The best bike trousers: 6 lightweight trail trousers for spring to autumn in the test

Long cycling trousers are no longer just a winter phenomenon. Whether in the trail centre, bike park or on the enduro trails at home - you could be forgiven for thinking that we are heading towards the next ice age rather than global warming. But as long as the sun isn't beating down relentlessly on your thighs, trail pants offer more than just style advantages over classic bike shorts. Especially on climbs with motor support, when the flow of sweat is limited, the lightweight cycling shorts are a sensible alternative - especially in the transitional period in spring and autumn. We have scrutinised six of the latest bike pants.

MTB trousers in comparison: 6 trail trousers in the test

• Endura MT500 Burner Lite trousers (test) >> available here
• Fox Ranger Pant (Test) >> available here
• Monserat Trailpants TP3 (Test)
• Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants (Test) >> available here
• O'Neal Trailfinder Pants (Test) >> available here
• Vaude Moab Pro cycling shorts (test) >> available here

Style and protection? In any case

In many cases, long bike trousers now replace leg or knee warmers and therefore an additional item of clothing that tends to slip or pinch when pedalling. What's more, the materials used for modern trail trousers are not only much more robust than the lycra of classic over-trousers, they also offer better protection from the whiplashes of bushes and branches jutting into the trail. The long trousers are also much easier to combine with knee pads. Considering that mountain bikes are becoming more and more powerful, the trails more demanding and the riding styles more aggressive, this is a very sensible development. Especially as the latest trail pants are no longer the stubborn baggy trousers we know from old freeride films. Manufacturers are focussing on lightweight materials that are stretchy yet hard-wearing.

Well thought-out cuts? For the most part

The fit has also changed a lot: the trouser legs taper towards the ankle and no longer rub against the cranks or chainring. Thanks to flexible cuffs, you can still slip into the trousers without risking calf cramps. Pre-shaped knee sections provide sufficient room for knee pads, and the width of the trousers can be adjusted with a ratchet or Velcro so that they don't slip off your hips even on steep climbs. Manufacturers such as Endura, O'Neal, Vaude and Norrøna go one step further. They use silicone prints on the back or cut the waistband a little higher at the waist. On the negative side, three manufacturers place a seam directly on the knees - this can lead to unpleasant friction when riding without pads.

Clever equipment? Not always

The manufacturers take a similar approach to the features - most trousers have two zip pockets and a width adjustment - but as always, it's the details that are decisive. O'Neal and Vaude place the pockets slightly to the side of the thigh, which means that the contents bounce less when pedalling. The Norrøna's slash pockets, on the other hand, have not proven themselves in practice. We found the laser cuts in the back of the knees on the Endura and Vaude to be pleasant. They at least provide slight ventilation during the ride. Particularly commendable: Fox and Monserat also offer a long version of their trousers in the most common sizes. This means that they are not only suitable for a wide range of seasons, but also for all possible anatomies - whether short or long legs.

I have to confess: I wear long bike trousers even on obvious short trouser days because I simply find them stylish. Quite apart from that, they are much more practical and comfortable than leg warmers, more robust anyway and they reliably protect the lower legs on the trail. An absolute no-go, however, are trouser legs that are too short and ride up, and baggy cuts that flap in the wind like balloon silk jogging trousers. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Endura MT500 Burner Lite Trousers - Info & Price

• Price: 114,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 277 grams (size L)
• Made in: China
• 4-way stretch for maximum freedom of movement
• Waist size adjustable with Velcro
• Silicone prints at the rear for better grip
• Mesh and laser cuts for ventilation in the back of the knees
• 2 zip pockets
• Clickfast system for clipping on inner trousers

Anyone looking for lightweight bike trousers for trail and enduro rides should take a look at Endura, because the Scots have a weight-optimised version of the tried-and-tested downhill pants in their range. Thin stretch fabric and ventilation inserts prevent heat build-up and increase comfort. The waist size can be extensively adjusted using Velcro straps. Thanks to silicone prints on the higher-cut rear, the Burner Lite sits firmly on the hips in all situations - no slipping in the saddle, plenty of freedom of movement in technical terrain and a very airy feel. The trousers are rather large. If you like a sporty fit, it's better to choose a size smaller. The disadvantage of the thin fabric is that it tends to rustle and is difficult to keep heavy objects - such as a smartphone - in check in the pockets. The visible zip at the fly is visually questionable.

Advantages

+ very light and airy
+ good fit thanks to high waistband and wide adjustment range
+ comfortable length, trouser legs do not ride up

Disadvantages

- Material is a little rickety
- heavy objects bounce in the pockets
- Zips do not move easily

Fox Ranger Trousers - Info & Price

• Price: 109,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 281 grams (32)
• Two lengths available (size 32, 34, 36)
• pre-shaped knee section
• adjustable waistband
• 2 zip pockets

The Ranger is not a classic in the US-American range for nothing. With their slim fit, 4-way stretch and well thought-out cut, these trousers made from lightweight ripstop fabric can do pretty much anything from trail tours to enduro rides and bike park shredding. The knee area is slightly pre-shaped so that pads fit comfortably under the trousers. A practical ratchet strap, two zip pockets and close-fitting stretch cuffs on the legs round off the features. Clever: the particularly popular sizes 32, 34 and 36 are also available in a longer version. We would have liked a slightly higher cut at the rear and the pockets would have been better positioned further to the side. There is no ventilation option on warm days. Otherwise, the Fox Ranger is an all-round recommendable trail pant with a comfortable fit and flutter-free cut.

Advantages

+ robust and stretchy fabric
+ easy width adjustment
+ close-fitting leg cuffs
+ pre-shaped knee section for protectors

Disadvantages

- Waistband could be higher at the rear
- Pockets not very practically placed
- Leg cuffs a little tight when taking off

Monserat Trailpants (TP3) - Info & Price

• Price: 134,95 Euro
• Weight: 302 grams (size 34)
• Made from 88 per cent Econyl and manufactured in Europe
• roomier knee section for protectors
• two zip pockets
• Width adjustment with ratchet
• Available in intermediate sizes and two lengths

The small label from Stuttgart pursues the most sustainable approach possible with recycled materials and production in Europe. A ratchet system is used as the fastening, which can be easily adjusted in width. Once you've put the trail trousers on, you won't want to take them off again in a hurry. The lightweight material is pleasantly soft on the skin and offers a high degree of stretch, so it follows every movement on the bike without any problems. The trouser legs are almost perfect - nice and close-fitting without flapping and, above all, long enough so that the trousers don't constantly ride up to the calves when pedalling. The waistband is also cut slightly higher at the rear and stays in place well. The zips on the trouser pockets run particularly smoothly and are easy to open while riding. Only the cross seam on the knee can rub against the skin when pedalling without a protector.

Advantages

+ many size options
+ great fit on the waistband and legs
+ pleasantly stretchy material

Disadvantages

- somewhat expensive
- Cross seam below the knees can rub

Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants - Info & Price

• Price: 199 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 369 grams (size L)
• More than 50 percent recycled fibres
• roomier knee section for protectors
• two zip pockets at the back, two slit pockets
• Width adjustment with Velcro straps
• stretchy but robust ripstop fabric
• Reinforced seat area
• Oeko-Tex and bluesign certification

Norrøna doesn't let its guard down when it comes to features. The Norwegians rely on lightweight but robust stretch fabric with ripstop, which is recycled and certified according to bluesign criteria. The seat area is reinforced and highly water-repellent. Thick protectors fit easily under the wide, pre-shaped knee sections. The workmanship is excellent. The fit, on the other hand, is less convincing: the trousers sit perfectly on the waist, can be adjusted neatly and don't slip down at the back when pedalling. But otherwise, the Skibotn is more reminiscent of riding trousers - tight at the calves, but wide from the knees down and very short overall. The material is constantly in motion when pedalling, and the trousers tend to flap on fast descents. The open front pockets are less practical than zip pockets, and we hardly used the rear-facing zip pockets in practice.

Advantages

+ extensive equipment
+ perfectly finished
+ good fit on the waist
+ robust, stretchy and comfortable material
+ reinforced seat area

Disadvantages

- very expensive
- very short
- knee and thigh flattering and wide cut

O'Neal Trailfinder Pants - Info & Price

• Price: 99,99 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Weight: 285 grams (size 34)
• Knee preforming for protectors
• Waistband cut higher at the back
• Elastic material
• 2 leg pockets with zip
• Adjustable waistband
• Elasticated leg cuffs

The Trailfinder has an inconspicuous look and robust, stretchy material. Their features are straightforward: two zip pockets and a ratchet adjustment similar to Fox. In return, you get an attractively priced pair of trousers for enduro adventures and bike park use. We liked the stretchy waistband with practical adjustment, which hardly slips down even when pedalling. Clever: the two zip pockets are positioned at the sides so that your smartphone or keys don't get in the way when pedalling. In general, the robust material follows all movements well and easily absorbs the odd contact with the ground. Because the Trailfinder lets little wind through, it is also suitable for cooler days. Disadvantage: In summer, the trousers quickly feel sweaty. The trouser legs are pleasantly long, but could be cut tighter. No-go: The cross seams above the knees chafe when pedalling.

Advantages

+ robust material
+ well-placed zip pockets
+ practical width adjustment

Disadvantages

- somewhat sweaty material
- Seams in the knee area can chafe

Vaude Moab Pro - Info and price

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 295 grams (size L)
• Inside leg length: 80 cm
• Elasticated leg cuffs
• Knee preforming for protectors
• Waistband cut higher at the back
• Elastic material
• 2 leg pockets with zip
• Adjustable waistband
• Ventilation through laser technology

Slip them on and feel good - it sounds trite, but it actually applies to the Moab Pro. The lightweight, stretchy recycled material feels comfortable against the skin. The trousers don't get too sweaty, even on climbs, because laser cuts in the back of the knees provide ventilation. The trousers are simply fastened with a hook fastener - five eyelets offer sufficient adjustment options. Typical Vaude: the stretch waistband is pulled far up at the back. This means that the trousers fit securely even on steep sections without slipping when pedalling. The relatively long trouser legs, which end in a flexible mesh finish, are also impressive. Where other bike trousers often ride up to the calf when pedalling, the Vaude always stays in shape. Unfortunately, the seams over the knees of the Moab are not optimally positioned. Otherwise, these are lightweight yet robust trousers for demanding trail rides.

Advantages

+ comfortable stretch material
+ stable fit with extended waistband at the back
+ easy width adjustment
+ sufficiently long trouser leg

Disadvantages

- Seams in the knee area can pull without a protector