Sleek spandex shorts don’t have much of a place on mountain bike (MTB) trails. Dirt trails are made for semi-baggy shorts and a casual style. That’s why, on my off-road days, I’ve been sporting the Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts, so I don’t look like a road biker that god her wardrobe all mixed up. (Not that there’s anything wrong with road bike clothing! I’ve got a great kit, too!)
One of my favorite things about the shorts is that there are both men’s and women’s versions, so everyone can wear them and get miffed at our bike pals for having the better-looking gear.
The lightweight pair of 9-inch inseam MTB shorts sports a comfortable foam pad to cushion the ride. The outer short is made of a durable (soft, too) 96-percent nylon/4-percent spandex stretch fabric with DWR finish that sheds moisture. The fabric is Blue Sign approved, which means that it offers the highest level of consumer safety by employing methods and materials in its manufacturing process that conserve resources and minimize impact on people and the environment.
The shorts have a zipper fly and button closure. The waist is fully adjustable, with elastic attaching to low-profile webbing on the inside of the waist, which buttons to fine-tune the fit. You can also wear a belt with these shorts, if necessary.
There are drop-in hand pockets for your phone, and a secure, zipper pocket in the back for keys and cash. A reflective logo is places on front and back for low-light conditions.
The Dirt Craft Shorts come with a detachable liner that connects to the outer short with webbing and snaps. The liner is made with a stretchy polyester and spandex blend, with breathable mesh panels. An elastic waistband helps hold it in place. Affixed to the liner is a 3-layer, seamless, open-cell foam pad with an ergonomic shape. The comfortable, anti-bacterial pad rapidly absorbs perspiration and dries quickly.
The women’s Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts come in rattan and navy blue (the men’s shorts come in rattan and black), and list for $149 on the Patagonia site. They’re also available at Backcountry.