Mountain bike pants can be a game-changer for trail riding in cooler months, offering protection from the elements and trailside brush. But let’s face it, quality cycling-specific apparel can be expensive. So when a buddy rolled up in what looked like decent riding pants, and casually mentioned they were Wranglers from Target, selling for around $27, we had to know more. “Nice pants, who makes those?” became the question echoing around our riding group, and the answer, Wrangler, was as surprising as the price tag. Could these be the Best Cheap Mountain Bike pants we’d been searching for? After seeing them on a few friends, I decided to try out the Wrangler ATG Synthetic pants myself to see if the hype was real.
Wrangler ATG Pants: Unexpectedly Awesome for MTB
The Wrangler ATG (All Terrain Gear) line is designed for outdoor activities, and their synthetic pants have emerged as a surprisingly popular choice among mountain bikers looking for affordable and functional gear. Within the ATG range, I opted for the Slim Fit Taper Trail Joggers due to specific features that seemed ideal for cycling, though my riding buddies have found other styles in the line to be equally impressive for tackling trails. These pants are readily available online and, surprisingly, at your local Target store, making them incredibly accessible for riders on a budget.
Image: A 6’3″ mountain biker showcases the fit of the Wrangler ATG pants in size 34×32, highlighting their suitability for trail riding.
Key Mountain Bike Pant Features on a Budget
Let’s dive into the features that make these Wrangler ATG pants a contender in the realm of best cheap mountain bike pants. Starting at the waist, the Jogger style includes a sewn-in nylon web belt with a plastic buckle. While the belt doesn’t fully encircle the waist, it provides enough adjustability to fine-tune the fit. I typically wear a 32-inch waist, but only found 34s in stock. Cinching the integrated belt allowed for a secure fit, albeit with a slight bunching at the front. For those preferring a different belt, external belt loops are also included. It’s worth noting that the integrated belt appears to be exclusive to the ATG Jogger style, a key factor in my selection.
Moving to pockets, the Wrangler ATG pants offer five in total, none of which are zippered. While the rear pockets are largely impractical while riding, the front pockets are somewhat useful for off-bike moments or as hand warmers. Personally, I avoid carrying items in my pockets while riding to prevent damage (lessons learned from a cracked phone!), but pockets are handy for keys and small items pre- and post-ride.
Further down the leg, the articulated or “pre-bent” knees are a standout feature, significantly enhancing freedom of movement and comfort while actively riding. This thoughtful design element is often found in higher-end mountain bike pants, making its presence in these budget-friendly Wranglers a pleasant surprise.
Image: Close-up shot of the articulated knee design on the Wrangler ATG pants, demonstrating the pre-bent shape for enhanced mobility on the bike.
At the ankles, elastic cinchers are included, a feature I consider essential for mountain bike pants. While opinions vary, ankle cinchers are crucial for preventing the pant legs from catching in the chainring. Without them, external Velcro straps are necessary, adding extra bulk and hassle. The integrated drawcord hem on the Wrangler ATG pants is a major plus, simplifying setup and enhancing on-trail convenience.
Materials, Fit, and Trail Performance of 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 in many dedicated mountain bike pants. The fabric has a slightly rougher texture and tends to attract lint, but comfort during rides is not compromised. I recently completed a 50-mile ride in these pants, and they remained comfortable throughout the duration.
Unlike many cycling-specific pants, the Wrangler ATG pants lack a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. Even light rain penetrates the fabric quickly. Therefore, these are best suited for dry or slightly damp conditions.
In terms of temperature regulation, I found the Joggers comfortable between 40°F and 65°F. This makes them ideal for winter and shoulder season riding in my region. They are neither particularly breathable nor heavily insulated, sitting in a middle ground in terms of thickness. With no ventilation features, their temperature performance is straightforward and as expected for the material.
Mountain bike pants should also offer protection against trail abrasion, and while I haven’t crash-tested these Wranglers, the material’s thickness and workwear designation from Wrangler suggest they should hold up well. The robust feel of the fabric inspires confidence in their durability for typical trail riding scenarios.
Image: A rider pictured from the waist down, wearing the Wrangler ATG pants while standing on a trail, showcasing the fit and style in a natural riding environment.
The fit is a major highlight, even with the waist being slightly larger than my ideal size. While I would have preferred a 34-inch inseam over the 32-inch length, the inseam runs generously long, surprisingly comparable to my usual 36-inch Levi’s jeans. The waist sizing appears to be accurate.
Beyond the price, the appealing aesthetics have contributed to the popularity of these cheap mountain bike pants. The colors are in line with current men’s MTB apparel trends (black, gray), and the fit is streamlined, avoiding the baggy, wind-flapping look. Unfortunately, Wrangler does not currently offer women’s sizes or styles in the ATG line.
Despite this limitation, the Wrangler ATG pants are available in various styles, three colors, waist sizes ranging from 30-40, and three lengths (30, 32, and 34), offering a reasonable selection to find a suitable fit.
Pros and Cons: Wrangler ATG Pants for Mountain Biking
To summarize, here are the key pros and cons of using Wrangler ATG pants for mountain biking:
Pros
- Cheap mountain bike pants: Unbeatable price point for the features offered.
- Generally available in stores: Easy to find at Target locations.
- Multiple sizes and styles: Decent variety to choose from within the ATG line.
- Good bike performance: Functional features and comfortable for trail riding.
Cons
- No DWR coating: Not water-resistant.
- Open pockets: Contents can spill out while riding.
- Nylon belt design: Belt doesn’t fully wrap around the waist, potentially less secure for some.
Bottom Line: Are These the Best Budget Mountain Bike Pants?
It’s no wonder mountain bikers are embracing the Wrangler ATG pants. They offer an exceptional combination of affordability, accessibility, and on-trail performance. For riders seeking best cheap mountain bike pants that don’t compromise on essential features, the Wrangler ATG line is a compelling option.
As we paused for a break during a recent ride, my friend Jacob gestured towards my legs with a curious look. “Hey man,” he asked, “who makes those?” The secret is out: Wrangler ATG pants are a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for mountain biking.
- MSRP: $26.99 – $29.99
- Available at Target
- Comparable styles also available at Amazon
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