Why do Enduroists wear shorts and DHers wear Longs ?

Because: reasons

Glad we cleared that up, never speak of this again.

"It can’t just be a ‘cooling’ / Temperature thing…."

Why not?

I remember riding in trousers years ago and people laughing at me (whilst they had freezing legs).

Trends come and go.

In the words of Sam Hill - "kids wear shorts". Having the worlds sweatiest bawsack is a small price to pay for looking cool when grinding your way up a hill

Well, because my lad will race in DH pants this weekend in Enduro...

But surely it's quite hot in DH anyway ? Even though not a long time, you're still going to get bloody hot in trousers ?

I just find it weird that there's not much/any crossover..

Also, why do e-bikers seem to wear pyjamas?

aerodynamics on a DH bike... maybe? Skin suits are banned. But tight trousers and a tight tucked in top cant be far off the aero of a skin suit?

Less time on the bike, so less need for for staying cool. They dont have to pedal up any hills, so less chance of prolonged overheating?

I am always surprised to see how many people wear trousers. At Ard Moors there were a few. it was nearly 30 degrees!

A few ebikers had trousers, long sleeves and full face. But then we all know its easy to keep cool when not putting a shift in 😛

Also, why do e-bikers seem to wear pyjamas?

They get hypothermia without the extra coverage as they don't have to pedal ? 🙂

For the sport and the longevity of the sport, to wear cool race kit and to make an image for yourself is more important than the odd win here and there.

I'm neither a DH'er nor Endurist but finding long trail trousers a useful tool against ticks and bitey-bugs while out on the trails at the moment

I’m neither a DH’er nor Endurist but finding long trail trousers a useful tool against ticks and bitey-bugs while out on the trails at the moment

See i'm with you with that.. i ride in long sleeve tops all the time for protection from foliage and also sun. I do ride in shorts though... although not often. Admittedly, more so in this weather 😀

Group ride a couple of weeks ago, warm evening although not sweltering, I was the only one in shorts. Mix of e and leg power

Mostly fashion. That's why so many MTBers (particularly in the UK) eschew lycra. It's so you feel you "fit in" with your clan. See also: earthy tones for "gravel" riding, plaid shirts etc etc etc

Fashion. It'll be fashion. Every one line'd up and you're the only one in shorts (or trousers), next time you'll be wearing trousers (or shorts), guaranteed.

“I just find it weird that there’s not much/any crossover..”

Have you never noticed how scenes (of any sort) have stylistic looks? It’s just part of human culture.

”aerodynamics on a DH bike… maybe? Skin suits are banned. But tight trousers and a tight tucked in top cant be far off the aero of a skin suit?”

The current WC DH outfits are almost skin suits, they’re so fitted!

”But surely it’s quite hot in DH anyway ? Even though not a long time, you’re still going to get bloody hot in trousers ?”

It’s important to be warm enough whilst waiting to start (and thus in the first few hundred metres of your run) - cold muscles/tendons/ligaments don’t work as well.  At the speed a pro downhiller is going down a run, they’re never going to overheat to the point it affects their performance. It’s going slowly uphill where overheating happens due to high output and poor cooling, hence enduro shorts.

i wear trousers also when i don't want to wear knee pads 😉

ie on a mid gnarly ride.. where a an off could end in a nice graze rather than a bash

so.. xc/pootle.. whatever i want...

mid gnarly- trousers or shorts and knee pads

gnarly - trousers or shorts and knee pads

I used to wear baggy shorts with legwarmers in the winter, so glad riding trousers came along. I don't look quite so silly these days. Though I did, many years ago buy Endura Humvee troos, which are ok, not very good when wet though.
Franksinatra must ride with strange people if they did indeed "laugh" at him when he wore trousers, as myself and nobody I've ever ridden with has given two shits what anyone else is wearing.

Back to the OP's question - it's a kind of standard uniform thing racers have isn't it? I noticed in the XC racing over the past few weeks, that they ALL wear the same style lycra shorts and tops and SOCKS!! every single one in longish socks pulled up over the ankles. Very strange.

Fashion. It’ll be fashion. Every one line’d up and you’re the only one in shorts (or trousers), next time you’ll be wearing trousers (or shorts), guaranteed.

I did get massively told off by my lad at a DH race at FoD when i first got dressed in shorts "You can't wear shorts, it's ridiculous" LOL..

“That’s why so many MTBers (particularly in the UK) eschew lycra.”

Not because lycra has almost zero protection against thorns, crashing or wind chill?

Did alright in an enduro race wearing trousers... was faster than in practice, where I wore shorts.

 and SOCKS!! every single one in longish socks pulled up over the ankles. Very strange.

What?

What's strange about socks actually fitting?

Have you never noticed how scenes (of any sort) have stylistic looks? It’s just part of human culture.

Yes, e.g. tan wall tyres are essential for bike packing

scotroutes
Mostly fashion. 

Yes

That’s why so many MTBers (particularly in the UK) eschew lycra.

and no. It's self respect. The only place you'll see me in that **** is on the road . . . and you won't see me on the road

Long pants are fashion though - and aerodynamics . . . but mostly fashion. See Sam Hill quote above.

loads (easily the majority) of people were wearing trousers at the tweedlove international enduro race, but the weather was grim

at the WES national champs race it was probably majority in shorts, but still a fair few in trousers, even though it was very hot

pros and cons to either really

What?

What’s strange about socks actually fitting?

I find it strange that they all wear the same style of sock. Can't see where I've mentioned the fit of their socks. 🙄

Top end DH teams will have kits made with aero in mind.

I reckon you see more shorts in enduro as it's more comfortable in the heat and easier to undo kneepads for long transitions. I'd guess it'll be close to 50/50 for race day

So we don’t see DHers weedy legs and enduroists can show off their calves of steel?

DaveyBoyWonder
Free Member
Also, why do e-bikers seem to wear pyjamas?

Schrodinger's ebiker. Simultaneously "putting in just as much effort", whilst also losing fitness.

Fashion ebbs and flows. The Gwin chainless win was in shorts, and there is nobody more fashion conscious or ‘Moto’ style than Gwin - so I’m going to assume they were all in shorts at that point.

I think the enduroists will wear trousers when it’s colder.

perhaps the downhillers are secretly wearing shin pads - something that should be social death if discovered.

I’ve said before that nobody bats an eye at shorts and knee pads. But elbow pads with a short sleeve top looks ridiculous. So there is no logic to any of this.

Lycra + pads looks ridiculous.

Just to go slightly against the ebiker stereotype, I'll generally wear the same on the e-bike as the HT. FF helmet is usually on the eeb though

Albeit I'll not worry about heat dissipation quite as much on the eeb. I have even considered trousers for the winter, but I don't really suffer from the cold on my legs. That said, I'm probably usually wearing knee pads and long sealskin socks anyway.

I have been known to wear a checked shirt on the (whichever) MTB, but usually when not wearing pads and with cargo shorts.

I've also been seen wearing elbow pads and short sleeves 🤣

I don't know if I follow fashion or if I just do my own slightly tragic thing

Is it not quite simple - that enduro riders have to pedal more, and it’s warmer/too hot to pedal in trousers vs shorts?

Recent convert to longs, Makes cleaning up much less faffy after a muddy ride, Plus you get some protection from nettles ect. Back to shorts recently in the warm and dry conditions though.

I think it's Big Pant manipulating the markets to sell trousers at 3 times the price of shorts. Why else would someone cover their leggies on a hot day? Clearly in the payroll. They've not managed to infiltrate the enduroists yet, as they're pure of heart and protected by the #spiritofenduro.

THINKABOUTITMAN, the lower legs are the easy bit, why are they so much more expensive?! Big Pant

It might be a boring answer, but I think that the UCI stipulate longs for DH racing.

I hardly ever wear riding trousers, when I do it's always absolutely hellish weather, or I'm on an uplift. It's purely heat and comfort for me, when I'm pedalling I'm entirely dressed for the ride, when I'm uplifting I'm partly dressed for the bus or the chairlift

I think a lot of it is fashion but in terms of DH racers I think it's less baggy so there is less drag and less chance of catching a loose end of your short on some undergrowth etc.

Lycra might be banned in DH but baggy clothes are definitely out of fashion, ultra slim fit is where it's at right now.

Personally I like to regulate my temperature so wear shorts, on the odd occasion I'd like to wear trousers when it's cold and I'm on an uplift, I can't because nobody makes them long enough to fit.

Because no one looks good in shin pads.

Pants

Long pants or short pants combined with suitable knee and shin protection are authorised. Such long or short pants should be of a type that is specifically designed and sold for use in BMX Racing or Mountain Bike downhill events. Long pants of the type described above must be of one-piece construction and made of tear-resistant material. They should cover the entire length of both legs until just above the shoe or ankle. Short pants of the type described above must be of one-piece construction and made of tear-resistant material. They should be worn together with suitable leg protection, that covers the entire knee and the entire shin until just above the ankle.— UCI-4.3.011

I'm neither but these days I wear lightweight trousers almost all the time. I like the fact that my legs remain clean and after one or two ticks over the last few years, I appreciate the coverage. I even wore them for the Jennride the other week which drew a comment or two about the heat but I've obviously just got used to it.

In this heat its more the undershorts and knee pads that create discomfort for me.

I did a gravel aporti6ghe other day. People were riding a range of bikes from random old MTB or Tourer to high end gravel or FS, and wearing mostly Lycra or MTB clobber. No flannel shirts in sight, even on those unloading expensive gravel bikes from Audis.

It's because DH riders don't want to let anyone know that they shave their legs.

In the words of Sam Hill – “kids wear shorts”.

Confusing ... he did OK for a bit there at Enduro, wearing shorts.

I did a gravel aporti6ghe other day.

My goodness, i hope you cleaned up after youself!

I’m a trouser wearer, in fact I wore shorts for the first time in a year on Tuesday night as it was so bloody hot, I didn’t have any choice & it was weird.

I guess I’m an enduroist these days, as I couldn’t tell you how many years ago I last did a DH race. I do however wish when I did, the type of trousers we have today were available. TLD Moto pants were awful, and weighed about 10 kg 🤦‍♂️

Preference? I've not bought any shorts for a good while we're talking 5 years atleast, the last ones I got were some endura humvee ones, but they're so long hanging a good portion below the knee and so baggy they kind of annoy me, flap around alot, seem to get in the way, I don't really find they offer much cooling anyway.

I've been riding now since february in some green Endura Singletrack II trousers and they're baggy enough to be comfy but tight enough so they don't flap around and I've been really impressed with breathability, have big vents side zippers which are always open, find that my gonads are less sweaty in those than the humvee shorts.

I do fancy some new shorts but being a 41" waist and most fitting on the tight side choices seem limited, If I'm just going for a quick heated spin I'll usually put a riding t shirt on made out of that breathable synthetic material and for shorts just wear some light weight breathable adidas ones, but for proper rides out I'm still wearing the trousers

I’m guessing fashion has a lot to do with it and the fact that enduro riders often pull their knee pads down for long slogs and transitions.

Surely it’s the sitting on the uplift that tips the balance? You can’t carry your warm layers back down the hill so you’ve got to wear them.

Trousers if I’m gonna get muddy, shorts if I’m not. Just makes getting changed at the van or when I get home easier

I run hot so used to be shorts and short sleeves all year round.  However now kit is so light and breathable it's trousers and l/s for when it's colder/muddy (so generally mid autumn - spring), shorts for when it's hot and dry.  Just taking off trousers and l/s top before getting into the car after a muddy ride is worth it alone.

I do tend to wear trousers for DH / Park whenever though for the extra layer of protection on lower legs.

i always wore shorts year round, in recent years, the fit of trousers has got so much better (slim fitting / stretchy / perfect leg length) and they actually stop the water getting in that hole where your ankle slots in to the shoe.

warm dry legs tend to keep feet warm in winter, as opposed cold wet legs with wet feet..

in summer its  a DH enduro mtb'er thing

Good answer Clubby, and who could have guessed the uci would have a daft rule for htis?

Doesn’t France have a rule where you need long sleeves/legs, gloves, elbow pads and back protection?  I’m sure there was a problem years ago with all the Kiwi’s and some brits fashioning elbow and back protection out of cardboard to get around it.

I think they have that rule for junior races across France.

Doesn’t France have a rule where you need long sleeves/legs, gloves, elbow pads and back protection?

think its knee, back and gloves for all competitive "gravity" racing. Hence the adventure/multiday enduro format led to the creation of backpacks with spine boards

someone said above that UCI DH now requires either shin pads, or covering the shins with trousers.

they didnt always

heres Sam Hill's  (2013) worlds in shorts (which must be for boys)

Rachels perfect season, in shorts

in fact, just by searching for mens world champs winning runs, looks like 2016 was the last year of the shorts, here's Danny's pale legs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtKWTsBlO-0

Enduro seems weather dependent. here's a sloppy zermatt where most riders are in longs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCnv7nIpFWE

Bernard Kerr and quite a few of the other Pivot riders seem to hate elbow pads. and wear short sleeves and bare arms whenever allowed, which I've always found ironic when they are sponsored by a protection company - Leatt

I can’t ride in long trousers at any time of year. Just get sweaty legs and it feels wrong. With shorts and knee pads it’s only ever a bit of shin that’s exposed to the elements and I’ve never thought “ooh my shins are cold”

As for the Enduro and DH thing. Fashion and following the latest trends I reckon.

I pretty much wear any kind of shorts I can at any given time from April till October unless I HAVE to wear trousers

Why on earth would I choose to go mtb'ing in trousers, in summer? 🤣

I can’t ride in long trousers at any time of year. Just get sweaty legs and it feels wrong. With shorts and knee pads it’s only ever a bit of shin that’s exposed to the elements and I’ve never thought “ooh my shins are cold”

for the last 2 years I've been the opposite. Trousers are my default, only hot weather sees me switching to shorts - which happened about a month or so ago.

avoidance of scratches, mud, puddle splashes on my shins is lovely. if there is any chance of puddles I'll be in trousers, it keeps your shoes and socks far dryer too.

my knees get hot with my "big kneepads" underneath, but they are quite tight over the pads so I'm guessing that prevents any airflow.

avoidance of scratches

If anything is the mtbers uniform its scratched up lower legs and inner elbows! 😀