Mountain biking can be an expensive hobby, but finding affordable gear doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or performance. When it comes to essential mountain bike clothing, pants are often overlooked as a place to save money. However, what if you could find a pair of Cheap Mountain Bike pants that actually perform well on the trails? That’s the question many riders are asking, and the answer might just surprise you.
The Unexpected Find: Wrangler ATG Pants for Mountain Biking
Like many, we were skeptical when we first heard about using Wrangler ATG synthetic pants for mountain biking. Known for workwear and everyday clothing, Wrangler isn’t exactly a brand synonymous with high-performance cycling gear. Yet, whispers started circulating within our riding group about these surprisingly affordable pants available at common retailers. Could pants priced around $30 really hold up to the demands of mountain biking? We decided to investigate.
Image: Close-up shot showcasing the Wrangler brand tag on the affordable mountain bike pants, highlighting their unexpected origin.
Diving into the Details: Wrangler ATG Synthetic Pants Features
The Wrangler ATG (All Terrain Gear) line offers a range of clothing designed for outdoor activities, and it’s their synthetic pants that caught the attention of budget-conscious mountain bikers. Specifically, the Slim Fit Taper Trail Joggers model has emerged as a popular choice. Here’s a breakdown of the features that make these cheap mountain bike pants a contender:
- Affordable Price: With a price tag typically under $30, these pants are significantly cheaper than most dedicated mountain bike pants on the market. This makes them an incredibly accessible option for riders of all levels.
- Built-in Belt: The Jogger version includes a sewn-in nylon web belt, a feature often found in more expensive outdoor pants. While it doesn’t fully encircle the waist, it provides enough adjustability to fine-tune the fit. External belt loops also offer the option to use your own belt if preferred.
- Pocket Design: These pants feature five pockets, offering storage for essentials. While none are zippered, the front pockets are reasonably accessible for off-bike use, like warming hands or holding keys. However, for secure on-bike storage, zippered pockets would be preferable.
- Articulated Knees: A key feature for mountain biking, the articulated or pre-bent knees allow for a greater range of motion and comfort while pedaling and maneuvering on the bike. This design element is crucial for active movement on the trails.
Image: A rider wearing the Wrangler ATG cheap mountain bike pants, demonstrating the fit and articulation while standing beside a mountain bike.
- Elastic Cinchers at the Ankles: This is a standout feature for mountain bike pants. The elastic cinchers at the ankle cuffs are essential for keeping the pants clear of the drivetrain, preventing snagging on the chainring. This eliminates the need for extra straps and ensures a secure fit around the ankles.
Image: Close-up view of the elastic cinchers at the ankle of the cheap mountain bike pants, highlighting the adjustable drawcord feature.
Material and On-Trail Performance of these Budget MTB Pants
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. While the fabric might feel slightly rougher compared to some premium MTB pants and tends to attract lint, its comfort during rides is undeniable. We tested these cheap mountain bike pants on a 50-mile ride and found them to be comfortable throughout.
However, it’s worth noting that these pants lack a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. They are not water-resistant and will soak through quickly in even light rain. In terms of temperature range, they perform best in moderate conditions, roughly between 40°F and 65°F. They aren’t heavily insulated or particularly breathable, making them suitable for winter and shoulder seasons in many climates.
Durability is a key concern for mountain bike pants, and while we haven’t crash-tested these Wranglers, the material thickness and the brand’s workwear reputation suggest they should offer adequate abrasion resistance for trail riding.
Fit and Style: Looking Good on a Budget
Beyond performance, the Wrangler ATG pants also score points for their fit and style. Despite some sizing variations (the reviewer found the waist slightly large and inseam slightly short, but manageable), the overall fit is considered good. Perhaps surprisingly for cheap mountain bike pants, they offer a modern, tapered look that avoids the boxy or baggy silhouette often associated with budget outdoor wear. The available colors (black, gray) align with current trends in men’s mountain bike apparel. Unfortunately, women’s specific sizes are not currently offered in this line.
Image: A rider in motion wearing the affordable Wrangler ATG mountain bike pants, showcasing the slim fit and tapered leg while riding on a trail.
Pros and Cons: Cheap Mountain Bike Pants – Wrangler ATG
To summarize, here’s a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Wrangler ATG pants as cheap mountain bike pants:
Pros:
- Affordable: Unbeatable price point for mountain bike pants.
- Accessibility: Easily purchased in-store and online from major retailers.
- Variety: Available in multiple sizes and styles within the ATG line.
- Solid Performance: Surprisingly capable for mountain biking, offering key features like articulated knees and ankle cinchers.
Cons:
- No DWR Coating: Lacks water resistance.
- Open Pockets: Unsecured pockets may not be ideal for carrying valuables while riding.
- Partial Belt: Built-in belt doesn’t fully wrap around the waist.
The Bottom Line: Are Cheap Mountain Bike Pants Like Wrangler ATG Worth It?
The Wrangler ATG pants are a compelling example of how you can find surprisingly capable and cheap mountain bike gear without breaking the bank. They aren’t perfect, lacking some features found in higher-end MTB-specific pants, but for the price, they deliver excellent value and performance on the trail. If you’re looking for affordable mountain bike pants that tick the essential boxes, the Wrangler ATG line is definitely worth considering. You might just be as surprised as we were by how well these budget-friendly pants perform.
- MSRP: $26.99 – $29.99
- Available at Target
- Comparable styles also available at Amazon
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