With an explosion of brands that are designing quality mountain bike clothes, there is no shortage of well designed, women-specific options. Below you will find a select list of some of our favorites after rigorously testing as many brands as we could get our hands on.

Also be sure to check out our guides to the best men’s mountain bike apparel and our many other bike guides.

At a Glance

• Best Durability for Shorts:
• Best Durability for Pants:
• Best Comfort:
• Best Style Shorts:
• Best Style Jersey:
• Best Waistband:
• Best Jersey for Warm Rides:
• Best Pants for Warm Rides:
• Best Cross-Country Shorts:
• Best Cross-Country Jersey:
• How to Choose a Mountain Bike Kit
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Durability

Velocio Ultralight Trail Short

Sizes: XXS-3XL
Inseam: 13” (M)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Company ethics on manufacturing and renewal program
⊕ Excellent pocket placement
⊗ Expensive

The Velocio Ultralight Trail shorts are crafted from an ultralight, DWR coated, stretch-woven fabric that offers a modern, streamlined silhouette that testers loved. The shorts fit to size with an expansive size range all the way from XXS to triple XL. The two zippered side pockets were able to fit a phone, wallet, or snacks, and we loved how they were placed in the middle of the thigh so they didn’t bother us when they were filled with items while we were pedaling.

Testers found that the Ultralight Trail shorts readily resisted any wear and tear after hours of pedaling, multiple wash cycles, and a of couple crashes. While the price is steep, we found that you’re paying for quality fabrics from a company that has solid ethics and the added bonus of a renewal program. So yes, you pay a little extra, but the return is a durable, well-designed, ethically-crafted riding short.

Best Durability

7mesh Flightpath Pant

Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 32” (medium)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fabric holds up well to snags and precipitation
⊕ Hook and ladder adjustable waist is a solid design
⊗ Expensive
⊗ Narrow, non-adjustable ankle cuff

According to 7mesh, The Flightpath Pant is “built to resist the wear and tear of the most challenging trail day,” and testers found this statement to be exactly on point. It’s a top-of-the-line rugged riding pant that handled everything we threw at it, and kept us comfortable and dry on our alpine testing adventures.

The pants feature hand pockets, two zippered side pockets, hook and ladder waist adjuster, zippered fly with snap closure and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric with DWR finish. The fabric, a nylon and elastane blend, is light, durable, breathes well on climbs, and easily repels water. They offer a fitted but stretchy cut, while still accommodating knee guards. 7mesh has hit all the marks with the Flightpath pant.

Best Comfort

Shredly All Time Zipper Snap Mid-Rise Shorts -14”

Sizes: 00-16
Inseam: 5”, 11”, 14”

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide range of sizes and inseam lengths
⊕ Stylish colors and patterns
⊗ Might replace all your other bike shorts

The All Time 14” shorts are the updated version of Shredly’s popular MTB long shorts from previous years. They feature a hybrid zipper/snap waistband with a stretch knit back, two front hand pockets, zippered hip and side pockets, and come in two other inseam length options. The fabric is a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric crafted from recycled polyester and spandex.

The first thing testers noticed was how comfortable and secure the hybrid waistband is. Second, they loved how the clever design ensures a proper fit on testers with a variety of sizes and shapes while still looking clean and stylish. For a little more style and a lot more comfort than your typical mountain bike shorts, the All Time 14” shorts will not disappoint.

Best Style Shorts

Wild Rye Rita Shorts

Sizes: 0-14
Inseam: 6”

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fun and stylish design patterns
⊗ Small gap between some knee guards and short hem

The Rita Shorts are Wild Rye’s new, no-frills, lightweight, mid-length riding shorts. It features a DWR coated 4-way stretch fabric, gusseted crotch, front pockets, a side zipper pocket, and a UPF 50 sun protection rating. The Rita is on point with the current trend towards shorter inseam shorts while still checking all the performance boxes we look for.

Testers found that the hybrid waistband in particular was super comfortable during longer rides. As usual, testers also loved how it comes in all of Wild Rye’s trademark fun-loving designs. These are shorts you will most definitely want to add to your 2024 wishlist.

Best Style Jersey

Wild Rye Holly Jersey

Sizes: 0-24

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fabric blend is perfection
⊗ Might replace all your other bike jerseys

The Holly jersey is a loose fitting, versatile riding jersey that features long Raglan sleeves, a UPF 50 rating, mesh side panels, and a merino/poly blended fabric for odor resistance and durability. Testers found the style of the Holly jersey to be pleasantly straightforward, with three solid color options and minimal branding. That said, it comes in a very inclusive size range compared to the standard small, medium, and large options for women’s bike jerseys.

Rain or shine, long sleeves are my go to style for added protection from the elements, and the soft material on the Holly jersey did not disappoint. Add in the ventilation panels and fabric, and the Holly is the jersey you never knew you needed for year-round riding.

Best Waistband

Curious Creatures Sun Dog Shorts

Sizes: 0-14
Inseam: 8.5”

Pros and Cons
⊕ Elastic knit waistband is super comfortable
⊗ Small gap between some knee guards and short hem

Curious Creatures has entered the mountain bike apparel scene hot this year, debuting their first collection in August of 2023. The Sun Dog Shorts are light-weight, medium length riding shorts that feature an elastic mid-rise knit waistband, two zippered pockets, and a 4-way stretch soft polyester fabric with a PFC-free DWR finish. The design is focused on comfort, and the elastic knit waistband is sublimely on point. They come in three colors and a standard size range.

The Sun Dogs fall to just above the knee, making them versatile for both on and off trail activities. One ding: they leave a gap between most knee guards and the hem. Want more coverage? Try their Marilyn shorts instead. But for warm weather rides, the Sun Dogs are your best bet.

Best Jersey for Warm Rides

Ion Women’s Traze SS Jersey

Sizes: 34/XS-42/XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent breathability
⊗ Fitted cut might be tight on certain frames

The Traze is a lightweight, short-sleeve, breathable polyester riding jersey that testers loved on warmer days in Hood River. The jersey includes vent fabric side inserts and a soft-to-the-touch stretch fabric made with recycled polyester, lyocell, and elastane that kept us cool. The jersey has a pleasantly snug, tee-shirt style fit, so if you prefer a looser fit, you may want to consider sizing up.

Overall, the Traze is a good looking jersey that offers extra breathability with the vented side fabric panels. It falls in the middle in terms of fabric weight but wins points with style. Testers would recommend this as your go-to jersey for warm weather rides.

Best Pants for Warm Rides

Pearl Izumi Summit Pant

Sizes: 2-14
Inseam: 31.25”
Fabric: Main: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent ventilation and lightweight fabric
⊕ Long inseam
⊕ Flattering cut
⊗ Non-adjustable ankle cuff
⊗ Sizing runs a bit on the small and slim side

The Summit Pant is a summer-weight riding pant that features an adjustable G-hook waist closure, two zippered pockets, perforated ventilation panels, and a PFC-free DWR coated recycled polyester/spandex fabric. The women’s sizing was on the smaller, more fitted side, so consider sizing up. The cut was flattering, offering a slim silhouette while still being roomy enough to accommodate lighter weight knee guards. The ankle openings have a bit of elastic, which made them easy to slip on and off, but are otherwise non-adjustable. All in all, Pearl Izumi has done a good job designing these warm weather favorites.

Best Cross-Country Shorts

Fox Wmns Flexair Ascent Lined Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ A stretchy lightweight fabric that equals pure comfort
⊗ Not compatible with knee guards
⊗ Super tight fit is not compatible with all body shapes

The Flexair Ascent shorts are a visual throwback to the short and tight love affair that followed the lycra explosion 30 years ago. Looks aside, these are a high-tech, low bulk option that come with a chamois liner and features a highly breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, zippered side pocket, ratchet waist closure, and stretchy rear yoke for superb comfort. The tight cut and mid-length inseam feel aimed more at cross country and gravel riding than all-mountain/enduro adventures. While the Fox chamois isn’t our favorite, the shorts shined on longer XC rides where knee guards weren’t part of the program.

Best Cross-Country Jersey

Fox Flexair Ascent SS Jersey

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Moisture wicking, breathable design
⊗ Tight fit was doesn’t work for all bodies

Fox has done something right with this simple, yet functional, short sleeve jersey designed for your mountain, road, or gravel adventure. It has the sweat wicking and breathability testers crave on summer hot laps, but without the old school pockets and heavy branding that screams “bike nerd!” Overall, it’s a simple design with a more fitted cut that is curated to the gravel/cross-country aficionado who isn’t a fan of the lycra look. It’s ideal for two wheeled summer adventures without a chairlift. Plus, it’s more affordable than the majority of the other jerseys we tested.

How to Choose a Mountain-Bike Kit

When shopping for mountain-bike apparel, consider where and how you ride. If, for example, you spend most of your time in a bike park, focus on durability and protection first and breathability second. On the other hand, if you’re committed to logging big miles in the backcountry, lightweight, wicking fabrics are critical to comfort.

Your local bike shop should have plenty of options to choose from, and the pros can help you determine which pieces are best for your local climate. Also consider buying from a used gear shop—with apparel, you don’t need to worry as much about safety, and you can easily save money from pre-loved garments.

How We Tested

• Number of testers: 4
• Number of products tested: 20
• Longest ride: 3 hours

The items tested for the best women’s mountain bike apparel were selected with input from Pinkbike staff and the four testers. The majority of the testing was done in Hood River, Oregon in the fall of 2023, with some products previously reviewed as part of Pinkbike projects earlier in the year. The female testers not part of the Pinkbike team are all avid mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails in Hood River include the iconic Post Canyon system, just on the outskirts of town, which offers a vast network of forested trails dropping 3,000 vertical feet from the top point, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks; to the 44 Trails, about an hour south of town on the flanks of Mount Hood. The infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest is just across the Columbia River on the Washington side, with an abundance of riding opportunities. Fall is the perfect time for testing in the PNW, as the dry summer heat fades away and the moisture makes for some epic trail conditions and a variety of temperatures, from below-freezing to the mid-eighties.

Meet Our Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River OR with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year old late family edition, two dogs and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking or parenting, you will find her on the local trails.

Megan Barton started riding mountain bikes in 2017 after spending many years running silly long distances on trails. She has years of coaching for both Dirt Series and Brave Endeavours, a Hood River based program. When she’s not on two wheels, you can find her running, rafting, hiking, or working her day job as a nurse practitioner.

Bekah Rottenberg is the founder and head coach of Brave Endeavors: MTB Skills and Strength Training. She lives and works in Hood River, OR and can most commonly be found on her bike coaching kids or adults.

The post The Best Mountain-Biking Clothes for Women appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

There are endless choices when it comes to mountain bike knee protection. We tested ten options while running hot laps on local trails, barreling down bike parks, and grinding out all-day alpine adventures. At the end of the day, these four knee pads stood out as the most pedal-friendly options thanks to their compact size, versatility, and comfort.

• Best Value:
• Best Airflow:
• Most Comfortable:
• Best for Long Rides:
• How to Choose Knee Pads
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Value

Fox Launch D30

Weight: 207 g
Size Range: S -L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Secure fit
⊕ Good front and side coverage
⊗ Runs hot

The D30 Launch are Fox’s Level 1 certified, medium-gauged knee guards made for all-day pedaling. They feature a slip-on design with additional Velcro fasteners at the top and bottom for a secure fit. Testers reported that they fit well and stayed in place while pedaling, but airflow was not a strong point—they don’t breathe as well as the Troy Lee Designs or POC options on this list.

That said, these are great bang for your buck knee guards that offer just enough protection to give you the confidence to go hard and are comfortable enough to leave on for modest climbs.

Best Airflow

POC VPD Air Flow Knee Pad

Weight: 110 g
Size Range: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Super lightweight
⊕ Exceptional breathability
⊗ Minimal coverage—not enough for any rowdy technical riding
⊗ Expensive

The VPD Air Flow Knee Pads are POC’s newest lightweight knee guards that utilize a minimalist, slim sleeve design for just enough protection to encourage pushing it on more aggressive trail rides. These pads feature four inches of elastic grip on the inside top edge, which testers reported helped them stay in place.

Best of all, these pads are made from a very light and breathable material which prevented them from cooking our knees—one tester has since made the VPD Air Flow her go-to knee pads for shorter rides thanks to their superior breathability. However, we did find their comfort limits on longer rides. We recommend sizing down and limiting this low-profile option to riding flowy, less technical trails.

Most Comfortable

Akta Trail Knee Pad

Weight: 183 g
Size Range: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Breathable
⊕ Very comfortable
⊗ Some minor shin rubbing at the bottom of the pad
⊗ Run large

These knee guards were a tester favorite for their comfortable and pedal-friendly fit. The slip-on design features a mesh back that offers excellent breathability and uses compression elastic and silicone grippers at the top and bottom to prevent slippage while pedaling. That, combined with D30 inserts and EVA foam padding for protection that doesn’t get in the way while pedaling, had testers forgetting that they were wearing any pads at all even during longer rides.

According to testers, they’re everything you always wanted in a low-profile, pedal-friendly knee pad—comfortable, breathable, and burly enough for 80 percent of trails. One note: We found these to run large and recommend sizing down.

Best for Long Rides

Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guard

Weight: 320 g
Size Range: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Good breathability
⊕ Comfortable to pedal in
⊕ Compact (easy to stow or fold up)
⊗ Minimal side protection
⊗ Limited size options

The Troy Lee Designs Stage knee guard is a game-changer for those who have been hesitant to wear knee pads because they tend to get in the way of pedaling. They’re a sleeve-style guard, with silicone gripper elastic strips to hold them snugly in place and a highly breathable mesh back, which testers appreciated on hotter days or long climbs.

In fact, these pads are now my top choice for longer rides since they’re lightweight and not too bulky, offering just enough protection for the more technical trails in my neighborhood. Thanks to their compact size, they’re also easily stashed away mid-ride after you’ve cruised through the techy stuff. “These knee guards are easy to throw in a pack and have become my favorite addition to all my rides,” added another tester.

They’re also durable—my set has held up well for two seasons of consistent riding with only minor wear (including the silicone). Simply put, they add that layer of confidence and protection that we all need.

How to Choose Knee Pads

Before you purchase knee pads, it’s important to consider what type of riding you’ll be doing. If you spend most of your time in the bike park and riding downhill, technical trails, you’ll want beefier pads that provide ample protection—comfort and breathability are secondary. On the other hand, if you’ll mostly be riding cross-country trails with lots of uphill vertical, you’ll want knee pads that are lighter and more breathable to help you stay cool and comfortable.

It’s always a good idea to try on a pair in your local bike shop to see which size fits you best and whether you can comfortably bend your knees in them. The last thing you want is a pair of knee pads that are too small and squeeze your legs, or a pair that slips off your knees mid-ride. Sizing can vary depending on the brand, so know that a size medium in one brand might fit differently than a size medium in another brand.

Knee pads are a category that we don’t suggest you buy pre-owned, since previous wear and tear that isn’t obvious to the eye can make them considerably less protective.

How We Tested

• Number of testers: 4
• Number of pads tested: 10
• Longest ride: 3 hours

We enlisted four testers and the editors at our sister title, Pinkbike, to pedal in ten different knee guards to help us determine which offered the best mix of protection, comfort, and breathability. All testers are avid mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing. The majority of the testing was done in Hood River, Oregon in the fall of 2023, with some products previously reviewed as part of Pinkbike projects earlier in the year.

The main trails in Hood River include the iconic Post Canyon system, just on the outskirts of town, which offers a vast network of forested trails dropping 3,000 vertical feet from the top point, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks; to the 44 Trails, about an hour south of town on the flanks of Mount Hood. The infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest is just across the Columbia River on the Washington side, with an abundance of riding opportunities. Fall is the perfect time for testing in the PNW, as the dry summer heat fades away and the moisture makes for some epic trail conditions and a variety of temperatures, from below-freezing to the mid-eighties.

Meet Our Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River OR with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year old late family edition, two dogs and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking or parenting, you will find her on the local trails.

Megan Barton started riding mountain bikes in 2017 after spending many years running silly long distances on trails. She has years of coaching for both Dirt Series and Brave Endeavours, a Hood River based program. When she’s not on two wheels, you can find her running, rafting, hiking, or working her day job as a nurse practitioner.

Bekah Rottenberg is the founder and head coach of Brave Endeavors: MTB Skills and Strength Training. She lives and works in Hood River, OR and can most commonly be found on her bike coaching kids or adults.

The post The Best Knee Pads for Mountain Biking appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Trying to pick a new bike helmet when there are hundreds of options can be a daunting task. And while all bike helmets—including road, gravel, and mountain biking—have to meet the same safety standards, that doesn’t mean all helmets are created equal. From fit to durability, weight, ventilation, and protection, there are multiple factors to consider to determine what your next purchase might look like.

Our testers donned 20 helmets for various road, gravel, and mountain biking adventures over the course of four months. After putting in thousands of collective miles, these are the bike helmets that won them over. And good news: many of our top picks are currently on sale, so you can score top-of-the-line protection for a sweet deal.

At a Glance

Mountain Bike Helmets

• Best All-Around:
• Best Value:
• Best Fit:
• Best Protection:
• Best for Large Heads:

Road/Gravel Helmets

• Best All-Around:
• Best Value:
• Lowest-Profile Aero Helmet:
• Most Luxurious:
• Best Gravel-Specific Option:
• Most Euro Road Helmet:
• Buying Advice
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet

Giro Merit Spherical

Weight: 360 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable fit
⊕ Adjustable visor
⊗ Price

The Giro Merit Spherical is a pleasant visual throwback: it’s got all the tech of Giro’s Spherical design powered by MIPs technology to reduce rotational impacts, but without the particular sci-fi look of their top shelf Manifest helmet. Our top priorities in a helmet are high-end comfort and safety features, and the Merit is the ideal blend of both.

Testers found that the wind tunnel vents circulated plenty of fresh, cooling air on the steeper climbs. Additionally, the thoughtful gripper rubber bits helped us keep glasses and goggles securely in place. Last, the Roc Loc fit system keeps the Merit snug with an easy to use dial. “I really enjoyed how the Merit clung to my skull without any pressure points,” commented one tester.

Best Value Mountain Bike Helmet

Troy Lee Designs Flowline

Weight: 320 g
Size Range: Youth, XS/S-XL/2XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable fit with extended rear coverage
⊕ Wide range of color options
⊗ Middle-of-the-road ventilation
⊗ Big profile on small heads

The Flowline is a newer entry-point helmet from Troy Lee Designs that impressed us with its reasonable price and plethora of features. The helmet includes a MIPS B32 liner, an adjustable, three-position visor, a Fidlock magnetic buckle, and a Five star Virginia Tech Rating (including the e-bike standard).

The helmet has deep coverage and a cushy liner for maximum comfort with a retention dial that was easy to adjust on the fly. Airflow was not quite up to par with the Giro Merit or Fox Racing Speedframe helmets, but it was was sufficient enough for our testers on warm days.

While the A3 remains the top-tier Troy Lee Designs helmet, riders will find the price point and overall features of the Flowline more than satisfactory.“The Flowline carries on the tradition of comfort that the A1 kicked off when it debuted a decade ago. The price and weight are all reasonable, and the wide variety of color options makes it easy to find the ideal match for a rider’s tastes,” said Pinkbike managing tech editor Mike Kazimer.

Best Fitting Mountain Bike Helmet

Smith Engage MIPS

Weight: 350 g
Size Range: S-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Integrated glasses holder
⊕ Sleek design
⊗ Adjustable visor isn’t really that adjustable
⊗ Not as breathable as the top shelf Forefront 2

First things first: the Engage MIPS helmet is a steal. No, it’s not as well ventilated as some premium options, and the two-position visor is a bit simplistic. But testers found that the über-comfortable fit is next level. Plus, it stayed put no matter how rowdy the trail was thanks to an easy spin of Smith’s adjustment dial in the back.

No, the helmet doesn’t have technology throughout the entire structure, but it’s present where it matters most: the forehead and temples. That, combined with the extended coverage, kept us confident and focused no matter how aggressive the trail became.

Best Protection

POC Kortal Race MIPS

Weight: 390 g
Size Range: XS/S-XL/XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ All the key safety features, plus more
⊕ E-bike rated safety certification
⊗ Expensive

The Kortal Race MIPS helmet is one of the most protective half-shell helmets on the market, and testers felt exceptionally safe while riding with it on. It meets the usual safety certifications along with the new e-bike standard certification as well. It has extended coverage on the back of the head and temples, plus high-end safety technology like Integra, RECCO, and an EPS liner.

Testers appreciated the excellent ventilation and an easily adjustable visor on sunny test rides in Hood River, Oregon last fall. If you like to wear goggles with your helmet, POC specifically designed the Kortal Race MIPS so that the strap won’t cover any ventilation holes.

Testers found that this helmet best fits an oval-shaped head and does not integrate well with other brands of riding glasses that aren’t POC. While the price tag is a little steep, you will be paying for the most up-to-date safety features and also look stylish out on the trails.

Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Large Heads

Fox Racing Speedframe Pro

Weight: 401 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Decent ventilation
⊕ Removable and adjustable visor with three positions
⊗ No storage for glasses
⊗ Does not integrate well with large frame riding glasses

Fox’s Speedframe Pro is another top-tier half-shell mountain bike helmet packed with market-leading safety features. This MIPs-equipped lid has a five star Virginia tech rating, a 3-position visor, a 360-degree Fit system, and offers exacting comfort optimized for a wide range of trail riders.

“It’s a light, well-ventilated helmet that offers excellent comfort, good visibility and tends to fit a larger head,” noted one tester. The helmet is also quite long from front to back and fit our testers with oval-shaped heads best. Fit aside, the Speedframe is slightly heavier than all the other options, but 20 grams wasn’t enough of a dealbreaker for our testers.

Best Overall Road Helmet

Lazer Z1 KinetiCore

Weight: 220 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Good ventilation
⊗ Inconsistent fit

An early adopter of protective headgear in cycling, Lazer has a proven track record of thoughtful designs. The latest update to their flagship Z1 helmet incorporates KinetiCore technology—strategically placed crumple zones made up of foam blocks that divert both direct and rotational energy away from a rider’s head in the event of a crash. While KinetiCore was initially released early in 2022, the latest update to the Z1 finally brings technology to a high-performance, 220-gram helmet.

We put in over 2,500 miles with the Z1, including a week-long block of riding around the rolling hills and gravel farm roads in Northern California; it soon became a go-to for warm-weather riding thanks to 31 strategically placed vents that make it feel particularly light and airy.

However, the retention system was hit or miss for our test riders, with some commenting they couldn’t achieve sufficient tightness, while others found the slightly oval mold of the helmet fit just right.

Best Value Road/Gravel Helmet

Giro Cielo MIPS

Weight: 305 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Solid cooling
⊕ Fair price for feature set
⊗ Lack of padding on retention claw

Giro has made a name for itself by pushing the limits of safety, comfort, and style since it released the first-ever EPS-foam helmet, the Prolite, in 1986. The Cielo is the latest helmet to join Giro’s storied catalog, and it does so with a superb mix of value and performance.

At just 305 grams, the Cielo offers a solid weight-to-cost ratio with its $200 price tag. Twenty-two vents provide ample cooling, and smart eyewear docking holds glasses steady. We knocked out just shy of 1,000 miles with the Cielo and were pleased with the ventilation performance on warm days.

Some of our testers complained about the lack of padding on the retention system, but the plastic surface didn’t bother most. Equipped with the MIPS Evolve Core rotation management system, the Cielo checks all the safety and function boxes we look for in a helmet.

Lowest Profile Aero Helmet

Abus Gamechanger 2.0

Weight: 295 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Low-profile
⊗ Poor eyewear docking

Aero helmets have come a long way over the last ten years, and the Abus Gamechanger 2.0 is an excellent example. While the success of its predecessor in the WorldTour and Unbound 200 gravel race speaks for itself, the Gamechanger 2.0 has been updated with a slew of improvements, including the new MIPS Air Node system, which is thinner and less noticeable than the original MIPS.

At 295 grams, it’s lighter than most other aero helmets and explains the $300 price tag. During long five-hour-plus days of road and gravel riding, we noted impressive airflow thanks to a newly added frontal vent. Abus describes the mold of the helmet as low-profile with a more oval than round shape, which we found to be true.

One ding: Our testers noted some trouble fitting sunglasses into the intended eyewear docks, though this is a common issue across the subcategory. Also available with MIPS for $330.

Most Luxurious Road/Gravel Helmet

Kask Elemento

Weight: 260 g
Size Range: S-M

Pros and Cons
⊕ Breathable design
⊕ Thick padding
⊗ Crazy expensive

The “Made in Italy” label is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and luxurious design, which is no better exemplified in the helmet world than by Kask. The Elemento impressed us with its premium feature set, including 3D-printed central padding and thick, airy forehead padding.

Worth noting: We found that the glue holding the 3D-printed padding in place lost its effectiveness after a few months of use, which was a letdown for a $400 helmet. However, the helmet’s superior performance had us taping the padding back into place and riding on.

At the Tour de Tucson, a four-hour day which saw a 30-degree temperature change between the start and the finish, the Elemento kept us cool with above-average airflow and a comfortable, lightweight fit. Kask’s retention system underwent a redesign to better accommodate riders with longer hair and got the thumbs up from our testers. The Elemento tips the scales at 260 grams, which is on the higher side of aero helmets, but not by much.

Best Gravel Helmet

Fox Crossframe Pro

Weight: 355 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extra protection for off-road riding
⊗ Not well-vented

Fox might not be a familiar name in the drop-bar world since the California-based brand is best known for its visor-clad, full-face mountain bike offerings. But Fox is now entering the gravel world with the Crossframe Pro, its first visorless helmet directed toward gravel and cross-country riders.

While it may be better suited toward Fox’s loyal XC contingent, there are plenty of features that transfer over for more aggressive gravel riders: a magnetic Fidlock strap and an easy-to-adjust Boa system make dialing in the proper fit simple, and TPU eyewear docking offers grip to hold your glasses in place.

At 355 grams, the Crossframe is on the heavier side of the spectrum, but much of the weight comes from the added coverage of the rear shell. One complaint was that despite all of the vents, airflow was minimal, leaving much to be desired in terms of heat dissipation on warmer days. This is more of a problem on slow, steep gravel climbs, but the trade-off may be worth it for those looking for added protection.

Most Euro Road Helmet

Ekoi Aerodinamica

Weight: 320 g
Size Range: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Deep channels to promote airflow
⊗ Bigger-profile

Since 2001, little-known Ekoi, a France-based direct-to-consumer brand, has gained traction for its competitive prices and performance. Using its multiple partners in the professional peloton along with Italian design house Pininfarina, Ekoi developed the Aerodinamica. The French- Italian collab is just so Euro, we couldn’t resist testing it.

Koroyd, a honeycomb structure, is used throughout the EPS shell to reduce impact forces to the rider’s head in a shearing manner similar to MIPS. On the scales, the Aerodinamica hit 320 grams, which makes it a bit heavier than other aero options, but not so heavy that it’s a deal-breaker. Three forward-facing vents are paired with internal channels that promote airflow in and out of the helmet for adequate cooling. This, in turn, raises the helmet, giving it a more bulbous profile.

During a long 80-mile day climbing and cruising through the canyons of California’s Santa Monica Mountains, we were impressed with the helmet’s overall ventilation even on slow, steep slogs. At $355, the helmet is on the pricier side, but Ekoi often runs sales, and we’ve seen it listed below $250.

Bike Helmet Buying Advice

Buy New

Rule number one when buying a new bike helmet? Don’t buy used, no matter how “lightly-used” the previous owner is claiming it to be. You just never know if one minor crash or hit to the pavement compromised the helmet to the point where it’s not safe to wear anymore.

Consider Use Case and Features

Consider the type of terrain you’ll be biking on to help you prioritize which features you need. Will you be doing a lot of uphill? Make sure your helmet of choice has enough ventilation; one trend we’re fans of is the use of internal channeling to promote airflow. Other premium features to look for: a compatible spot to hold your eyewear when not in use, and a magnetic buckle. If you’re planning to bomb laps at the bike park, you might want to opt for a full-face helmet. If you’re still not sure which type and fit is the best for you, head to your local bike shop and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Budget vs. Safety Considerations

How much is your head worth? At first glance, a two-hundred-dollar price tag might seem excessive, but once you’re riding regularly, you’ll realize a quality helmet is worth every penny.

Across all categories (road, gravel, and mountain biking), we primarily considered fully-featured helmets that come with industry-leading protection technology, such as Mips. Many modern helmets use a rotational impact reduction system like Mips to dissipate the forces applied to the rider’s head during a crash. We believe that helmets featuring Mips or comparable impact protection, while pricier, are a worthy investment because they tend to offer better protection in the event of a crash.

What Are Aerodynamic (Aka “Aero”) Helmets?

Modern cycling helmets come in two general categories: traditional multi-vent designs and more optimized aerodynamic options. Traditional shells provide many vents to promote heat dissipation and a low weight. Aero helmets emphasize aerodynamic properties, often with minimal ventilation. While the aero designs are becoming more mainstream, they still remain a subcategory to lightweight, breathable, high-performance lids.

Sizing and Fit

Consider your head shape when looking for a helmet and try before you buy. Most helmets are designed with either an oval or a round shell. Your local bike shop will have a selection available and a knowledgeable staff to help point you in the right direction.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 20
• Number of Testers: 9
• Number of miles collectively ridden during testing: 11,000
• Biggest ride: 102 miles

Our group of testers put 20 of the year’s newest road, gravel, and mountain biking helmets to the test on various rides, races, and training schedules. Some testers assessed a helmet’s performance while preparing for marquee road and gravel events, while our mountain bikers pedaled Oregon’s infamous Hood River trails. We graded each helmet we tested on characteristics like ventilation, aesthetics, weight, comfort, and functionality. The helmets on this list impressed our crew in all departments.

Meet Our Lead Testers

David Kennedy has been riding road and gravel bikes for 15 years and has been writing about the latest tech in the sport since 2017. He’s toed the line at premier road and gravel events nationwide, like the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and the Unbound 200. When he’s not writing or riding, he’s pulling apart bikes at his local shop and connecting with the diverse cycling community around his hometown of Los Angeles, California.

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in the pro women category in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her on the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.

The post The Best Helmets for Road, Gravel, and Mountain Biking appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

The contact points between the rider and a bicycle are some of the most important aspects of riding a two-wheeled steed (think saddle, grips, pedals, and, yes, shoes). The bike footwear category has widened dramatically in the past few years to include everything from the highest-performance road shoes to versatile gravel kicks to flat pedal pumps designed for rugged mountain bike rides. After testing this year’s offerings, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

At A Glance

Gravel Shoes

• Best All-Day Shoe: Udog Distanza ($200)
• Most Versatile: Specialized Recon ADV ($225)
• Most Accommodating Fit: Shimano RX801 ($275)
• Best Race Shoe: DMT KM0 ($520)

Road Shoes

• Best Value: Specialized Torch 2.0 ($180)
• Best for Everyday Use: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best Performance: Giant Surge Pro ($399)

Mountain Bike Shoes

• Most Versatile: Five Ten Freerider Pro ($160)
• Best Lightweight Shoe: Giro WMS Latch ($150)
• Best Protection: Fox Union Canvas ($120)
• Best Grip: Specialized Roost 2FO Flat Syn ($120)
• Most Comfortable: Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat ($200)
• Most Streamlined: Shimano GF6 ($160)
• Most Stylish: Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat ($180)
• Best Clipless Shoe: Fox Racing Union BOA ($250)
• Most Waterproof: Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex ($220)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Day Gravel Shoe

Udog Distanza

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-48

Pros and Cons
⊕ Compliant, durable sole
⊗ Not easily adjustable while riding

While Italian-based Udog’s home base might be an ocean away from the birthplace of modern gravel cycling, its design team is leading the way in performance and comfort-focused creations. The Distanza is built to meet the demands of the all-day aspect of today’s gravel events with a compliant, walkable sole and highly breathable knit upper.

Design elements like 100-percent recycled polyester laces and a grippy rubber outsole distinguish the Distanza when a gravel ride becomes a hike-a-bike. The laces are routed through metatarsal support straps that aid in creating even tension along the foot, which reduces the hot spots that many standard lace-up shoes create.

We broke in the shoes for a few weeks before a 10-hour day on the bike at the Rock Cobbler gravel race. The 110-mile course with 10,000 feet of elevation and more than its fair share of muddy hiking is on the extreme side of our test rides, however, the Distanzas proved both durable and comfortable, with their flexible soles reducing foot fatigue.

Laces aren’t for everyone, and it’s worth noting the shoes run a bit big, so be sure to review the size guide to get the right fit. On the scales, our size 43s topped out at 702 grams, leaving our gram-conscious testers wishing for a bit of weight savings.

Most Versatile

Specialized Recon ADV

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stiff yet walkable carbon soles
⊗ Laces work well for some, but aren’t for everyone

The Specialized Recon ADV is designed for cranking out long miles on gravel roads. This lace-up model takes cues from the company’s Recon line of mountain bike shoes with its sleek look, but adds a splash of color and a stiffer carbon midsole with a bit of engineered flex in the forefoot. This forefoot flex makes the Recon ADV more walkable for mid-ride coffee stops and nature breaks.

Most Accommodating Fit

Shimano RX801

Retention system: BOA dial and Velcro strap
Available sizes: 38-48 EU (half sizes from 41-45.5, wider width from 40-46)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stiff carbon soles
⊕ Great fit
⊕ Easy to adjust while riding
⊗ Less walkable than others

Shimano has been a leader in the gravel race shoe category, and the RX801 only builds upon that legacy. The Japanese component brand recently gave these popular gravel kicks a makeover with improved ventilation, fit, and adjustability.

The synthetic upper is heavily perforated to increase airflow. Shimano also made the toe box wider and included heel stabilizers to keep the foot in place for greater control through the pedal stroke. A surround-wrapping upper hugs the foot for a close fit, while a rubberized Boa Li2 dial allows for micro-adjustments on the fly, which prevents the upper from getting too constrictive over the course of a long ride.

Have wide feet? No worries—the RX801 is available in a wide version in sizes 41-47.

Best Gravel Race Shoe

DMT KM0

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
⊕ Glove-like fit
⊗ Weak tread

DMT footwear is most recognizable attached to Tour de France powerhouse Tadej Pogacar. Now, the brand’s ingenuity and performance-oriented designs that earned two yellow jerseys on the road have made their way over to the gravel side of the sport.

A minimalistic knit upper and a shapely carbon sole are paired in the DMT KM0 for a glove-like fit with a focus on maximal stiffness (rated 10/10 by testers). During our first few rides, we noted the Michelin tread was extra grippy on short rough walks, however, after a few hundred miles of testing, a mile-long hike-a-bike wore the tread pretty quickly, leaving us slipping. At 542 grams (size 42), the KM0s are on the lighter side of the gravel shoe market.

Best Value Road Shoe

Specialized Torch 2.0

Retention system: Single Boa dial and toe strap
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
⊕ A smart balance of performance and comfort
⊗ Minimal retention personalization

For riders looking for a performance road shoe but hesitant about diving head first into the high-end shoe market, the Torch 2.0 is a competitive option at the sub-$200 price point.

Though they’re designed for the recreational cyclist, our tester said he’d feel confident wearing them for a race. “They deliver an effective balance between comfort and performance,” he noted. “I do lengthy rides, often spending five or more hours in the saddle, and these shoes deliver comfort with minimal compromise in power transfer.”

The shoe has a fully perforated, single-layer synthetic and seamless upper with internal toe and heel reinforcement. This gives the Torch 2.0 a fairly supple fit with built-in, long-term shoe protection. A toe strap is paired with a single Boa dial. While we’d prefer a dual Boa dial to allow micro adjustments for a more personalized fit, the Torch 2.0’s configuration makes on-the-road adjustments possible. Our size 43s tipped the scales at 549 grams, a fair weight in this class of shoe.

Best Everyday Road Shoe

Shimano RC903S

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 Metal Dials
Available sizes: 38-47

Pros and Cons
⊕ Supple, form-fitting upper
⊗ Hard to keep clean

Shozaburo Shimano would be proud to know the freewheel company he started in 1921 has grown to showcase a wide range of cycling components and gear for competitive and recreational riders alike, including high-performance cycling shoes like the RC903S, which falls within Shimano’s S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider’s foot into the anti-twist heel cup with the help of the wrap-around upper and six points of retention over the front end of the foot. The carbon sole is strategically reinforced around the cleat for added power transfer while remaining compliant toward the heel for optimal stiffness—rated as 8/10 by our test team who altogether put more than 4,000 miles of riding in these shoes.

Perforated vents allow for sufficient heat dissipation through the upper’s thin material, and a pair of size 44 hit the scales at a meager 502 grams. On a warm, five hour day at the Mammoth Gran Fondo, the mix of engineered breathability and overall stiffness made for a positive experience.

Best Performance Road Shoe

Giant Surge Pro

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials and toe strap
Available sizes: 40-48

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stiff, performance-focused sole
⊗ Sole is too stiff for longer rides

As the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, Giant has played a formative role in the modern cycling industry and always seems to be a step ahead of its competitors design-wise in just about every sector of the market. The Surge Pro, Giant’s flagship footwear offering, is just one example.

These shoes feature a three-point retention system, a unique carbon sole, and a weight of only 510 grams (size 43), making them an attractive option for performance-focused riders. A channel runs heel to toe along the sole, maximizing stiffness where it’s needed at the cleat—testers gave the shoes a 10/10 stiffness rating—delivering enhanced power transfer and cutting out excess carbon to save weight.

These were a top-rated shoe for high-intensity, hour-long criterium races, but on longer five-plus hour days, our feet needed relief from the extreme stiffness rating.

Most Versatile MTB Shoe

Five Ten Freerider Pro

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:Ěý6-14.5 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy-to-clean synthetic material
⊕ Stiff for optimized pedal performance
⊗ Lace capture causes laces to lay across the shoe
⊗ Tread pattern tends to retain mud

There’s a reason the Freerider Pro is the benchmark for all other flat-pedal mountain bike shoes. First, the wide toe box and cozy heel cup fit a wide range of feet, including my exceptionally fickle ones. More importantly, we’re huge fans of Five Ten’s famously grippy Stealth S1 Dotty rubber outsole—it keeps us solidly placed on the pedals on even the rainiest fays.

The Freerider Pro also shines with a stiff sole that leaves us feeling one with the pedal, resulting in excellent efficiency on longer rides. Lastly, the synthetic upper is durable and easy to clean when things get muddy. One tester loved them so much, she said the Freerider Pro is “still the master performance mountain bike flat pedal shoe that pedals all bikes and holds up throughout the season.”

Best Lightweight MTB Shoe

Giro Latch

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-50 (men’s), 36-43 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very grippy
⊕ Lightest shoe in the lineup
⊕ More molded protection over toe box
⊗ Lace capture is flimsy
⊗ Slightly wider in heel

Giro’s Latch shoe fits, feels, and pedals a lot like the Five Ten Freerider Pro because of the stiff, flat sole that brings the foot closer to the pedal. Giro’s Tack Rubber and the irregular tread felt like it had the tackiest rubber of all the options we tested, and it shed mud more consistently than other tread patterns. The Latch’s quick-drying microfiber uppers were ideal for fall riding conditions, too.

At the end of the day, the Latch competes with the big guns in pretty much every metric of flat shoe performance. Plus, fashionable tester Megan Barton gives the Latch extra points for style.

Best Protection

Fox Union Canvas

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:Ěý37-47 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Robust and sturdy
⊕ Reinforced toe box
⊗ Heavy
⊗ Canvas was hard to clean

The Fox Union Canvas flat pedal riding shoe combines off-bike street style with solid on-bike performance. While we did not find the Ultratac rubber on the sole quite as grippy as Giro’s and FiveTen’s, it wasn’t far behind and still imparted a sense of durability while thrashing through local rock gardens in Hood River. The polyester canvas material also was not our favorite to clean, but it did provide robust weather protection during rainy, cold rides.

We liked how the shoe felt super stiff for pedal grip, but we would recommend it for shorter rides because we started to experience some foot fatigue around mile ten. Overall, this shoe has a nice low-profile design that we loved and excellent grip, and it would thrive from a short ride to a pub crawl.

Best Grip

Specialized 2FO Roost Flat Syn Shoe

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:Ěý36-49 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Matches grip with Stealth rubber
⊕ Stiff enough for long rides
⊗ Doesn’t feel as light as advertised

The 2FO Roost delivers top-notch grip, breathability, and comfort, making it one of our favorite flat pedal shoes in the Specialized line-up. The SlipNot ST rubber easily competes with the Five Ten’s Stealth rubber and seems to offer better grip in cold weather, especially when we needed to constantly transfer our power on the burliest, most technical trails.

In terms of stiffness, as a trail shoe it handled long descents like a champ with zero foot fatigue. The heel cup was nice, deep, and comfortably retentive, ensuring our heels stayed in place on rougher trails. Our only real complaint is that the shoe lacks protective padding in the toe box, which resulted in a few jammed toes.

This isn’t the best pick for those with narrow feet, but it’s a competitively priced top contender shoe for riders who like to punish themselves on epic missions.

Most Comfortable MTB Shoe

Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat Shoe

Retention system: BOA
Available sizes:Ěý5-10 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Super grippy
⊕ Exceptionally comfortable
⊕ BOA allows for easy micro-adjustments mid-ride
⊗ Balancing mid-shoe and heel tension a slight challenge

The Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat is an easily adjustable and well-crafted shoe that feels like a slipper. Their Max Grip rubber sole offered exceptional grip—we felt comfortably glued to our pedals at all times, even on extremely technical and rooty trails.

Moreover, the toe and heel have hexagonal treads for confident hike-a-biking traction in slippery mud. The spacious toe box is comfortable, while the midsole support adds an overall feeling of being one with the pedals. “I loved how protected and secure I felt in these shoes,” said tester Annick Chalier. Our only gripe is that it was slightly challenging to get the tension with the BOA just right for our heels to be secure without the mid-shoe being too tight.

Most Streamlined

Shimano GF6

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:Ěý38-48 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Matches grip with Five Ten’s Stealth rubber
⊕ Stiff enough for long trail rides
⊗ Not quite burly enough for pure park riding

Featuring Shimano’s Ultread GF rubber, a torsional midsole that Shimano calls their Torbal 2.0 midsole, and trail-ready design, the GF6 is their premier flat pedal shoe. While the shoe has minimal padding compared to others we tested, there is enough to handle the accidental rock kicks and moderate impacts.

Fitwise, it had good heel retention both on and off the bike. More importantly, we found the grip on par with the Five Ten’s, and they’re stiff enough to handle long rides without undue foot fatigue. Shimano footwear tends to fly under the radar for some reason, but they make an excellent product, and we’d love to see them out on the trails more. The fit and features make this my go-to flat pedal shoe.

Most Stylish MTB Shoe

Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat

Retention system:Ěýµţ°ż´ˇ
Available sizes: 5-14 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy walking off the bike
⊕ Stiff enough for long rides
⊗ Match MC2 rubber not as grippy as others

The Stamp BOA Flat is a stylish option that features a BOA dial, Velcro power strap, Match MC2 rubber, and a relatively stiff sole for power transfer. The Stamp BOA is stiff, but not too stiff; there’s just enough flex for easy walking—although they did feel a hair tight in the forefoot for a couple testers.

The Match MC2 rubber was grippy, though it’s not Stealth grippy, so if you’re going to be riding on wet days or have trouble locking to your pedals, look elsewhere. We’re not 100 percent sold on BOA systems in terms of fit, but we do relish the ability to securely snug up shoes without the litter of laces.

Best Clipless MTB Shoe

Fox Racing Union BOA

Retention system: Boa Li2
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great in-between profile
⊗ Spendy

Best known for helmets, body armor, and apparel, Fox Racing recently entered the mountain bike footwear market and the Union BOA is the brand’s premier clipless mountain bike shoe, designed for trail riding and enduro racing.

It utilizes a pair of BOA Li2 dials to adjust the fit tension and a lightweight nylon shank to stiffen the sole while pedaling. At 221 grams per shoe (size 42), the Union BOA is lighter than similar “skate-style” mountain bike shoes, but heavier than svelte shoes designed for cross-country racing. On the trail, we found it provided ample support, and the micro-adjustable dials are handy for on-the-fly adjustments.

Most Waterproof

Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: M4/W5-M14/W15

Pros and Cons
⊕ Iconic grip
⊕ High cuff keeps out debris
⊗ Water can still come in through the top

Mountain biking can be dirty work. If you’re looking for a shoe to accompany you on wet-weather rides, look no further than Five Ten’s Trailcross Gore-Tex. The shoe’s waterproof upper shrugs off rain and trail spray while Five Ten’s legendary Stealth Phantom Rubber provides extra grip on slippery trails.

Like other waterproof mountain bike shoes, this model is not impervious to water running down your leg, into your sock, and then getting trapped within, so it’s best to pair them with water-resistant pants when riding in sloppy conditions.

How To Choose Bike Shoes

Cycling shoes can be segmented into categories based on their intended use and cleat interface.

Cleats/Clipless Shoes

Road cycling shoes are typically compatible with composite-based, three-bolt style cleats like Shimano’s SPD-SL and Look Delta/Keo. These cleats offer a high amount of retention and have a greater surface area to maximize stability and power transfer per pedal stroke, which is ideal for road cycling. However, the cleats are often exposed and provide poor walkability.

Gravel shoes use a two-bolt pattern for use with cleats like Shimano’s SPD. Two-bolt cleats are generally smaller and made of metal, offering greater durability for walking on uneven surfaces.

Flats

More and more mountain bikers are ditching clipless bike shoes in favor of flats, shoes with sticky rubber soles that offer good grip on pedals and don’t require you to clip in/out of pedals. Many experienced riders and downhillers who navigate high-consequence terrain prefer flats because they allow you to bail off your bike more easily.

Flat shoes are also better choices for novice riders, since they don’t come with a learning curve (getting the hang of clipless shoes and cleats can be tricky). The downside to flats is they don’t offer the same power transfer as clipless shoes.

Budget Versus Performance

Don’t disregard your budget. Bike shoes can be exorbitantly expensive, especially on the high-performance end of the spectrum. If you’re looking to get into racing, the higher price tag might be worth it for every additional watt of power. If you’re not racing, we recommend leaning to the more comfortable end of the spectrum, rather than trying to maximize stiffness and performance; these shoes generally come with more palatable price tags.

Materials

Road biking shoes feature lightweight soles made up of carbon or composite materials that blend stiffness and compliance to best suit the rider’s needs. A stiffer sole generally provides higher power transfer; a more compliant shoe flexes more and provides a more comfortable ride, but often equates to more power loss.

Gravel and mountain bike shoes add tread around the sole to improve walkability and stability.

Shoe uppers will consist of a microfiber or knit material with varying amounts of suppleness, ventilation and foot/ankle support. Microfiber uppers tend to provide more durability and support, while knit uppers have a greater amount of ventilation and suppleness.

Fit

Fit is critical in a cycling shoe and directly impacts performance. If you can, try before you buy. Your local bike shop may have a selection of bike shoes and employees with a wealth of experience to help you find the right fit. Call around to see what’s available and visit your local bike shop to get a real feel for the shoes before you commit.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 21
• Number of Testers: 8
• Number of miles collectively ridden during testing: 12,000
• Biggest ride: 110 miles

Our group of testers, made up of men and women across the country, put 21 pairs of the year’s newest road, gravel, and mountain bike shoes to the test on various rides, races, and trails. Some testers assessed a shoe’s performance while preparing for marquee road and gravel events, while others set out to determine a shoe’s comfort and versatility on their weekly coffee ride. Our primary testing ground for MTB shoes was mountain biking mecca Hood River, Oregon, where we assessed a shoe’s performance on everything from technical, muddy trails to mellow, meandering cruisers. We graded each pair of shoes we tested on characteristics like stiffness, weight, comfort, and functionality. The shoes on this list impressed our crew in all departments.

Meet Our Lead Testers

David Kennedy has been riding road and gravel bikes for 15 years and has been writing about the latest tech in the sport since 2017. He’s toed the line at premier road and gravel events nationwide, including the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and the Unbound 200. When he’s not writing or riding, he’s pulling apart bikes at his local shop and connecting with the diverse cycling community around his hometown of Los Angeles.

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year-old, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her biking on the local trails.

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master’s degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He’s a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He’s now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The post The Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Most everyday riders are not built like Loic Bruni, Yoann Barreli, Jolanda Neff, or Camille Balanche. In fact, we have ample statistics that show that the average male and female in the United States would not fit into most XL-sized riding shorts from any of the major bike brands. While we like to think we are working toward a more inclusive industry, there is still a major gap between the media perception of all cyclists being lean greyhounds and the down-to-earth reality that most of us don’t fit that mold.

Movement for inclusivity in sizing in the mountain bike industry is happening, though. While some brands are offering a wider range of sizing, there is still a significant disparity of mountain bike apparel for “plus-sized” cyclists. To take a closer look at some of the brands that are working to expand their offerings, we reviewed five men’s riding shorts and liners and five women’s riding shorts and liners for the non-greyhounds among us riding dirt. It’s important to note that there are very few women’s-specific shorts that are available beyond a size US 12-14, so we have tapped into some of the only options on the market specific to mountain biking.

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We also tapped into some riding talent around the Hood River, Oregon, area to do the actual testing. Michael Shelton covered the men’s options, and he stands 6 feet-6 inches tall, weighs 260 pounds and is a size 38 -40, which adds up to an XXL in most brands. Krystal Pope tested the women’s offerings. She’s 6-feet tall, weighs 250 pounds, and has a 45-inch waist and 52-inch hips.

Women’s Shorts and Liners

Machines for Freedom Key Shorts and Essential Cycling Short ($108/$148)

Sizes: 24–38 ( tested 38 ) / XS–3XL (tested XXL)

Machines for Freedom (MFF) has been at the forefront of making plus-size apparel for women. While they are more known for their lycra, MFF does offer the Key shorts for a trail-riding-specific option. They feature a four-way stretch fabric, slide-locking snap closure, front scoop pockets, rear zipper pockets, and a 5.5-inch or 11-inch inseam. The size chart was accurate on the hip and butt measurements for our tester but she found the waist on the size 38 to be a little tight. Despite the overly snug fit, she noted that the shorts did not cut into her stomach during the initial fitting, and once out on the trails the shorts felt solid. The stretchy material and contoured design around the hips and butt made for a comfortable fit and feel with no zero constriction and offered good breathability. She noted that the 5.5-inch inseam version was a no-go for anyone with strong, full-figured legs.

The Essential Cycling short is MFF’s go-to riding chamois. It features a unique, yoga-inspired waistband, seamless leg bands and an 8.5-inch inseam for a mid-thigh fit. Pope tested an XXL version of this chamois, which she noted were a bit tight on her, fitting “more like Spanx than a compression chamois.” Consequently, the waistband would sometimes fold over at the waist, but she felt the next size up would have been too big. As for the padding, it was different from any of the other liners tested, but was super comfortable, stayed in place, offered a perfect fit for a woman’s body (vs. unisex) and had just the right amount of padding to prevent chafing on longer rides.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Zoic Naveah Bliss Shorts with Essential Liner ($90)

Sizes: XS–3XL (tested XXL)

The most notable feature of the Navaeh Bliss shorts is the super-stretch “Blissband” waist, which provided a secure, comfortable fit with zero pinching and with no buttons or snaps to deal with (or unexpectedly pop open). The shorts also use a nice, lightweight fabric, feature zippered pockets, and an 11-inch inseam. Per the size chart, Pope tested these shorts in XXL and reported that they offered a pretty perfect fit given the added stretch in the waist. The yoga band is very supportive on larger frames and stays in place without cutting into one’s belly. It also tends to sit higher than most cycling short waistbands and performed well to keep them from slipping down. Consequently, these were by far her favorite shorts. She noted they were extremely flattering, with no muffin top or slippage, and the leg opening was wide enough that they didn’t bunch up or band above the knee when moving into a descending position. Overall, they handled a variety of hot and cold temperatures during testing, and she highly recommends them for anyone looking for function and extreme comfort.

The Zoic Essential Liner that comes with the shorts was tested in a size XXL. This liner is a good basic chamois. It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles that some brands do, but they fit our tester well and the padding was comfortable for one- to two-hour rides, while offering good breathability and ample padding in all the right places. For the price, it is definitely worth purchasing the shorts with the included liner.

Wild Rye Freel Shorts with Alice Chamois ($119/$109)

Sizes: 0-14, 6-14

The Freel is Wild Rye’s flagship cycling short. It features a 12-inch inseam, three pockets, four-way stretch fabric and belt loops for waist adjustments. Pope tested the size 18 Freel which was supposedly too small for her hips according to the size chart, but fit surprisingly well. The legs were wide enough to fit her Athena build while still offering a tapered and stylish look. The waistband was a bit snug, but overall the shorts were comfortable and allowed for easy movement throughout the hips and thighs without bunching. It made them super comfortable regardless of whether she was climbing, descending or relaxing on the lift. Overall, they’re a solid riding short that gets points for coming in cool colors and designs.

The Alice Chamois had a true-to-size fit, if not a bit generous. Our tester noted that the chamois fit like her favorite running tights, offering “compression without constriction.” They include a high-waisted front and back design which keeps the midsection contained and svelte looking. Aside from her preferring that the chamois leg length could have been an inch or two longer, the padding was great for longer rides. Overall the liner offered excellent protection and padding without feeling bulky or toasty.

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Shredly MTB Curvy Short with YogaCham Liner ($110/$78)

Sizes: 00–24 (tested 20)/ US 00–24 (tested 20)

Shredly is another company that has been successful with its expanded sizes for their women’s-specific mountain biking apparel. The MTB Curvy is often at the top of the list for a lot of shredders when it comes to comfort and fit and it’s no surprise why: It’s a stylish short crafted from a durable four-way stretch fabric with a relaxed fit for curvy bodies, a mid-rise yoga waistband, and zipper thigh vents. Shredly provided our tester with a range of sizes due to some confusion with the size chart and she settled on the size 20 for this piece. It was a little big in the waist, but the size 18s were too tight in the legs and lower tummy area. Per the size chart, she would have been a size 24, so she highly recommends finding a shop if possible to dial in fit. Despite the slightly generous size, the yoga-style high waistband allowed a confident enough fit to get some good testing done. However, at the end of the day these were not our tester’s favorite shorts; they just didn’t fit her frame phenomenally and she ended up having some issue with them slipping down or folding over at the tummy. She also wasn’t a fan of the thigh vent which she noted, “looks like an oddly placed seam when closed and gills of a fish when opened… no curvy girl is going to open those things!”

The YogaCham was true to size and offered a superb fit. The chamois’ waistband has a nice grip on the back to help keep it in place, and the leg openings also include grippy texture to prevent them from riding up on the thighs (details like that are a big plus for curvy girls). The padding itself was a bit of an odd shape that extended towards her leg/thigh crease, which felt a little odd to Pope. Overall she liked the fit and breathability of this liner but felt the padding was a little thin, and that the shape of the pad was maybe not the best for her.

Pearl Izumi Women’s Pro Bib Short ($210)

Sizes: XS–XXL (tested XXL)

The Pro Bib Short is technically not a liner; rather, it is a premium bib that can be worn out on the pavement or under a pair of mountain bike shorts. We wanted to get both our testers in some higher-end pieces to see how they compare to the lower price point liners that come with many of the shorts.

This particular bib is crafted for long ride comfort. It includes minimal seaming, silicone leg grippers, a unique v-strap drop-tail design for nature breaks, and a three-layer, fancy-pancy chamois. Krystal tested the bib in size XXL and it was a perfectly snug yet comfortable fit. While she noted that she is an XXXL per the size chart, she opted to size down based on user reviews. She was also quite stoked on the padding, which worked exceptionally well for longer distance rides. The fabric felt breathable and versatile and the little bit of compression was perfect. Cheers to Pearl Izumi for making a premium product across a broad range of sizes.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Patagonia Women’s Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts (No Liner) ($99)

Sizes: 0–18 (tested 18 )

The Dirt Roamer shorts are Patagonia’s premium contoured-fit mountain bike short. The shorts feature a lightweight fabric, an adjustable waist cinch system, zippered pockets and an 11 ¾-inch inseam. While word was that the Patagonia shorts tend to run on the “slimmer” side, we went ahead and requested a size 18 (the largest size available in the women’s Dirt Roamer) to see how they might fit in comparison to other brands’ size 18. Sure enough, per Patagonia’s size chart, the size 18 would max out at a 37.5-inch waist, making them too small for our tester’s 45-inch waist. So, unfortunately, we don’t have any ride impressions on the Dirt Roamer short, but she liked the stretchy fabric and was intrigued as to whether or not Patagonia’s “OppoSet” adjustable waist technology would work well on larger frames. Kudos to Patagonia for offering sizes beyond the standard 12, but hopefully we see more options in the future.

Men’s Shorts and Liners

Patagonia Men’s Dirt Craft Shorts with Liner ($159)

Sizes: 28–40 (tested 40)

The Dirt Craft shorts are a lightweight stretchy riding short that feature an adjustable waist with a curved waistband, three pockets and an 11 ½-inch inseam that hit our tester right above the knee. The size 40 shorts fit Shelton true to size as expected–not too tight in the waist or legs. The shorts were very lightweight and offered a cool, breezy feeling, perfect for the shorter XC loops near his house. The tester felt that the material was more at home on the less burly trails, as the fabric is thin and may not hold up to a hard crash or long days in the bike park. The curved waistband kept the shorts securely in place, and Shelton never felt the urge to pull them up.

The liner that comes with the size 40 Dirt Craft shorts was size XXL. It had a regular fit and a very comfortable chamois padding. The multi-panel construction easily kept the liner in place without offering any constriction. The liner was on the lighter-weight side, but offered such a high degree of comfort that it ended up being the tester’s favorite for longer rides.

Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shorts with Liner ($109)

Sizes: 28–40 (tested 40)

The TLD Skyline shorts are a regular-fitting “roomy” short that feature an adjustable waist, ventilation panels and two zip pockets. The tested size 40 was on the larger side of 40, and Michael indicated a size 38 would have been a better fit for him. But that roomier fit also allowed for a pair of crash pad shorts to readily slip under them. The shorts have a medium-weight fabric but still felt light and stretchy. While they had Velcro waist adjusters, the Skyline Shorts still rode a little low. Overall, the Skylines were very comfortable and breathable, and the fabric felt more durable than the Patagonia offering.

The TLD “TMF” liner that comes with the Skyline shorts offered an ideal fit for our tester. The liner was stretchy and breathable, but he noted that chamois padding was a little on the thinner side which created some discomfort after about an hour of riding.

Race Face Ruxton Shorts with Stash Bib Liners ($121/$83)

Sizes: S–XXL (tested XXL)

The Race Face Ruxton shorts have an adjustable ratchet front closure, a raised back panel, laser-vented front thighs, a 14.5-inch inseam, and zippered outside thigh pockets. The shorts were tested in size XXL and they fit Shelton true to the size chart. These were his favorite shorts, hands down. They offered a great fit, with the high waist and gripper panels ensuring they stayed in place all day without any chance of a full moon incident. And while the shorts are a heavier fabric, and are designed for more all-mountain enduro style riding or light-duty lift service, the breathability was ideal for summer riding conditions.

Race Face also sent along their Stash bib liner for testing. The XXL sized bib fit our 6-foot-6 tester surprisingly well. The bibs feature two “stash” pockets for snacks or your phone, a nice stretchy breathable fabric, and gripper leg panels to keep the liner shorts from riding up. The liners breathed well on hotter days and the chamois pad was comfortable. Shelton’s only gripe with the Stash was that the seam where the shoulder straps attach to the front of the bib was on the wider side, causing the dreaded nipple chafe on longer rides if worn without a base layer.

Fox Defend Shorts (No Liner) ($120)

Sizes: 28–40 (tested 40)

The Fox Defend shorts utilize an adjustable ratchet front for both closure and dialing in the waist fit. They have zippered hand pockets, all-way stretch fabric, laser-perforated ventilation, and a 14.5-inch inseam. Shelton tested the size 40, which offered a true-to-size fit. The shorts, like the Race Face, use a heavier-weight fabric, and they held up well to some minor crashes during testing with no visible signs of wear. The shorts tended to ride high on the waist, thanks to the secure fit of the ratchet. The DWR coating is a plus and easily handled some unexpected rain. And thanks to the rear and front ventilation on the leg panels, there was no overheating during climbs. Shelton was super happy with these shorts and definitely will include them in his go-to riding collection.

Dharco Gravity Shorts with Men’s Padded Party Pants Liner ($107/$73)

Sizes: S–XXL (tested XXL)

The Dharco Gravity shorts feature a four-way stretch fabric, Velcro waist adjusters, two pockets, and a DWR finish. Dharco sent the size XXL shorts (the largest size available in the Gravity Short), which are supposedly the equivalent of a US 38. Unfortunately they were too small for our tester, so we don’t have any ride impressions . While I know from my experience that these are a functional and stylish riding short, note that they do tend to run on the smaller side.

While the riding shorts were too small to be tested, the Men’s Padded Party Pants Liner did fit Shelton and they were also his favorite chamois liner of the group. Dharco sent the size XL liner, which was stretchy, comfortable, and “never felt too tight.” Shelton appreciated how the plush chamois pad made his longer rides exceptionally comfortable and that he had zero issues with overheating or sweat pooling in the wrong places.

(Photo: Nikki Rohan)

Rapha Trail Bib Cargo Liner Shorts ($135)

Sizes: XS–XXL (tested XXL)

If you’re wondering how well a “premium” brand lines up against the tried and true “go-to’s” or how they actually work for larger people, enter the Rapha Trail Bib Cargo Liner, Rapha’s “supremely comfortable” liner bib for all-mountain shredding. Shelton tested this bib in size XXL. The bib fit like a glove (comfortably snug without being constricting), was super comfortable, and offered good breathability. The chamois is thick, comfortable, and did great on longer rides. There were no internal seams and the bib straps didn’t rub him the wrong way like the Stash Bibs did. Overall he was super impressed with the Rapha bib; the only additional feature he would like to see would be a fly for trail side pit stops.

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