Are Wrangler ATG Pants the Best Budget Bike Pants for Mountain Biking?

“Nice pants, who makes those?” The question, posed by a riding buddy, highlights the surprising appeal of a piece of mountain bike apparel that you might least expect. This winter, the Wrangler ATG synthetic pants have become a popular choice among our riding group, and as it turns out, they’ve been a well-kept secret among some riders for years. Even more surprising is where you can find these mountain Bike Pants: Target, both in stores and online, for the incredibly affordable price of around $27. Intrigued by their growing popularity, and the attractive price point, I had to try out these budget bike pants myself to see what all the fuss was about.

Diving into the Wrangler ATG Synthetic Bike Pants

MSRP: $26.99 – $29.99
Available at Target

The Wrangler ATG (All Terrain Gear) line features a variety of apparel, but it’s the synthetic pants, distinct from their canvas counterparts, that have emerged as a surprisingly excellent option for mountain biking. I opted for the Slim Fit Taper Trail Joggers version due to specific features that appealed to me for riding, although my friends have found other styles in the ATG line equally suitable as bike pants.

Close-up of Wrangler ATG bike pants waist area showing the integrated belt and fit on a 6’3” rider.

Waist and Fit Features for Riding Comfort

Starting at the waist, the Jogger style bike pants incorporate a sewn-in nylon web belt with a plastic buckle. While the belt doesn’t fully encircle the waist, limiting its overall support, it effectively tightens the fit, allowing for some waist adjustability. Ideally, a 32-inch waist would have been perfect, but the local store only had 34s in stock. Cinching the integrated nylon belt to its maximum capacity provides a secure fit, albeit with a slight bunching at the front. For those who prefer a different belt system, external belt loops are also included. It’s worth noting that based on research, the built-in nylon belt is exclusive to the ATG Joggers, a key factor in choosing this particular style of bike pants.

Pocket Design and Practicality on the Trail

These bike pants are equipped with a total of five pockets, none of which are zippered. The rear pockets are largely impractical while cycling, and the front pockets offer limited utility without zippers. While I generally avoid carrying items in my pockets while riding to prevent damage (a past phone-smashing incident taught me that lesson!), pockets are useful for warming hands and holding keys or small items pre- and post-ride. The open pocket design might be a drawback for some who prefer secure storage while on the trails.

Articulated Knees for Enhanced Mobility

Moving down the leg, the Wrangler ATG bike pants feature articulated or “pre-bent” knees. This design element is a significant advantage, particularly for the dynamic movements involved in mountain biking. The pre-shaped knees enhance flexibility and comfort in the riding position, allowing for a greater range of motion on the bike.

Articulated knees on Wrangler ATG bike pants provide flexibility for mountain biking.

Hem Cinchers: A Key Feature for Bike Pants

At the ankles, the elastic cinchers are, in my opinion, almost essential for effective mountain bike pants. While opinions vary, and some bike-specific pants lack any hem adjustment, these cinchers are a major plus. The primary benefit of cinching the ankle hem on the right leg is to prevent the pant leg from catching in the bike’s chainring. Without integrated cinchers, riders often resort to external Velcro straps, which work adequately but add an extra piece of gear to manage. Therefore, the drawcord hem on these bike pants is a welcome and functional feature.

Elastic cinchers at the ankle of Wrangler ATG bike pants to keep them out of the chain.

Material, Fit, and Performance on the Trail

The Wrangler ATG Slim Fit Taper Joggers are constructed from a blend of 95% nylon and 5% spandex, a common material composition found in many dedicated mountain bike pants. The fabric has a slightly rougher texture and tends to attract lint and hair more readily than softer materials. However, this doesn’t detract from the comfort during rides. I recently completed a 50-mile ride in these bike pants and found them comfortable throughout the entire duration.

One notable difference from many MTB-specific pants is the absence of a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the Wrangler ATG pants. Even light rain showers will quickly soak through the fabric. This lack of water resistance might be a consideration for riders in consistently wet climates or those seeking bike pants for rainy conditions.

In terms of temperature range, I’ve found these joggers to be comfortable between 40°F and 65°F (approximately 4°C to 18°C). In my region, this makes them ideal bike pants for winter and shoulder seasons. The ATG pants are neither exceptionally breathable nor heavily insulated; their thickness is moderate, placing them in a middle ground in terms of thermal properties. Without ventilation features, their performance is as expected for the material and construction.

Durability is a crucial aspect of mountain bike pants, intended to protect riders from trailside abrasions. While I haven’t crash-tested these Wrangler ATG pants, they appear robust enough for their intended purpose. Wrangler markets the ATG series as workwear and outdoor apparel, suggesting a focus on toughness. The material’s thickness reinforces confidence in their ability to withstand trail hazards.

The slim fit and tapered leg of Wrangler ATG bike pants are stylish and functional for mountain biking.

The fit of these bike pants is a major highlight, even though the waist is slightly larger than my ideal size. While a 34-inch inseam would have been preferred over the 32-inch length, the inseams run generously long. For comparison, I wear a 36-inch inseam in Levi’s jeans, yet the 32-inch inseam of these pants is only marginally short. The waist sizing seems accurate.

Beyond their affordability, the aesthetic appeal of these budget mountain bike pants is a significant factor in their rapid adoption. The color options, primarily black and gray, align with current trends in men’s MTB apparel. The slim fit and tapered leg design avoid the boxy, wind-flapping silhouette of some traditional outdoor pants. Unfortunately for female riders, Wrangler does not currently offer women’s specific sizes or styles in the ATG line.

Despite the lack of women’s options, the Wrangler ATG pants are available in a range of styles, three colors, waist sizes from 30 to 40 inches, and three inseam lengths (30, 32, and 34 inches), providing a decent selection for many riders seeking affordable and functional bike pants.

Pros and Cons of Wrangler ATG Bike Pants for Mountain Biking

Pros

Affordable bike pants: Significantly cheaper than most dedicated mountain bike pants.
Readily available: Often found in stock at Target stores and online.
Size and style variety: Multiple sizes and styles within the ATG line to choose from.
Good on-bike performance: Functional features and comfortable for trail riding.

Cons

No DWR coating: Lacks water resistance.
Open pockets: Contents can potentially fall out during rides.
Partial nylon belt: Integrated belt doesn’t fully encircle the waist.

Bottom Line: Are Wrangler ATG Bike Pants Worth It?

It’s easy to see why mountain bikers are discovering the value of Wrangler ATG pants. They offer an impressive combination of affordability, accessibility, and essential performance features for trail riding. For riders seeking budget-friendly bike pants that perform surprisingly well, the Wrangler ATG pants are definitely worth considering.

As we paused during a recent ride, another friend, Jacob, pointed at my legs with a curious look. “Hey man, who makes those?” The question speaks volumes about the unexpected quality and appeal of these unassuming bike pants.