Trying to pick a new bike helmet when there are hundreds of options can be a daunting task. And while all bike helmets鈥攊ncluding road, gravel, and mountain biking鈥攈ave to meet the same safety standards, that doesn鈥檛 mean all helmets are created equal. Beyond type, there are multiple factors to consider to determine what your next purchase might look like: fit, ventilation, weight, and comfort are just a few.

Our testers put the latest helmets through the wringer to determine the best options. Whether you’re a roadie, you relish grinding gears in the gravel scene, you eschew those for the lure of single track, or you prefer the thrill of machine-sculpted berms and big air, these are the best bike helmets to protect the delicate gray matter between your ears.

At a Glance

Mountain Bike Helmets

• Best for Protection:听
• Best Three-Quarter Coverage:
• Best Convertible:
• Best Lightweight Full Face:
• Best Carbon Full Face:

Road/Gravel/XC Helmets

• Best Fit:
• Most Stylish:
• Best on a Budget:
• Best High-End Option:
• Buying Advice
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Protection

Specialized Tactic

Weight: 380 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
鈯� Price
鈯� Struggled to get a tight fit

This is a super affordable lightweight helmet that meets the strictest safety certifications for this category: It has the highest Virginia Tech safety rating (five stars) for half-shell mountain bike helmets. In addition to a fixed visor and eyewear storage, the Specialized Tactic features Mips Evolve, an integrated fit system for precise adjustments.

We did find the fit system (which is designed to accommodate variations in head shape/occipital base) functional, but our tester felt like it was a 鈥渓ooser fit鈥� than they prefer, which they couldn鈥檛 remedy. Overall the helmet was comfortable with good airflow, and if safety is your priority, this is a super solid option to keep you safe while shredding singletrack.

Best听Three-Quarter Coverage Mountain Bike Helmet

Bluegrass Jetro 3/4

Weight: 595 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extended back head and jaw coverage
鈯� Competitive price tag
鈯� Runs a little small and tight
鈯� Ventilation slightly lacking

The Bluegrass Jetro 戮 mountain bike helmet is a great solution for when you want extra protection without adding a chin guard. This distinctive looking, extended coverage half-shell received a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech and is certified for e-bike use (NTA 8776, the Dutch standard that requires helmets to pass specific impact tests).

The helmet features MIPS-C2 (a more advanced variation of Mips that provides rotational impact protection with a redesigned slip plane to redirect rotational energy away from the head in event of an impact), a Fidlock magnetic buckle, a breakaway visor, an internal adjustable cage for a dialed fit, and 21 vents for increased airflow.

Testers appreciated the range of features and safety components of this helmet, but did note it was a little tight and runs a bit hot when pedaling. All in all, it’s the right choice for those seeking extended coverage without the claustrophobia of a chin bar.

Best Convertible Mountain Bike Helmet

Bell Super DH Spherical

Weight: 878 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 bounce around
鈯� Removable chin bar
鈯� Robust safety features
鈯� Runs a little hot with chinbar affixed
鈯� A tad heavy

Tis convertible helmet is a mighty competitor in a stacked field of high-protection, full face helmets. It utilizes a polycarbonate shell with multiple layers of EPS foam featuring Spherical Technology (a ball-and-socket design that helps redirect impact forces away from the brain), an adjustable visor, a dial adjustment system, and a removable chin bar. The helmet retains the ATSM F-1952 downhill certification (the highest American rating safety certification standard available), and was our testers’ top-pick convertible helmet based on safety and comfort.

While it runs a little hot (it is DH-rated, meaning it offers more robust protection at higher speeds), the ability to remove the chin bar for climbs is an often underrated feature that comes in handy for those of us who like to earn our descents. 鈥淭his is a convertible helmet that inspires confidence on the descents while allowing for comfort on the climbs,鈥� said Oregon-based tester Annick Chalier.

Best Lightweight Full Face

Fox Proframe RS

Weight: 836 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent ventilation and air flow
鈯� Super adjustable fit and stability when riding
鈯� Compatibility with variety of eyewear
鈯� Expensive

This lightweight, breathable, full-coverage helmet checks all the boxes when it comes to protection and versatility. Featuring Mips Integra Split (a variation of Mips that offers the same rotational protection technology, placed between an EPS and EPP foam) for low- and high-speed impact protection, an adjustable visor, a BOA fit system for tightening, and generous venting, the Proframe RS is our testers鈥� top-pick enduro racing helmet on the market.

While it is slightly heavier than similar options, it offers outstanding ventilation with a more protective and secure feel when going warp ten, thanks to the BOA fit system that includes an internal adjustable cradle. That cradle allows the rider to adjust the helmet to fit higher or lower on the head, as well as a BOA dial to fine-tune adjust once on. The Proframe RS is not inexpensive, but it鈥檚 worth the hefty price tag to keep your noggin safe on those rowdy single-track trails.

Best Carbon Full Face

Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi Carbon

Weight: 1104 g
Size Range: 齿厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Snug but spacious fit
鈯� Wide field of vision
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Runs a little small

The recently released Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi is our choice for your most extreme mountain bike riding where more robust materials and a more secure fit are key. It鈥檚 鈥渇ixed鈥� with a two-layer safety system developed in conjunction with Mips for increased performance and comfort, multi-density EPS impact shields, break away visor, ample venting, double D-ring buckle, and the appropriate safety certifications.

This helmet comes in five sizes to offer a tailored fit, along with a very roomy goggle port for a less claustrophobic feel. While I normally wear a size small in most helmet brands, I tested the size medium Fixer 2Vi and it was still a snug fit. I would recommend sizing up if you are unable to try the helmet on.

The Fixer 2Vi is slightly lighter than competitors thanks to use of a carbon shell, but that comes with a higher price point. If you are looking for solid protection and comfort, and money is no object, this helmet is worth a go.

Best Fit Road/Gravel Helmet

Smith Triad Mips

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Comfortable, deep profile fit
鈯� Competitively priced
鈯� Available with Aleck Crash Sensor
鈯� Integrates best with Smith brand eyewear
鈯� Best for round heads

The Smith Triad is my go-to helmet for solo gravel adventures. Some of its standout features are a combination of Mips technology and for energy-absorbing impact and rotational forces protection, 19 fixed vents, dial fit adjustment, and the option of purchasing with or without a crash sensor. The fit of this helmet was superb thanks to the VaporFit system, which allows for micro adjustments (the tester with a more round, less oval-shaped head preferred the Triad).

Testers liked that its high level of comfort and the added safety of the Aleck Crash Detection Sensor, which is a worthwhile add-on () that sends alerts to emergency contacts in the event of a crash. It sets up and connects via Bluetooth to the Aleck phone app. The helmet is lightweight and airy with ample ventilation for hot days, and the deep profile fit gave it an edge up in rider confidence in more challenging terrain.

Most Stylish Road/Gravel Helmet

POC Ventral Air Mips

Weight: 260 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent ventilation
鈯� Super lightweight
鈯� Unique and stylish
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Shallow fit

The POC Ventral Air Mips is a boldly designed lightweight riding helmet that provides a highly adjustable 360-degree fit system. Testers found the fit was suitable for a variety of head shapes. The helmet features Mips Integra, a fully wrapped unibody polycarbonate shell with EPS liner, an 鈥渆ye garage鈥� to securely store sunglasses, and precisely placed ventilation ports with internal channels to control air intake and release. Fancy, huh?

While this helmet is expensive, it does come in a wide range of colors and options such as wide fit (for rounder shaped heads) and comes with Near Field Communication (NFC), a medical ID device designed to communicate with other devices or systems. This helmet excels on hot days, offers the protection you need, and will have your friends hankering.

Best Road/Gravel Helmet on a Budget

Lazer Strada Kineticore

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揦尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Affordable
鈯� Optional LED easily affixes to helmet
鈯� 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
鈯� Adjustment system can be finicky

This budget pick cycling helmet hits all the marks in comfort and performance, including that coveted 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating, without a heft price tag. The helmet offers a variation of Mips style rotational impact protection called Kineticore, along with Lazer鈥檚 ScrollSys fit adjustment system, ample venting, and an optional ULED light that affixes to the back.

The ScrollSys provides a solid and secure fit, although it is unique and a little finicky, as it utilizes a dial on the top of the helmet, unlike the clickwheels located on the nape of the neck of most helmets. Testers agreed this is a very reasonably priced helmet with decent performance and top-notch safety features鈥攁 lightweight, stylish, safety-oriented helmet that will not break the bank.

Best High-End Road/Gravel Helmet

Kask Protone Icon

Weight: 230 g
Size Range: 厂鈥揕

Pros and Cons
鈯� Aerodynamic look and feel
鈯� Excellent air flow in all conditions
鈯� Internal adjustment system loosened up on rides
鈯� Helmet padding felt a little scratchy

The “Made in Italy” label is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and luxurious design, which is no better exemplified in the helmet world than by Kask. And if Tom Pidcock can win an Olympic gold in a Kask helmet, then maybe you can, too?

The Protone Icon is a longstanding favorite among roadies. This is a high-end aero helmet equipped with a rubber dial adjuster to tighten the fit, Rotational Impact WG11 Tested (an effective alternative to Mips), CoolMax quick-drying internal liner (made of polyester fibers and designed to be moisture-wicking), and ample venting.

While it’s a pretty hefty investment, the helmet lives up to the hype and excels in lightness, breathability, and safety. The only issues testers ran into were with the fit system, which loosened up on bumpy descents, and the interior fabric, which was a bit scratchy for some, but overall we’re content with the comfort鈥攁nd its truly excellent its air flow.

Bike Helmet Buying Advice

Buy New

Rule number one when buying a new bike helmet? Don鈥檛 buy used, no matter how 鈥渓ightly-used鈥� the previous owner is claiming it to be. You just never know if one minor crash or hit to the pavement compromised the helmet to the point where it鈥檚 not safe to wear anymore.

Consider Use Case and Features

Consider the type of terrain you鈥檒l be biking on to help you prioritize which features you need. Will you be doing a lot of uphill? Make sure your helmet of choice has enough ventilation; one trend we’re fans of is the use of internal channeling to promote airflow. Other premium features to look for: a compatible spot to hold your eyewear when not in use, and a magnetic buckle. If you鈥檙e planning to bomb laps at the bike park, you might want to opt for a full-face helmet. If you鈥檙e still not sure which type and fit is the best for you, head to your local bike shop and they鈥檒l point you in the right direction.

Full-face helmets are ideal for bike parks or more technical riding and racing with higher riding speeds鈥攚hich mean more severe consequences if you crash and land on your face. A full-face includes a built-in chin bar that offers protection to your nose and mouth (teeth) that 戮 and half-shell helmets do not. A 戮 helmet is like a full-face helmet but without the chin guard. It covers 戮 of the head and offers added protection around the head and jaw as compared to a half-shell design. The 戮 design is beneficial for anyone who wants a little added protection with a wide field of view thanks to the open-face. Half-shell helmets are the most popular style for mountain biking, and the only helmet type you will see in road and gravel cycling.

Budget vs. Safety Considerations

How much is your head worth? At first glance, a two-hundred-dollar price tag might seem excessive, but once you’re riding regularly, you鈥檒l realize a quality helmet is worth every penny.

Across all categories (road, gravel, and mountain biking), we primarily considered fully-featured helmets that come with industry-leading protection technology, such as Mips. Many modern helmets use a rotational impact reduction system like Mips to dissipate the forces applied to the rider鈥檚 head during a crash. We believe that helmets featuring Mips or comparable impact protection, while pricier, are a worthy investment because they tend to offer better protection in the event of a crash.

If you see a Virginia Tech rating, that’s a reference to Virginia Tech鈥檚 state-of-the-art, independent testing lab. They have been testing helmets since 2011 using a consistent testing protocol to produce a single score (i.e. safety rating) that is proportional to overall risk of concussion during cycling.

What Are Aerodynamic (Aka 鈥淎ero鈥�) Helmets?

Modern cycling helmets come in two general categories: traditional multi-vent designs and more optimized aerodynamic options. Traditional shells provide many vents to promote heat dissipation and a low weight. Aero helmets emphasize aerodynamic properties, often with minimal ventilation. While the aero designs are becoming more mainstream, they still remain a subcategory to lightweight, breathable, high-performance lids.

Sizing and Fit

Consider your head shape when looking for a helmet and try before you buy. Most helmets are designed with either an oval or a round shell. Your local bike shop will have a selection available and a knowledgeable staff to help point you in the right direction.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 9
• Number of Testers: 3

Helmets were selected with input from Pinkbike staff, three testers, and industry colleagues. Testing was mostly done in the vicinity of Hood River, Oregon, from late summer through the fall months of 2024, with some long-term testing input pulled from Pinkbike staff feedback. All the testers are accomplished mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails where we tested helmets in Hood River were located in the iconic Post Canyon network, just on the outskirts of town. Post Canyon offers a vast network of forested trails that drop 3,000 vertical feet from top to bottom, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks. We also tested on the 44 Trails system, located on the flanks of Mount Hood some 45 minutes south of town as well as in the infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest (which hosted multiple editions of the Transcascadia Enduro race) just across the Columbia River and an hour north.

Fall is the perfect time for testing in the Pacific Northwest, as the dry summer heat fades away and the fall rain makes for some epic trail conditions. We encountered a variety of temperatures, from below freezing to uncomfortably sunny and hot.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in the pro women category in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her on the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.

is a longtime Pacific Northwesterner. She has a passion for all things cycling and has been a mountain bike coach, raced road bikes professionally, raced cyclocross and dabbled in some endurance mountain bike racing. Through the years of training for racing, mountain biking always remained the counterbalance to the structured intervals, a way to be creative and connect with nature, dance down the trail hootin鈥� and hollerin鈥� with friends and find distance from the outside world by being focused on the moment with the bike.

has been riding mountain bikes since the mid 1990s, racing Enduro and downhill since the early 2000s.听 He loves riding alpine backcountry in the fall, building free ride lines in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, and doing ride trips with family and friends. He calls Hood River home where he works as a senior software engineer and resides with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog.

The post The Absolute Best Bike Helmets for Every Type of Ride appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When it comes to carrying gear while biking, there’s lots of options and lots of factors to consider. So much depends on whether you鈥檙e riding a hot lap, an all-day epic, if you have in-frame storage, or if you鈥檙e just riding gravel with some single-track connections. Our testers have done the leg work (pun intended)鈥攂iking up and down the West Coast on mountain bikes, across the Cascades on gravel bikes, embarking on multi-day adventures in the heat of the Utah high desert鈥攖o find the best solutions for your hip pack, riding pack/vest, and frame bag needs.

At a Glance

• Best On-Bike Storage:
• Best High-Capacity MTB Pack:
• Best Vest-Style Riding Pack:
• Best Hip Pack:
• Editor’s Favorite:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best On-Bike Storage

Mission Workshop On-Bike Storage System

Mission Workshop On-Bike Storage System

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy to attach to bicycle frame
鈯� Easy access
鈯� Weather-resistant
鈯� Sold as a bundle or separately
鈯� Made in the USA
鈯� Universal size may not fit all frames
鈯� Expensive

Over the years, I have tried a variety of on-bike storage bags for both daily use and multi-day bike pack trips. My needs (in order of priority) are: durability, ease of access while riding, resistance to elements, and style. The on-bike storage system designed by Mission Workshop (Toro Handlebar Bag, Mission Saddle Bag, and Slice Frame Bag) meets all these criteria, including style. All three bags feature the X-PAC fabric (nylon face fabric with strategic fiber reinforcement, internal film, and backing taffeta), which is durable, water-resistant, and cleans up easily. The zippers were designed for ready access while pedaling, thanks to frame placement and wide zipper pulls, and the bags fit securely on most gravel and mountain bikes with no noticeable frame rubbing or wear. The bags have ample capacity for snacks, tools, phone, extra gloves, a light shell, and a spare tube.

Overall, I loved this system approach and was impressed with the quality and design. I may not need all three bags for every one of my gravel or dirt adventures, but I loved the ability to tailor my cargo carrying needs based on location, length of ride, and weather.

Best High-Capacity MTB Pack

CamelBak HAWG 20

Total Capacity: 20 L (3 L Bladder)
Weight: 1190 g

Pros and Cons
鈯� Well-designed storage pockets
鈯� Adjustability for different torso lengths
鈯� Bladder included
鈯� Expensive

CamelBak鈥檚 updated HAWG 20 is a comfortable, Mary Poppins鈥搇ike riding pack designed for long days and epic rides. The pack has 20 liters of capacity: 17 liters for cargo and a three-liter water bladder. The back panel has air channels for breathability, a vented mesh harness, a hip belt with zippered cargo pouches, a helmet carry, and an integrated tool roll. The back panel on the pack is adjustable for different torso lengths, and like most CamelBak packs, the sternum strap and harness allow for an individualized fit. It also includes a slot for the optional back protection panel (sold separately) for rowdy riders looking for extra protection.

I tested this bag on a four-day shoulder season mountain biking adventure on the White Rim Trail in Utah, where we encountered rain, snow, and mud, and was extremely impressed with the comfort and storage capacity. It easily allowed me to organize and stash everything I needed for long days on the bike in the elements.

Best Vest-Style Riding Pack

Nathan TrailMix 2.0 12 Liter Hydration Pack

Total Capacity: 12 L (1.5L Bladder)
Weight: 397 g

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight and low profile
鈯� Bladder included
鈯� Lots of storage pockets for snacks
鈯� Hose is affixed to bladder

The best bike packs might not even be true bike packs. It only occurred to me last year to use running vests on mountain bike rides, and to my surprise, I loved it. The Nathan Trail Mix 2.0 is a sweet little vest-style pack. Its roll-top design maximizes storage, and it features a back zippered pocket with a 1.5-liter water bladder/hose, stretch mesh pockets on rear and front, and a bungee strap system on the back. If you prefer to remove the bladder, you can also stash 20-ounce flasks in any of the four front stretch and compress pockets. The pack was super breathable, easily adjustable, and was big enough to carry all the necessities as well as ample water for a one- to three-hour ride. For those who are not into fanny packs but want to add a little extra storage without a full-blown pack, the TrailMix is well worth a look.

Best Hip Pack

High Above The Venture

Total Capacity: ~2.2 L (No Bladder)
Weight: 282 g

Pros and Cons
鈯� Durable, stylish, high-quality pack
鈯� Sleek design
鈯� Not designed for a water bladder
鈯� Exterior quick-draws are an additional cost

The Venture, from Seattle-based High Above, is our go-to hip pack. This quietly stylish but thoughtfully designed item is another made-in-the-USA product. The Venture is 2.2 liters and crafted from robust Challenge Ecopak EPLX fabric, utilizes Fidlock buckles for a super secure and easy-to-use closure, and features three interior pockets as well as an external zippered pocket for organization. Additionally, you can deploy the included accessory straps to lash armor or a jacket to the Venture, and add two different water bottle types to the pack wings for longer rides via the bottle sleeve or quick-draw (the quick-draw model is $30 more). This bulletproof pack, with its compact design, easy-to-access opening, and removable Bottle Rocket, was designed with enduro racing in mind, but it鈥檚 perfectly sized for all the essentials for your average length mountain bike ride and then some.

Editor’s Favorite Riding Pack

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3

Total Capacity: 4.5 L (1.5 L Bladder)

Weight: 308 g

Pros and Cons
鈯� Designed for water bottle storage or bladder usage
鈯� Unique waist belt keeps pack tight and secure
鈯� Affordable price point
鈯� Front pocket is difficult to close up when fully packed

The Hip Pack Pro 3 is a stylish and dialed-in pack that optimizes hydration and storage needs while prioritizing comfort. You can purchase the pack with or without the 1.5-liter bladder. For those who prefer a bottle鈥攐r those rides where 1.5 liters isn鈥檛 enough and you can鈥檛 fit a water bottle to your bike frame鈥攖here is a single bottle carrier sleeve adjacent to the main cargo pocket. The 3 liters of storage capacity is just enough for longer rides and offers well-designed compartments for quick access to the necessary tools, including front storage slots with zippered pockets and elasticized storage in the main compartment for multi-tools, spare tubes, and other necessities. There are also zippered pockets in the waist belt wings that are great for snacks. The waist belt itself is next-level in comfort and adjustability, thanks to its venting (which includes a mesh cover across the back pads to increase airflow) for the ups, as well as extra cinching for singletrack descents. This hip pack is everything you could want smashed into three liters of perfection: comfort, aesthetically appealing, and function all in one.

How We Test

• Number of Products Tested: 12
• Number of Testers: 3

Packs were selected with input from Pinkbike staff, mountain bike testers, and industry colleagues. Testing was mostly done in the vicinity of Hood River, Oregon, in the late summer through fall, with long-term testing pulled from Pinkbike staff feedback. All the testers are accomplished cyclists who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails where we tested in Hood River include the iconic Post Canyon system just on the outskirts of town. The Post Canyon system offers a vast network of forested trails, dropping 3,000 vertical feet from the top point, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks. We also rode the 44 Trails system, which is about an hour south of town on the flanks of Mount Hood. The infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest is just across the Columbia River on the Washington side, which also provided an abundance of testing opportunities.

Fall is the perfect time for testing in the Pacific Northwest, as the dry summer heat fades away and the moisture makes for some epic trail conditions. We encountered a variety of temperatures, from below freezing to uncomfortably sunny and hot.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for over 20 years and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro, and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working or chasing her kids, you will find her on the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.

Annick Chalier is a longtime Pacific Northwesterner. She has a passion for all things cycling and has been a mountain bike coach, raced road bikes professionally, raced cyclocross, and dabbled in some endurance mountain bike racing. Through the years of training for racing, mountain biking always remained the counterbalance to the structured intervals: a way to be creative and connect with nature, dance down the trail hootin鈥� and hollerin鈥� with friends, and find distance from the outside world by being focused on the moment with the bike.

Megan Barton started riding mountain bikes in 2017 after spending many years running silly long distances on trails. She has years of coaching for both Dirt Series and Brave Endeavours, a Hood River鈥揵ased program. When she鈥檚 not on two wheels, you can find her running, rafting, hiking, or working her day job as a nurse practitioner.

The post These Are the 5 Best Bike Packs for Every 国产吃瓜黑料 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

With an explosion of brands that are designing quality mountain bike clothes, there is no shortage of well designed, women-specific options. Below you will find a select list of some of our favorites after rigorously testing as many brands as we could get our hands on.

Also be sure to check out our guides to the best men鈥檚 mountain bike apparel and our many other bike guides.

At a Glance

• Best Durability for Shorts:
• Best Durability for Pants:
• Best Comfort:
• Best Style Shorts:
• Best Style Jersey:
• Best Waistband:
• Best Jersey for Warm Rides:
• Best Pants for Warm Rides:
• Best Cross-Country Shorts:
• Best Cross-Country Jersey:
• How to Choose a Mountain Bike Kit
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Durability

Velocio Ultralight Trail Short

Sizes: XXS-3XL
Inseam: 13鈥� (M)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Company ethics on manufacturing and renewal program
鈯� Excellent pocket placement
鈯� Expensive

The Velocio Ultralight Trail shorts are crafted from an ultralight, DWR coated, stretch-woven fabric that offers a modern, streamlined silhouette that testers loved. The shorts fit to size with an expansive size range all the way from XXS to triple XL. The two zippered side pockets were able to fit a phone, wallet, or snacks, and we loved how they were placed in the middle of the thigh so they didn鈥檛 bother us when they were filled with items while we were pedaling.

Testers found that the Ultralight Trail shorts readily resisted any wear and tear after hours of pedaling, multiple wash cycles, and a of couple crashes. While the price is steep, we found that you鈥檙e paying for quality fabrics from a company that has solid ethics and the added bonus of a renewal program. So yes, you pay a little extra, but the return is a durable, well-designed, ethically-crafted riding short.

Best Durability

7mesh Flightpath Pant

Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 32鈥� (medium)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fabric holds up well to snags and precipitation
鈯� Hook and ladder adjustable waist is a solid design
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Narrow, non-adjustable ankle cuff

According to 7mesh, The Flightpath Pant is “built to resist the wear and tear of the most challenging trail day,鈥� and testers found this statement to be exactly on point. It鈥檚 a top-of-the-line rugged riding pant that handled everything we threw at it, and kept us comfortable and dry on our alpine testing adventures.

The pants feature hand pockets, two zippered side pockets, hook and ladder waist adjuster, zippered fly with snap closure and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric with DWR finish. The fabric, a nylon and elastane blend, is light, durable, breathes well on climbs, and easily repels water. They offer a fitted but stretchy cut, while still accommodating knee guards. 7mesh has hit all the marks with the Flightpath pant.

Best Comfort

Shredly All Time Zipper Snap Mid-Rise Shorts -14鈥�

Sizes: 00-16
Inseam: 5鈥�, 11鈥�, 14鈥�

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide range of sizes and inseam lengths
鈯� Stylish colors and patterns
鈯� Might replace all your other bike shorts

The All Time 14鈥� shorts are the updated version of Shredly鈥檚 popular MTB long shorts from previous years. They feature a hybrid zipper/snap waistband with a stretch knit back, two front hand pockets, zippered hip and side pockets, and come in two other inseam length options. The fabric is a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric crafted from recycled polyester and spandex.

The first thing testers noticed was how comfortable and secure the hybrid waistband is. Second, they loved how the clever design ensures a proper fit on testers with a variety of sizes and shapes while still looking clean and stylish. For a little more style and a lot more comfort than your typical mountain bike shorts, the All Time 14鈥� shorts will not disappoint.

Best Style Shorts

Wild Rye Rita Shorts

Sizes: 0-14
Inseam: 6鈥�

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fun and stylish design patterns
鈯� Small gap between some knee guards and short hem

The Rita Shorts are Wild Rye鈥檚 new, no-frills, lightweight, mid-length riding shorts. It features a DWR coated 4-way stretch fabric, gusseted crotch, front pockets, a side zipper pocket, and a UPF 50 sun protection rating. The Rita is on point with the current trend towards shorter inseam shorts while still checking all the performance boxes we look for.

Testers found that the hybrid waistband in particular was super comfortable during longer rides. As usual, testers also loved how it comes in all of Wild Rye鈥檚 trademark fun-loving designs. These are shorts you will most definitely want to add to your 2024 wishlist.

Best Style Jersey

Wild Rye Holly Jersey

Sizes: 0-24

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fabric blend is perfection
鈯� Might replace all your other bike jerseys

The Holly jersey is a loose fitting, versatile riding jersey that features long Raglan sleeves, a UPF 50 rating, mesh side panels, and a merino/poly blended fabric for odor resistance and durability. Testers found the style of the Holly jersey to be pleasantly straightforward, with three solid color options and minimal branding. That said, it comes in a very inclusive size range compared to the standard small, medium, and large options for women鈥檚 bike jerseys.

Rain or shine, long sleeves are my go to style for added protection from the elements, and the soft material on the Holly jersey did not disappoint. Add in the ventilation panels and fabric, and the Holly is the jersey you never knew you needed for year-round riding.

Best Waistband

Curious Creatures Sun Dog Shorts

Sizes: 0-14
Inseam: 8.5鈥�

Pros and Cons
鈯� Elastic knit waistband is super comfortable
鈯� Small gap between some knee guards and short hem

Curious Creatures has entered the mountain bike apparel scene hot this year, debuting their first collection in August of 2023. The Sun Dog Shorts are light-weight, medium length riding shorts that feature an elastic mid-rise knit waistband, two zippered pockets, and a 4-way stretch soft polyester fabric with a PFC-free DWR finish. The design is focused on comfort, and the elastic knit waistband is sublimely on point. They come in three colors and a standard size range.

The Sun Dogs fall to just above the knee, making them versatile for both on and off trail activities. One ding: they leave a gap between most knee guards and the hem. Want more coverage? Try their Marilyn shorts instead. But for warm weather rides, the Sun Dogs are your best bet.

Best Jersey for Warm Rides

Ion Women鈥檚 Traze SS Jersey

Sizes: 34/XS-42/XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent breathability
鈯� Fitted cut might be tight on certain frames

The Traze is a lightweight, short-sleeve, breathable polyester riding jersey that testers loved on warmer days in Hood River. The jersey includes vent fabric side inserts and a soft-to-the-touch stretch fabric made with recycled polyester, lyocell, and elastane that kept us cool. The jersey has a pleasantly snug, tee-shirt style fit, so if you prefer a looser fit, you may want to consider sizing up.

Overall, the Traze is a good looking jersey that offers extra breathability with the vented side fabric panels. It falls in the middle in terms of fabric weight but wins points with style. Testers would recommend this as your go-to jersey for warm weather rides.

Best Pants for Warm Rides

Pearl Izumi Summit Pant

Sizes: 2-14
Inseam: 31.25鈥�
Fabric: Main: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent ventilation and lightweight fabric
鈯� Long inseam
鈯� Flattering cut
鈯� Non-adjustable ankle cuff
鈯� Sizing runs a bit on the small and slim side

The Summit Pant is a summer-weight riding pant that features an adjustable G-hook waist closure, two zippered pockets, perforated ventilation panels, and a PFC-free DWR coated recycled polyester/spandex fabric. The women’s sizing was on the smaller, more fitted side, so consider sizing up. The cut was flattering, offering a slim silhouette while still being roomy enough to accommodate lighter weight knee guards. The ankle openings have a bit of elastic, which made them easy to slip on and off, but are otherwise non-adjustable. All in all, Pearl Izumi has done a good job designing these warm weather favorites.

Best Cross-Country Shorts

Fox Wmns Flexair Ascent Lined Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� A stretchy lightweight fabric that equals pure comfort
鈯� Not compatible with knee guards
鈯� Super tight fit is not compatible with all body shapes

The Flexair Ascent shorts are a visual throwback to the short and tight love affair that followed the lycra explosion 30 years ago. Looks aside, these are a high-tech, low bulk option that come with a chamois liner and features a highly breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, zippered side pocket, ratchet waist closure, and stretchy rear yoke for superb comfort. The tight cut and mid-length inseam feel aimed more at cross country and gravel riding than all-mountain/enduro adventures. While the Fox chamois isn鈥檛 our favorite, the shorts shined on longer XC rides where knee guards weren鈥檛 part of the program.

Best Cross-Country Jersey

Fox Flexair Ascent SS Jersey

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Moisture wicking, breathable design
鈯� Tight fit was doesn鈥檛 work for all bodies

Fox has done something right with this simple, yet functional, short sleeve jersey designed for your mountain, road, or gravel adventure. It has the sweat wicking and breathability testers crave on summer hot laps, but without the old school pockets and heavy branding that screams 鈥渂ike nerd!鈥� Overall, it鈥檚 a simple design with a more fitted cut that is curated to the gravel/cross-country aficionado who isn鈥檛 a fan of the lycra look. It鈥檚 ideal for two wheeled summer adventures without a chairlift. Plus, it鈥檚 more affordable than the majority of the other jerseys we tested.

How to Choose a Mountain-Bike Kit

When shopping for mountain-bike apparel, consider where and how you ride. If, for example, you spend most of your time in a bike park, focus on durability and protection first and breathability second. On the other hand, if you鈥檙e committed to logging big miles in the backcountry, lightweight, wicking fabrics are critical to comfort.

Your local bike shop should have plenty of options to choose from, and the pros can help you determine which pieces are best for your local climate. Also consider buying from a used gear shop鈥攚ith apparel, you don鈥檛 need to worry as much about safety, and you can easily save money from pre-loved garments.

How We Tested

• Number of testers: 4
• Number of products tested: 20
• Longest ride: 3 hours

The items tested for the best women’s mountain bike apparel were selected with input from Pinkbike staff and the four testers. The majority of the testing was done in Hood River, Oregon in the fall of 2023, with some products previously reviewed as part of Pinkbike projects earlier in the year. The female testers not part of the Pinkbike team are all avid mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails in Hood River include the iconic Post Canyon system, just on the outskirts of town, which offers a vast network of forested trails dropping 3,000 vertical feet from the top point, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks; to the 44 Trails, about an hour south of town on the flanks of Mount Hood. The infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest is just across the Columbia River on the Washington side, with an abundance of riding opportunities. Fall is the perfect time for testing in the PNW, as the dry summer heat fades away and the moisture makes for some epic trail conditions and a variety of temperatures, from below-freezing to the mid-eighties.

Meet Our Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River OR with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year old late family edition, two dogs and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking or parenting, you will find her on the local trails.

Megan Barton started riding mountain bikes in 2017 after spending many years running silly long distances on trails. She has years of coaching for both Dirt Series and Brave Endeavours, a Hood River based program. When she鈥檚 not on two wheels, you can find her running, rafting, hiking, or working her day job as a nurse practitioner.

Bekah Rottenberg is the founder and head coach of Brave Endeavors: MTB Skills and Strength Training. She lives and works in Hood River, OR and can most commonly be found on her bike coaching kids or adults.

The post The Best Mountain-Biking Clothes for Women appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There are endless choices when it comes to mountain bike knee protection. We tested ten options while running hot laps on local trails, barreling down bike parks, and grinding out all-day alpine adventures. At the end of the day, these four knee pads stood out as the most pedal-friendly options thanks to their compact size, versatility, and comfort.

• Best Value:
• Best Airflow:
• Most Comfortable:
• Best for Long Rides:
• How to Choose Knee Pads
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Value

Fox Launch D30

Weight: 207 g
Size Range: S -L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Secure fit
鈯� Good front and side coverage
鈯� Runs hot

The D30 Launch are Fox鈥檚 Level 1 certified, medium-gauged knee guards made for all-day pedaling. They feature a slip-on design with additional Velcro fasteners at the top and bottom for a secure fit. Testers reported that they fit well and stayed in place while pedaling, but airflow was not a strong point鈥攖hey don鈥檛 breathe as well as the Troy Lee Designs or POC options on this list.

That said, these are great bang for your buck knee guards that offer just enough protection to give you the confidence to go hard and are comfortable enough to leave on for modest climbs.

Best Airflow

POC VPD Air Flow Knee Pad

Weight: 110 g
Size Range: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super lightweight
鈯� Exceptional breathability
鈯� Minimal coverage鈥攏ot enough for any rowdy technical riding
鈯� Expensive

The VPD Air Flow Knee Pads are POC鈥檚 newest lightweight knee guards that utilize a minimalist, slim sleeve design for just enough protection to encourage pushing it on more aggressive trail rides. These pads feature four inches of elastic grip on the inside top edge, which testers reported helped them stay in place.

Best of all, these pads are made from a very light and breathable material which prevented them from cooking our knees鈥攐ne tester has since made the VPD Air Flow her go-to knee pads for shorter rides thanks to their superior breathability. However, we did find their comfort limits on longer rides. We recommend sizing down and limiting this low-profile option to riding flowy, less technical trails.

Most Comfortable

Akta Trail Knee Pad

Weight: 183 g
Size Range: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Breathable
鈯� Very comfortable
鈯� Some minor shin rubbing at the bottom of the pad
鈯� Run large

These knee guards were a tester favorite for their comfortable and pedal-friendly fit. The slip-on design features a mesh back that offers excellent breathability and uses compression elastic and silicone grippers at the top and bottom to prevent slippage while pedaling. That, combined with D30 inserts and EVA foam padding for protection that doesn’t get in the way while pedaling, had testers forgetting that they were wearing any pads at all even during longer rides.

According to testers, they’re everything you always wanted in a low-profile, pedal-friendly knee pad鈥攃omfortable, breathable, and burly enough for 80 percent of trails. One note: We found these to run large and recommend sizing down.

Best for Long Rides

Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guard

Weight: 320 g
Size Range: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Good breathability
鈯� Comfortable to pedal in
鈯� Compact (easy to stow or fold up)
鈯� Minimal side protection
鈯� Limited size options

The Troy Lee Designs Stage knee guard is a game-changer for those who have been hesitant to wear knee pads because they tend to get in the way of pedaling. They鈥檙e a sleeve-style guard, with silicone gripper elastic strips to hold them snugly in place and a highly breathable mesh back, which testers appreciated on hotter days or long climbs.

In fact, these pads are now my top choice for longer rides since they’re lightweight and not too bulky, offering just enough protection for the more technical trails in my neighborhood. Thanks to their compact size, they’re also easily stashed away mid-ride after you’ve cruised through the techy stuff. “These knee guards are easy to throw in a pack and have become my favorite addition to all my rides,鈥� added another tester.

They’re also durable鈥攎y set has held up well for two seasons of consistent riding with only minor wear (including the silicone). Simply put, they add that layer of confidence and protection that we all need.

How to Choose Knee Pads

Before you purchase knee pads, it鈥檚 important to consider what type of riding you鈥檒l be doing. If you spend most of your time in the bike park and riding downhill, technical trails, you鈥檒l want beefier pads that provide ample protection鈥攃omfort and breathability are secondary. On the other hand, if you鈥檒l mostly be riding cross-country trails with lots of uphill vertical, you鈥檒l want knee pads that are lighter and more breathable to help you stay cool and comfortable.

It’s always a good idea to try on a pair in your local bike shop to see which size fits you best and whether you can comfortably bend your knees in them. The last thing you want is a pair of knee pads that are too small and squeeze your legs, or a pair that slips off your knees mid-ride. Sizing can vary depending on the brand, so know that a size medium in one brand might fit differently than a size medium in another brand.

Knee pads are a category that we don鈥檛 suggest you buy pre-owned, since previous wear and tear that isn鈥檛 obvious to the eye can make them considerably less protective.

How We Tested

• Number of testers: 4
• Number of pads tested: 10
• Longest ride: 3 hours

We enlisted four testers and the editors at our sister title, Pinkbike, to pedal in ten different knee guards to help us determine which offered the best mix of protection, comfort, and breathability. All testers are avid mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing. The majority of the testing was done in Hood River, Oregon in the fall of 2023, with some products previously reviewed as part of Pinkbike projects earlier in the year.

The main trails in Hood River include the iconic Post Canyon system, just on the outskirts of town, which offers a vast network of forested trails dropping 3,000 vertical feet from the top point, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks; to the 44 Trails, about an hour south of town on the flanks of Mount Hood. The infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest is just across the Columbia River on the Washington side, with an abundance of riding opportunities. Fall is the perfect time for testing in the PNW, as the dry summer heat fades away and the moisture makes for some epic trail conditions and a variety of temperatures, from below-freezing to the mid-eighties.

Meet Our Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River OR with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year old late family edition, two dogs and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking or parenting, you will find her on the local trails.

Megan Barton started riding mountain bikes in 2017 after spending many years running silly long distances on trails. She has years of coaching for both Dirt Series and Brave Endeavours, a Hood River based program. When she鈥檚 not on two wheels, you can find her running, rafting, hiking, or working her day job as a nurse practitioner.

Bekah Rottenberg is the founder and head coach of Brave Endeavors: MTB Skills and Strength Training. She lives and works in Hood River, OR and can most commonly be found on her bike coaching kids or adults.

The post The Best Knee Pads for Mountain Biking appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The contact points between the rider and a bicycle are some of the most important aspects of riding a two-wheeled steed (think saddle, grips, pedals, and, yes, shoes). The bike footwear category has widened dramatically in the past few years to include everything from the highest-performance road shoes to versatile gravel kicks to flat pedal pumps designed for rugged mountain bike rides. After testing this year鈥檚 offerings, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

At A Glance

Gravel Shoes

• Best All-Day Shoe: Udog Distanza ($200)
• Most Versatile: Specialized Recon ADV ($225)
• Most Accommodating Fit: Shimano RX801 ($275)
• Best Race Shoe: DMT KM0 ($520)

Road Shoes

• Best Value: Specialized Torch 2.0 ($180)
• Best for Everyday Use: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best Performance: Giant Surge Pro ($399)

Mountain Bike Shoes

• Most Versatile: Five Ten Freerider Pro ($160)
• Best Lightweight Shoe: Giro WMS Latch ($150)
• Best Protection: Fox Union Canvas ($120)
• Best Grip: Specialized Roost 2FO Flat Syn ($120)
• Most Comfortable: Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat ($200)
• Most Streamlined: Shimano GF6 ($160)
• Most Stylish: Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat ($180)
• Best Clipless Shoe: Fox Racing Union BOA ($250)
• Most Waterproof: Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex ($220)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Day Gravel Shoe

Udog Distanza

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Compliant, durable sole
鈯� Not easily adjustable while riding

While Italian-based Udog鈥檚 home base might be an ocean away from the birthplace of modern gravel cycling, its design team is leading the way in performance and comfort-focused creations. The Distanza is built to meet the demands of the all-day aspect of today’s gravel events with a compliant, walkable sole and highly breathable knit upper.

Design elements like 100-percent recycled polyester laces and a grippy rubber outsole distinguish the Distanza when a gravel ride becomes a hike-a-bike. The laces are routed through metatarsal support straps that aid in creating even tension along the foot, which reduces the hot spots that many standard lace-up shoes create.

We broke in the shoes for a few weeks before a 10-hour day on the bike at the Rock Cobbler gravel race. The 110-mile course with 10,000 feet of elevation and more than its fair share of muddy hiking is on the extreme side of our test rides, however, the Distanzas proved both durable and comfortable, with their flexible soles reducing foot fatigue.

Laces aren’t for everyone, and it’s worth noting the shoes run a bit big, so be sure to review the size guide to get the right fit. On the scales, our size 43s topped out at 702 grams, leaving our gram-conscious testers wishing for a bit of weight savings.

Most Versatile

Specialized Recon ADV

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff yet walkable carbon soles
鈯� Laces work well for some, but aren鈥檛 for everyone

The Specialized Recon ADV is designed for cranking out long miles on gravel roads. This lace-up model takes cues from the company鈥檚 Recon line of mountain bike shoes with its sleek look, but adds a splash of color and a stiffer carbon midsole with a bit of engineered flex in the forefoot. This forefoot flex makes the Recon ADV more walkable for mid-ride coffee stops and nature breaks.

Most Accommodating Fit

Shimano RX801

Retention system: BOA dial and Velcro strap
Available sizes: 38-48 EU (half sizes from 41-45.5, wider width from 40-46)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff carbon soles
鈯� Great fit
鈯� Easy to adjust while riding
鈯� Less walkable than others

Shimano has been a leader in the gravel race shoe category, and the RX801 only builds upon that legacy. The Japanese component brand recently gave these popular gravel kicks a makeover with improved ventilation, fit, and adjustability.

The synthetic upper is heavily perforated to increase airflow. Shimano also made the toe box wider and included heel stabilizers to keep the foot in place for greater control through the pedal stroke. A surround-wrapping upper hugs the foot for a close fit, while a rubberized Boa Li2 dial allows for micro-adjustments on the fly, which prevents the upper from getting too constrictive over the course of a long ride.

Have wide feet? No worries鈥攖he RX801 is available in a wide version in sizes 41-47.

Best Gravel Race Shoe

DMT KM0

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Glove-like fit
鈯� Weak tread

DMT footwear is most recognizable attached to Tour de France powerhouse Tadej Pogacar. Now, the brand鈥檚 ingenuity and performance-oriented designs that earned two yellow jerseys on the road have made their way over to the gravel side of the sport.

A minimalistic knit upper and a shapely carbon sole are paired in the DMT KM0 for a glove-like fit with a focus on maximal stiffness (rated 10/10 by testers). During our first few rides, we noted the Michelin tread was extra grippy on short rough walks, however, after a few hundred miles of testing, a mile-long hike-a-bike wore the tread pretty quickly, leaving us slipping. At 542 grams (size 42), the KM0s are on the lighter side of the gravel shoe market.

Best Value Road Shoe

Specialized Torch 2.0

Retention system: Single Boa dial and toe strap
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� A smart balance of performance and comfort
鈯� Minimal retention personalization

For riders looking for a performance road shoe but hesitant about diving head first into the high-end shoe market, the Torch 2.0 is a competitive option at the sub-$200 price point.

Though they鈥檙e designed for the recreational cyclist, our tester said he鈥檇 feel confident wearing them for a race. 鈥淭hey deliver an effective balance between comfort and performance,鈥� he noted. 鈥淚 do lengthy rides, often spending five or more hours in the saddle, and these shoes deliver comfort with minimal compromise in power transfer.鈥�

The shoe has a fully perforated, single-layer synthetic and seamless upper with internal toe and heel reinforcement. This gives the Torch 2.0 a fairly supple fit with built-in, long-term shoe protection. A toe strap is paired with a single Boa dial. While we’d prefer a dual Boa dial to allow micro adjustments for a more personalized fit, the Torch 2.0’s configuration makes on-the-road adjustments possible. Our size 43s tipped the scales at 549 grams, a fair weight in this class of shoe.

Best Everyday Road Shoe

Shimano RC903S

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 Metal Dials
Available sizes: 38-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Supple, form-fitting upper
鈯� Hard to keep clean

Shozaburo Shimano would be proud to know the freewheel company he started in 1921 has grown to showcase a wide range of cycling components and gear for competitive and recreational riders alike, including high-performance cycling shoes like the RC903S, which falls within Shimano’s S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider’s foot into the anti-twist heel cup with the help of the wrap-around upper and six points of retention over the front end of the foot. The carbon sole is strategically reinforced around the cleat for added power transfer while remaining compliant toward the heel for optimal stiffness鈥攔ated as 8/10 by our test team who altogether put more than 4,000 miles of riding in these shoes.

Perforated vents allow for sufficient heat dissipation through the upper’s thin material, and a pair of size 44 hit the scales at a meager 502 grams. On a warm, five hour day at the Mammoth Gran Fondo, the mix of engineered breathability and overall stiffness made for a positive experience.

Best Performance Road Shoe

Giant Surge Pro

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials and toe strap
Available sizes: 40-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff, performance-focused sole
鈯� Sole is too stiff for longer rides

As the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, Giant has played a formative role in the modern cycling industry and always seems to be a step ahead of its competitors design-wise in just about every sector of the market. The Surge Pro, Giant’s flagship footwear offering, is just one example.

These shoes feature a three-point retention system, a unique carbon sole, and a weight of only 510 grams (size 43), making them an attractive option for performance-focused riders. A channel runs heel to toe along the sole, maximizing stiffness where it’s needed at the cleat鈥攖esters gave the shoes a 10/10 stiffness rating鈥攄elivering enhanced power transfer and cutting out excess carbon to save weight.

These were a top-rated shoe for high-intensity, hour-long criterium races, but on longer five-plus hour days, our feet needed relief from the extreme stiffness rating.

Most Versatile MTB Shoe

Five Ten Freerider Pro

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:听6-14.5 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy-to-clean synthetic material
鈯� Stiff for optimized pedal performance
鈯� Lace capture causes laces to lay across the shoe
鈯� Tread pattern tends to retain mud

There鈥檚 a reason the Freerider Pro is the benchmark for all other flat-pedal mountain bike shoes. First, the wide toe box and cozy heel cup fit a wide range of feet, including my exceptionally fickle ones. More importantly, we鈥檙e huge fans of Five Ten鈥檚 famously grippy Stealth S1 Dotty rubber outsole鈥攊t keeps us solidly placed on the pedals on even the rainiest fays.

The Freerider Pro also shines with a stiff sole that leaves us feeling one with the pedal, resulting in excellent efficiency on longer rides. Lastly, the synthetic upper is durable and easy to clean when things get muddy. One tester loved them so much, she said the Freerider Pro is 鈥渟till the master performance mountain bike flat pedal shoe that pedals all bikes and holds up throughout the season.鈥�

Best Lightweight MTB Shoe

Giro Latch

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-50 (men鈥檚), 36-43 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very grippy
鈯� Lightest shoe in the lineup
鈯� More molded protection over toe box
鈯� Lace capture is flimsy
鈯� Slightly wider in heel

Giro鈥檚 Latch shoe fits, feels, and pedals a lot like the Five Ten Freerider Pro because of the stiff, flat sole that brings the foot closer to the pedal. Giro鈥檚 Tack Rubber and the irregular tread felt like it had the tackiest rubber of all the options we tested, and it shed mud more consistently than other tread patterns. The Latch鈥檚 quick-drying microfiber uppers were ideal for fall riding conditions, too.

At the end of the day, the Latch competes with the big guns in pretty much every metric of flat shoe performance. Plus, fashionable tester Megan Barton gives the Latch extra points for style.

Best Protection

Fox Union Canvas

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:听37-47 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Robust and sturdy
鈯� Reinforced toe box
鈯� Heavy
鈯� Canvas was hard to clean

The Fox Union Canvas flat pedal riding shoe combines off-bike street style with solid on-bike performance. While we did not find the Ultratac rubber on the sole quite as grippy as Giro鈥檚 and FiveTen鈥檚, it wasn鈥檛 far behind and still imparted a sense of durability while thrashing through local rock gardens in Hood River. The polyester canvas material also was not our favorite to clean, but it did provide robust weather protection during rainy, cold rides.

We liked how the shoe felt super stiff for pedal grip, but we would recommend it for shorter rides because we started to experience some foot fatigue around mile ten. Overall, this shoe has a nice low-profile design that we loved and excellent grip, and it would thrive from a short ride to a pub crawl.

Best Grip

Specialized 2FO Roost Flat Syn Shoe

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:听36-49 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Matches grip with Stealth rubber
鈯� Stiff enough for long rides
鈯� Doesn’t feel as light as advertised

The 2FO Roost delivers top-notch grip, breathability, and comfort, making it one of our favorite flat pedal shoes in the Specialized line-up. The SlipNot ST rubber easily competes with the Five Ten鈥檚 Stealth rubber and seems to offer better grip in cold weather, especially when we needed to constantly transfer our power on the burliest, most technical trails.

In terms of stiffness, as a trail shoe it handled long descents like a champ with zero foot fatigue. The heel cup was nice, deep, and comfortably retentive, ensuring our heels stayed in place on rougher trails. Our only real complaint is that the shoe lacks protective padding in the toe box, which resulted in a few jammed toes.

This isn鈥檛 the best pick for those with narrow feet, but it’s a competitively priced top contender shoe for riders who like to punish themselves on epic missions.

Most Comfortable MTB Shoe

Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat Shoe

Retention system: BOA
Available sizes:听5-10 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super grippy
鈯� Exceptionally comfortable
鈯� BOA allows for easy micro-adjustments mid-ride
鈯� Balancing mid-shoe and heel tension a slight challenge

The Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat is an easily adjustable and well-crafted shoe that feels like a slipper. Their Max Grip rubber sole offered exceptional grip鈥攚e felt comfortably glued to our pedals at all times, even on extremely technical and rooty trails.

Moreover, the toe and heel have hexagonal treads for confident hike-a-biking traction in slippery mud. The spacious toe box is comfortable, while the midsole support adds an overall feeling of being one with the pedals. 鈥淚 loved how protected and secure I felt in these shoes,鈥� said tester Annick Chalier. Our only gripe is that it was slightly challenging to get the tension with the BOA just right for our heels to be secure without the mid-shoe being too tight.

Most Streamlined

Shimano GF6

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:听38-48 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Matches grip with Five Ten鈥檚 Stealth rubber
鈯� Stiff enough for long trail rides
鈯� Not quite burly enough for pure park riding

Featuring Shimano鈥檚 Ultread GF rubber, a torsional midsole that Shimano calls their Torbal 2.0 midsole, and trail-ready design, the GF6 is their premier flat pedal shoe. While the shoe has minimal padding compared to others we tested, there is enough to handle the accidental rock kicks and moderate impacts.

Fitwise, it had good heel retention both on and off the bike. More importantly, we found the grip on par with the Five Ten鈥檚, and they鈥檙e stiff enough to handle long rides without undue foot fatigue. Shimano footwear tends to fly under the radar for some reason, but they make an excellent product, and we鈥檇 love to see them out on the trails more. The fit and features make this my go-to flat pedal shoe.

Most Stylish MTB Shoe

Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat

Retention system:听BOA
Available sizes: 5-14 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy walking off the bike
鈯� Stiff enough for long rides
鈯� Match MC2 rubber not as grippy as others

The Stamp BOA Flat is a stylish option that features a BOA dial, Velcro power strap, Match MC2 rubber, and a relatively stiff sole for power transfer. The Stamp BOA is stiff, but not too stiff; there鈥檚 just enough flex for easy walking鈥攁lthough they did feel a hair tight in the forefoot for a couple testers.

The Match MC2 rubber was grippy, though it鈥檚 not Stealth grippy, so if you鈥檙e going to be riding on wet days or have trouble locking to your pedals, look elsewhere. We鈥檙e not 100 percent sold on BOA systems in terms of fit, but we do relish the ability to securely snug up shoes without the litter of laces.

Best Clipless MTB Shoe

Fox Racing Union BOA

Retention system: Boa Li2
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great in-between profile
鈯� Spendy

Best known for helmets, body armor, and apparel, Fox Racing recently entered the mountain bike footwear market and the Union BOA is the brand鈥檚 premier clipless mountain bike shoe, designed for trail riding and enduro racing.

It utilizes a pair of BOA Li2 dials to adjust the fit tension and a lightweight nylon shank to stiffen the sole while pedaling. At 221 grams per shoe (size 42), the Union BOA is lighter than similar 鈥渟kate-style鈥� mountain bike shoes, but heavier than svelte shoes designed for cross-country racing. On the trail, we found it provided ample support, and the micro-adjustable dials are handy for on-the-fly adjustments.

Most Waterproof

Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: M4/W5-M14/W15

Pros and Cons
鈯� Iconic grip
鈯� High cuff keeps out debris
鈯� Water can still come in through the top

Mountain biking can be dirty work. If you鈥檙e looking for a shoe to accompany you on wet-weather rides, look no further than Five Ten鈥檚 Trailcross Gore-Tex. The shoe鈥檚 waterproof upper shrugs off rain and trail spray while Five Ten鈥檚 legendary Stealth Phantom Rubber provides extra grip on slippery trails.

Like other waterproof mountain bike shoes, this model is not impervious to water running down your leg, into your sock, and then getting trapped within, so it鈥檚 best to pair them with water-resistant pants when riding in sloppy conditions.

How To Choose Bike Shoes

Cycling shoes can be segmented into categories based on their intended use and cleat interface.

Cleats/Clipless Shoes

Road cycling shoes are typically compatible with composite-based, three-bolt style cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD-SL and Look Delta/Keo. These cleats offer a high amount of retention and have a greater surface area to maximize stability and power transfer per pedal stroke, which is ideal for road cycling. However, the cleats are often exposed and provide poor walkability.

Gravel shoes use a two-bolt pattern for use with cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD. Two-bolt cleats are generally smaller and made of metal, offering greater durability for walking on uneven surfaces.

Flats

More and more mountain bikers are ditching clipless bike shoes in favor of flats, shoes with sticky rubber soles that offer good grip on pedals and don鈥檛 require you to clip in/out of pedals. Many experienced riders and downhillers who navigate high-consequence terrain prefer flats because they allow you to bail off your bike more easily.

Flat shoes are also better choices for novice riders, since they don鈥檛 come with a learning curve (getting the hang of clipless shoes and cleats can be tricky). The downside to flats is they don鈥檛 offer the same power transfer as clipless shoes.

Budget Versus Performance

Don鈥檛 disregard your budget. Bike shoes can be exorbitantly expensive, especially on the high-performance end of the spectrum. If you鈥檙e looking to get into racing, the higher price tag might be worth it for every additional watt of power. If you鈥檙e not racing, we recommend leaning to the more comfortable end of the spectrum, rather than trying to maximize stiffness and performance; these shoes generally come with more palatable price tags.

Materials

Road biking shoes feature lightweight soles made up of carbon or composite materials that blend stiffness and compliance to best suit the rider鈥檚 needs. A stiffer sole generally provides higher power transfer; a more compliant shoe flexes more and provides a more comfortable ride, but often equates to more power loss.

Gravel and mountain bike shoes add tread around the sole to improve walkability and stability.

Shoe uppers will consist of a microfiber or knit material with varying amounts of suppleness, ventilation and foot/ankle support. Microfiber uppers tend to provide more durability and support, while knit uppers have a greater amount of ventilation and suppleness.

Fit

Fit is critical in a cycling shoe and directly impacts performance. If you can, try before you buy. Your local bike shop may have a selection of bike shoes and employees with a wealth of experience to help you find the right fit. Call around to see what鈥檚 available and visit your local bike shop to get a real feel for the shoes before you commit.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 21
• Number of Testers: 8
• Number of miles collectively ridden during testing: 12,000
• Biggest ride: 110 miles

Our group of testers, made up of men and women across the country, put 21 pairs of the year鈥檚 newest road, gravel, and mountain bike shoes to the test on various rides, races, and trails. Some testers assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance while preparing for marquee road and gravel events, while others set out to determine a shoe鈥檚 comfort and versatility on their weekly coffee ride. Our primary testing ground for MTB shoes was mountain biking mecca Hood River, Oregon, where we assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance on everything from technical, muddy trails to mellow, meandering cruisers. We graded each pair of shoes we tested on characteristics like stiffness, weight, comfort, and functionality. The shoes on this list impressed our crew in all departments.

Meet Our Lead Testers

David Kennedy has been riding road and gravel bikes for 15 years and has been writing about the latest tech in the sport since 2017. He鈥檚 toed the line at premier road and gravel events nationwide, including the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and the Unbound 200. When he鈥檚 not writing or riding, he鈥檚 pulling apart bikes at his local shop and connecting with the diverse cycling community around his hometown of Los Angeles.

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year-old, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her biking on the local trails.

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He鈥檚 now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The post The Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Most everyday riders are not built like Loic Bruni, Yoann Barreli, Jolanda Neff, or Camille Balanche. In fact, we have ample statistics that show that the average male and female in the United States would not fit into most XL-sized riding shorts from any of the major bike brands. While we like to think we are working toward a more inclusive industry, there is still a major gap between the media perception of all cyclists being lean greyhounds and the down-to-earth reality that most of us don鈥檛 fit that mold.

Movement for inclusivity in sizing in the mountain bike industry is happening, though. While some brands are offering a wider range of sizing, there is still a significant disparity of mountain bike apparel for 鈥減lus-sized鈥� cyclists. To take a closer look at some of the brands that are working to expand their offerings, we reviewed five men鈥檚 riding shorts and liners and five women鈥檚 riding shorts and liners for the non-greyhounds among us riding dirt. It’s important to note that there are very few women鈥檚-specific shorts that are available beyond a size US 12-14, so we have tapped into some of the only options on the market specific to mountain biking.

---

We also tapped into some riding talent around the Hood River, Oregon, area to do the actual testing. Michael Shelton covered the men鈥檚 options, and he stands 6 feet-6 inches tall, weighs 260 pounds and is a size 38 -40, which adds up to an XXL in most brands. Krystal Pope tested the women鈥檚 offerings. She鈥檚 6-feet tall, weighs 250 pounds, and has a 45-inch waist and 52-inch hips.

Women鈥檚 Shorts and Liners

Machines for Freedom Key Shorts and Essential Cycling Short ($108/$148)

Sizes: 24鈥�38 ( tested 38 ) / XS鈥�3XL (tested XXL)

Machines for Freedom (MFF) has been at the forefront of making plus-size apparel for women. While they are more known for their lycra, MFF does offer the Key shorts for a trail-riding-specific option. They feature a four-way stretch fabric, slide-locking snap closure, front scoop pockets, rear zipper pockets, and a 5.5-inch or 11-inch inseam. The size chart was accurate on the hip and butt measurements for our tester but she found the waist on the size 38 to be a little tight. Despite the overly snug fit, she noted that the shorts did not cut into her stomach during the initial fitting, and once out on the trails the shorts felt solid. The stretchy material and contoured design around the hips and butt made for a comfortable fit and feel with no zero constriction and offered good breathability. She noted that the 5.5-inch inseam version was a no-go for anyone with strong, full-figured legs.

The Essential Cycling short is MFF鈥檚 go-to riding chamois. It features a unique, yoga-inspired waistband, seamless leg bands and an 8.5-inch inseam for a mid-thigh fit. Pope tested an XXL version of this chamois, which she noted were a bit tight on her, fitting 鈥渕ore like Spanx than a compression chamois.鈥� Consequently, the waistband would sometimes fold over at the waist, but she felt the next size up would have been too big. As for the padding, it was different from any of the other liners tested, but was super comfortable, stayed in place, offered a perfect fit for a woman鈥檚 body (vs. unisex) and had just the right amount of padding to prevent chafing on longer rides.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Zoic Naveah Bliss Shorts with Essential Liner ($90)

Sizes: XS鈥�3XL (tested XXL)

The most notable feature of the Navaeh Bliss shorts is the super-stretch 鈥淏lissband鈥� waist, which provided a secure, comfortable fit with zero pinching and with no buttons or snaps to deal with (or unexpectedly pop open). The shorts also use a nice, lightweight fabric, feature zippered pockets, and an 11-inch inseam. Per the size chart, Pope tested these shorts in XXL and reported that they offered a pretty perfect fit given the added stretch in the waist. The yoga band is very supportive on larger frames and stays in place without cutting into one鈥檚 belly. It also tends to sit higher than most cycling short waistbands and performed well to keep them from slipping down. Consequently, these were by far her favorite shorts. She noted they were extremely flattering, with no muffin top or slippage, and the leg opening was wide enough that they didn鈥檛 bunch up or band above the knee when moving into a descending position. Overall, they handled a variety of hot and cold temperatures during testing, and she highly recommends them for anyone looking for function and extreme comfort.

The Zoic Essential Liner that comes with the shorts was tested in a size XXL. This liner is a good basic chamois. It doesn鈥檛 offer the bells and whistles that some brands do, but they fit our tester well and the padding was comfortable for one- to two-hour rides, while offering good breathability and ample padding in all the right places. For the price, it is definitely worth purchasing the shorts with the included liner.

Wild Rye Freel Shorts with Alice Chamois ($119/$109)

Sizes: 0-14, 6-14

The Freel is Wild Rye鈥檚 flagship cycling short. It features a 12-inch inseam, three pockets, four-way stretch fabric and belt loops for waist adjustments. Pope tested the size 18 Freel which was supposedly too small for her hips according to the size chart, but fit surprisingly well. The legs were wide enough to fit her Athena build while still offering a tapered and stylish look. The waistband was a bit snug, but overall the shorts were comfortable and allowed for easy movement throughout the hips and thighs without bunching. It made them super comfortable regardless of whether she was climbing, descending or relaxing on the lift. Overall, they鈥檙e a solid riding short that gets points for coming in cool colors and designs.

The Alice Chamois had a true-to-size fit, if not a bit generous. Our tester noted that the chamois fit like her favorite running tights, offering 鈥渃ompression without constriction.鈥� They include a high-waisted front and back design which keeps the midsection contained and svelte looking. Aside from her preferring that the chamois leg length could have been an inch or two longer, the padding was great for longer rides. Overall the liner offered excellent protection and padding without feeling bulky or toasty.

听

Shredly MTB Curvy Short with YogaCham Liner ($110/$78)

Sizes: 00鈥�24 (tested 20)/ US 00鈥�24 (tested 20)

Shredly is another company that has been successful with its expanded sizes for their women鈥檚-specific mountain biking apparel. The MTB Curvy is often at the top of the list for a lot of shredders when it comes to comfort and fit and it鈥檚 no surprise why: It鈥檚 a stylish short crafted from a durable four-way stretch fabric with a relaxed fit for curvy bodies, a mid-rise yoga waistband, and zipper thigh vents. Shredly provided our tester with a range of sizes due to some confusion with the size chart and she settled on the size 20 for this piece. It was a little big in the waist, but the size 18s were too tight in the legs and lower tummy area. Per the size chart, she would have been a size 24, so she highly recommends finding a shop if possible to dial in fit. Despite the slightly generous size, the yoga-style high waistband allowed a confident enough fit to get some good testing done. However, at the end of the day these were not our tester鈥檚 favorite shorts; they just didn鈥檛 fit her frame phenomenally and she ended up having some issue with them slipping down or folding over at the tummy. She also wasn鈥檛 a fan of the thigh vent which she noted, 鈥渓ooks like an oddly placed seam when closed and gills of a fish when opened鈥� no curvy girl is going to open those things!鈥�

The YogaCham was true to size and offered a superb fit. The chamois鈥� waistband has a nice grip on the back to help keep it in place, and the leg openings also include grippy texture to prevent them from riding up on the thighs (details like that are a big plus for curvy girls). The padding itself was a bit of an odd shape that extended towards her leg/thigh crease, which felt a little odd to Pope. Overall she liked the fit and breathability of this liner but felt the padding was a little thin, and that the shape of the pad was maybe not the best for her.

Pearl Izumi Women鈥檚 Pro Bib Short ($210)

Sizes: XS鈥揦XL (tested XXL)

The Pro Bib Short is technically not a liner; rather, it is a premium bib that can be worn out on the pavement or under a pair of mountain bike shorts. We wanted to get both our testers in some higher-end pieces to see how they compare to the lower price point liners that come with many of the shorts.

This particular bib is crafted for long ride comfort. It includes minimal seaming, silicone leg grippers, a unique v-strap drop-tail design for nature breaks, and a three-layer, fancy-pancy chamois. Krystal tested the bib in size XXL and it was a perfectly snug yet comfortable fit. While she noted that she is an XXXL per the size chart, she opted to size down based on user reviews. She was also quite stoked on the padding, which worked exceptionally well for longer distance rides. The fabric felt breathable and versatile and the little bit of compression was perfect. Cheers to Pearl Izumi for making a premium product across a broad range of sizes.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Patagonia Women’s Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts (No Liner) ($99)

Sizes: 0鈥�18 (tested 18 )

The Dirt Roamer shorts are Patagonia鈥檚 premium contoured-fit mountain bike short. The shorts feature a lightweight fabric, an adjustable waist cinch system, zippered pockets and an 11 戮-inch inseam. While word was that the Patagonia shorts tend to run on the 鈥渟limmer鈥� side, we went ahead and requested a size 18 (the largest size available in the women鈥檚 Dirt Roamer) to see how they might fit in comparison to other brands鈥� size 18. Sure enough, per Patagonia鈥檚 size chart, the size 18 would max out at a 37.5-inch waist, making them too small for our tester鈥檚 45-inch waist. So, unfortunately, we don鈥檛 have any ride impressions on the Dirt Roamer short, but she liked the stretchy fabric and was intrigued as to whether or not Patagonia鈥檚 鈥淥ppoSet鈥� adjustable waist technology would work well on larger frames. Kudos to Patagonia for offering sizes beyond the standard 12, but hopefully we see more options in the future.

Men鈥檚 Shorts and Liners

Patagonia Men鈥檚 Dirt Craft Shorts with Liner ($159)

Sizes: 28鈥�40 (tested 40)

The Dirt Craft shorts are a lightweight stretchy riding short that feature an adjustable waist with a curved waistband, three pockets and an 11 陆-inch inseam that hit our tester right above the knee. The size 40 shorts fit Shelton true to size as expected鈥搉ot too tight in the waist or legs. The shorts were very lightweight and offered a cool, breezy feeling, perfect for the shorter XC loops near his house. The tester felt that the material was more at home on the less burly trails, as the fabric is thin and may not hold up to a hard crash or long days in the bike park. The curved waistband kept the shorts securely in place, and Shelton never felt the urge to pull them up.

The liner that comes with the size 40 Dirt Craft shorts was size XXL. It had a regular fit and a very comfortable chamois padding. The multi-panel construction easily kept the liner in place without offering any constriction. The liner was on the lighter-weight side, but offered such a high degree of comfort that it ended up being the tester鈥檚 favorite for longer rides.

Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shorts with Liner ($109)

Sizes: 28鈥�40 (tested 40)

The TLD Skyline shorts are a regular-fitting 鈥渞oomy鈥� short that feature an adjustable waist, ventilation panels and two zip pockets. The tested size 40 was on the larger side of 40, and Michael indicated a size 38 would have been a better fit for him. But that roomier fit also allowed for a pair of crash pad shorts to readily slip under them. The shorts have a medium-weight fabric but still felt light and stretchy. While they had Velcro waist adjusters, the Skyline Shorts still rode a little low. Overall, the Skylines were very comfortable and breathable, and the fabric felt more durable than the Patagonia offering.

The TLD 鈥淭MF鈥� liner that comes with the Skyline shorts offered an ideal fit for our tester. The liner was stretchy and breathable, but he noted that chamois padding was a little on the thinner side which created some discomfort after about an hour of riding.

Race Face Ruxton Shorts with Stash Bib Liners ($121/$83)

Sizes: S鈥揦XL (tested XXL)

The Race Face Ruxton shorts have an adjustable ratchet front closure, a raised back panel, laser-vented front thighs, a 14.5-inch inseam, and zippered outside thigh pockets. The shorts were tested in size XXL and they fit Shelton true to the size chart. These were his favorite shorts, hands down. They offered a great fit, with the high waist and gripper panels ensuring they stayed in place all day without any chance of a full moon incident. And while the shorts are a heavier fabric, and are designed for more all-mountain enduro style riding or light-duty lift service, the breathability was ideal for summer riding conditions.

Race Face also sent along their Stash bib liner for testing. The XXL sized bib fit our 6-foot-6 tester surprisingly well. The bibs feature two 鈥渟tash鈥� pockets for snacks or your phone, a nice stretchy breathable fabric, and gripper leg panels to keep the liner shorts from riding up. The liners breathed well on hotter days and the chamois pad was comfortable. Shelton鈥檚 only gripe with the Stash was that the seam where the shoulder straps attach to the front of the bib was on the wider side, causing the dreaded nipple chafe on longer rides if worn without a base layer.

Fox Defend Shorts (No Liner) ($120)

Sizes: 28鈥�40 (tested 40)

The Fox Defend shorts utilize an adjustable ratchet front for both closure and dialing in the waist fit. They have zippered hand pockets, all-way stretch fabric, laser-perforated ventilation, and a 14.5-inch inseam. Shelton tested the size 40, which offered a true-to-size fit. The shorts, like the Race Face, use a heavier-weight fabric, and they held up well to some minor crashes during testing with no visible signs of wear. The shorts tended to ride high on the waist, thanks to the secure fit of the ratchet. The DWR coating is a plus and easily handled some unexpected rain. And thanks to the rear and front ventilation on the leg panels, there was no overheating during climbs. Shelton was super happy with these shorts and definitely will include them in his go-to riding collection.

Dharco Gravity Shorts with Men鈥檚 Padded Party Pants Liner ($107/$73)

Sizes: S鈥揦XL (tested XXL)

The Dharco Gravity shorts feature a four-way stretch fabric, Velcro waist adjusters, two pockets, and a DWR finish. Dharco sent the size XXL shorts (the largest size available in the Gravity Short), which are supposedly the equivalent of a US 38. Unfortunately they were too small for our tester, so we don鈥檛 have any ride impressions . While I know from my experience that these are a functional and stylish riding short, note that they do tend to run on the smaller side.

While the riding shorts were too small to be tested, the Men鈥檚 Padded Party Pants Liner did fit Shelton and they were also his favorite chamois liner of the group. Dharco sent the size XL liner, which was stretchy, comfortable, and 鈥渘ever felt too tight.鈥� Shelton appreciated how the plush chamois pad made his longer rides exceptionally comfortable and that he had zero issues with overheating or sweat pooling in the wrong places.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Rapha Trail Bib Cargo Liner Shorts ($135)

Sizes: XS鈥揦XL (tested XXL)

If you鈥檙e wondering how well a 鈥減remium鈥� brand lines up against the tried and true 鈥済o-to鈥檚鈥� or how they actually work for larger people, enter the Rapha Trail Bib Cargo Liner, Rapha鈥檚 鈥渟upremely comfortable鈥� liner bib for all-mountain shredding. Shelton tested this bib in size XXL. The bib fit like a glove (comfortably snug without being constricting), was super comfortable, and offered good breathability. The chamois is thick, comfortable, and did great on longer rides. There were no internal seams and the bib straps didn鈥檛 rub him the wrong way like the Stash Bibs did. Overall he was super impressed with the Rapha bib; the only additional feature he would like to see would be a fly for trail side pit stops.

The post 10 Plus-Size Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Mountain-Bike Shorts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.