Behold, the humble mountain bike short. For such a simple item, riders demand a lot, and finding the best pair often involves trial and error. Singletracks has tested nearly 100 different pairs of mountain bike pants over the past few years, and these are the ones that stand out in our experience.

We’ve tested various iterations of bike pants over the years and they never let us down. Jelenew offers regular and short fits to ensure the length falls right around the knee no matter your size. Zippered pockets — two front and one rear — provide plenty of secure storage and laser-cut holes keep these well ventilated.

These are lightweight, dry quickly, and offer four different pockets, including a secure, zippered side pocket. An inner drawstring and silicon waist grippers keep the shorts in place; for an even more secure fit there are belt loops as well. Falling just above the knee, these shorts are best suited for trail riding. Men’s and women’s styles available.

Rear waist coverage is good too, and there are three pockets. Two large, zippered vents open up on hot days, and there are multiple weights to choose form (light, mid, and heavy). 

These offer a sleek look and feel with a length that falls right at the knees and velcro waist adjusters for a secure, yet comfortable fit. There are two hand pockets in the front and one centered pocket in the rear, all secured with zippers. A slightly tapered leg means these baggies aren’t caught flapping in the wind while you bomb down the trail. 

Literally anyone. Whether you're looking for a flattering workout set to wear for daily walks or wanting a set that can handle a considerable gym workout, this workout set will perform for anyone. It's great for any sort of movement, however, I wouldn't lounge around the house in it. Its compression can definitely feel restricting if you're not moving around.