#6 on this list
Ultralight MTB Short
Velocio
The Velocio Ultralight MTB Short is designed for endurance riders, gravel crossover cyclists, and hot-weather trail purists who view standard baggy shorts as overly heavy and restrictive. Constructed from a premium Italian-milled stretch woven fabric (79% polyamide, 21% elastane), the shell weighs a minuscule 135 grams in a size medium. It offers a sleek, tailored profile that eliminates aerodynamic drag and excess flapping. Reviewers highlight the short's near-frictionless pedaling performance. The high elastane content provides unrestricted articulation through the hips and knees, while the airy fabric exhausts body heat and dries almost instantly after hard efforts. The tailored silhouette stays close to the body, keeping pockets securely anchored against the leg. That lightweight focus comes with clear limitations: at approximately $169, it is among the priciest unlined options on the market, and the thin Italian fabric will not hold up to sharp rock scrapes or aggressive bike park crashes. It is strictly a high-efficiency pedaling tool for warm climates where breathability and low weight take absolute priority. **Highlights** - Featherweight Italian-milled fabric (79% polyamide, 21% elastane) - Ultralight measured weight of just 135 grams (size medium) - Clean, tailored cut that eliminates flapping and saddle snag - Rapid moisture evaporation and high breathability in extreme heat - Low-profile sliding-hook waist fastener and zippered pockets **Watch-outs** - Premium price point of roughly $169 for a minimal unlined shell - Delicate face fabric is vulnerable to sharp rock abrasion and hard crashes - Tapered cut offers tight clearance for bulky downhill knee pads
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#7 on this list
Freewheel Ride Shorts
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts cater to technical trail and all-mountain riders who need dependable fabric durability without sacrificing mobility on pedal-heavy loops. Constructed from a tough 88% nylon and 12% spandex blend, the Freewheel registers a measured weight of 211 grams in a size 32. It strikes an intelligent balance, giving riders sufficient abrasion resistance for rough terrain while keeping the weight in check. Independent reviews praise Outdoor Research's transition into dedicated mountain bike apparel, particularly noting the Freewheel's clean articulation and weather-resistant face fabric. The waistband sits securely under pack straps, and the gusseted crotch avoids catching on the saddle when shifting body weight over technical drops. The 12% spandex provides adequate stretch, though the nylon weave feels slightly stiffer out of the box than featherweight options. It is an exceptional three-season trail short, though riders facing humid heat waves will find it runs noticeably warmer than dedicated lightweight garments. For riders who value longevity and protection on overgrown, technical trails, the Freewheel delivers a durable, confidence-inspiring build. **Highlights** - Rugged 88% nylon and 12% spandex technical chassis - Measured weight of 211 grams (size 32) balancing toughness and weight - Seamless gusseted crotch tailored to prevent saddle snag - Durable water-repellent coating sheds mud and light spray - Low-profile zippered side pockets engineered to stabilize phones and keys **Watch-outs** - Nylon face fabric feels stiffer initially than knit-style stretch shorts - Retains more heat than ultralight alternatives on hot midsummer climbs - Leg openings can feel snug over hard-cap downhill knee armor
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Ultralight MTB Short | Freewheel Ride Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Blend | 79% Polyamide, 21% Elastane | 88% nylon, 12% spandex |
| Measured Weight | 135 grams (Size M) | 211 g (size 32) |
| Approximate Price | $169 | — |
| Liner Included | No (shell only) | — |
| Closure Style | Low-profile sliding hook waistband | — |
| Fabric Origin | Milled in Italy | — |
| Best Discipline | — | All-mountain and technical trail |
| Price Point | — | Around $130 |
| Gusset Style | — | Seamless crotch construction |
| Category | — | Midweight trail short |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Ultralight MTB Short
- Featherweight 135-gram construction feels unnoticeable while riding
- High elastane blend allows completely unrestricted hip and leg articulation
- Italian-milled stretch fabric delivers top-tier breathability in high heat
- Tailored, slim profile prevents flapping and saddle snags
- High price tag for an unlined shell without an included chamois
- Thin fabric offers minimal crash resistance against sharp rocks
- Tapered leg openings will not fit over medium or heavy knee pads
Freewheel Ride Shorts
- Resilient 88% nylon shell resists snagging and brush abrasion
- Measured 211g weight balances durability with pedaling efficiency
- Gusseted crotch prevents saddle snags during steep descents
- Stable pocket placement keeps stored gear flat against the thigh
- Noticeably warm on high-humidity and midsummer climbs
- Tighter leg cuffs limit compatibility with hard-cap downhill armor
- Woven nylon shell feels slightly stiff out of the packaging
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.