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Endura MT500 Spray Shorts Review

These burly shorts are for those that favor weather resistance and durability over comfort and style
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Endura MT500 Spray Shorts Review
Credit: Endura
Price:  $140 List
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Manufacturer:   Endura
By Nick Miley ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 9, 2022
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 17
  • Comfort - 20% 7.0
  • Fit and Pedal Friendliness - 20% 6.0
  • Features - 20% 9.0
  • Durability - 20% 9.0
  • Style - 10% 6.0
  • Protection - 10% 8.5

Our Verdict

The Endura MT500 Spray Shorts pull out all the stops where features and durability are concerned. The MT500s has 3-layer waterproof, seam-taped rear panels for tire spray and DWR coating throughout for riding on wet days. There are two zippered, mesh hand packets that accommodate your daily carries. The waistband has two button closures topping a heavy gauge YKK zipper, Velcro adjustment straps, grip strips, and belt loops. While there is a lot going for this short, testers were unenthusiastic about the fit, comfort, and style. The leg openings are pegged, the seat a little baggy, and the large logo on both hems gives these shorts a pronounced moto vibe. To see how it stacks up versus the competition, check out our review of the best mountain bike shorts.
REASONS TO BUY
Water-resistant seat panel
Robust construction
Welded hems
REASONS TO AVOID
Leg opening rides up
A little baggy in the seat
Stiffer material

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Weather Resistance
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Mountain Bike Short
Top Pick Award
Best for Ventilation
Top Pick Award
Best for Minimalists
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price $104.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$67.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$105 List
$105.00 at Backcountry
$129 List
$119.00 at Backcountry
$80 List
Check Price at Backcountry
Overall Score Sort Icon
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77
Star Rating
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Bottom Line These stout shorts are designed with wet weather and heavy use in mindWith a smart look, high-quality construction, and useful features, this model is the best we've testedThese minimalistic, well-ventilated shorts are a godsend for those heading out on big rides on hot daysComfortable and lightweight with a performance-oriented fit and minimalist designSimple and effective trail riding shorts that are comfortable and pedal-friendly
Rating Categories Endura MT500 Spray... Troy Lee Designs Sk... Pearl Izumi Summit... Patagonia Dirt Roamer Specialized Trail S...
Comfort (20%)
7.0
8.5
8.5
9.0
8.0
Fit and Pedal Friendliness (20%)
6.0
8.5
9.0
9.0
8.0
Features (20%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Style (10%)
6.0
8.5
8.0
8.0
8.0
Protection (10%)
8.5
8.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Endura MT500 Spray... Troy Lee Designs Sk... Pearl Izumi Summit... Patagonia Dirt Roamer Specialized Trail S...
Shell Fabric 4-way stretch front panels with DWR, waterproof 3-layer rear panels 87% polyester and 13% spandex with 4-way stretch “Aero Tech” micro ripstop panels 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex 4-way stretch 90 denier 86% recycled polyester/14% spandex with a DWR VaporRize woven fabric
Inseam Measurement (med or 32" waist) 13.5 13.5 12.5 12.5 13.5
Number of pockets 2 2 2 2 2
Weight (grams) 262 grams 291 grams 165 grams 164 grams 224 grams
Weight (ounces) 9.25 oz 10.25 oz 5.85 oz 5.8 oz 7.9 oz

Our Analysis and Test Results

The MT500 has a heavy-duty design suggestive of a gravity bike short but is cut to be more pedal-focused. These shorts are constructed of robust materials and industrial stitching. The MT500 waterproof seat and water-repellant coating make them a good fit for shoulder season rides and inclement weather. The burly, 4-way stretch material offers significant protection that promises not to disintegrate when they grate over rocks, roots, and coarse dirt. That said, these shorts didn't fit our testers well. Particularly annoying were the tapered leg openings that rode up a bit when pedaling. The shorts also have a busy waist that may cause comfort issues on longer rides.

Performance Comparison


endura mt500 spray shorts - the mt500 is a burly pair of shorts though bigger testers didn't...
The MT500 is a burly pair of shorts though bigger testers didn't like the fit.
Credit: Nick Miley

Comfort


Much work has gone into bike shorts that make them more comfortable in the saddle. Specifically, waist design, cut, and fabrics contribute to a much nicer peddling experience. The MT500 was not the most comfortable short that we tested in this review, but it wasn't what we'd describe as uncomfortable either. Our main concern with this short is that the leg openings are pegged – meaning that there is a stitch right above the opening that tapers the leg. This design caused a riding-up effect for testers with larger quads. The tightly fitting leg opening combined with the stiff, heavy-weight 4-way stretch fabric created a rough contact point that could be distracting, particularly on longer rides.


The waistband of the MT500 is a busy place. The features built-in to the waist will be discussed in detail in the features metric but suffice it to say that the belt loops, Velcro adjustment straps, grip strips, double snap closure, and rubber branding tag at the small of the back start to feel like you're wearing a utility belt. Yet, the waist is articulated and lined with microfiber, which does much to mitigate the discomfort that cluttering this area produces.

endura mt500 spray shorts - the mt500 has a lot going, both inside and outside the waistline...
The MT500 has a lot going, both inside and outside the waistline. Here we see the Velcro adjustment tabs, the belt loops, and the rubber tag.
Credit: Nick Miley

The position, depth, and shape of pockets on a pair of riding shorts contribute to comfort, particularly if you want to carry a phone on your person. The unsecured mesh pockets on the MT500 are relatively small and placed on the front of the thigh. This design allows items to shift while simultaneously pushing them uncomfortably against the leg, making objects a little harder to extract when needed.

endura mt500 spray shorts - the contents of backloaded pockets are quite noticeable on rides.
The contents of backloaded pockets are quite noticeable on rides.
Credit: Nick Miley

Fit and Pedal Friendliness


The MT500 is a blend of gravity-focused materials and styling cut into a trail short design. The short is articulated in the waist and the leg openings to prevent tensioning and grabbing as the legs pump out pedal strokes. However, the cut of the legs did not fit rider's bodies that had larger quads despite fitting nicely in the waist. As it was, some rubbing on the thigh occurred when pedaling. Despite having a 13½ inch inseam, these shorts felt much shorter and, when in the saddle, climbed up higher than some shorts with shorter inseams. As such, we recommend that riders size up these shorts as they have a good adjustment system in the waist.


While the MT500 has a trim fit and an easily adjusted waist, the seat of these shorts is a bit baggy. We would have preferred a more consistent fit overall. However, we must admit that the short comfortably accommodated a thickly padded chamois.

endura mt500 spray shorts - the dreaded pad gap! the mt500 felt a lot shorter in the inseam than...
The dreaded pad gap! The MT500 felt a lot shorter in the inseam than it actually measured.
Credit: Nick Miley

Features


The features metric looks at short design details, including pockets, vents, and the waistband, to name just a few. The MT500 has no shortage of features, particularly in the waistband. The MT500 has grip strips at the small of the back to help keep the shorts in place when hunched over on steep climbs. The grip strips may be a bit overkill considering the dual Velcro adjustment tabs on the hips that make secure adjustments an easy pull-and-press procedure. Yet, the grip strips were not bothersome.


The pockets are closed with medium gauge YKK zippers, while the waist closure is secured with two snap buttons and a heavy gauge YKK zipper. The MT500 lacks ventilation, which isn't a huge deal since they are more of a shoulder season short best suited to cooler temps and wet weather. The seams around the seat are seam-taped to prevent water penetration with heavy tire spray, which supports such an appraisal.

endura mt500 spray shorts - perhaps the mt500's best feature is its taped seams for wet riding.
Perhaps the MT500's best feature is its taped seams for wet riding.
Credit: Nick Miley

Durability


While we ride the heck out of these shorts, the durability assessment largely relies on our careful assessment of the materials used, the type of stitching that ties the garment together, the zipper gauge, and of course, our years of experience with similar products. The MT500 is one of the burliest shorts we have tested, particularly so considering that it is cut to be more pedal-oriented. A common failure point on shorts is the waist closure. This short ensures that the wearer won't be left with their pants down as it has redundant double snap buttons and a heavy gauge zipper.


Stitching is also critical to the long-term survival of bike shorts. The MT500 uses double stitching on critical seams, and all seams are “serged” to prevent fraying. Going a step further, the leg seams are bar-tacked at the leg opening to prevent the seam from splitting. Finally, we experience no shrinking or fading after repeatedly washing these shorts.

endura mt500 spray shorts - duel snap waist closure and heavy zipper add to this shorts sold...
Duel Snap waist closure and heavy zipper add to this shorts sold durability appraisal.
Credit: Nick Miley

Style


While style is in the eye of the beholder, what we mean by style is whether the shorts look like riding shorts or if they could pass at a family barbeque. The answer to this question is no. These shorts are riding shorts. Even on trial, these shorts leave something to be desired as both legs have prominent branding and logos. Additionally, the tendency of these shorts to ride up when pedaling produces a surprisingly large pad gap — and that's not stylish at all. That said, the short comes in an array of colors including black (tested), bottle green, cayenne, electric blue, cocoa, and moss.


Protection


Shorts don't offer much protection in the event of a fall. However, the MT500's heavy-weight stretch nylon seems ready to stand up to some rough treatment and help to prevent skin abrasion should you hit the deck.


Unfortunately, the short isn't very long and tends to ride up, so be advised that a good pair of knee pads will go a long way if you like to feather the edge of control.

Should You Buy the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts?


If you are looking for a heavy-duty pair of trail shorts that will go the distance, these are a great option. If you live in a wet climate or often find yourself riding in the shoulder seasons when you might encounter mud or puddles, the waterproof seat and weather resistance of these shorts could be just what you need. Keep in mind that we had some fit issues with these, so consider sizing up or ordering a couple of different sizes before making up your mind.

What Other Mountain Bike Shorts Should You Consider?


If you are looking for a more stylish or pedal-friendly short, consider the Troy Lee Designs Skyline. This short is great when hammering in the saddle and looks good off-trail as well. If comfort is your chief concern, have a look at the Patagonia Dirt Roamer. We were amazed by the thoughtful, minimalist design and remarkable mobility of these lightweight shorts.

endura mt500 spray shorts - while the heavy-weight material promises a measure of protection...
While the heavy-weight material promises a measure of protection, the short's tendency to ride up may limit the effect.
Credit: Nick Miley

Nick Miley