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 shoe 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.

Our testers rode hundreds of miles to find the best cycling shoes for fit and performance across all of these categories. From sleek, clipless shoes for dancing on dirt to the mountain biking equivalent of steel-toe construction boots for your own personal Redbull Rampage, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

Updated July 2025: We added 8 new picks, including our new favorite MTB and road cycling shoes鈥攖he Crankbrothers Mallet BOA and Specialized Torch 3.0. We also updated pricing and info on previously listed bike shoes.听

Best Bike Shoes at a Glance

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

• Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet Boa ($200)
• Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch ($150 $90)
• Best Downhill/Enduro Shoe: Shimano GE7 ($180)
• Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA MTB ($220)

Best Road Cycling Shoes

• Best Overall: Specialized Torch 3.0 ($280)
• Best Performance: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best On a Budget: Fizik Beat Tempo ($180)

Best Gravel Shoes

• Best Gravel/XC Shoe: Giro Sector ($240)
• Best High-End Gravel/XC shoe: SIDI Physis ($399)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet BOA Clip-In Shoes

Available sizes: US M 6 – 14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very comfortable
鈯� Super durable
鈯� Supremely adjustable fit
鈯� Limited ankle coverage

Technically, the Mallet is Crankbrothers鈥� offering for gravity-focused endeavors鈥攄ownhill, park, and enduro racing鈥攂ut these well-padded shoes are lightweight and breathable enough that if you loathe the ballet slipper look, they do just fine for any riding this side of XC racing.

While the brand makes their own pedals, the Mallet utilizes the brand鈥檚 鈥楳atch鈥� design philosophy: a long and wide cleat pocket that鈥檚 designed to both shed mud and aid cleat engagement/release regardless of your preferred clipless pedal. The shoes come with shims to optimize your pedal-cleat-shoe interface, but in a nod to their own pedals, and as an encouragement for you to use them, the Mallets come with Crankbrothers鈥� own cleat already installed in a neutral position.

The shoes are burly yet offer a comfortable amount of padding, with silicone gripper dots in the heel cup for a secure fit. They also utilize just the right amount of ventilation for good breathability on all but the hottest days. The medium stiff midsole combined with a nicely rockered sole makes for exceptional comfort both on and off the bike. All these features, combined with the ability to dial in an exact fit with the BOA dial, make these shoes a winner. Our only complaint: We wish they offered a little more ankle coverage.

Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch

Available sizes: EU 39 – 49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Optimal for narrow feet
鈯� BOA loosened on longer rides
鈯� Soles not as grippy as Five Ten or Ride Concepts

The X-ALP Launch is an affordable flat pedal mountain bike shoe that takes the cake when it comes to a lightweight, flexible feel. The shoe features a stout Cordura mesh upper with a single BOA dial that allows for quick fit adjustments. We found that the X-ALP has a low-to-medium internal volume that runs a bit narrower in the toe box than other brands. An EVA foam midsole is paired with an outsole featuring Goodyear rubber molded with a chevron pattern, designed to offer good grip and traction.

Despite the use of brand-name rubber, the X-Alp is not the grippiest shoe out there. But that鈥檚 not necessarily a bad thing: this allows for easy micro foot adjustments compared to the locked in feel of some other shoes on our list. What the sole lacks in grip, it makes up for with impressive lightweight feel and efficient power transfer. In our testing, the shoes excelled on longer trail rides in dryer weather where heat and foot fatigue can be issues. And while the single BOA loosened up a bit on our longer rides, it’s fairly easy to tighten up on the fly. This might not be the shoe you want for bike park laps, but it hits the mark for those who prefer the versatility of a flat pedal shoe versus clipless for hot cross-country and trail rides.

Best for Downhill/Enduro Riding: Shimano GE7

Available sizes: EU 38 – 48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent off the bike grip
鈯� Longer cleat channel
鈯� Roomy toe box
鈯� Runs a little hot

The Shimano GE7 is one of our favorite clipless MTB shoes. The SPD-compatible GE7 features laces with a velcro instep strap for precise fit, a burly outsole for enhanced grip, raised and padded ankle collar, enhanced toe cap, and a reinforced fiberglass midsole (TORBAL 2.0, a midsole technology that provides targeted rigidity and flexibility) for stellar pedaling efficiency.

Originally designed for Enduro style racing, this shoe is meant for big days that could involve a fair bit of hike-a-bike as well as full-tilt boogie pedaling. Translation: it鈥檚 super comfortable and holds up well on longer rides thanks to a nice balance of stiffness and flex in the sole, plus a relaxed鈥揹are I say 鈥榬oomy鈥�?鈥搕oe box to give those little piggies room to stretch out. The traction is excellent when you鈥檙e off the bike and the cleat placement is slightly more centrally placed than other brands, allowing for a more performance-oriented cleat position. More importantly, the shoe can take a beating. And the asymmetric padded ankle cuffs keep ankle/crank interaction downright civilized.

Shimano shoes tend to be durable enough for multiple riding seasons, and while this one runs a little on the warm side and lacks the bling of a BOA system, the fit and performance won鈥檛 let you down. 鈥淸This is a] great all around mountain bike shoe for gravity-oriented folks that want traction while off the pedals,鈥� commented one tester from Hood River, Oregon.

Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA

Available sizes: US M 7 – 13

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent grip in all conditions
鈯� Mid-height design adds extra protection to ankle
鈯� Easy to adjust fit with BOA庐 system
鈯� Bulky

When Ride Concepts released these mid-high shoes into the wild last summer, there was much rejoicing from riders demanding a more robust solution for technical gravity riding. The surprisingly roomy mid-volume shoe features BOA鈥檚 PerformFit Wrap for a snug fit, and burly Cordura mesh upper with liberal amounts of D3O padding in the ankles, toe, heel, and insoles for bombproof impact resistance. A stiff EVA midsole helps reduce foot fatigue, and an outer sole crafted from RC鈥檚 Maxgrip rubber provides secure pedal grip and confident traction off the bike.

The mid-height upper offers greater support than a low-fit shoe, while the gusseted tongue keeps debris at bay like a champ. Surprisingly, the Cordura mesh breathes tolerably well, but the trade-off for all this added material is a much longer break-in period. If you have the patience for that, the reward is a glorious, comfortable fit that offers loads of confidence no matter how gnarly the trail or how much you鈥檙e off the bike scouting lines and sessioning techy features.

Best Road Shoes

Best Overall:听Specialized Torch 3.0

Available sizes: EU 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent weight
鈯� BOA Li2 dials
鈯� Hard wearing exterior
鈯� Cleat mounts aren’t adjustable

Road cycling shoe prices aren鈥檛 just creeping up鈥攖hey鈥檙e skyrocketing. Specialized is part of that trend, but the Torch 3.0 offers a refreshing exception. It鈥檚 not quite as performance-oriented as the S-Works Torch ($500), but you鈥檙e getting 90 to 95 percent of the performance for significantly less鈥攁nd with some surprising perks. The Torch 3.0 actually has a better BOA system. Both models use a dual-zone setup and the same pressure-optimized tongue cut, but the S-Works dial doesn鈥檛 pop for quick release. The Torch 3.0鈥檚 BOA Li2 dials, BOA鈥檚 best, make on/off much easier.

Elsewhere, the Torch 3.0 simplifies slightly. The upper is more uniform but still durable and easy to clean. The carbon sole is just as stiff, though slightly heavier and less detailed. It lacks cleat-mount adjustability鈥攂ut after thousands of foot scans, Specialized says you won鈥檛 miss it. (We didn鈥檛 during testing.) Bottom line: The Torch 3.0 delivers elite-level performance without the elite-level price.

Best Performance:听Shimano RC903S

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鈥檚 S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider鈥檚 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.

Best On a Budget: Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5

Available sizes: EU 36-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Impressive weight for price
鈯� Velcro powerstrap
鈯� Vertical volume in toe box
鈯� Non-adjustable cleat mount
鈯� Narrow fit

Budget road cycling shoes are a tough category鈥攎ost cut corners so severely they鈥檙e no fun to wear. One common compromise? BOA dials. The top-tier Li2 dials are great, but cheaper versions often can鈥檛 adjust both ways and don鈥檛 pop for quick release.

The Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 avoids those issues altogether. It uses the same lightweight, easy-to-adjust Powerstrap system found on Fizik鈥檚 higher-end Aeroweave model, and it outperforms many dual-BOA setups: It鈥檚 easy to adjust (even mid-ride), lightweight, and offers a snug fit with zero hotspots. The shoe is on the narrow side, typical of older Fizik models, but a tall toe box adds comfort. The carbon-reinforced nylon sole is shaped well enough to feel plenty stiff. The biggest downside: The cleat mount point is fixed and offers limited adjustability.

Still, for this price, we were willing to overlook that shortcoming. The Tempo R5 doesn鈥檛 feel cheap鈥攕kipping BOA is a smart move here, not an oversight.

Best Gravel Shoes

Best Overall: Giro Sector

Available sizes: EU 39 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Quick drying
鈯� Responsively stiff
鈯� Pricey
鈯� Not ideal off the bike

The Giro Sector is our go-to riding shoe for all types of riding, from laps on our local trails to all-day gravel adventures to XC racing. They offer a nice balance of comfort and stiffness to keep the feet remarkably comfortable regardless of how hard you鈥檙e pedaling. The Sector features a one-piece synchwire material upper, dual BOA庐 adjustment, reinforced toe and heel, and a fairly stiff carbon-composite sole (for pedalling efficiency) with a dual injected rubber outsole with impressively tall lugs for off-the bike traction and pre drilled toe spike mounts.

While the Sector is lightweight and adequately ventilated, it is not the lightest on the market, but it鈥檚 by no means portly either. That being said, it gets extra points in comfort, and despite the fragile appearance of the upper, the shoe is surprisingly durable and robust; they show very minimal signs of wear despite extensive testing. If you are a one shoe do-it-all household, we highly recommend the Sector, although it鈥檚 happiest pedaling hard.

Best Performance: Sidi Physis

Available sizes: EU 36 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide toe box
鈯� Excellent power transfer
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Walkability

Brutally efficient and decadently comfortable aren鈥檛 descriptive phrases that typically go together. But if you鈥檙e describing Sidi鈥檚 new Physis shoes, then you鈥檝e pretty much hit the nail on the head. But to tweak an old Keith Bontrager maxim鈥攂rutally efficient, decadently comfortable, cheap鈥ick two鈥攂ecause at $400, these ain鈥檛 cheap.

But what you get is what you pay for: Sidi鈥檚 legendary Italian craftsmanship mated to modern footwear ergonomics. With the Physis, you get a phenomenally-fitting and well ventilated dual density TPU upper that errs on the roomy side (consider sizing down a half size for Sidi鈥檚 legendary glove-like feel while still enjoying the roomy forefoot volume of the Millenium fit), secured with Sidi鈥檚 proprietary BOA庐 type system and their patented Tension Strap over the instep, mated to a X2FC carbon sole so stiff that you might as well be wearing two-by-four planks with a footbed strapped to your feet. Only a two-by-four never screamed performance the way these do; rest assured that every single watt you generate is going right into your pedals. Other details: rubber dimples in the heel cup for a more secure fit. Minimalist abrasion/impact guards around the toe box and heel. Threaded holes at the toes for spikes (CX anyone?).

In essence, these are Ferraris for your feet, but are purpose built for performance gravel and XC riding; if your ride involves any halfway serious hike-a-biking, look elsewhere. But if you鈥檙e chasing podiums or KOMs, these are just what the doctor ordered.

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 Cycling Shoes

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.

How Should Bike Shoes 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 Bike Shoes

• 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 and bike industry experts like and , 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

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.

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.

听is a senior tech editor at Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always yes.

More Bike Gear Reviews

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The Best Bike Helmets for Road, Gravel, and Trail Riding

The post The 9 Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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.

Justin Fernandes 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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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