I’m looking for some new ‘baggies’ but for XC style riding whilst out and about on casual rides. I started using Endura Singletracks quite a while back but find them too hot and saddle catching compared to Lycra, which I use at events when amongst like minded riders. Specialised Atlas XC Pro shorts look good for being quite fitted so as not to catch on the saddle and lightweight so as not to be too hot but I’m not that keen on the bib top or price. Plus I ride a Specialized and I think it’s one of ‘The Rules’ not to have matching bike and kit unless paid to do so… Any recommendations for something similar but bib less and cheaper?

I quite like the Endura MT500 stuff, but I’ve not had any of the Singletrack range to compare it to.

Atlas are reduced at cyclestore but only in what looks like a very bright colour. I usually end up wearing lycra anyway. Black shorts shouldn’t be that shocking for passers-by I hope.

I’ve just had some Altura ones free with a mag subscription. I think they’re These ones

I’ve not ridden in them yet, but they’re light and stretchy, only potential issue i can see is that the leg holes are quite wide.

Edit – just thought the mid range ones from decathlon would be good. Bit short for me, but cool and comfy and well fitting. Looks like there discontinued now but mine are like these
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-mountain-bike-cycling-shorts-dark-blue-id_8354173.html

The endura xc range that oil beckinsdale helped design (think mtr?) are nice and fitted. I have some that I wear on more social rides and they don’t catch

I picked up some Humvee “Lite” shorts from wiggle a couple of weeks ago. They are quite comfy, and lightweight.

As already mentioned, have a look at the Endura MTR shorts – lightweight, slim fitting and mostly stretch fabric so very little to flap about or catch. I often wear them on social road bike rides and easily forget they’re on.

Also, Endura’s SingleTrack v3 shorts are considerably lighter fabric than the v1 or v2 and slimmer fit on the legs (they don’t have or need the leg opening adjusters any longer). they still have the leg vents which the MTR lack.

Baggies are always going to be warmer than not wearing them – I road ride with them in winter for just that reason.

I am a fan of the Swrve shorts.

Noticeably durable and very low-key. 🙂

I’ll go off piste and suggest Morvello R&D shorts. Slim cut, Light weight, well vented, a little bit of rubber on the back of the waist to help stop slippage and hard wearing. My commuting pair (Yes one pair of outers !) are 7 months in and hardly look any older and have hardly any signs of wear.

I’ve just bought a pair of Specialized’s xc shorts (Atlas I think) which come with an integrated bib liner. They are very light weight and airy and the liner chamois is also very comfortable and best of all no slipping down as you ride. So far I’ve been impressed.

Gore Alp-x bib-baggies are great. Pricy though…

The red ones come up on sale quite often on Amazon – I got some for £60.

I use the Boardman ones from Halfords Clicky. I like these because they are shorts by my old timer definition of the word so don’t rub my knees while cycling. They are very comfy with separate liner and have bags of pockets for stowing tools and spares to avoid having a backpack. They never catch on the saddle but are nice and loose to ride in where it counts.

Cheers all. Endura MTR range looks quite good, as does the Gore Alp X 2 in 1, though you’re right, they’re pricey but do get very good reviews.

Gore Alp-X 2-in-1 for me too – worn mine for 200 miles offroad on a rigid bike and no consequences.

I bought the DHB flashlight ones with the same thinking as you. Fit most criteria except the reflective bits on them aren’t the best. Shame as they used to have a differnt model without the reflective bits.

Fitted, stretchy, light, simple.

Have a look at the Madison Flux shorts they are by far the most comfy and light shorts I’ve used , so much so I’ve thrown my MT500 shorts away which are so so uncomfortable for me

I’ve only ever had one pair, I think they are singletracks.

In size Small they are Baggy on the waist and I have to open up the Vents to fit my thighs in!

I only wear them when it’s horrible and cold and muddy.

Polaris have got some on sale at the moment – £17 down from £45.

They’ve got a built in mesh liner with pad – so not sure how good that would be. But for the price….hard to ignore….even cutting the liner our and using other shorts underneath, they’re still a good deal.

Link:

http://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/Adventure-Cargo-Mountain-Biking-Short-p/pol01-5651-p.htm

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one to read ‘XC bagpipes’?

DHB made some perfect XC shorts a few years back, simple, well cut, zipped pockets, key clip, glasses wipe but I can’t see them anymore. The flashlight look similar, just less subtle.
Edit – Just seen jonba said the same