of cycling shorts feature a suitable type, durability, weather-resistant, pockets, fit, and so on.
In this editorial, we focus on mountain bike shorts. Accordingly, we have listed the ten best male mountain bike shorts and ten for females. This is to provide you a stress-free and clearer approach for the one you need.
Come first to our choice is 7MESH INDUSTRIES Glidepath for men. Which offers the lightweight, durable, and extremely quick-drying for long rides. Meanwhile, Gore Wear is most suitable for women. The long inseam pants for the best breathable fabric.
Best Mountain Bike Shorts For Men
1. 7MESH INDUSTRIES Glidepath
Best Overall Mountain Bike Shorts
If you are a fan of mountain biking, then 7Mesh Industries Glidepath is definitely the first of your choice. With 2-way stretch nylon, the best mountain bike shorts are lightweight. Durable, and extremely quick-drying are also their prominent features.
The men’s mountain bike shorts fit you greatly with the invisible waist adjustment. Having 2 hands, 2 zippered sides, and 1 phone pockets, your snacks, trail accessories, and your phone are always available for you.
Not only having reflective details for night visibility, but the Glidepath also offers 3 color options. In which the detailed corresponding sizes included. Check your chest, waist, hip, thigh, arm length, and inseam figures for the perfect one for you.
2. Fox Racing
Best runner up
Another variation for the runner-up of men’s mountain bike shorts is Fox Racing. With the material of polyamide nylon (57%), polyester (38%), and elastane, the shorts are light, durable, and comfortable.
There are 4 colors for you: black, navy, chili and pewter and a wide range of sizes from 28 to 40. The shorts have a snap closure and removable liner which provide quick access. While the dual-density chamois and two-way stretch fabric give you excellent mobility on your mountain bike rides.
With inseams of 10 inches and adjustable band roll on waist position, the shorts give you a certain feel at your waist. In time supply nutrients with 2 hand pockets while riding. You can wear this shorts with the best hardtail mountain bikes recommended.
3. Patagonia Dirt Roamer
Best For Minimalists
With the material of 4-way stretch. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer not only proposes a green solution for the environment, but they are also lightweight, stretchy.
The design of the internal OppoSetTM waistband curves to follow your natural hip shape allowing room to move and snug. The men’s mountain bike shorts also help moisture bead up on the surface with the durable water repellent (DWR).
The sonic-welded seams let the shorts stretch as a whole, the lack of front pockets or belt loops help reduce chafing under a hip pack. Besides, the 11.5-inch inseam covers the tops of most kneepads.
4. Zoic Camo
Best Camo mtb shorts
Zoic Camo won cyclist’s hearts with superior quality. Firstly, the material of the shell includes 94% polyester and 6% spandex. The Gusset is 87% polyester, 13 % spandex, and the liner with 95% polyester, 5% spandex. With the aim of rugged, relaxed, and comfortable while cycling.
The fusion inseam gusset, the detachable liner, and the integrated Air Flow mesh ventilation panels. They help all the riders feel comfortable in any trail conditions. Namely cross country, all-mountain, freeride, downhill and even around town.
The Zoic shorts provide you a bunch of pockets involving 2 front hand pockets, 2 leg zip pockets, and a subtle rear zip pocket. Your necessities are on your side. The elastic back waistband and Velcro side-adjuster tabs dial in your fit.
5. Fasthouse Ripper
Best for Trail Riding
The Fasthouse Ripper bring you one more choice for the high ventilation male shorts with the perforated front and back panel. In addition, the Velcro side adjusters will fit your waist perfectly.
With water repellent covered, it is easy for you to go splashing through water. The single zipper pocket to keep your essential items without falling out. There are 2 color options: slate and black which are masculine and clean look. The shorts with the FastHouse words decorated enhance more aesthetic features.
6. Troy Lee Designs Connect
Best For relaxed construction
Appreciate the comfortable performance, Troy Lee Designs short have high-quality construction. The combination of the elastic nylon and spandex in an appropriate ratio with the warp and weft bi-stretch fabric. The addition of flat webbed drawstrings helps to fit you easily.
Two thoughtfully designed front pockets and a left zipper pocket are easy to access. While 2 deep rearward pockets hold your cash securely. The logo Troy Lee printed on the inside of the belt impressed the professional.
They have got subtle and casual styling with button closure and zipper fly. Meanwhile, the water repellant and quick dry feature make it a great versatile addition to your riding kit.
7. Fox Racing Flexair
Best For Ventilation
Fox Racing is really a familiar brand with cyclists. Among their various types of men mountain bike shorts, Fox Racing Flexair is also one of our recommendations. Lightweight with 4-stretch fabric and engineered airflow zones. You will feel comfortable all-day riding.
The shorts are quick on-the-fly adjustments. With the buckle closure while the secure-zip hand pockets keep your essentials secure. The Flexair shorts focuses on water resistance, therefore a durable water-repellent coating is added to the material.
The dyed fabric with the screen prints of the manufacturer’s icon attracts more regarding aesthetic. The removable liner features dual-density chamois to improve comfort all the time.
8. ZOIC Ether
Best For Utilization
The fabrication is a combination of strong polyester shell and UPF 50+ rating. They also utilize the recycled materials wherever possible. The ZOIC Ether are understated style and comfortable for some reasons:
The multi-level, stretch chamois with the cushioning impact reduces vibrations in the saddle. While the liner is also fully removable. All bring you high versatility. Furthermore, you are in good ventilation with the Fusion Gusset inseam and vents below the waistband.
The pocket system will please you with plenty of room for your essentials. There are two fronts, two thighs, and one back. A dedicated media pocket is especially available for your headphone, your phone, or music player.
9. Patagonia Landfarer
Best For breathable fabric
Wearing a men’s Patagonia Landfarer bike shorts will bring you a slight feel of the breathable fabric. Applying the plain weave with a durable water repellent finish in order to enhance the mobility to the best.
For a chafe-free fit under your pack hip belt, the mountain bike shorts focus on their low-profile. And a snap-closure elastic waistband releases the discomfort. Because the curved waistband follows the natural shape of the hips, your movement will not be restricted.
The Patagonia Landfarer has 12 in. inseam and relaxed leg openings, the waist snap loops. They have enough length to cover your knee pads with airflow for ventilation. There are two secure zipper pockets on thighs, one snap drop-in pocket on the left hip, which is safe for your items.
10. Club Ride
Best for Security
Club Ride focuses on the casual look which is a convenient transition from the road to eating places. The shorts use the stretch Woven Fabric for two color options. They are navy print and ochre print, attached with tiny cute patterns make the mountain bike shorts much more familiar.
As a performance, the internal Velcro adjustments for all average fits while the WR Finish for water and dirt resistance keeps you clean. The shorts add more RideLight reflective accents to enhance safety on the road.
With 12 in. inseam, your knee pads are moderately covered and with 6 pockets, your essentials are ready for your every time.
Best Mountain Bike Shorts For Women
1. Gore Wear
Best Overall
Gore Wear is well known for the comfortable and durable sports accessories. Gore Wear mtb shorts are made of 100% Other Fibers which moisture desiccation.
The women’s mountain bike pants help you be warm in cold weather but ventilated in the hot weather as well. The pants also have the function of splash guard on the side of the thighs and in the back area. Your items also are kept securely in the zip pockets on both sides.
Come with terra grey color and a wide range of sizes for your flexible selection, the Gore Wear brings you the feeling of freedom and lightweight.
2. REI Co-op Link
Best for Affordable Price
Firstly, REI Co-op Link will satisfy you with the affordable price and two color options: Molasses and black. The shorts have a feminine outlook but guarantee all comfort with your long ride.
Secondly, the rugged nylon fabric allows a relaxed movement on road with its stretches and wicks sweat. Included UPF 50+ sun protection for your skin. With the gusseted crotch, your movement will be unrestricted when moving on and off the saddle.
Lastly, REI mtb shorts keep your necessities avoid falling out with hand pockets with a hidden zipper. There is also a flap-top drop-in hip pocket that holds small items securely on the hard trails. The reflective accents to enhance night visibility.
3. Club Ride Capri Knickers
Best for Casual Look
Club Ride Capri Knickers impress you with a casual but protective design. With 91% polyester/ 9% spandex, the shorts are comfortable, versatile on every mountain road. The women’s mountain shorts aim to connect the outdoor activities with professional rides.
With 16.5 in. inseam, they cover up to your knee pads, avoiding the severe sun attack or dirt splashing. Meanwhile, you can keep your essentials securely on either two hand pockets or two back packets or even on a zippered thigh pocket.
There is an aesthetic designed cutout at knee position for both feminine look and no stuck consecutive movements on your pedal.
4. Troy Lee Designs Lilium
Best for Stretchy Material
You have several choices for the color and decorations. For example, black, charcoal, emerald, floral black, golden, smoked petal, and corresponding sizes as well. Troy Lee Lilium concentrates on stretchy material of 4-way woven.
The waist adjustment system and the articulated back hem help you to easily access which maintains comfort on the long ride. The shorts have 3 zippered pockets that hold your phone and items snugly. For more aesthetic, there is a silicone print on the inside waistband and the TLD logo locking helps the brand recognizably.
The 13 in. inseam and 21 in. outseam fit most of the riders. While the removable liner and the approved Blueprint ® fabric bring the soft and melodious feeling on the rough trails.
5. Eco-daily Padded
Best for Free Movement
Another nomination comes from the Eco-daily. They adapt well to a combination between function and fashion. Constructed from a nylon/spandex fabric, the Eco-daiy shorts are concentrating on moisture-wicking property. You are in cool and dry condition all day.
With 4D-foam seamless chamois and the stretch feature. You not only move freely with the fit curve, but you are also protected maximum on the long-distance rides. There is a wide waistband with elastic silicone leg bands to keep the bike shorts from pinching or bunching.
If you want to keep your items, a rear pocket offers you safe storage. In addition, to increase your visibility in low-light conditions. The manufacturer adds reflective elements for the women’s mountain bike shorts.
6. Wild Rye Kaweah
Best for Adaptive Property
“High adaptive” is what you could imagine about these Wild Rye Kaweah. Indeed, the shorts feature no-compromise comfort with the abrasion-resistant polyester/ elastane blend. The sun protection of UPF 50+ together with the durable water repellent helps the shorts avoid extreme weather conditions.
Wide Rye Kaweah supports you with the front pockets which are generous room for your sunglasses or energy bar, etc. Meanwhile, one side cross pocket is very handy for keeping your phone or wallet.
Furthermore, 12 in. inseam length is popular for most outdoor activities. The gusseted crotch also creates breathable shorts. That wicks sweat easily, enhancing ventilation with the airflow.
7. Patagonia Dirt Craft
Best for Versatility
Patagonia Dirt Craft got good credits for its versatility. There are some technical features that prove to enhance the utilization of riding. The casual style and short inseam bring you a comfortable feeling with a variety of sports. Such as hiking, climbing, and biking.
The pair of mountain bike shorts are treated by the DWR which is quick drying. While the soft chamois liner makes it a suitable one for the long periods on the saddle. Ample pockets are what the riders expect from the downhill bike shorts. Besides, Patagonia supplies you with enough storage for the essentials.
You can adjust your waist fit with a slick hook and loop waist adjustment making your movement on each mile of journeys become more perfect.
8. BACKCOUNTRY Empire
Best for Exploration
BACKCOUNTRY Empire bike shorts present themselves to the cyclists with the idea of exploring your kingdom on the trails. Therefore, they approve of the high-performance style of the padded mountain bike shorts.
Featuring 4-way construction, the shorts allow you to shift, to move easily throughout your ride. In addition, the waistband and the hook-and-loop tabs which let you customize securely. This positive is added with a silicone gripper.
The smooth fabric that fits your curve of hips now has a DWR treatment to protect you from splashes of mud, light showers. Last but not least, BACKCOUNTRY Empire ventilates better with laser-cut holes to keep you cool on warmer days.
9. LEAT Mtb 2.0
Best for ultra-light material
The low price MTB shorts for females would be LEAT MTB 2.0. An ultra-light stretch shell and the reinforced stitching make the shorts more flexible and durable. The aim is to enhance your smooth pedaling.
No worry about the splashing of the dirt or water, the shorts with the water-resistant coating get that duty for you. As a popular way to ensure comfort to the best, the 4-way stretch material and the seamless seat panel is always in the designer’s mindset.
While the soft-touch waist lining with a back gripper keeps you in a firm position without being distracted. Two zippered waist pockets are necessary for holding your valuables. Being the specific women’s bike shorts, they have a pre-curved cut that impresses the feminine feature.
10. PEARL IZUMI Select Liner
Best for Multi-density Material
PEARL IZUMI Select Liner shortswith the Pearl’s SELECT Escape 1:1 chamois supports you all the long ride. The multi-density foam excludes the vibration on the rocky terrains. The top layer of the chamois softly pampers your skin.
Breathable smooth mesh with the gentle stretch that wicks sweat away. The components of the material are 80% polyester/ 20% elastane on the body part, and 88% nylon/ 12% lycra on the side panel. Therefore they have a long use span.
The 8 in. inseam although is short but brings you the flexibility for your cross-country, downhill, enduro rides.
Things To Consider When Buying Mountain Bike Shorts
Types of mountain bike shorts
Basically, mountain bike shorts have two types: baggies and Lycra. While baggies are loose-fitting, durable, more options for storage. Lycra shorts are lighter, more breathable, and completely non-restrictive.
For XC racers, loose-fitting baggy shorts tend to generate more wind drag than lycra. And this is a more strict demand for enduro or downhill racing which might cause big prevention.
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Cross Country (XC) Shorts
To adapt well with the high-speed, high-energy biking, the XC mountain bikers tend to wear lighter, more breathable shorts. Some Lycra such as Eco-daily or PEARL IZUMI are favorite samples among the cyclists.
The XC riders might encounter the water terrains or meet light rain. That’s why the shorts need a water repellent feature. They are also simple and quick access for fit by adjustable waistband.
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Trail MTB shorts
MTB riders tend to wear heavier fabric baggy shorts in order to protect them from falls. The problems that Trail MTB riders often meet might come from the damages on the roads. Therefore, the shorts with many pockets for the gear, nutrition and other necessities is on the top.
Bikers can wear Fasthouse Ripper or ZOIC Ether which are common examples. Besides, they also feature the water and mud resistant properties for rain situations.
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Enduro shorts
The manufacturer concentrates on the durability of the enduro shorts. Because the enduro bikers have to maintain the riding position in hours. The fabric which combines the elasticity of nylon and durable coating usually create the best Enduro shorts.
Specifically, we have Troy Lee Designs and Patagonia. These shorts are fantastic comfort which also the high requirement for cyclists on the Enduro trails. (1)
Pockets
A pair of mountain shorts is more attractive with many pockets. Because of storing the essentials purpose. For instance phone, keys, headphones, and cash, etc. There are several types of pockets, such as cargo pockets, hip pockets, front hand or back pockets.
Just a small note for this category is putting plenty of gear might cause swinging for your pedaling. Glidepath Short is the mountain bike shorts brand that I like most. To prove this reason, its zippered utility pockets are ample enough for stashing my tools and nutrition.
Durability
The durability is hard to recognize at the first sight. However, there is a connection between comfort and durability. Technically, the shorts have thicker fabric and tend to have better abrasion-resistant. So that they bring you better support when riding on the hazardous trails.
Fox Racing with a mixture of polyamide-nylon, polyester and elastane, and EVO chamois. They are kind of pampering your riding on the mountainous terrains.
Water resistant
Ride under the light rain requires you to consider the water-resistance and quick-drying properties of a pair of mountain bike shorts. The short stress on nylon material can adapt to your requirement well. The treatment with durable water repellent (DWR) is obligatory to help moisture bead up on the surface.
Adjustability
For an easy adjustment to fit your waist, I tend to choose the outside adjustable bike shorts rather than the inner one. It is convenient to control and not irritate your skin. For that kind of adjustable waist, Zoic are my favourite one.
Fit
Choosing the right bike shorts for your long journey on the bicycle means you are in a tight fit. You make a lot of movements including sitting on the saddle, standing up, walking and running, etc. Therefore they also stretch slightly.
The sport accessory brands often provide you a chart of size in which you have time to consider carefully for your appropriate one. REI Co-op Link is a good example of that.
Conclusion
In general, 7MESH INDUSTRIES supply you a beautiful model that is ideal for a comfortable ride. Quick access and fashionable style please all the fastidious customers.
And if the price is the main concern, then Troy Lee Designs, which contains a set of pockets provides you an affordable style. Perform well with a casual look while doing trail performance.
There are several female mountain bike shorts, in which Gore Wear got the trophy for the comfortable fit and aesthetic bike specific cut. These shorts bring harmonization for the ladies during the strict weather.
The favorite baggy for general sports activities, as well as for downhill bike shorts at a cheap price is Select Liner. You will enjoy your rides hours in the saddle on rocky terrain without the feeling of abusing your sit bones.
