#8 on this list
MT500 Spray Shorts
Endura
The Endura MT500 Spray Shorts are purpose-built for riders who do not let wet trails, winter grit, or muddy loam keep them inside. Designed in Scotland, these shorts solve a specific, frustrating problem: wet rear tires spraying mud and water directly into the seat of the shorts. Endura solves this with a hybrid construction that combines a breathable, flexible front panel with a fully waterproof, taped, three-layer rear seat panel. In foul-weather evaluations, the MT500 Spray stands out for keeping chamois liners dry and grit-free through hours of sloppy riding. The front panels breathe adequately and stretch freely over knee pads, while the burly rear panel shrugs off trail roost and saddle grinding. However, this specialized weatherproofing makes the MT500 Spray a poor choice for warm, dry riding conditions. The waterproof seat fabric does not breathe as freely as standard softshell weaves, creating noticeable heat buildup in dry weather, and the multi-panel construction carries a premium price near $155. For wet-weather enthusiasts and shoulder-season riders, however, it is one of the most effective tools available. **Highlights** - Critical hybrid construction with fully waterproof, taped 3-layer seat panel - Lightweight, durable four-way stretch front panels with DWR finish - Built-in zippered thigh vents for temperature regulation - Clickfast liner compatibility for seamless chamois integration - Reinforced inner ankle/hem zones designed to resist mud abrasion **Watch-outs** - Waterproof seat panel traps heat and moisture in warm, dry weather - Stiffer rear fabric can feel crinkly when pedaling off the bike - Premium $155 price tag for a specialized foul-weather garment
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#9 on this list
Defend Shorts
Fox
The Fox Defend Shorts are engineered for downhill racers, bike park regulars, and aggressive enduro riders who prioritize abrasion resistance and impact survivability above all else. Built from a robust four-way stretch blend of 86% polyester, 7% elastane, and 7% polyamide nylon, the Defend posts a measured weight of 332 grams in a size 32, making it the most rugged shell in this roundup. Reviewers consistently praise the Defend for its armor-like durability and downhill-focused cut. The tapered lower legs eliminate chain snag and fit cleanly over bulky knee armor, while Fox's proven race-ratchet waist buckle offers secure, micro-adjustable closure that will not pop open during heavy landings. Cordura fabric panels in high-wear zones provide proven resistance against high-speed dirt slides. The clear compromise is pedaling comfort on hot, cross-country climbs. The heavyweight fabric and dense construction run warm and feel noticeably substantial on long, continuous climbs. But when the chairlift is spinning or high-speed rocky descents are on the menu, the Defend provides unmatched peace of mind. **Highlights** - Heavyweight four-way stretch fabric (86% polyester, 7% elastane, 7% polyamide) - Proven race-ratchet waist buckle for secure, on-the-fly fit adjustments - Targeted Cordura fabric zones for maximum crash and abrasion resistance - Tapered leg profile designed specifically to clear downhill knee pads - Water-resistant DWR finish sheds dirt, mud, and trail splash **Watch-outs** - Heavy measured weight (332 grams) feels cumbersome on cross-country climbs - Limited airflow makes these shorts hot for midsummer trail riding - Tapered calf fit may feel restrictive for riders with large calves
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Specs side by side
| Spec | MT500 Spray Shorts | Defend Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Around $155 | — |
| Seat Material | 3-layer waterproof seam-taped fabric | — |
| Body Material | 4-way stretch lightweight nylon with DWR | — |
| Ventilation | Dual zippered thigh vents with mesh inserts | — |
| Liner Integration | Endura Clickfast system compatible | — |
| Waist Adjustment | Velcro side tabs with stretch waistband | — |
| Fabric Blend | — | 86% recycled polyester, 7% elastane, 7% polyamide |
| Measured Weight | — | 332 g (size 32) |
| Waist Closure | — | Micro-adjusting race ratchet |
| Reinforcement | — | Targeted Cordura abrasion panels |
| Weather Treatment | — | Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish |
| Primary Intent | — | Downhill, bike park, and gravity enduro |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
MT500 Spray Shorts
- Waterproof three-layer seat panel prevents chamois saturation from wheel roost
- Zippered thigh vents provide effective mechanical airflow during climbs
- Four-way stretch front fabric maintains natural pedaling mobility
- Durable seat fabric resists abrasion from gritty mud and saddle friction
- Waterproof rear panel traps body heat and sweat during warm, dry rides
- Stiff rear laminate creates noticeable crinkling and bulk when walking
- High price tag for a seasonal, foul-weather-specific garment
Defend Shorts
- Cordura panels deliver outstanding tear and abrasion resistance during crashes
- Moto-inspired ratchet waist closure provides micro-adjustable, slip-free retention
- Tapered lower leg profile accommodates bulky downhill knee armor cleanly
- Durable four-way stretch fabric maintains mobility despite heavyweight construction
- Substantial 332-gram weight feels heavy and cumbersome on sustained climbs
- Dense fabric and minimal venting trap heat on warm, high-output trail rides
- Aggressively tapered calf opening may feel restrictive for riders with large calves
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.