10 Best Mountain Bike Shorts – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Mountain Bike Shorts – Guide & Comparison

 

Clearly, if you are looking for mountain bike shorts, you want to be able to find the best mountain bike shorts. Unfortunately, as there are so many models on the market, it becomes increasingly difficult for the average person to make the right decision since you have to take into consideration various aspects. As we’ve searched for the top products for you, we’ve come to the conclusion that the BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded model is probably the one that would satisfy the largest number of customers. That’s because the shorts have a feature that reduces the vibration you would normally feel from riding a bike. The fact that the shorts stretch so that it will fit your body better and that you can use them in a variety of places is just icing on the cake. In case that this model is not available, we consider that you could also be satisfied with the Santic Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts Loose-Fit Padded model.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Mountain Bike Shorts (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

When you have so many options that you can choose from, how do you exactly manage to find the best mountain bike shorts? In order to help you out a little bit, we’ve created this buying guide, complete with reviews, so that when you make a decision, you can be sure it’s the one that is the best for you.

 

 

1. BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded

 

This pair of shorts from Baleaf have one thing that is surely going to make you interested in the product: the pair is fitted with gel padding. This plays a very important role, as it can reduce the vibration that you feel while you are riding the bicycle. Aside from that, the shorts also have a 3D cushion that was placed there so you can have even more protection.

The product has a four-way stretch that ensures the pants are going to fit your body perfectly, providing you with a superior level of comfort, that is also chafe-free. You may wear the shorts as cycling underwear, underneath the pants, or simply and directly as bike shorts when the weather is too hot.

You may use these shorts for pretty much all types of bikes, from mountain bike and road bikes to spinning bikes and motorcycles, making this choice basically a universal one.

 

Pros

The shorts are fitted with gel padding so that the vibration from riding the bike will be reduced for your comfort.

Also contributing to your general comfort is the inclusion of the 3D cushion, which will offer you a higher level of protection when you are riding the bicycle.

The shorts have a four-way stretch, which is a thing that basically makes sure that the shorts are going to fit your body, no matter what, with no chaffing in sight.

You can wear the shorts like bike shorts or cycling underwear, and you may also use them for road bikes, mountain bikes, motorcycles, etc.

 

Cons

If there was a complaint about this pair of shorts is that, in some cases, they will have the tendency to ride up on you; the good thing is that, being short, there isn’t that much material to do that, so it is not something that you will even notice while you are riding the bike.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.99)

 

 

 

2. Santic Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts Loose-Fit Padded

 

This pair of shorts is an easy-to-wear and loose-fitted product made for men who are cycling. The product is made out of materials of higher quality and was created so that it will include several modern features for a better ride. Being made out of broadcloth, the shorts are lightweight, feel smoother, and will be looking flat all the time.

Aside from broadcloth, the other materials used for these shorts are lycra and polyester, which offer them other advantages, such as the fact that it lets water vapors and sweat move away from your body with ease, making for a much more comfortable ride. As it has a seat cushion with top 4D COOLMAX, you will have better protection against injuries.

The fact that the shorts are baggy, but are padded on the inside, makes the product really easy to wear, without creating any discomfort.

 

Pros

The shorts are made out of broadcloth, which makes them lightweight, have a smoother feel when you touch them, and will always look flat, even after you’ve worn them.

The shorts are also made out of other materials, such as lycra and polyester, which have the role of letting sweat move away from your body much faster.

For better protection against injuries, the shorts have a seat cushion with top 4D COOLMAX, which is a very important feature.

Since the shorts are baggy but are padded on the side, you will feel very comfortable when you wear them, again, a highly important aspect.

 

Cons

The pocket space available for this model is not that big, it’s just about enough for you to carry your cellphone and maybe two nutritional bars in each pocket; the problem can be easily solved if you have a backpack, as you can place your things there.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($29.79)

 

 

 

3. Ally Men’s MTB Mountain Bike Short Relaxed Loose-fit

 

This pair of mountain bike shorts from Ally has several benefits that are likely to interest you. Let’s start with the one that indicates how easy it is to wear them, namely, the fact that the shorts have a snap closure, which makes putting the shorts on and taking them off very easy. That is always a good thing, especially when we talk mountain bike shorts.

So that you will feel more comfortable when you wear them, the shorts have an adjustable waist. There are two adjustable Velcros on both sides of the shorts, which are going to let you hug your waist as comfortably as possible, as per your wishes. The shorts are water repellent, which is a must for this type of clothing.

So that you can carry your things on you, the shorts have six zipped pockets with a YKK zipper, in which you can put your smartphone, keys, cards, etc.

 

Pros

For you to be able to put on and take off the shorts much easier, these shorts have a snap closure.

In order for you to feel more comfortable when you are wearing them, the mountain bike shorts come with an adjustable waist.

Also, for your comfort, the shorts have adjustable Velcros on both sides of the shorts, meaning the shorts will hug your waist as you think it’s more comfortable.

Very important is also the fact that the shorts are water repellent, keeping away from you, water and mud, which could affect your performance on the road.

 

Cons

While the pockets are big enough for your items, the zippers that are a part of them are not of the highest quality, so there is a chance they may break or get caught up in the fabric as you use them.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($41.99)

 

 

 

4. Cycorld Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts Loose Fit Lightweight

 

These mountain bike shorts from Cycorld have the advantage of being able to adapt quickly to your body. This is possible, in part, as a result of the Velcro waistband and belt loops. The elastic waistband of the shorts can hug the waist so that you can always feel more comfortable, with the Velcro and belt loops playing the same role.

Another cool feature of these pants is the fact that they can quickly dry and are made out of lightweight and breathable fabrics that play a big role in letting you feel more comfortable all the time. It also lets you enjoy better freedom of movement. The shorts have six pockets and zippers, including four SBS zipper leg pockets but also two front pockets.

Thanks to the multitude of pockets, you can easily carry with you various items that you usually need, such as your smartphone or keys, among many more.

 

Pros

The Velcro waistband and belt loops are the things that make sure you are always feeling comfortable while you are wearing this pair of shorts.

The shorts have a total of six pockets, out of which four are SBS zipper leg pockets, and two are front pockets, letting you carry with you many of the items that you need on the road.

The shorts are made out of fabrics that make them lightweight and are breathable, so you will feel comfortable when you are wearing them.

The shorts also have reinforced crotch seams so that they will resist with success the rough and tumble that can be a part of your trail.

 

Cons

One disadvantage of these mountain bike shorts is that they are missing an important feature for this type of product, which is the padded liner along the crotch area, making the shorts less fitted for somebody who is riding a bike.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.99)

 

 

 

5. Urban Cycling Apparel Mountain Bike Antibacterial Padded Cargo Shorts

 

These mountain bike shorts are made out of Cordura, which is a material that enhances the tear and abrasion resistance of the shorts, which, in turn, also leads to long-lasting durability. As mountain bike shorts are prone to abrasion and being torn, this material sounds like it could do the job of protecting the shorts just right.

A cool feature of these pants is the fact that the pockets are deep and secured with zippers. The pockets were created so that you can place several items in them, while also offering extra protection from the outside elements. At the same time, it also keeps your items easily accessible even as you are riding the bicycle.

The material used is also water-resistant, so even if you encounter a muddy road, you shouldn’t have any kind of problems. Since when you go mountain biking, that is highly likely to happen, having this feature is a big benefit.

 

Pros

The shorts were created from Cordura material, a material used for enhancing the resistance of the product so that abrasion and tearing it apart will not be problems you would face.

The pockets of the shorts are deep enough so that you can keep your smartphone inside of them, while also keeping your items safe and secure.

Having shorts made out of a fabric that is water-resistant is a must when we are talking about mountain bike shorts, as you will surely encounter rain in your rides.

The panels and pockets of the shorts are double stitched so that they will benefit from extra strength and also stay flat internally, thanks to the seams, so no chafing will take place.

 

Cons

The sizing chart available from the company seems to be a bit off, so it is recommended that you should buy a size or two larger than what you are usually wearing.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($53)

 

 

 

6. Cycorld Men’s Mountain Biking Baggy Lightweight Shorts with Zip Pockets

 

This type of mountain bike shorts is a good fit for pretty much all types of biking that you can imagine, as a result of the fact that they are not restrictive, and they have a loose-fitting design that makes them work with all types of cycling environments, from mountainous regions to regular roads, and even when it comes to day-to-day dressing.

One other thing that stands out is the reflective strip that you can find on both sides of the shorts, which plays a big part in improving your overall visibility and safety when you are out on the road. Also, the shorts have an adjustable waist length, thanks to the inclusion of Velcro straps so that they can fit you better.

The fabrics used for these shorts are breathable, so you won’t sweat as much, and the sweat that does appear is not going to stick to your body.

 

Pros

Since the shorts are not restrictive and they come with a loose-fitting design, they are ideal for various cycling environments, from the mountains to regular roads.

The reflective strips that are placed on both sides of the shorts are important as they play a big role in the overall visibility and, therefore, your safety when you ride the bike.

These mountain bike shorts have Velcro straps, which have the role of letting you adjust the waist length, so you will feel much more comfortable.

On top of everything, the fabric used for these shorts is breathable, which means you won’t have to sweat as much as you would normally, and will not let it stick to your skin.

 

Cons

As the chart size that is presented by this company follows the Asian guidelines, if you live in America or Europe, you might have a hard time managing to find the right size for you.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($38.99)

 

 

 

7. Blike Men’s Outdoor Sports MTB Cycling Loose Fit Shorts

 

These pants have an elastic closure. This means that they will model after your body so that they will fit you better. As a result, even a size smaller or larger than what you are usually wearing can fit you. There are seven pockets, out of which four are waterproof with a zipper and one that is on the back for bigger storage.

A thing that really stands out in the case of these mountain bike shorts is the Protean Water Repellent, which means that the shorts are created from a highly durable material that is able to offer you the needed protection when you are caught in the rain. The zips are also waterproof and have taped seams throughout, so you will always be dry.

The mesh lining and elastic waistband are a big deal because they will make the pants feel much more comfortable every time you are on the bike.

 

Pros

The Protean Water Repellent is highly important as it basically means the fabric of these shorts is resistant enough not to be damaged by water.

The shorts have seven pockets, out of which one is a bigger one, for larger items; the zips are also waterproof and have taped seams on them, keeping you dry, always.

The mesh lining and elastic waistband used for these mountain bike shorts are here to make you feel really comfortable when you are riding the bike.

The elastic closure also plays an important part in your comfort, as it means that the shorts can fit you much better than in other cases.

 

Cons

Not all of the pockets come with a zipper, which can be frustrating, as the items in those places will be more exposed to falling off or to being taken by people with bad intentions, so you shouldn’t place anything valuable in them.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($27.99)

 

 

 

8. Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts Stretch Quick Dry with Zipper Pockets

 

This pair of mountain bike shorts manages to stand out from the rest of them as it is actually a new and improved version of a previous model that used to be available from this company. Basically, they have taken the feedback for the previous model and have improved on it so that they will be able to satisfy the customer’s needs.

Some of the features that make this product stand out are the quick-dry experience, the fact that it lets the skin breathe, the design is baggy, and also it’s a more comfortable short. The fact that the fabrics are breathable, such as the moisture-wicking polyester/spandex fabric, works out really good for your skin to be able to breathe and to keep you dry on the bike.

These shorts come with an elasticated waistband in the back but also with Velcro adjustable tabs on both sides, which lets you tighten the waist as it feels most comfortable.

 

Pros

The fact that this is a new and improved model over a previous one is a big plus, as it shows the company listened to what the customers want from mountain bike shorts.

The quick-dry feature is certainly a cool one, as it means that you will not spend the rest of the day in soaking clothes, as the fabric will dry fast.

The breathable fabric is another big plus because it means you will sweat a lot less when you wear these shorts, so you will be more comfortable since you will be dry.

The elasticated waistband in the back and the Velcro tabs on the sides that are adjustable will let you tighten the waist as you see more fitting based on your body types.

 

Cons

These mountain bike shorts could use a little bit of more padding since you can’t really have enough of it when you are riding a bicycle.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.49)

 

 

 

9. Santic Men’s Loose-fit Mountain Bike Shorts Coolmax Lightweight

 

In the case of these mountain bike shorts from Santic, you can take your pick from two different types – padded shorts and non-padded shorts, which means that you can choose based on your preference and overall needs. The padded shorts come with a loose-fit 3D padded underwear.

On the other hand, the non-padded shorts don’t have the 3D padded underwear, just the loose-fit mountain bike shorts. In our experience, we would recommend going for the 3D padding, but if you have a reason good enough not to, the non-padded ones can do their job as well. The fact that it is up to you is a really cool thing!

The shorts have reflective detail and fabric on the left leg and on the posterior, so you will be much safer at night when you are riding your bicycle. Also highly important is the fact that the shorts are made out of nylon, so water will stay away from your skin.

 

Pros

You have the option of choosing between two variants, one with a 3D padded underwear and one without that feature, so you can pick the one that you like best.

These shorts come with reflective detail and fabric on the left leg, but also on the posterior, meaning you will be much safer during the night, while you are riding the bike.

The fact that the shorts are created out of nylon means that water and muddy water will be kept at bay from you, so the shorts won’t get stained, and you won’t get wet.

Another advantage of the fact that the shorts are made out of nylon is that it is much easier to keep them clean and fresh, so you can use them day after day.

 

Cons

The undershorts seem to have some problems, at times, such as the fact that they don’t fit too well in some cases, as they are too small.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.88)

 

 

 

10. Eco-daily Cycling Shorts Women’s 3D Padded Underwear Shorts

 

This product is made out of two main fabrics that are well known for being used to create mountain bike shorts of quality – spandex and polyester. The two are found in a percentage of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. This means that the sweat will be absorbed much easier and released from your skin so you will keep dry and cool.

Another feature that the presence of spandex brings is the fact that the product can stretch enough so that it should be able to cover your curves with success, while also letting your body move accordingly while you are riding the bicycle, acting as a sort of second skin for anybody who plans on riding the bike and wear these shorts.

The shorts are created especially for women, having shapes and density foam that have the role of supporting your sit bones or letting you not lean too far forward.

 

Pros

The usage of spandex and polyester is a big deal as it means that the sweat will be absorbed faster and then released from your skin, keeping you dry all day long.

Also, spandex, especially, plays a huge part in making sure that the shorts will move, so they will be able to cover your curves with no problems.

The shorts were created especially for women, so they have certain features that will help them ride the bike better, like multi-thickness density foam and cut-away areas.

The product has a 3D thickened protection pad that is very durable and stitched so that it will fit with no problems around your hips, protecting your hip bone as you ride the bike.

 

Cons

The shorts seem to have a tendency to ride up or to get a bit too fit and tight around the top of the leg, which, as you can imagine, is not always very comfortable.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($21.99)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

So you are looking for the best mountain bike shorts. But how exactly do you find them? With so many mountain biking shorts available on the market at the moment, it’s kind of hard for many people to understand why there are so many differences between bike shorts and what they mean.

Baggies or Lycra?

This type of product can be divided into two big categories – the baggies and the Lycra ones. Baggy mountain bike shorts, also called loose-fitted shorts, are probably the first models that come to your mind when you think of these products. So what is the difference and why should you choose one over the other?

Lycra shorts are form-fitting, light, let your skin breathe, and are non-restrictive. MTB shorts that are baggy are more durable, will offer you better protection, have more room for storage, and are usually more casual. So when you choose specialized mountain bike shorts, you need to choose between one or another.

 

Men vs. women

While clothes have moved to a more unisex style in recent years, there are plenty of differences between mens mountain bike shorts and womens mountain bike shorts. This is all because the anatomy differs from one gender to another, and these products were created to offer you protection, first and foremost.

For example, mountain bike shorts mens have more room in the crotch area, for obvious reasons, while women’s shorts aim to protect the hips better, as that area is more exposed. This is why there are differences between men’s mountain bike shorts and the ones made for women.

 

Padded or unpadded?

While the cheap mountain bike shorts can be attractive enough, they are often not padded. The role of the padding is to offer you protection as you ride the bike, which is why padded mountain bike shorts are more popular. If you don’t plan on riding the bike too much or too often, you can rely on the models without padding.

On the other hand, if you are an avid fan of riding the bike, you need mountain bike shorts padded to exclude the risk of accidents and injuries taking place. Check out mountain bike shorts reviews to find the best padded mountain bike shorts, and you will surely find affordable mountain bike shorts as well.

 

Freedom to move

One of the most important aspects of MTB shorts is that you should have the freedom to move. Your legs will do a lot of activity while you are on the bike, plus you also need to walk in them, so you don’t want to be constrained. Pick some mountain bike padded liner shorts that leave you room to breathe.

No sweat

Sweating is inevitable, but the best mountain bike short will try not to make a big deal out of that. While you can find a cheap mountain bike short that does its job, what is even better is that if you add a couple of dollars to that price, you can acquire one that is maybe a bit more expensive, but, generally speaking, better.

Mountain bike liner shorts have all sorts of features nowadays that stop you from sweating and make sure the one that is produced is removed as fast as possible. Plenty of youth mountain bike shorts have such features, and while an affordable mountain bike short sounds promising, you can’t really put a price on comfort.

 

Conclusion

So, next time you look for mountain bike pants, thanks to this mountain bike shorts review, you will surely make a much better decision.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: Why are MTB shorts so long?

There are plenty of good reasons why mountain bike shorts are longer than what you would usually imagine when you hear the word shorts. These pants have the role of covering your knees and knee pads for better protection as you ride the bike so that in case of an accident, you won’t suffer as much damage.

This also prevents the shorts from bunching up above the pads. As the shorts are longer, they also offer protection to the crotch area, chafing doesn’t take place anymore, the material won’t get caught in the saddle, and so on. All of these things work together and have just one simple goal in mind.

That goal is to offer you the protection that we spoke about in the first paragraph, while also making sure that you will feel more comfortable as you ride the bike. Overall, mountain bike shorts being long makes perfect sense.

Q: Are all mountain bike shorts padded?

No, there are plenty of models out there that come without any padding, and they can work just fine, in many conditions, for many people, but, in general, those are exceptions, which means that they will not apply to everybody. The reason why mountain bike shorts are padded makes perfect sense.

Generally, these shorts will have padding in certain areas so that you will not get sore as you ride the bike, letting you gain more mileage before you need to stop the ride. If you wear a pair of shorts without padding, your rear and other areas of your body may want to stop the ride before you are ready.

But, if your general rides are short themselves, there isn’t that much of a need for padding, as you will not get a chance to get sore from riding the bicycle, so you can invest in a pair that is without any padding.

 

Q: How should mountain bike shorts fit?

The jury seems to be out on how exactly should mountain bike shorts fit a rider. You can basically choose between two types – the more tight-fitted Lycra ones and the baggy ones, which have a self-explanatory name. But both types come with their pros and cons, which makes it harder for anybody to give a definitive answer to that question.

A looser-fit mountain bike short has some advantages, like giving you the freedom to move, and it also lets your skin breathe better. On the other hand, a tight fit makes sure that the shorts are not going to be flapping in the wind, and that the items that you have in the pockets will be right where you put them.

So, in conclusion, since there is no clear answer to this question, it seems that everybody has to make their choice based on what they like best.