Without mincing words, we can say that for a mountain biking enthusiast, the bum is the one part of the body that is in consistent contact with the bike.
Therefore, if you do not choose the best mountain bike shorts, you can eat through regular shorts fast and even worse – chaff your skin.
Unlike the tight-fitting road bike shorts, the mountain bike ones are baggy and stylish. Many people love them because you not only feel very comfortable in these shorts on the mountain trails, but you can also wear them on your daily errands.
Some of the features that you should look for in these shorts include a means to secure them such as zippers and Velcro pockets.
Talking about pockets, you also want the shorts to have a pocket or two so that you can keep your valuable items such as keys as you go off the beaten trail on your bike.
Apart from choosing the best mountain bike grips, gloves and other accessories, the choice of shorts is also important.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Santic Men's Mountain Bike Shorts Bicycle Cycling MTB Shorts Loose-Fit Padded Black/Grey | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | EZRUN Men's 3D Padded Mountain Bike Shorts Lightweight MTB Cycling Shorts (Grey,XL) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | SILVINI MTB Shorts Rango with 6 Pockets for Men's Mountain Bike Cycling and All Outdoor Activities (Black-red - 4XL) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Urban Cycling Apparel Youth Single Tracker - Kids Mountain Bike MTB Cargo Shorts Bundle with Detachable Padded Undershorts (Youth Size 14) Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | qualidyne Men's MTB Shorts Padded Mountain Bike Shorts, Loose Fit Cycling Shorts with Removable Liner | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Hiauspor Mens MTB Shorts Mountain Bike Shorts Water Repellent Baggy Half Pants with Pockets for Cycling Riding Navy | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Best Mountain Bike Shorts
With so many mountain bike shorts and all of them claiming to be the best, well, it can be a bit challenging to choose one.
Thankfully, we have done the footwork for you here and we bring you high quality shorts.
We have selected them based on sturdiness, effectiveness and convenient features like pockets and adjustment straps.
1. Santic Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The best mountain biking shorts do not have to cost you all that money, as you will see with the Santic Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts. They are made of a blend of polyester and Lycra, both of which are high quality materials.
The result is that you get a high quality bike short that is breathable and at the same time, it wicks away moisture from your skin keeping you comfortable throughout your cycling experience.
The seat side of the shorts has a nice cushion. It is made with 4D COOLMAXX technology and it moves with the movement of your body. This helps to prevent injury to your seat region even when you ride the rough trails for hours.
Among some of the convenient features that you can get from these shorts include padded pockets to keep your small items. You can also choose your favorite among the four colors that are available.
Another thing that you shall love about these shorts is that they are loose fitting, which is very comfortable and it allows in good airflow.
What we like
- Fast-drying material, wash and wear kind of
- Loose fit even around the legs is very comfortable
- Saddle pad is thin and firm so it doesn’t look ridiculous
What we don’t like
- Drawstring button is of low quality – tying a knot is better
2. EZRUN Men’s 3D Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are many good things to say about this pair of biking shorts. One of them is the fast-dry material, which ensures the shorts dry fast after washing.
Another thing is that you can wear the shorts without padding if you like, but they do come with removable padding so that you can use it when you want.
This pair is made of 100 percent Polyester material. This is strong, comfortable and it lasts a long time. However, the best selling feature about this material is that it is breathable, allowing in fresh air and it also wicks the moisture away from your skin.
For the security of your small items, this pair of bike shorts comes with three pockets. Two of these pockets are zippered while one has Velcro.
You can hurtle down the mountain trails without the fear of your mobile phone slipping out of your pocket.
The elastic waistband is further enhanced with a drawcord to keep it well fastened on your waist. It also has a meshed liner that is built-in to the pair of shorts.
When you are riding, you can be sure enough air will be circulating, keeping you cool and happy.
When you have to wear a base layer under this pair of shorts, you will find it so comfortable and accommodating.
What we like
- Light weight and loose fitting bike shorts
- The 3D padding is very comfortable
- Secured pockets for keeping valuables locked inside
What we don’t like
- Some people have complained that the shorts ride up when they are cycling
3. SILVINI MTB Shorts Rango Men’s Mountain Bike Cycling
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This pair of biking shorts is going to set you back a good amount of money. However, when you consider all the features that it comes with, you have to agree that it is worth every penny that you pay for it.
Besides, it is what you would call designer cycling clothing made by the Italian company Silvini. This pair of shorts has been made in a way that shows just how much love and care went into it. Of course, you will only experience incredible comfort when you wear it.
In addition to the high quality stretching waistband, this pair of shorts also comes with an adjustable belt. You can make your shorts fit as fast as you want. The non-restrictive design of the shorts makes them good for road, mountain and urban cycling.
For convenience, you get all six pockets! How cool is that? Sometimes, you just need to carry a lot of stuff on your person. It also has reflective strips that make you visible in low light, something that every cyclist needs.
The shell of these shorts is made with 2% polyester and 98% polyamide. Even if you go hurtling through brush on that mountain trail, the shorts will come out intact, without sustaining abrasions and rips.
To enhance the fit of these knee-length shorts, they come with Velcro straps for adjustment. If you have these thick thighs, you can make the shorts looser and if you need a closer fit, make them tighter.
What we like
- Inner and side thigh ventilation makes the shorts super cool
- Adjustable fit with Velcro straps
- Many pockets for storage options
What we don’t like
- These shorts are expensive
4. Urban Cycling Apparel Single Tracker Mountain Bike Cargo Shorts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
From the onset, this looks like a good pair of shorts. However, you should be aware that they run large when it comes to the size. The material used to make these shorts is cordura, which is great for mountain biking in the rain, in snow and mud.
These shorts come with thin but firm padding in the undershorts. This padding is anti-bacterial in nature, which is very helpful for people who mountain-bike for long hours.
To keep the shorts fast on your waist, you get a strong waistband and belt loops. Therefore, you can add an adjustable belt for a better fit.
These do not look like loose fitting shorts. However, that has not stopped Urban Cycling Apparel from adding Velcro straps to the sides of the legs. You can tighten or loosen the fit a bit, to suit your needs.
For storage of your small items, you will get enough pockets. Some people complain that these pockets feel a bit tight because of the close fitting nature of the shorts. However, tight pockets are better than no pockets at all.
What we like
- Zippered pockets to secure your personal items
- Good for all types of rides – urban, road and mountain biking
- The belt loops are a thoughtful addition
What we don’t like
- These mountain bike shorts run too large
5. Qualidyne Men’s MTB Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are looking for an affordable pair of shorts, get this one. They are made in a loose fitting design. The cycling shorts also come with a removable padded liner.
The stretching fabric is very accommodating and it allows easy movement when you are cycling down the trails.
The shorts’ chamois is made in such a way that it wicks moisture from your skin. In addition, the shorts come with breathable fabric, so your comfort is assured even when you are riding in the hot weather.
In addition, the elastic band ensures a better fit all the time. You can also adjust the fit of the shorts using the Velcro straps provided on both legs for just that.
For storage, you will get two deep pockets on the side. With such depth, you do not need them to be secured with zippers or anything. On the left leg, there is a small, velcro-secured pocket near the bottom.
For maintenance, these shorts are machine-washable. They also seem to repel mud and other dirt pretty well. The Polyester and Spandex material is pretty much fast-dry in nature, so you can literally wash and wear your cycling shorts.
What we like
- Shorts are versatile- can be used for hiking, running, cycling and other adventures
- Deep cargo pocket keeps your things safe
- Moisture wicking ability
What we don’t like
- The pad is slightly more to the front as opposed to being to the back
6. Hiauspor Mens MTB Shorts Mountain Bike Shorts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These shorts are water repellent, perfect for riding your mountain bike in the rain or snow. By design, they are baggy, which is what a mountain biker needs. They are made of 92 percent Polyester and 8 percent Spandex.
The material stretches 4 ways, which makes it very comfortable for riding. The stitching is strong and durable.
Like many of the best mountain bike shorts, even these ones are designed to be fast-dry. They also incorporate moisture-wicking technology so that they keep you comfortable throughout your mountain biking adventure.
They also repel water, so you can ride in snowy, rainy and muddy conditions without worrying that your skin will be soaked.
One of the most important design aspects of shorts is adjustability. This pair of shorts comes with an elastic waistband. It would have been better if it came with belt loops, but it is what it is.
The short’s legs are also adjustable with Velcro straps to make them close or loose fitting.
You will get secure pockets for storage, with YKK zippers. With all of four pockets, you can store certain personal items including your mobile phone and you won’t lose anything.
What we like
- Good for hiking, boating, mountain biking, casual riding
- Dries quickly after washing
- Reflective strips help to make you visible for low light riding
What we don’t like
- They run large, especially too long at the knees
FAQs for best mountain bike shorts
Before you can choose the best mountain rider shorts, it is proper to check the questions that most buyers ask. Here are a few of them:
Are mountain bike shorts padded?
Yes, but the padding is just for the essential parts such as the crotch. It helps in wicking away moisture. The padding also reduces the friction and the good thing is that you can buy shell shorts and padded liner shorts separately if you like. You can also get mountain biking shorts with removable pads.
How should mountain bike shorts fit?
Just like the regular riding shorts, the most important thing is that the mountain biking shorts should fit when cycling, when sitting down on that saddle. They should not look good when you are standing in them.
They should look, and feel comfortable when you are riding. The chamois of the riding shorts ought to be to the rear than the front because the shorts pull backwards when you sit in an upright posture.
Should I wear underpants under cycling shorts?
The first rule of cycling is that you should not wear underpants when cycling because they will chaff your skin away. However, these shorts are padded in the right places so you should not be afraid that the soft skin of your hidden parts is going to blister.
These shorts also manage moisture very well. Just don’t wear any underpants under cycling shorts.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best mountain bike shorts should be easy after reading our write-up. The several that we have brought you here are durable, easy to wash and they dry fast.
When choosing a good pair of riding shorts, you want an adjustable fit around the waist and at the legs.
Therefore, choose a pair of shorts with a waistband, Velcro straps on the legs.
Most importantly, get one with at least 4 pockets to secure your personal items.
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