MTB Shorts: 5 Best Mountain Bike Shorts for 2017
So, it's that time of year again. Summer's here and you're back into all those outdoor sports you've always loved and especially cycling. Are you a mountain biker but don’t like the hassle of outfitting yourself for the sport? Well, you should know that the mountain bike clothing you wear can be crucial to your safety, comfort, and health—and this very much includes cycling shorts! The best Lycra or Duraflex shorts will offer you protection with extra padding and an additional liner while you ride—and prevent abrasions caused by friction. After all, we know just how sore we can get from long periods on the saddle! Furthermore, they will provide cyclists a shield from the weather and help you stay warm on chilly days and cool in the heat. Here is a list of the top five mountain bike shorts presently available for riders:
5. Zoic Ether Stretch
If you need to watch your dollars, but don't want to purchase a low-quality pair of shorts that you simply won't enjoy wearing, then the Zoic Ether Stretch is the brand you want. These shorts perform quite well for most cyclists and are also very cheap without sacrificing quality for the sake of saving. Even on short rides, you will feel the difference. They use Duraflex material, better quality zippers, and an improved method of waist adjustment. Some of the best features of the Zoic Ether Stretch are:
- The style of the Zoic Ether Stretch is such that it ranks between athletic shorts and regular, everyday shorts in appearance. With non-zip pockets to provide a relaxed look, the mesh vent panels combined with the elastic waist in the back add a more athletic touch.
- These shorts may have a more casual cut to them, but they definitely give the appearance of being mountain bike shorts. They may lack the tighter, sealed to your body look of other shorts, as the fit is looser, but they don't look to be second rate in the least.
Just about the only negative concerning the Ether shorts is that their durability is slightly compromised because their fabric is more lightweight than that of other brands.
4. Troy Lee Ruckus
The Troy Lee Ruckus mountain bike shorts have many positive points to them. Designed more for the rougher and more rugged courses, they are also excellent for use in the bike park and shuttle runs. Made to be pedal friendly, these shorts are heavier than the Airmatic or the Zoic brands. This means that while they provide great protection as well as durability, they might not be the best option for gruelling days in the sun. Some of the top features of Troy Lee Ruckus mountain bike shorts are:
- They are more durable than some other brands and while their style is quite noticeable, they are less loud than the 100% Airmatic.
- They have lots of room for storage in their four pockets and there is also a pocket located about halfway down your thigh on the outside of the leg for holding a cell phone.
One of the negatives about these shorts is as follows:
- They are fitted with a padded pocket on the rear waist that is sewn into the waistband. The reason for this pocket is questionable, as besides being small, it is located right on the sacrum.
3. Pearl Izumi Elevate
While these shorts are great for shuttle runs and downhill biking, they do exhibit less pedaling ability. This is the result of an attempt to make them easier to use with knee pads. The amount of leg covered is great, but the overly long inseam works against the user's pedaling capability. However, they are extremely durable and provide a lot of protection. Some of the best features of these shorts are:
- The style is not loud or flamboyant. Although loose cut, they aren't especially baggy, and will give the wearer a sleek and subdued appearance. Durability is top notch.
- There are plenty of pockets for storage but, unfortunately, they are located so that anything you put into them will sit right at the hip.
There are some other negatives to consider too:
- There is a third zippered pocket which is located in the rear waistband. This pocket is really not very useful as it is too close to the spine and any contents will make riding uncomfortable.
2. Kitsbow A/M
These mountain bike shorts make for great trail and cross country biking. Also, don't let the baggy appearance of these shorts fool you. They still fit excellently and pedaling is no problem. The style is sleek and durable while it will provide protection from the rain or any moisture. The Schoeller material has been treated with 3xDRY and you can sweat and still remain cool and dry.
One of the positive features of these shorts is:
- With a sleek cut and body slimming fit there is no extra material to blow in the wind as you put on the speed, and their pedaling reach is unsurpassed.
There really aren't any negatives to point out about these shorts. Most people who wore them had no complaints.
All in all, these are considered to be top of the line mountain biking shorts that are excellent to wear for just about any biking purpose.
1. 100% Airmatic
Although it may be a little expensive the 100% Airmatic raises the high bar when it comes to quality for all endure and trail shorts. If you are a true blue-blooded mountain bike rider, who enjoys a dynamic trail and endurance riding, then these are the shorts for you. With easy to use Velcro pull tabs, these shorts manage to be both comfortable and offer protection, so you need have no worries about the brand's durability. Here are some other quality features that the 100% Airmatic mountain biking shorts have:
- The Airmatic shorts are made of a surprisingly comfortable fabric and, although they come without mesh vents, possess an astonishing capability for staying cool and dry even on extremely hot days.
- When it comes to style you can consider the blazing colors and screaming graphics which are the trademark of the brand to be either a plus or a minus, depending on your taste and personality. All of their mountain bike products carry the same stamp.
- One of the negatives about the 100% Airmatic shorts is that they are expensive, listed at $129. However, while this might be a drawback for some people, for others the quality you'll be getting for your money will outweigh the cost.
When all is said and done, what you need to keep in mind is that the best mountain biking shorts are really the ones that you like the best and that suit your purpose. But one of these brands should appeal to you and if so, don't hesitate and go buy them today.
