Conclusion
If there’s one key point from this test, it’s that there’s now no such thing as a bad pair of shorts. Sure, some perform better in hot weather, some are better at keeping out rain and spray, some are more comfortable, or have better pockets and some are great value, but all do a decent job.
Our least favourite short was the Dainese HGL Aokighara. While the fit was decent and the durable ripstop fabric boasted a good DWR treatment, the lack of zipped pockets makes it a risky choice for mountain biking if you ride without a pack.
100% has an aspirational Californian image and slick styling, but the Boa dial was a case of form over function and the length wasn’t sufficient.
The DWR was also poor.
Patagonia is a welcome new entrant to the mountain bike apparel market as it brings ethical and sustainable practices that force other brands to up their games. And the Dirt Roamer short is a quality item at a price that undercuts many more established rivals. But it’s lacking in length if you ride with kneepads and the single pocket limits storage.
There are a cluster of shorts all rated 8, but each one has different strengths and weaknesses. The Troy Lee Designs Skyline Air is perfect for a heatwave and good value when you take into account the quality padded liner short. But it’s usefulness is limited in the UK, making its more versatile Skyline stablemate a better choice for most riders.
Scott’s Trail Tuned short is comfortable, stylish, generously-cut and also comes with a quality padded liner, but it’s pricey at £140, and may not appeal to non-scott owners.
Specialized’s Trail Cargo short is significantly more understated than the Scott Tuned. Unlike the lanky Tuned short, Specialized’s offering comes up a bit short, leaving an unsightly pad gap.
Fox is one of the trendiest brands on the market, up there with Troy Lee Designs, and it boasts more tech in the fabric and construction of its Flexair short than TLD’S Skyline. Once again, it’s just a bit too short for kneepad wearers, and we felt that it would be better without the laser-cut vents.
Finally the 7Mesh Slab with its weird seamless crotch. While we weren’t big fans of the unique looks and no-fly inconvenience, the material and cut is top notch.
With a 9 rating, Sweet Protection’s Hunter short impressed us with its durability and attention to detail. The cut was perfect for riding with kneepads, there’s plenty of secure storage for keys and a phone, and zip vents let you play with the thermostat depending on the weather.
Which leaves the Endura Singletrack Lite to take the top step once again – it’s already won our women’s short test earlier this year. There’s just so much to like about this classic garment: the price, the cut, the styling, the features and the reduced environmental impact. It even comes in two lengths depending on your height and kneepad proclivity.