Are MTB pants supposed to be snug....

[MikeGoodwin]

Around the old crotch area?

Just got a size up from what Id normally buy trousers wise, legs and waist ok they fit really well, but theres an obvious outline where it gets a bit tight in the centre section (not boasting here honest)

Like so...

Edited by MikeGoodwin on Tuesday 31st December 09:29

[vwsurfbum]

I suppose you dont want them to be baggy (to get snagged) but surely not like that?
None of mine are that snug around that area. (not sure I should admit that)

[yellowjack]

They should be fairly snug there, so that when you drop your weight behind the saddle on a descent, the loose material doesn't snag on the back of the saddle as you try to get your weight forward again for the following climb or flat pedaly section of trail. I used to wear a pair of "ordinary" shorts over a padded Lycra pair, but had a frequent issue when I moved my weight one side or the other when cornering swiftly. As I recovered to a more upright position, the nose of the saddle would snag the loose material of the leg of the shorts, stopping me from getting back on top of the saddle. I ended up tearing a hole in the shorts while fighting to keep control of the bike. Nowadays I tend to just go with Lycra shorts, without any 'baggies' over the top.

[dhutch]

Yeah, as said, baggy in style but not so the snag on the saddle, worn over padded lycra. I dont notice my edura xc or fox dh shorts being tight, or snagging.

[MikeGoodwin]

In the interest of google search results and historical records, I went size XXL in Endura MT 500 Burner II's and they fit how I want them, slightly loose, I'd take a 36 waist in jeans/trousers normally so these are about 2x sizes bigger than the size guides suggest (maybe I am just a fat pig). Got some size 40 Troy Lee sprints on the way too, since the 38's I bought were too tight around my groin so those might provide the extra breathing room i desire.