Mountain Bike Shorts

Rough and tumble gear for mountain biking

Whether you're a casual or professional rider, mountain bike shorts are specifically designed for maximum comfort in difficult terrain. Like most bike shorts, mountain bike shorts are usually constructed from panels of spandex firmly stitched together to minimize seam projection. Depending on your chosen cycling environment, you can choose from an assortment of padding options -- thick or thin, multi-panel or single panel. BMX-style shorts offer side panels of padding to prevent abrasions and chafing during hard riding. Many pads will come pre-treated with an antimicrobial layer, which inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria.

Key differences in mountain bike shorts

In addition to the variations in all bike shorts based on gender (womens bike shorts don't have a middle seam; mens bike shorts are often cut longer to cover the cyclist's quadriceps), mountain bike shorts differ from standard bike shorts in several ways. Mountain bike shorts' padding tends to be thinner, as less bulk allows a larger range of movement; a few styles of these shorts, usually preferred by downhill and recreational mountain bikers, contain no padding at all. Racers can stick with form-fitting Lycra, but many mountain bikers enjoy the looser cut and more informal style of the touring short. These casual, boxer-style shorts can be worn out and about, as many include pockets at the side. In winter, biking pants or tights are ideal to conserve body heat.

Making an investment in specialized mountain bike shorts for tough-terrain cycling, be it for work or for pleasure, is sure to pay off in comfort for many seasons to come.