Baggy MTB shorts or tight cycling shorts? What to wear mountain biking

For mountain biking, baggy MTB shorts with padded liner shorts are usually the better choice: the tough outer fabric fends off branches and brambles better than thin stretch fabric, and the liner brings the pad. Tight cycling shorts are lighter and more aerodynamic, and suit you if you mainly ride forest roads, gravel and tarmac. Many riders combine both: tight cycling shorts or padded liner shorts underneath, baggy shorts on top.

What's the difference between MTB shorts and cycling shorts?

Cycling shorts fit tightly and have the pad sewn straight in. They are made of thin stretch fabric, do not flap and dry quickly. They offer hardly any protection against thorns and rough ground, and off the bike they stand out.

MTB shorts, often called baggies, have a loose cut, sturdier fabric and pockets. The pad sits in liner shorts, which can be removed on many models. That way you can wash the liner after every ride and the outer shorts less often. And when you stop at a café or pub at the end of the ride, you look as if you are wearing ordinary sports shorts.

The liner follows the same rule as any cycling shorts: it is worn directly against the skin, with no underwear, otherwise two layers of fabric and their seams slide against each other. The liner should fit snugly; the outer shorts can hang loosely, but not so loosely that the fabric catches on the saddle with every pedal stroke or the leg hooks over the saddle nose.

Which MTB shorts are suited to rough terrain?

For enduro, e-MTB and trails with roots and rocks, the outer fabric needs some reserves, especially on the seat, which is the first thing to touch the ground if you slide out. According to Craft, the Craft ADV Offroad XT Shorts with pad are built for exactly that: hard-wearing stretch fabric, a reinforced seat, a Velcro (hook-and-loop) waist adjustment, a zipped pocket and removable liner shorts with the C4 pad, which Craft designs for all types of cycling.

The Craft Offroad XT Short has a loose cut, perforations on the inner leg for extra airflow, an adjustable Velcro waist, a zipped pocket on the right leg and also removable liner shorts with the C4 pad.

Which MTB shorts suit rides on forest tracks?

For rides on forest tracks and gravel, the shorts can be lighter. What matters is a breathable fabric, pockets for keys and an energy bar, and a pad you can take out. The CMP Free Bike Bermuda for men has a stretchy, breathable outer fabric, mesh inside, a pad that comes out via press studs, and front pockets. The CMP Free Bike Bermuda for women is built the same way and also has an adjustable Velcro waist. A second women's version, the CMP Free Bike Bermuda in anthracite, has two front pockets and a removable pad as well.

When are tight cycling shorts better off-road?

On long rides with lots of elevation gain and little technical riding, on a gravel bike and in hot weather. Baggy shorts soak up water and mud and get heavy; tight cycling shorts dry faster. On long seated climbs it also matters that nothing chafes and no extra fabric catches on the saddle. How to choose the pad and fit of tight cycling shorts is explained in padded cycling shorts.

A practical in-between: padded liner shorts under baggy shorts that have no liner of their own. That way you choose the pad that suits you and the outer shorts according to the weather and the route.

In autumn and winter many riders wear long padded cycling tights under their baggy MTB shorts instead of short liners. This keeps your knees and thighs warm, and the outer shorts protect the tights from thorns and mud.

Jersey or T-shirt: what do you wear on top for mountain biking?

On a mountain bike you sit more upright than on a road bike, and your top has to move with you when you stand up and shift your weight. That is why many riders wear loose-fitting jerseys with a short zip instead of close-fitting road jerseys.

The Craft Core Offroad XT jersey is made for MTB and gravel: soft, recycled, moisture-wicking polyester, mesh on the sides, a short front zip and a zipped rear pocket. It also comes in red. The CMP Freebike shirt for men has a full-length zip, a rear pocket, Dry Function and an anti-odour treatment. The Dare 2b Riding Jersey has a mesh back, three rear pockets and reflective prints. More on the difference between a jersey and a T-shirt in cycling jersey or technical T-shirt.

What does Eifel weather mean for your MTB clothing?

After rain, forest tracks in the Eifel are often muddy, and then the rear wheel sprays mud up your back and seat. Dark outer shorts look better afterwards, and removable liner shorts save on washing. Take a light wind jacket on longer rides; going downhill, the airflow chills you quickly, especially in wet clothing. It is best to wash dirty clothing soon and gently, see washing and caring for cycling clothing.

The quick decision

• Trails, roots, rocks, e-MTB: baggy shorts in tough fabric with liner shorts.
• Forest tracks and rides with a café stop: light baggy shorts with a removable pad.
• Gravel, long climbs, warm days: tight cycling shorts.
• Combine both: padded liner or tight shorts underneath, baggy shorts on top.
• On top: a loose jersey with a pocket and zip instead of a cotton T-shirt.