Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The addition of stretch mesh ventilation panels also helps to keep things cool. Leg length is generous, and perforations down the inner thigh aid cooling. The legs are on the shorter side, so if you prefer more coverage this may not be the style for you, but the Dirt Roamers are so cool and comfortable for hard summer riding that wed urge you to consider making an exception and get your knees out. All of the shorts we tested use some combination of zippers, buttons, and snaps to get the job done. The Kitsbow Mescal Ventilated is another of our favorites, with a slick alloy slip hook that slots into a webbing loop and offers 3 inches of adjustment. The Race Face Indys are constructed from a heavyweight fabric that feels built to suck up a lot of punishment. With a 16in inseam, the Specialized Demo Pro Shorts are some of the longest mountain bike shorts around, providing cover for knee pads. These shorts shed water quite effectively to help keep you dry, and they block wind to help fight the chill on those shoulder-season rides. Through it all, we scrutinized every aspect of their performance and analyzed how the design, materials, fit, and features all play into their comfort and performance out on the trail. While this holds a smartphone securely and doesnt impinge on pedalling, if it were rear-facing rather than front-facing, it would be much easier to unzip while riding. These shorts are constructed from a light but tough water-repellent fabric that effectively sheds moisture from light rain, mist, and splashes from puddles. It's easy to make a durable short, and relatively easy to make a well-ventilated, comfortable short, but striking a balance between the two is a challenge. The Flexair deliver a high level of pedal-friendliness and an incredibly comfortable fit. The Kitsbow Mescal Ventilated also scored highly in this rating metric. The SingleTrack II shorts have been part of Enduras line-up for a number of years. Many mountain bike shorts are styled baggy, but this doesnt mean they arent technical items, and will often still help shed rain and wick away sweat. The Kitsbow Mescal Ventilated have a decidedly tailored fit and casual style that belies their on-the-bike performance. Instead, the waistband is elasticated and has a clever fold-over fly with a single hook fastening that slots into any one of five loops, making for a variable and extremely comfortable fit. As much as we don't like to admit it, style matters! We have several pairs of shorts that rate very highly in the comfort metric, including the Fox Flexair. If you are indecisive when it comes to your bike gear, we've got you covered with top recommendations to complete your cycling setup. There are two mesh-lined, jeans-style pockets on the hips, which are perfect for stowing a pair of the best mountain bike gloves, as well as a larger zipped pocket on the right thigh. Are you searching for the best mountain bike shorts? The Patagonia Dirt Roamer shorts are another very highly scoring short in terms of comfort. Smooth on the inside, they feel like the ultimate in friction-free, lightweight design. The pockets are not large, but their layout makes them very user-friendly. Second, the trim and fitted design offers just enough material while reducing any excess material that may bounce around or restrict your legs. First, we have to praise those seams, which bond the panels that give shape to the shorts so well that theyre almost invisible. Loose-fitting baggy shorts tend to generate more wind drag than lycra, and in a discipline like enduro or downhill racing, which is often decided by seconds or fractions of a second, it would make more sense to wear the tight-fitting kit. Other than the price, which is at the higher end of the spectrum, there is nothing to fault with these shorts. We Searching for a new mountain bike helmet? If you prefer a longer leg length, go for Sweet Protections original Hunter shorts, but because the legs dont ride up, they actually seem longer than the measurements suggest. They breathe okay, but they still aren't the best choice for warm days. A construction method with the leg cut higher behind the knee and dropping down lower at the front. Our testers put in some serious miles in each pair of shorts. Not to worry, we performed in-depth testing by female reviewers in our women's shorts review. We tested these shorts in every weather and trail condition possible. The fabric feels good on the skin and doesn't absorb sweat, so the shorts always feel dry even when sweating like a pig on a long climb. Pedal friendly shorts typically are made from lighter, stretchier materials and have a shorter inseam and slimmer fit. The 2-way stretch ripstop fabric feels durable yet lightweight. They have a slim, performance fit with a shorter inseam that makes them especially pedal-friendly. We tested 15 of the best We were out on the road and inside on the trainer for Best Mountain Bike Shorts for Women of 2022. These shorts are pricey, but if you put in a lot of miles they will quickly prove a wise investment. They have three functional pockets and an articulated waistband for seated pedaling comfort. It comes in a variety of colours and has a minimal, baggy look. We prefer to look good, and we imagine you do too We like shorts that look as good on the bike as they do off, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a good example. And if you prefer things baggy, they come in a wider leg size too. Pared-back styling combines with a tightly woven, durable-feeling fabric on these well-fitting shorts from Sweet Protection. We tested the long version and found that the length was good and the legs didnt ride up. That said, we feel these are a great option for shoulder season riding in cooler temperatures or anytime you might get a little wet out on the trails. We realize that this is a subjective assessment, but we sought consensus amongst our testers to make sure you look good out there. The list also covers a wide price range, with options available for those who are new to the sport and looking at what to wear mountain biking to premium options for seasoned riders. Up top, a high-fitting, shaped lower-back panel keeps you covered when bent forwards in the saddle. They've got subtle and casual styling that is equally suited to post-ride beers at the local brewery as it is to ripping single track beforehand. Each rating is described in greater detail below. They have an exceptional tailored performance fit and are made from a lightweight, thin, and soft material. The Indys are a versatile pair of shorts that deliver excellent comfort and performance across a range of conditions. Third, they have tremendous airflow that will keep you cool on the hottest of summer days. This change in dynamics makes pockets ever more critical for many riders, while others would prefer to have none. On rides over three hours, we use. The shorts havent shown signs of wear in testing, but in any case, theyre supplied with adhesive repair patches (repurposed from fabric leftovers) so you can fix them up or other kit if you end up getting a bit too rowdy on the trails. The super-light construction and the thin, comfortable fabric may be susceptible to damage in the event of a crash. All trademarks property of their respective owners The C5 Shorts are made from a light, stretch fabric and are aimed more at the cross-country market than heavy trail riding, but they fulfil this role with the class you can expect from Gore. Straight off the shelf, the SingleTrack Lites feel both light and durable, thanks to their lightweight, four-way stretch nylon fabric, which has a DWR finish. A large zipped pocket sits on the outside of each thigh, facing rearwards. Patagonia is well known for producing some of the highest quality outdoor gear available, and they are becoming a larger player in the mountain bike apparel market. The seat pad is also a darker colour a nice touch considering that saddles often leave marks. The Troy Lee Skyline and Pearl Izumi Summit feature a user-friendly Velcro-based adjustment system on the outside hip area of the shorts. Looking for something in between the tailored fit and the baggy gravity shorts? The POC Infinite All Mountain Shorts, 100% Celium, and 7Mesh Glidepath somewhat bridge the gap in terms of fit and style. The Kitsbow Mescal Ventilated shorts are made from comfortable materials with a pedal friendly design. Despite being made of technical fabric, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer also has a decidedly casual look with subtle styling that hides their true identity. Although significantly less expensive than the previous version, they are still pretty spendy, yet we feel these shorts are worth the asking price. The hanging mesh lining of the hand pockets also allows their contents to move around while riding. Instead, the fabric is cut and shaped to the body of the shorts. Sure, our top-rated model, the Kitsbow Mescal Ventilated, is one of the most expensive shorts in this test. The Rocday Roc Lite Shorts are the ideal length and weight for a trail short, with a stretchy feel and a neat cut that comes in just above the knee. Stretch panels in the side waist allow the shorts to be pulled up easily, and theres an elastic belt to tune the fit. Too high a rise and therell be excess fabric at the front of the shorts, which will potentially catch on the nose of your saddle. Every short we tested has an adjustable waist mechanism which provides an additional 2" or so of adjustment. The front pockets are sized generously. The small details make these shorts; a micro-fleece liner around the waist keeps things super-comfortable and a small pocket at the base of the back is ideal for a credit card. If you happened to gain a little weight in the off-season or drop a few pounds during the riding season, no worries, a quick adjustment will get you back in your favorite short. Constructed with a 4-way stretch soft-shell treated with a durable water repellent finish, the shorts are comfortable on the skin and quick drying. One more small criticism is that the black waistband on our dirt colored shorts seems a little out of place. Get a Syncros iS Coupe bottle cage when you subscribe. This removes bulk and increases comfort because theres no band to dig into your stomach. The front of the knee is longer than the sides and rear. Add two zipped front pockets with usefully long zip pulls and the close attention to functional detail, as well as a great fit, make the Scott shorts stand out. We tallied the scores from all of our rating metrics to determine our award winners. Mission Workshops The Traverse Shorts deliver a fantastic fit that has enough room to accommodate knee pads. The Fox Flexair short is the closest you are going to get to the pedaling comfort of riding in spandex when it comes to baggy shorts, earning them a high score from our testers. Gravity riders are the most likely to concern themselves with the coverage and protection a pair of shorts provides, as well as compatibility with knee pads. Our team of expert testers put every pair of shorts in our test selection through the wringer, riding in each pair for countless hours and hundreds of miles. A raised silicone or sticky print, usually applied to the rear of the waist to stop baggy shorts from slipping down over the smooth surface of a liner short. We're big fans of the new trend of backloading thigh pockets that are easy to access while riding and hold items close to the body yet out of the way. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The soft material is rugged but not heavy, with just enough stretch to aid movement where you need it, making them very comfortable to ride in. None of these shorts are as thick and burly as the Ruckus and Airmatic. That said, these quality shorts work great while trail and all-mountain riding. Benson was joined by Curtis Smith, a long-time contributor to OutdoorGearLab. Theyre also touted as enduro mountain bike shorts, and live up to this claim. It is robust and designed to outlast the short itself. The most critical element of either system is placement. Pat Donahue is the former In-house Mountain Bike Review Editor at OutdoorGearLab. As a general rule, we found that shorts with thicker and more abrasion-resistant fabric tend to shrug off crashes and random encounters with trailside hazards better than shorts made from lighter-weight fabrics. The outer shorts have a minimal design that sits perfectly on the bike. The 100% and the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Shell work well with knee pads. They won't keep you dry in a true downpour but will help to keep you comfortable if the weather turns or during cool temperatures with mixed weather conditions. Unusually, the zip fly is left exposed except for the wrap-over tab at the top. Hip pocket closure design isn't user-friendly, A little longer and roomier than the original. Thoughtfully designed rearward loading pockets are also easy to use and hold items securely and comfortably in a pedal-friendly position. Also known as welded seams, this process fuses seams together rather than stitching them. We rated each pair of shorts on several predetermined metrics: Style, Features, Durability, Protection, Fit and Pedal Friendliness, and Comfort. The selection of which shorts is versatile. Thanks to a combination of shaping through the body and a high degree of stretch in the DWR-coated fabric, they dont feel in the slightest bit restrictive the material moves with you. Sizing is quite generous too, so if you fall between sizes wed recommend going smaller although we sized up and were able to adjust the waist enough using the Velcro tabs, which pull in from the small of the back. Of course, there are many different styles, colors, themes, and looks, that permeate this basic generalization of dress. These shorts also have a smaller leg opening that doesn't play well with all knee pads. The legs are tapered, have hems shaped to accommodate knee pads and a long 15in inseam. A zipped fly runs to the top of the waistband, covered by an asymmetric flap secured with two strong poppers. Also, the Ruckus are quite comfortable and have a nice fit despite their bagginess. The shorts have a great-quality feel and attention to detail. The best mountain bike shorts are designed specifically to meet the demands of riding off-road. Benson is an avid mountain bike and gravel racer. The Glidepath's high level of weather resistance also includes a bit of wind resistance. If cross-country is more your thing or youre just less likely to be heading downhill at warp speeds then lightweight and stretchy fabrics are advisable because theyll help the shorts move with you and not be cumbersome to pedal in. We also wore these shorts around town with wallets and other essentials to assess the versatility of the pocket system. Not everyone will agree on style, but it is certainly worthy of mention. If youre into gravity riding, look for shorts with more heavy-duty fabrics and abrasion-resistant materials that will cope with spills. We kept ultra-detailed notes and nitpicked the smallest details and scored each pair of shorts on predetermined performance metrics to help you find the best mountain bike shorts for your riding style and budget. Enduras MT500 Spray Shorts II are ideal for riding in wet, changeable conditions and the transitional seasons, thanks to the waterproof panels on the rear of the shorts and the DWR-treated fabric. This makes the shorts well suited to downhill riders, but the light, stretchy fabric also means theyre good for pedalling and mixed duties. All three systems are easy to manipulate, given their external position on the waistband of the shorts, but Velcro lacks the long-term durability of a slip hook system. The Flexair shorts are a deviation from this moto-inspired trend. The 100% Airmatic shorts have a similar feel and construction. The South Lake Tahoe resident is an avid racer of all types of bikes and can often be found mountain biking on the trails throughout the area. We evaluated the pockets for ease of accessibility, placement, and ease of access while riding. That said, how a short feels when riding in them is the most important. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. A wide, elasticated back panel offers a fantastic fit, even if you have a much narrower waist than hips, and the shorts are cut high around the back, too, to keep you covered in the riding position. An adjustable waist and sonic-welded seams add to this feeling of freedom, as well as the sleek appearance. Similarly, the Fox Ranger shorts have a clean, casual style that looks as good off the bike as it does while riding. The fit may not be for everyone, especially people who always wear knee pads, but if you're looking for a beautifully made, impeccably designed high-performance pair of baggy shorts, we think the Mescal Ventilated is one of the best we've ever tested. Rather than a standard front hip pocket like you find on a pair of jeans, these pockets have a vertical opening, and the pocket itself loads towards the rear of the shorts. The 7Mesh Glidepath is a lightweight trail riding model made to have more weather resistance than your average shorts. Because of their heavy feel, these shorts cannot match the pedal-friendly nature of other shorts. External waist adjustments, like these on the Patagonia Dirt Craft, are some of the features we appreciate. We researched the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, ventilated, articulated fit, quality construction, thoughtful design, Trim and clean fit, quality chamois, pedal-friendly, Extremely pedal-friendly, quality construction, killer fit, Stylish, functions well with knee pads, high-quality and reasonable price, Lightweight, comfortable, great fit, quick-drying, A little heavy, below average ventilation, Don't work well with bulky knee pads, more expensive, Minimal waistband adjustment, over-complicated closure system, Slightly longer and roomier than previous version, They are expensive, but Kitsbow's quality construction, attention to detail, and high performance design can't be beat, A trim pair of trail riding shorts that deliver exceptional comfort and pedal-friendliness but don't breathe particularly well, High-quality trail riding shorts best for long hours in the saddle, A dialed all-mountain/enduro short that ticks most of the boxes but has some minor waistband issues, Comfortable, lightweight, minimalist shorts for big days in the saddle, 4-way stretch softshell, mesh vent panels, 88% Nylon 12% Elastane, Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certified, 4-way stretch 90 denier 86% recycled polyester/14% spandex with a DWR, None, but compatible with Patagonia bibs and liners(sold separately), Thoughtful design and quality construction make these shorts the most comfortable and high performing in our test, A pair of relatively slim trail shorts that offer great comfort and pedal-friendliness but lacks ventilation, High-end trail riding shorts that blend a killer fit with excellent pedal-friendliness, A quality all-mountain short that offers a high-quality feel but has minimal waistband adjustment, Comfortable and lightweight with a performance-oriented fit and minimalist design, Quality shorts with high end construction and materials that stand out for their weather resistance, Simple and effective trail riding shorts that are comfortable and pedal-friendly, A high-end short that favors hard charging downhills over big climbs, A unique pair of shorts that are functional, comfortable, and wind/water-resistant, Practical trail and all-mountain shorts with extended coverage over the knees, A minimalist trail riding short that is lightweight with a comfortable fit and well-designed pockets, These shorts deliver excellent performance for those seeking a light and breathable short, Mountain bike shorts with a dual personality, for the rider who sees more value in versatility than specificity, A budget-friendly short with a high-end fit and performance, A versatile short that is comfortable and good for pedaling, but may have some durability issues, A solid performing pair of shorts with the added bonus of being some of the most affordable. The articulated cut makes for exceptional comfort when seated in the saddle, and stretch mesh panels handle ventilation in strategic areas. The Glidepath have a casual style with a relaxed fit and a 15-inch inseam, and we found them to be quite comfortable. The Mescal has a tailored slim fit and shorter inseam that testers found to be incredibly comfortable and pedal-friendly, perfect for trail and cross country style riding, and anything from short after-work spins to all-day epic suffer-fests. Regardless of how many features your shorts have, if they dont fit correctly theyll never be worth the outlay. What is the best mountain bike short out there? These shorts both have burly and robust materials and a slightly more substantial feel. This liner is exceptionally comfy with a great-quality pad. The fabric feels very pleasant against the skin, the stitching is tidy and doesn't cause any irritation. An adjustable elastic belt runs inside the waistband to dial in the fit, and because its elastic, it doesnt dig in when tightened. The bluesign-certified material is very comfortable and allows unrestricted pedalling. Our testers found the Dirt Roamer shorts to be so comfortable that they found themselves opting for them more often than not. While we feel this is generally a positive change, those who loved the fit of the previous version may find these to be a little baggier. Over time, the DWR coating may need renewing because the effectiveness of the DWR may decrease over time due to use and going through the washing machine. Look for elasticated versions of these tabs because they will help the shorts move with you and keep you comfortable as a result. The cut of the shorts has a 12in inseam, providing room for knee pads, but they do ride low on the hips rather than the waist. While we don't score the products we test based on their price, we appreciate a good value. The Skyline shorts impressed our testers, and we feel they are a dialed pair of mountain bike shorts ideal for everyday trail riding. Despite being called Essential, these shorts from Swedish brand POC are certainly no basic option they boast the same great quality and attention to detail that the company has become renowned for. The POC Infinite All-Mountain Shorts have a unique design that provides more knee coverage and works very well with knee pads. Just don't crash in them; the thin construction will be far less comfortable when being dragged across gnarly rocks or gravel. Women's mountain bike shorts are better than ever! As mountain bike fanatics, we are constantly scouring the internet for the most intriguing mountain bike shorts. Pair this high-end construction with a dialed, trim, fit and you have a recipe for success. The only thing stopping these mountain bike shorts from getting a full five stars is the price, but a premium price isnt a surprise from a premium brand such as TLD. Branding is minimal too, making them ideal for those of us who dont want to stand out on the trails. The length from the front of the waist to the crotch seam. Not only are they are a great deal, but these shorts have a casual and straightforward style both on and off the bike, with a comfortable, slimmer fit. We assessed the cut and shaping of the fabric as well as the stretch of the material for its ability to move fluidly with the pedal stroke. There are plenty of pockets that are well-placed for on- and off-bike use. We wanted to know, so we didn't hold back during testing. Beyond the demands of daily abuse on the bike, we also machine washed and dried the shorts after every use to see how they hold up to real-world laundering. This system is very easy to use and quite effective. Additionally, we feel they are a great value at a reasonable price with a quality chamois liner included. The 7Mesh Glidepath have similar pockets on the outside of the thighs that also feature internal sleeves to keep your contents organized and bounce-free while riding. The outer shorts are equally good. While you can do a huge, half-day ride with these shorts, it is not their strong suit. Best mountain bike shorts | 18 top-rated MTB baggy shorts for men and women, Read our full Endura SingleTrack Short II review, Read our full Assos Trail Cargo shorts and bib liner review, Read our full Endura Womens MT500 Spray Shorts II review, Read our full Mission Workshop The Traverse Shorts review, Read our full Rocday Roc Lite Shorts review, Read our full Fox Womens Ranger Shorts review, Read our full Patagonia Dirt Roamer Shorts review, Read our full Specialized Demo Pro Shorts review, Read our full Troy Lee Designs Mischief Womens Shorts review, Rockrider Womens Mountain Bike Shorts ST900. Let us know! Elasticated Velcro tabs on the inside of the waistband help you dial in the fit, while the material is looser around the thighs for good freedom of movement. Fox Racing has a wide range of shorts in their lineup. Endura offers these shorts in both long and short leg options.