Big brands would have you believe it’s OK to spend $100 on a MTB jersey, like the Scott DH jersey on amazon, waiting to sucker you in.
Oh, it’s winter and you want technical riding pants? Pinkbike will attempt to convince you to spend $180 on “**NF DP4 Pants”** or a much more reasonable and sane **$150** on Rapha trail pains.
Looking for some extra padding to keep your ‘goods’ safe and free from irritation? look no further than $50- $100 bib shorts from your favorite brand.
My advice is f\*\*\* that s\*\*\* and save your money. That doesn’t necessarily mean dumpster diving in the endless list of Chinese wear that amazon would have you believe isn’t all from the same sweatshop in rural China. Brands as cleverly named as Spotti, BALEAF, BERGRISAR, LAMEDA, VOXAUTQ, and my personal favorite: WHYTESOLE. Cross check amazon with Aliexpress if you don’t believe me 🙂
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Anyhow here’s what I’ve actually purchased myself and stand behind as reasonably priced MTB wear:
Mountain bike technical pants:
For $29, This target.com trail runner: [https://www.target.com/p/wrangler-men-s-atg-slim-fit-taper-synthetic-trail-jogger-pants/-/A-89528886?preselect=79750517#lnk=sametab](https://www.target.com/p/wrangler-men-s-atg-slim-fit-taper-synthetic-trail-jogger-pants/-/A-89528886?preselect=79750517#lnk=sametab)
Good padded liner from Zoic for around $35: [https://www.amazon.com/ZOIC-Essential-Liner-Shorts-Black/dp/B0822TL74G/ref=sr\_1\_2?crid=27S62U8P5TG7D&keywords=Zoic+Men%27s+Premium+Liner&qid=1703132097&sprefix=zoic+men%27s+premium+liner%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-2](https://www.amazon.com/ZOIC-Essential-Liner-Shorts-Black/dp/B0822TL74G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=27S62U8P5TG7D&keywords=Zoic+Men%27s+Premium+Liner&qid=1703132097&sprefix=zoic+men%27s+premium+liner%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-2)
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Dakine bike jersey now on sale for $19.73 [https://www.rei.com/product/209327/dakine-vectra-bike-jersey-mens](https://www.rei.com/product/209327/dakine-vectra-bike-jersey-mens)
not warm enough? a bit more expensive, but I’ve been using a nike long sleeve thermal shirt like this for YEARS and has held up well: [https://www.nike.com/t/element-mens-therma-fit-repel-running-crew-ChZZWC/FB8567-084](https://www.nike.com/t/element-mens-therma-fit-repel-running-crew-ChZZWC/FB8567-084)
(just not easy to fit pads under, so size up for that \^)
I would also consider this one from Patagonia at $69, I have a shirt from them and it’s pretty awesome:
[https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-long-sleeved-dirt-craft-mountain-bike-jersey/195699508996.html?s\_kwcid=17928&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGRselMxnj0uoJ\_ilcwd8SMJ\_7krUw0s1B9re6m7lBHLFyAuCMuLd-xoCnbwQAvD\_BwE](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-long-sleeved-dirt-craft-mountain-bike-jersey/195699508996.html?s_kwcid=17928&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGRselMxnj0uoJ_ilcwd8SMJ_7krUw0s1B9re6m7lBHLFyAuCMuLd-xoCnbwQAvD_BwE)
(Get the ‘classic tan’ color for that Captain Kirk vibe… It will confuse the enemy)
What are your cheap MTB gear hacks that balance cost and quality?
by cmndr_spanky
7 Comments
[60 bucks](https://www.primalwear.com/collections/holiday-sale/products/ritz-blue-long-sleeve-mens-cycling-jersey?variant=1123779018777) for this jersey bro!
[$45](https://www.primalwear.com/collections/holiday-sale/products/lunix-mens-red-black-label-shorts-1?variant=39391187435600) for these shorts.
Not sure why you need pants for riding mountain bikes but, you do you.
Wrangler makes some nice lightweight pants that can be had for about $28 at Walmart.
For XC kit, I really like Neopro. You can get a set of high quality bibs and a jersey for under $100 and if you shop their clearance, you can usually get them for about half of that. I like it way better than the Baleaf chamois I’ve tried. The Black Bibs is also cheap, but I prefer Neopro’s products.
For trail kit I usually just wear Wrangler shorts from Walmart. I’ve not found a MTB specific trail short that does anything better.
!remindme 1 day
Come to Mexico bro. Everything MTB is 30-50% more expensive than the states.
Can’t even find a pump for less than $115 unless you go on Amazon.
Your 10,000USD mountains cost the same but with an additional 41% import tax slapped onto it, plus sales tax.
Wrangler ATG trousers, fit comes in waist vs length rather than S/M/L and durability is top notch. $30 maybe?
Great options! Thanks for the ideas.