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Slim Fit MTB Shorts

13K views 34 replies 21 participants last post by  prj71  
#1 ·
Anyone found a pair that they really love? I'm looking for some that are great for xc / trail riding and don't need to wear knee pads under. I want the length to hit at the top of the knee. I came across the Kitsbow Mescal which has great reviews but they are $200 and take 4+ weeks to get to my door. Numerous reviews mentioned that the heavy buckle does not stay tight during the ride and bangs around in the wash / dry cycle which is a deal killer for me. I also read that the buckle is not easy to remove for washing. At $200 they have to be perfect.
 
#3 ·
Fasthouse Kicker shorts are pretty slender fit. Since we're talking about xc riding there's also good old lycra skin shorts.

 
#5 ·
I've got plenty of lycra shorts but there is a time and place for lycra on the outside. I always wear lycra under my baggies / slim baggies or whatever we are calling them. My current baggies are a little too baggy for those xc / trail rides that are long in distance and time and I don't want them flapping around. I ended up ordering some Rapha

MEN'S TRAIL FAST + LIGHT SHORTS
 
#4 ·
I got these where I hesitated because of price but now wouldn't hesitate to get another pair. Some love them for their other cut being opposite of slim. The founder is/was a digger and sport advocate too.

 
#6 ·
KETL Mountain... they have slim-fitting shorts in both 9 and 11" lengths. I wear the 9" which stop just above the knee when standing and will ride up a couple inches above when seated pedaling. I wear bibs and knee guards without issue [skin showing]. Without bibs and/or "shorter" guards it would show skin, thus the 11" may be more appropriate.

Final note, they run small" thru the thighs... especially for an athletic build. Definitely size up unless your legs are very slim.

Th
 
#7 ·
I have older Kitsbow Haskell shorts (the ones currently available have a diff design). The fit is outstanding. These have no funky buckle. They're pretty much just a normal short I can wear whenever I want - including when I ride. I can use whatever belt with them I want. I've had mine for a decade now, and actually sent them over to Kitsbow to have some seam repairs done. IMO, this is the best reason to get Kitsbow gear. They will repair stuff so you can keep it in service long-term.
 
#13 ·
#20 ·
If you want a short that hangs to a certain length, then specify how long your legs are. Shorts that hang below some peoples' knees hangs above others. Shorts that hang just above my knees with look like running shorts on other peoples' legs.
 
#32 ·
I’ve been looking at slimmer shorts to replace all the pairs that have had enough use

After trying some Mescal shorts on at the Ride House I ordered a pair, should be here next week…they fit absolutely perfect…they’re pricey and more than I would have liked to spend, but they fit so well and at least your paying and supporting local business to make your stuff.

I tried on the haskells, they were nice, but didn’t fit the same way…felt more roomy in the legs and didn’t have quite the same slim feel

I also picked up a pair of Cognitive MTB Guide shorts…they also fit great and are pretty slim…tapered through the leg…I would look into them as well


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#33 ·
I’ve been looking at slimmer shorts to replace all the pairs that have had enough use

After trying some Mescal shorts on at the Ride House I ordered a pair, should be here next week…they fit absolutely perfect…they’re pricey and more than I would have liked to spend, but they fit so well and at least your paying and supporting local business to make your stuff.

I tried on the haskells, they were nice, but didn’t fit the same way…felt more roomy in the legs and didn’t have quite the same slim feel

I also picked up a pair of Cognitive MTB Guide shorts…they also fit great and are pretty slim…tapered through the leg…I would look into them as well


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Yep, I have three pairs of Summits, great shorts. Sounds like exactly what the OP is describing.
Yeah this is what I'm looking for. I had already ordered some Rapha Fast + Light shorts but if they don't work out I'm going to try the PI shorts.
 
#34 ·
I just tested out the Rapha Fast + Light shorts. They are what a roadie would design if they were tasked with designing baggie shorts that aren't really baggie. Other than the $125 price tag they are exactly what I wanted. Very slim, minimalist waist adjustment, light weight, quick dry and length is just above the knee for a 32" inseam person. Keeping them for sure.