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Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts

(37 products)

Baggy shorts are ideal for mountain biking or everyday rides, with a relaxed fit and casual look. MTB shorts can come with or without a padded liner short, and are built with tougher materials and reinforced fabrics, often with abrasion-resistant panels at high-contact areas. Most come with multiple pockets to stash your keys and phone.

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What are MTB shorts?

Mountain bike shorts are a type of padded bike shorts.

Most of them have an internal short called a liner. The liner is a very lightweight, breathable inner short. It's job is to keep the padding in the right place.

On some mountain bike shorts, this liner is attached to the outer short. On most MTB shorts (such as Fox MTB shorts) the liner is designed to be cut away from the outer short.

The outer short has a very casual, off-the-bike look and feel.

We find mountain bikers out on the trails and recreational riders tend to use them most.

Why Choose MTB Shorts?

Unlike casual activewear, MTB shorts are purpose-built for riding. They feature:

  • Abrasion-resistant fabrics to stand up to crashes and overgrowth
  • Strategic stretch panels for pedalling comfort and movement
  • Ventilation zones to stay cool on hot trail days
  • Secure pockets to stash your essentials without bounce

Compatible liners or built-in chamois for added comfort on longer rides

Baggy MTB Shorts vs. Lycra 

When it comes to mountain biking shorts, riders typically choose between baggy and lycra styles. Or sometimes both, depending on the ride. Each option has unique advantages based on comfort, performance, and terrain.

Baggy MTB trail shorts are the go-to choice for trail, enduro, and downhill riders. They offer a relaxed fit and a casual style that transitions well from the trail to the café.

  • Durability. Made from tougher, abrasion-resistant materials to protect against falls, branches, and rough terrain.
  • Freedom of movement. With stretch fabrics and articulated panels, they allow natural motion on technical climbs and descents.
  • Storage. Often include many zipped or cargo pockets to carry snacks, tools, or your phone.
  • Pad compatibility. Longer inseams mean they sit over knee pads without bunching or riding up.

Best for trail riding, bike parks, enduro, casual weekend rides, and anyone who prefers a relaxed aesthetic.

Lycra shorts, often called bib shorts or XC shorts, are tight-fitting and aerodynamic. Ideal for riders who value speed, efficiency, and long-distance comfort.

Key benefits:

  • Reduced friction. Streamlined design helps prevent saddle sores and chafing during long rides.
  • Built-in padding. Usually come with a chamois (seat pad) to improve saddle comfort and support over time.
  • Lightweight. Designed to move with your body with no excess fabric or drag.
  • Optimised for pedalling. Ideal for consistent cadence, climbing, and high-output performance.

Lycra shorts may also come in bib style (with shoulder straps). This prevents the waistband from digging in and keeps the chamois in place better over rough terrain.

Best for Cross-country riding, marathon distances, gravel rides, and riders focused on pedalling efficiency.

MTB Shorts FAQs

What are MTB shorts?

MTB shorts (mountain bike shorts) are specifically designed for trail riding.

They’re made with tough, flexible materials, offer a looser fit than road cycling gear, and often come with extra pockets, liners, and breathable zones.

What’s the difference between MTB shorts and regular shorts?

MTB shorts are made for off-road use.

They’re more durable, shaped to fit your riding position, and often come with moisture-wicking materials, internal chamois options, and extra features like zip pockets and adjustable waists.

Are MTB shorts padded?

Some MTB shorts include a removable padded liner (chamois), while others are outer-short only so you can use your own preferred liner.

Padding helps improve comfort on longer trail rides.

Should MTB shorts be tight or loose?

MTB shorts typically have a relaxed fit to allow for movement and ventilation.

However, they shouldn’t be baggy enough to catch on the saddle or snag on branches.

What to wear under the inner short (liner)?

Simply - nothing.

Wearing underwear under the liner can cause friction and discomfort.

The chamois is designed to sit directly against your skin for maximum comfort and moisture-wicking.

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