Cycling trousers are a necessity when the temperature drops and the trails become muddy and filled with puddles. They provide well-needed warmth and protection from the elements.

They are particularly convenient in that you can simply remove your trousers at the end of a muddy ride and not have to worry about washing mud and debris off of your shins and knee pads.

Mountain bike trouser design really has come along leaps and bound – they are no longer as hot, heavy, ill-fitting or restrictive as they used to be.

They’re also no longer solely reserved for cold winter riding. Some riders prefer to ride in trousers outside of the colder seasons, for example when the trails are overgrown.

There are a range of trousers to choose from for a variety of conditions, from waterproof options for the foulest winter conditions to lightweight, perforated options for more clement weather.

Ultimately, the best trouser for you will depend on your requirements and the type of riding you partake in.

Key features

So what are the key factors you need to look for in a decent set of mountain bike trousers?

Firstly, the shape and fit need to work. If the trousers are overly baggy, there’s a likelihood they’ll absorb water and mud and feel heavy and flap about when you’re riding.

Equally, be careful to ensure that the cut isn’t too tight, as that will restrict freedom of movement and you won’t be able to fit knee pads underneath.

Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

Most cycling trousers will have adjustability built-in, allowing you to perfect the fit so they can articulate well when pedalling.

That may be through a ratchet closure, a waistband or a buckle-and-loop system. Generally speaking, the more expensive the trouser, the more sophisticated the closure.

It’s important to note how the trousers move when you’re pedalling (known as articulation) and how they interact with your knee pads. If the trousers don’t articulate well, you’ll be constantly adjusting your knee pads from where they slip down your legs.

Many feature perforations to allow them extra breathability, typically at the thigh area or just below the waist. Lighter weight options will feature additional perforations.

Many trousers feature grippers on the inside of the waistband, typically made from silicon, to hold the garment in place and stop them from riding down.

Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

Pocket placement is another key factor to bear in mind for storing essentials when riding. They need to be large enough to store your valuables and be positioned well to avoid your items rattling around when riding. It adds further manufacturing complexity and cost when they are zipped.

Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Some trousers have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, or similar, to help repel water from puddles or light showers. This is a breathable coating that’s applied to the fabric during manufacture and repels water by making it bead and roll off the garment rather than soak into the fabric.

This doesn’t replace a pair of fully waterproof trousers, but it’s reassuring to know that trousers that feature this technology can withstand some water. The DWR coating needs to be reapplied from time to time.

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