Summertime means dry trails and post-ride parking lot hangs, and WE ARE HERE FOR IT. It’s time to break out the shorts and riding tees for trail rides, and lightweight pants for endless bike park shreds. Here are a few of the pieces we tested just ahead of the season.
The new Chrome Sutro shorts have a surprisingly heavy-duty feel to them despite their relatively short, 14-inch inseam. The stiff, straight fit lends almost a preppy, khaki look to the world of mountain biking, while the thick yet stretchy fabric is clearly designed to take a beating on the trail. An externally adjustable waist and a double fly closure ensure these shorts stay in place, and there are two zippered pockets in addition to the hand pockets for storing important items you don’t want to lose during the ride.
Overall I’m not wild about the color schemes available from Fox this year. However, the simplistic style, comfort and function of this kit is hard to beat.
I know what you may be thinking, “pants in the summer?” Yes. Pants in the summer. The new Women’s Ranger Pants are as lightweight as they are versatile. Though they are technically MTB pants, the relaxed, yet slim fit, coupled with the low waist and easy to adjust cinch and snap closure system make these pants perfect for any outdoor adventure, be it biking, hiking or just chillin’ on a mountaintop somewhere. The fabric is slightly stretchy, breathable, durable and with the tapered lower leg, quite easy to pedal in. I haven’t had the pleasure of wearing these on a proper hot or humid summer day, however they are comfortable for pedaling up to 80 degrees in an arid climate.
The Fox Ranger Moth jersey pictured above is constructed with TruDri recycled fabric, which moves sweat away from the body and keeps you dry and comfortable. The color is “meh,” but the fit is relaxed and tailored for mountain biking with a longer back panel and a slightly slimmer middle to highlight the lady form. It’s a pretty simple jersey overall, but you can’t miss the branding.
ilabb is a New Zealand based bike and sporting apparel brand, established in 2007. The men’s and women’s MTB apparel color schemes (black, greys, and neutral green and cream, or moonbeam!) are the same throughout both lines. Fun Fact: I was told that ilabb is written upside down so that YOU, the rider, can see it while you’re pedaling. That makes sense on the shorts and pants, but I am not often looking at my chest while riding, so I’d say the tops are for consistency’s sake; a conversation starter at the very least.
The ilabb Traverse Short is an ideal short for slim individuals. I tested an XS which fits perfectly and I love the feel. The Traverse features a slightly high waist and is constructed using DRI-RYDE Fabric, a premium polyester composite that is said to be lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking. The fabric feels buttery soft yet bomb-proof at the same time, with reinforced knee panels and reflective detailing for protection and style. There are inner thigh perforations for ample air flow and a custom silicon waist gripper that hold the shorts in place with or without a hip pack over top. All of those features combined with the slim profile side zip pockets, and well thought out hip seams, create a clean and flattering aesthetic all around.
The ilabb Traverse Capsize jersey is a piece I’ll be wearing throughout the summer. First and foremost, the fit is relaxed. The material is ultra lightweight and breathable throughout, with ample venting through the armpits and pack panel. The back panel of the jersey is made with a very thin, perforated, slightly see through material and it dumps moisture like a champion even with a full backpack on. It also has a hidden zipper pocket for small items such as chapstick or a key, and includes a glasses wipe cloth, affixed with a small elastic piece so it doesn’t get lost along the way. I especially like the look of the back with a sports bra, because it adds a little peek-a-boo pizzaz to the whole outfit.
Price: $77.99 CAD Colors: Black, Grey, Army Green (Pictured) Available at ilabb
The Icon T-shirt is about as simple as it gets, and in mountain bike jerseys that can be a good thing. Aside from the 16 different color/branding combos you can get with the Icon, that is. The shirt is a cool, soft wool tee without added extras. It breathes well, dries quickly, and with it being 83% Merino wool, it doesn’t stink up. The only that does stink about the Icon is the price. $90 is a lot of money for a really basic tee, no matter how many cool points it comes with.
The Virage pants have quickly become a springtime favorite. Starting a long ride in the morning when it’s only 45° out, though it’ll be 65° later? Pull up the Virages. For a black pair of pants, the fabric is thin, breathable, and super homey. There’s a stretchy waist band in the rear of the pants and it adjusts easily without feeling like there’s too much pressure. The knees are roomy enough for a pair of knee pads and they are casual enough to wear into an aprés joint without changing. Mons Royale gear isn’t what I’d call affordable and $190 is pricey for a pair of mountain bike pants, but they are supremely comfy and breathable.
The Norrøna fjørå flex1 shorts and fjørå wool t-shirt have been upgraded with recycled materials and are among my favorite riding pieces this season. I tested the both the shorts and shirt in size XS and the fit is immaculate.
The fjørå flex1 short is longer that most mountain bike shorts, with a 14.5″ inseam, and the tapered, articulated knee construction accommodates knee pads with ease. The fjørå flex1 short is made from a thickish, flex™1 fabric that makes a “swishing” sound when walking and is said to be both breathable and wind resistant. The shorts have two hand pockets, a thigh pocket, and two zippered thigh-to-knee mesh lined vents. Silicon grippers keep the waist in place and the back side is higher than the front for good coverage on the bike. Overall these are constructed with quality and longevity in mind and are well worth the slightly higher price tag.
The fjørå wool t-shirt is impossibly thin and breathable, made with 53% recycled polyester and 47% wool. It is more fitted than other wool MTB tee’s, offers excellent moisture management, and next-to-skin, odor-reducing comfort. Thanks to the sporty, stylish and clean overall look I’ve been wearing the fjørå wool t-shirt pretty much everywhere.
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi shorts have quickly become a favorite, especially off-the-bike. They are a casual pair of outdoor athletic shorts that are light, flexible, and breathable enough to ride in, but not so serious that you can’t wear them to the grocery store or while doing yard work. The shorts are made of almost 50% recycled material and have a loose fit if you want to wear a chamois underneath.
The Summit short sleeve is another jersey where less is more. No annoying graphics that age terribly or heavy zippers or pockets in the rear. Just a simple, well-made jersey with performance in mind. The Summit is breathable and dries quickly thanks in part to the laser-perforated vents near the pits. It comes in a few colorways, with a brighter 90s-like pattern for those who like to spice it up. At $60, the jersey is a good choice for warm rides.
Pearl Izumi’s Summit Pro shell shorts are a pretty sweet piece of kit. I wasn’t sure if I’d like the lack of a fly, but the design has proven highly functional and it feels like there’s less material bunching in the crotch. It’s just one strap to loosen or tighten the waist and down or up they go. The Summit Pros are made from a really lightweight recycled nylon material and have pockets along the sides which keep cargo out of the way. They come in two colors and are an excellent summer trail bike short option.
Pearl Izumi’s Prospect shirt is a fun reminder of the different stages of bikes throughout life, and you can’t be in a bad mood while wearing it. The fabric feels a little less pliable or stretchy than other button-up jerseys, but it’s still pretty light and breathable. It wouldn’t be my first choice to don for a long ride, but it’s a solid choice when you’re ready to get that other sweaty jersey off.
PNW dropped their first women’s apparel line this year. While the feature list for the PNW Women’s Shuttle Short is pretty solid — a 13″ inseam, sustainable fabrics, water resistant DWR coating, 4-way stretch, two hand pockets, two hips pockets with inside mesh venting, and easy-to-use waist adjusters — the fit just isn’t very dialed, at least for me. I tested the smallest size available (XS) and found the shorts overly baggy with crotch hang in the front and extra fabric in the rear that threatens to catch my saddle even when it’s fully dropped. If you happen to have wider hips and a larger caboose then perhaps the fit will work well for you, or you may want to size down for a more fitted look. For my shape and size, the amount of fabric seems excessive and unflattering overall.
The PNW Women’s Ozone jersey is comprised of a wool/polyester blend. It’s very basic in look and design, the type of jersey you can wear riding and easily transition to wearing with a t-shirt and a pair of jeans; very soft and cozy. I enjoy the minimal branding, relaxed fit and no-frills look.
The Shredly MTB Short features a hybrid waistband that’s been optimized for maximum comfort and performance. The new waistband is partially elasticized in the rear with a mid-rise zipper and snap closure in the front and it works great, staying in place and looking great. Recycled polyester/spandex 4-way stretch fabric, two front hand pockets, one zippered front pocket, and a phone-sized, easy-access pocket on the side of the thigh round out the features list.
Price: $105 Colors: 15 flavors. The names won’t give you any idea what color they are. The shorts pictured are ‘Topo.’ Available at Shredly
All of Shredly’s tops are constructed using ultra-soft USA-made proprietary ecoFab performance fabric. A combination of recycled and natural fibers that are moisture wicking, anti-microbial, odor and wrinkle resistant; soft, cute, and begging for a French tuck. I tested the biker tank, and the raglan 3/4 top. Neither of these garments look like a jersey, which is the point. Unlike other jerseys, there are no hidden pockets or extra frills. The fabric feels buttery soft, is comfortable for biking or every day wear and doesn’t cause a stink fest after multiple rides.
Biker Tank: $48, 3/4 Raglan: $68 Colors: Ten flavors. The names won’t give you any idea what color they are. Teracotta tank and Wisteria raglan pictured. Available at Shredly
It’s hard to beat the classic t-shirt fit and feel. The Velocio Merino Trail Tee is a faithful rendition of the style, adding a performance-oriented merino wool blend that’s soft and breathable at the same time. This riding shirt has been my go-to this spring and I plan to keep wearing it up until the heat and humidity arrive in full force. Available in sizes XS to 4XL, I found the fit to be on the casual / loose side (size medium tested).
The Velocio Trail Access shorts are the brand’s thicker, more durable baggy option, made with 180gsm fabric and featuring a slightly longer cut for pairing with knee pads. There aren’t any waist adjusters so be sure to order the right size (fortunately Velocio does have a generous exchange and return policy). An unusual slide button closure on the fly is confusing despite a label explaining how it works. I struggled to open the fly initially and after just a couple uses one end of the snap ripped out entirely. I also found the fabric became rough and crinkly over time, probably because I threw them in the dryer with all my other clothes in spite of the warning not to do so. Overall I found these shorts to be a little too high maintenance.
The women’s Trail Access shorts are designed similarly to the men’s, with the same durable, somewhat stiff fabric and color options and longer inseam. I’m all of 5ft tall so these 11″ shorts hit right at my knee. The stretchy yoga-style waistband is comfortable and the four zippered pockets are thoughtful, especially opening the side ones for a little ventilation. I wanted to love these shorts but the view from the front is terribly unflattering as the stitching in the crotch bunches up highlighting my lady parts even with my thickest chamois on. On the bike, however, these shorts have a ton of stretch and moved as effortlessly as if I were wearing a pair of workout leggings.
I’m sorry but these prices are OUTRAGEOUS! $189 for shorts?!?! $90 for a t-shirt?!?! This is crazy. I’d love to see you all do an article of cycling clothes that are actually affordable. It doesn’t even have to be clothes from a cycling brand. For instance you did an article over the winter on those Wrangler ATX trail joggers—that was awesome, super helpful. I actually went and bought a pair of those pants and rode them all winter. They lack some bells and whistles but they have all the features a regular rider might need. Lets have some more articles like that. PI and PNW are really the only items of apparel in this article that seem close to reasonably priced. I’m not above paying $$ for well made clothes but $190 for shorts is ridiculous.
Sport specific clothing does seem to be going up in price (like many items these past few years). Unfortunately we don’t dictate specific brand pricing. However, thank you for the future article suggestion, there are certainly items we all ride in that fit within the “budget friendly” category, specific to mountain biking and cross functional items that will “do the trick.”
And I thought real estate was absurd! Take out a second on your house to buy some duds? Um, no!
Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week.
Connect
Company About Us | Support Us | Singletracks Merch | Widgets
Explore MTB Podcast | Best Bike Trails | IMBA Epics | Best MTB Gear | Mountain Bike Deals
Copyright 2022 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Terms | Privacy