Mountain bike shorts?

I’d just throw on a pair of mtb shorts over your road kit. I wear bibs under my shorts, many of which are road bibs. No need to get a new liner, IMO. I like Fox Flexair shorts- more reasonable inseam than most mtb shorts, slimmer cut, and super light/flexible.

I wear a pearl Izumi chamois and use their summit mtb shorts. Regular shorts are too big and catch on the seat.

Make a statement, go commando

DETarch said:

I’d just throw on a pair of mtb shorts over your road kit. I wear bibs under my shorts, many of which are road bibs. No need to get a new liner, IMO. I like Fox Flexair shorts- more reasonable inseam than most mtb shorts, slimmer cut, and super light/flexible.

Click to expand...

The only downside to the Fox Flexair shorts is the noise. I still choose them over my TLD Skylines most of the time but that constant rubbing sound bugs me.

Tell your wife, Thank You! One less plum smuggler the better

Love ZOIC shorts...

I have a pair of Zoic shorts, but I also have a few pair of light weight shorts I got at Costco that have a number of pockets. I wear these over my roadie bibs. I’ve tried a few liners, but prefer the bibs with shorts over.

I had one pair of Zoics that have lasted two years. I can still wear them, but they’re getting worn out. Went shopping for a more budget friendly option on Amazon, the fit sucks. Ponied up and bought another pair of Zoics.

Liners are a bit lighter than roadie shorts, but this time of year I doubt it will matter. Maybe in the summer you’ll want a lighter material.

My zoics fell apart. I ordered some cheap chinese stuff on Amazon last year. Easily as good as Zoic.

If you have decent road shorts, you have much better chamois than any MTB short will provide. Choose one that you like based on color/fit/pockets, etc. If it has a liner, pull it out and use the road shorts you already have.

wgscott said:

My wife is "encouraging" me to get some bike shorts that are less revealing of atrophied moose knuckle than my roadie shorts.

Looking at some of the over-priced options, it appears that I have to get liner shorts as well as conventional-looking outer shorts? Are liner shorts significantly different from roadie shorts? I assume they look a bit more like underwear, but functionally speaking, what is the difference between buying (outer) mountain bike shorts and wearing them over road shorts, and using liners?

Is riding with roadie shorts really that much of a faux pox? Not that I care, but still ...

Any suggestions? I am thinking I should start with XC ones if I do this. Is any color other than black frowned upon?

Click to expand...

Rapha's new shorts are wonderful. Great fit and features (hook snap, built in belt but also belt loops, pockets in the right places). Available as a trouser too.

I really like Zoic Black Market shorts with the included liner. The liner is completely removable from the shell so you can wash seperately if needed. The best prices I've found are Scheel's and Sierra Trading Post for $60.

Zoic Black Market shorts- Scheel's

Zoic Black Market shorts- Sierra Trading Post

I have started using them for road cycling too. I'm too fat and old to pull off the lycra comfortably right now. These are just as comfortable as lycra shorts and the liner is very good quality. Best part is they look like nice casual hiking shorts. I would not hesitate to wear them as regular casual shorts. That's even an option by removing the liner. Check them out. I bought them based on lots of good reviews and I was not disappointed.

Jayem said:

My zoics fell apart. I ordered some cheap chinese stuff on Amazon last year. Easily as good as Zoic.

Click to expand...

I have a pair of Amazon shorts as well. I agree that they’ve held up great for half the price of Zoics. The fit is just so much better.

Look good, feel good, ride good.

NorCal_In_AZ said:

I have a pair of Amazon shorts as well. I agree that they’ve held up great for half the price of Zoics. The fit is just so much better.

Look good, feel good, ride good.

Click to expand...

Which ones on Amazon did you get?

burgrat said:

Which ones on Amazon did you get?

Click to expand...

Cycorld Mens-Mountain-Bike-Shorts, Loose Fit with Zippered Pockets, MTB, Cycling,Hiking,Outdoor Lightweight Shorts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XC3JC...abc_9W70WFFB7C0XVRBW2ZSQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They work, they’re just a bit baggy for my taste.

DETarch said:

I’d just throw on a pair of mtb shorts over your road kit. I wear bibs under my shorts, many of which are road bibs. No need to get a new liner, IMO.

Click to expand...

totally. I wear road bibs under my shorts, doesn't get much more comfortable than that. I use Endura shorts (they come with a liner, but it's junk) and Fox Hightail shorts. The Endura is thicker, but a slimmer cut. The Fox is longer, but it feels super light and is pretty durable.

I'll go full roadie kit on my SJ sometimes when I'm feeling fast and the trail isn't too gnarly.

From my experience, the liners that come with baggies feel like diapers... so echoing what other here have said. Regular road shorts/bibs under a baggy shell.

I've been sniping deals on new old stock PI Elite or Pro roadie shorts, and covering those with Skyline shells (a size down FWIW)... not sure I would be going that route if getting retailed though.

wgscott said:

My wife is "encouraging" me to get some bike shorts that are less revealing of atrophied moose knuckle than my roadie shorts.

Looking at some of the over-priced options, it appears that I have to get liner shorts as well as conventional-looking outer shorts? Are liner shorts significantly different from roadie shorts? I assume they look a bit more like underwear, but functionally speaking, what is the difference between buying (outer) mountain bike shorts and wearing them over road shorts, and using liners?

Is riding with roadie shorts really that much of a faux pox? Not that I care, but still ...

Any suggestions? I am thinking I should start with XC ones if I do this. Is any color other than black frowned upon?

Click to expand...

I use a Nezium liner which I found from Seth's Bike Hacks. Expensive and run big, but there's no better pocket for your phone, which for me is important cause I like riding as light as possible. I wear them with either Fox FlexAir or TLD Skyline shorts.

I like the Skylines but had my tailor stitch on belt loops, and the Fox shorts are good for hotter days or if I'm planning to do more pedaling.

I've tried cheaper alternatives, and I know some people swear by them, but personally I consider pants/shorts comfort a high priority, so I'll pay the premium for higher quality.

And not sure what you mean by a color being frowned upon. I wear black ones, and don't notice or care what anyone else has on. If anyone frowns upon my aesthetic or color choices, that's their problem, not mine. I couldn't possibly care any less.

IDK, not a fan of “MTB“ specific shorts. Generally way over-built, too heavy, too expensive, too long, etc. In over 30 years of MTBing I’ve just worn my regular “shorts” I wear for normal outdoor activities like hiking.

I just wear regular gym shorts when I ride. They when file me. I don’t see any reason to pay $60+ for mtb specific shorts when $20 gym shorts work and are probably more comfortable.