The Best MTB Shorts

With a generally loose, casual style (quite different from road cycling models), and specially designed for off-road adventures, mountain bike shorts include special features that adapt perfectly to your MTB style.

Hundreds of options are available on the market, and it’s not always easy to choose among them. Some models have a casual design, so you can wear them as everyday garments; others include a padded liner, and still others feature ventilation systems for the hottest days.

Don’t worry, though! In this article, I’ll talk about the most important things to consider before choosing a pair of MTB shorts. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year, so that you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Take a look at other articles to find the best enduro shoes, enduro helmets, enduro backpacks, enduro computers, MTB action cameras, enduro gloves, enduro knee pads, and enduro jackets.

THE BEST MTB SHORTS

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GORE WEAR C3 TRAIL

The Gore Wear C3 is a versatile pair of shorts, ideal for different styles of mountain biking, from Cross Country to Trail riding. This model has a slightly loose design and an elastic waistband for increased comfort while pedaling. The fabric is lightweight, comfortable, and cool, yet durable and abrasion-resistant, so you can use it for a long time.

It has two zippered side pockets for storing your keys and coins, as well as two front pockets for other small belongings. Also, it features several reflective elements to make you more visible at night. It’s not the most fully-featured model on the list, but it ranks first for its excellent value for the money.

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TROY LEE DESIGNS RUCKUS

The Troy Lee Designs Ruckus has a solid, strong, and durable construction. Despite this, the shorts feel very comfortable, as they are constructed from four-way stretch materials. Designed primarily with downhill riders in mind, these shorts are compatible with most knee pads on the market.

Due to their weight and size, I don’t recommend these shorts if you plan to do a lot of pedaling. In that case, you should opt for a lighter, cooler model. However, if you need a robust pair of pants for aggressive downhill or bike park riding, the Troy Ley Ruckus is one of the best models of the year.

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POC RESISTANCE

Wind-resistant at the front and water-resistant at the back (thanks to its efficient water repellent treatment), the Poc Resistance has a good length that partially covers your knees for added protection. Also, it’s compatible with many POC knee pads and fits comfortably thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps at the waist.

The Poc Resistance is available in different versions, including the Resistance Enduro, which features Vectran reinforcements on the knees and thighs for greater protection in the event of a fall.

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TROY LEE DESIGNS SKYLINE

The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is a highly comfortable, resistant model, ideal for Trail and Cross Country riders. Its great design (not too baggy, not too skinny) and shorter inseam length make it perfect for intense pedaling and long days on the trail.

The TLD snap button and adjustable Velcro straps ensure a firm and secure fit. If you prefer, you can purchase the shorts with a padded liner. Overall, it’s a great all-around model with an optional liner at a reasonable price.

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FOX RACING RANGER

The Fox Racing Ranger has a casual design that performs well both on and off the trail. This model is quite popular among BMX riders, so if you like stunts, jumps, and tricks, this could be your best option.

This pair of shorts has the shortest inseam on the list (12 in). In addition, it’s ultralight and stretchy, which makes it pedal-friendly and perfect for activities that require freedom of movement. It includes three pockets (although, unfortunately, they are not zippered) and a removable chamois liner.

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ENDURA SINGLETRACK LITE

The Endura Singletrack Lite is the lightweight and stretchy version of the popular Endura Singletrack. Unlike the previous model, the Singletrack Lite doesn’t have phone pockets on the thighs. However, it’s made with highly breathable materials and features perforated thigh vents for increased ventilation. This makes it the perfect option for MTB in the summer.

If you get caught in the rain, don’t worry, as the shorts have a water-repellent treatment that will keep you dry as long as possible. On the downside, some riders say they look a bit synthetic.

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POC ESSENTIAL ENDURO

The Poc Essential Enduro is an incredibly cool, breathable, and quick-drying pair of pants, ideal for Enduro and All-around riders. Don’t be fooled by its lightweight construction, as it’s made with strong, durable materials. In addition, it features reinforcements at the rear for greater durability.

This model is perfect for intense activities, as it doesn’t restrict your legs while you’re pedaling. If you are looking for a model that works well for almost any MTB discipline, this could be your option. The Poc Essential is ultralight and flexible, but it’s also durable and long enough to be worn with knee pads.

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PEARL IZUMI ELEVATE

The new Pearl Izumi Elevate is an improved version of the 2018 model. Like the previous model, it’s quite long and strong, but it includes a comfortable liner, a slightly tighter design, and a ventilation system that keeps you cooler when you’re pedaling up steep climbs. Also, it features new materials that make it more flexible, as well as a BOA closure for a perfect fit.

Similar to how the 2018 model was designed for Downhill, the new Pearl Izumi Elevate has had a ton of upgrades that make it ideal for several MTB styles, including XC, Trail, and Enduro.

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FOX RACING FLEXAIR LITE

The Fox Racing Flexair Lite is designed to provide maximum comfort and freedom of movement throughout the day. The TruMotion fabric is incredibly lightweight and stretchy, so you can pedal comfortably. This fabric is very cool, breathable, and quick-drying. In addition, it includes a water repellent treatment for improved performance on rainy days.

The ratchet closure provides a quick, secure fit, while the zippered side pockets allow you to securely store belongings. Overall, it’s one of the most comfortable models on the list for hot weather mountain biking.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE PANTS

LYCRA OR LOOSE SHORTS?

As you know, most road bikers wear Lycra shorts, which are typically combined with a jersey. Lycra shorts are breathable, comfortable, and lightweight, while offering great freedom of movement.

So, why don’t MTB riders wear Lycra pants? Well, there are exceptions, but most riders prefer looser shorts because they have some advantages for mountain biking.

Baggy MTB shorts are more abrasion-resistant, have plenty of pockets, provide more protection, and have a casual style that sets them apart from styles worn by road cyclists.

MATERIALS

Most models are made with abrasion-resistant materials, such as nylon and polyester. Generally, these materials have other important characteristics, too. They must be breathable, quick-drying, and soft to the touch (they shouldn’t irritate the skin).

Elastane fibers can be added to make the fabric more stretchy, but keep in mind that most of the time, the more flexible the pants, the less abrasion-resistant they will be.

You should avoid cotton pants, which don’t perform well for MTB activities.

COMFORT

Comfort is a crucial factor when you are choosing the right model. Many characteristics can affect comfort, including materials, design, ventilation, and liner quality.

XC (cross country) shorts are generally lighter, stretchier, and tighter than other models, so you can pedal comfortably. Trail riders will also appreciate a comfortable model that allows them to ride uphill and downhill for hours.

Downhill and Enduro shorts are typically longer and a bit baggy, so they provide more coverage and also more space for wearing your knee pads.

LENGTH

The right length to choose will depend on the rider’s style and the terrain. Longer shorts will offer greater protection against scratches and falls. If you usually wear knee pads, I recommend that you choose a model that reaches the knees, for more protection.

In a product description, the length of a pair of shorts usually refers to the inseam. In most cases, 13 inches is the minimum recommended inseam for MTB.

LINER

Liners are like boxers that you wear under your shorts. These garments are essential to increasing support and comfort. In addition, they reduce friction, wick away sweat, and regulate body temperature.

Many types of liners are available on the market (with different designs, lengths, thicknesses, etc.) to accommodate the tastes of each rider, the weather conditions, etc. For this reason, most shorts don’t include liners in the purchase.

Padded liners prevent rubbing while increasing comfort, especially when one is riding on rough terrain.

VENTILATION

In addition to featuring cool, breathable materials, many MTB shorts include mesh pockets and vents that increase airflow. I recommend that you look for a well-ventilated model if you are into XC, Trail, or Enduro, especially if you will be riding in hot weather.

WATER RESISTANCE

Most models are not totally waterproof, as this would drastically reduce the garment’s breathability, making it warmer and less comfortable to wear.

However, many fabrics have a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment that will help you stay dry in the event of rain. This treatment loses effectiveness over time, so it must be reapplied after a while.

POCKETS

Many Trail and Enduro riders like to bring along a small hydration pack where they can store belongings, so they don’t have to worry too much about pockets.

On the other hand, XC riders will need a few pockets to store their keys, smartphones, wallets, and other personal items.

Cargo pockets have more room in case you need to carry many items. On the downside, the content inside the pocket can bounce around while you’re pedaling, which is not comfortable at all.

Most waist pockets don’t have a large capacity, but they keep the interior content in place and reduce the risk that your items will break if you fall.

ADJUSTABLE WAISTBAND

All the models on the list feature an adjustable waistband for a perfect fit. In many cases, the system consists of one or two adjustable Velcro straps. I recommend that you choose a model with Velcro straps on the outside because they are easier to adjust, and they don’t irritate the skin.

FLY AND PRESS-STUD CLOSURE

Most top-end models feature a zip fly and one or two press studs. Avoid models with a Velcro fly because the fly can easily open upon a sudden movement.

UV PROTECTION

This is a really important factor to consider when choosing any sportswear, including for mountain biking. Also, don’t forget to put reliable sun cream on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.

DURABILITY

Your pants will probably rub against branches or stones, and you will also probably fall at some point. (Hopefully, it will be a gentle fall.) Make sure your pants feature abrasion-resistant materials, as well as strong seams, so they will last longer.