Road vs. mountain cycling shorts?

Question

Is there a difference in cycling shorts that mainly cater to road bikers. I'm looking for spandex shorts but don't know if a brand like pearl izumi will differ from Castelli. Is there a difference in fit/durability/anything. I don't want to look like a dork with road shorts on the trail (If there is in fact a difference)

Answer 1

Cheaper tights/shorts will have double,not triple,quad or even 5 layers of stitched elastic leg seams and will have crappy elastics in them that will fail from use and washing.

The clothes dryer is a biking shorts enemy.Hang them out to dry inside out.

My fave is Louis G. as I still ride with a pair that cost 60 bucks and still are good after ten years.My only regret is that I didn't buy two pair at the time

I hope this is of some assistance to you

Answer 2

If your looking for spandex shorts no, there is no difference. I always use mine on and off road.

Answer 3

There are baggies with built in shorts specific to mountain biking, of course.

However, there are no lycra shorts specific to mountain biking.  If you put a pro mountain bike xc racer next to a pro road racer, you won't see a difference in the shorts.  Castelli and Pearl Izumi both make great shorts, as does Louis Garneau.  Borah is good at a lower price.  I wouldn't wear my best road wear on the trail because I brush things and crash once in a while.  But don't go too cheap or generic.  Your personal equipment will appreciate the investment.

You may catch flack from some mountain bikers for looking like a roadie.  There is no arguing with them.  I just ride.  And if roadie style shorts are good enough for the likes of Tinker Juarez and Steve Tilford, they're certainly good enough for me.

Answer 4

You can always wear baggy shorts over your road shorts. Its like wearing boxer briefs with extra padding.

Answer 5

I got PI and Castelli and other than the crazy price tag on the Castelli they are just about the same when compairing the same type (ie..gel vs. cham or coolmax padding) On a Mtb you can wear the road under some baggy shorts and get the performance and comfort but not look like a dork (I don't think you would, but im a road biker, some off roader might think so).

Answer 6

Road cycling shorts are usually tight-fitting to reduce air resistance. Mountain biking shorts are looser, and look more like casual shorts, with pockets. Either can be found with padding in the seat area, which is great for long rides.

Go to a bike shop and see which style you prefer. You might feel a bit exposed in tight spandex.