There’s never been a better time to be a mountain biker. Not only are we experiencing a serious proliferation of trails across the country, but apparel companies are finally making mountain-bike clothes that actually look good. So you can hit that singletrack on the edge of town and pedal directly to the bar without looking like a dork. Here are some of our favorite pieces that are built for fat tires but stylish enough to wear to work or the pub.
Kitsbow Adjustable Short V4 ($265)
We’re in love with just about everything Kitsbow makes, and we have mad respect for the ridiculous amount of thought that went into these shorts. From the Swiss Schoeller fabric (which is tough as hell, breathable, water resistant but also soft) to the lack of a front button, which makes for an incredibly comfortable waist when you’re in the saddle, were built for the bike. Four zippered pockets, a slightly high back, reflective hits, and tailored legs round out the bike-appropriate features.
Club Ride Dirt Surfer ($90)
This isn’t your father’s bike jersey. added a little bit of spandex to this poly shirt for extra stretch, as well as a UPF 50 rating to give the Aloha vibe technical chops. As for bike-specific details, you’ve got reflective hits, perforated underarm vents, and a zipper stash pocket on the back, as well as a zipper front pocket. Mostly, though, we love the idea of shredding singletrack in a Hawaiian shirt.
Mission Workshop The District MC ($140)
If you’re looking for a more understated jersey, makes this lightweight henley out of merino wool, which acts like an air conditioner in the summer and a base layer in the winter. Except for the back zipper pocket, you won’t realize you’re wearing a bike jersey, and it’s so damn soft, you’ll start looking for reasons to wear it even when you’re not pedaling singletrack.
Five Ten Spitfire ($100)
Five Ten has dominated the flat-shoe space because its shoes feel comfortable, look good, and stick to mountain-bike pedals like Kanye West to controversy. takes that performance pedigree and wraps it in a street-savvy aesthetic. The shoe features a suede and canvas upper with a sole made from sticky Marathon rubber. Put it together and you get solid power transfer to the pedal with skate-inspired panache.
Rapha Premium Denim ($205)
You’re not going on an all-day endurance ride wearing jeans, but hitting the jump park or pump track after work? That’s totally doable, especially in , which use a proprietary Italian denim that has a hell of a lot of stretch and a tapered leg to keep your cuffs out of the chain. Reflective piping and a reflective Rapha logo on the inside of the right leg make you more visible at night. There’s also a hidden zippered pocket for your phone. Because Strava.