Having the best cycling shorts for your particular discipline goes beyond looking good on the bike; padding, protection and performance are also crucial considerations. Mountain bike shorts (or baggies) not only offer a styling difference from our lycra-loving roadie friends, but allow for a greater degree of movement on the trail thanks to a looser fit.
Techy stretch fabrics may have brought more of a fitted silhouette in recent years, but this tribal uniform remains strong, and skin-tight attire looks out of place at the bike park or trail. Ultimately you can wear what you like of course, but there are some key differences between the two sports (other than looks) that drives the specification of the kit.
Put simply, off-road riding tends to result in more frequent but less serious crashes (although that’s not always the case, as my right knee will attest) and therefore protection and coverage are more important than saving weight, the primary concern of the tarmac rider.
Those thicker, tougher fabrics are also stiffer than flexible Lycra road shorts, and that compounded with a need to move around on the bike more makes a looser fit necessary to accommodate. Pockets to store trail essentials in and a desire for a more relaxed look have all contributed to the shape of our shorts.
What are the best mountain bike shorts?
Well as we’re here to show you, let’s take a look at some of the best mountain bike shorts out there on the market right now.
Best all-round mountain bike shorts
www.endurasport.com
Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "Endura has been making iconic trail shorts for as long as I can remember and this revised Singletrack model has been gradually whittled into the ultimate all-rounder.
"Whether it's tearing up trails or barrelling along your daily commuter route, the Singletrack 2 is made from durable nylon fabrics with reinforced seams for a long lifespan and high crash resistance.
"They're a classic silhouette with just enough length to cover my kneepads and a tight but not too-tight fit for flexibility and comfort. Stretch panels means they've got give where I need it and there are two hook and loop adjusters to tweak the waistband fit - this is also lined in a wicking material which feels great and helps keep you dry on sweaty rides.
"There's a big vent on both legs, which can be closed up with a zip in colder weather, as can the two main front pockets and the smaller one on the right hand side. The zips themselves have long fabric and rubber pulls, which are easy to get hold of in gloves, even when it's raining.
"The shorts aren't waterproof but they have been treated with a water resistance finish, and I've found this helps water bead up rather than soaking in when I've ridden in wet weather. You even get belt loops so you can get the fit really dialled if you want.
"Clickfast poppers allow you to attach a liner or bib short without it shifting around, which is a nice touch, and the fly features a metal hook and loop, plus two poppers for security.
"Overall they have the look and feel of a product that has been refined over many years - they feel well-thought out and bombproof in all the key areas, with just the right amount of flex and ventilation elsewhere. Benchmark MTB shorts."
Best premium mountain bike shorts
www.rapha.cc
Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie: "I've got an old and much-loved pair of Rapha bib shorts and for a long time I wished the brand, more commonly associated with road cycling, would branch out into MTB.
"These shorts feature all the characteristics I appreciate in those bibs - they're lightweight, with a sporty cut and make you feel like a full-factory rider every time you pull them on. As you'd expect from that roster of talents they're not cheap, and paying three figures for shorts that are not waterproof or equipped with a padded liner might make you wince.
"But just like my bibs, after hour after hour of riding they still look and fit like they're brand new. Well, mostly, except for a small tear on the right leg after an unplanned dismount. Brilliantly though, these shorts come with a repair kit of colour-matched iron-on patches, so that problem was quickly solved. Rip them really badly and Rapha will replace them.
"The two pockets at the front are only big enough for something small and flat - folded up cash or maybe a compact multitool. The zip-up pockets on the side could fit a phone or keys, but given they sit on the bit of your leg you'll probably fall on if you crash, some discretion on what you store in them would be sensible.
"Good-looking, lightweight and comfy shorts - pricey, but they can be repaired or replaced if you tear them, which is better than throwing them away."
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Bombproof shorts with comfort built in, thanks to the four-way stretch fabric used in their construction, for a feeling of freedom when turning the pedals. Laser-cut perforations increase the airflow through the shorts to keep you cool on hot days too.
They're not waterproof but they have been treated with a DWR finish, which helps water and mud slide off rather than soaking the fabric and weighing you down. Fox's typical ratchet closure adds adjustability to the fit around the waist too.
Best mountain bike bib liner shorts
www.rapha.cc
If it’s added comfort you want under your shorts, Rapha also offers up these bib liner shorts – taking on 15 years of experience and innovation across their bib short range these lightweight bib shorts have influences from the road which will help you on the trails.
The mesh in the legs promotes airflow and provides optimised temperature regulation with two rear cargo pockets they offer additional storage for your essentials to keep your pockets free.
Made from recycled fabrics and with silicone leg grippers, combined with the breathable upper these could be the perfect liner shorts for all-day comfort in the saddle.
Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "I've given these a more thorough run down in our Best Cycling Bib Shorts review, but in brief, they're a more rugged and better-ventilated version of the Rapha shorts I've mentioned before in this article. Bibs are brilliant at keeping the padding you need in the place you need it, and these are the best I've found for MTB."
Best budget mountain bike shorts
www.decathlon.co.uk
All the stuff you need (chamois pad, adjustable waist) and none of what you don't, these basic but bulletproof shorts from Decathlon tick the boxes without costing a fortune.
There's only one pocket, which isn't the end of the world (you shouldn't carry too much in your pockets in case you crash anyway) and you might find the ride up over your kneepads, but otherwise these are a foolproof purchase.
What to look for in mountain bike shorts?
The main thing that we want from any clothing we wear is comfort, so you need to sure that these are comfy on and off the bike. Mountain biking can have a greater swing of effort, from full gas to zero effort and back again in the space of a few turns, so you need a material that can deal with different temperatures and sweat levels.
There's also the need to push uphill or sit on a narrow seat in an uplift van, so you'll want shorts that allow you to walk and sit in a variety of positions, as well as ride in. Baggies help with this as they’re sometimes stretchy and more durable.
While we’re talking about durability, you want something which will last, certainly if you’re spending what you consider to be a lot of money on it.
Look for things you will use or find practical - a high waistband to protect your lower back from mud, waterproof panels for year-round riding, and a suitable leg length to avoid leaving a gap between your short bottoms and your kneepads.
How we tested these shorts
I've been out in all weather testing this bike gear to get an idea of how it repels or retains water (whether it's sweat or rain) and whether the material used allows the right amount of ventilation and stretch.
My downhill racing career sadly never got off the ground, mostly because I spent a great deal of time crashing into it, but I've been riding since the days of elastomer suspension and three-by front mechs.
These days the majority of my riding takes place on singletrack trails in Wales or at half a dozen bike parks, particularly ones with uplift vans so I don't have to pedal - Flyup 417 in particular, but I equally love a hot and dusty day at Rogate, despite the need to push up to the top.
Adam Binnie is the Commercial Content Editor and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in bikes, fitness, cars, parenting and cooking.
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