Extend Your Riding Season with the Showers Pass Apex Mountain Bike Pants
You might recognize Showers Pass as the brand that makes bomber rain gear for cycling, born and proven in the damp climate of Portland, Oregon. Turns out their bike-know-how extends beyond rain gear.
Last spring, I tested the Showers Pass Apex Mountain Bike Shorts and loved them. Their lightweight, stretch build feels great on and off the bike. So when I heard they introduced the new Apex Mountain Bike Pants, I jumped at the chance to try them out. Just as I’d hoped, the Apex Mountain Bike Pants are essentially a full-length version of the shorts — the same stretch material, the same great mobility and the same great pockets.
Mobility, Stretch, Pockets, Coverage
The Showers Pass Apex bike pants bring a lightweight feel and full mobility to cycling pants, making them supremely ride-friendly. The slightly tailored fit is just right — not too tight or too baggy. Add the 4-way stretch fabric, and these pants protect you from brushy trails and chilly temps without constricting your range of motion or even feeling like you’re riding a bike in pants. They even look more like regular pants (versus made-for-bike pants), so you might just find yourself wearing them to take a hike or for a cold one on the deck post-ride, provided they’re not too muddy.
Lightweight, Quick-Drying Mountain Bike Pants
The first thing you’ll notice about the Apex mountain bike pants is the fabric. It’s soft without being slick. It’s lightweight without feeling fragile. And it’s full of stretch that feels, well, natural. The result is that they are super comfortable to wear and for riding.
Take note that these are lightweight pants. They’re not insulated or intended for extreme cold or wet. They’re an ideal weight for cool fall days and chilly spring rides. They’re also light enough to pack for a bikepacking trip where cold mornings turn into warm afternoons.
The cut is loose enough that you could wear full-length tights under them to extend their range in colder temps, but I’ve found the light material has a wide temp range on its own. They are best suited for about 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Every detail about the Apex bike pants is solidly rooted in cycling. The stitching is tight, and the patterning is purposeful. Put them on, and the thoughtful design details let you move any way you like without restriction or drivetrain interference. It’s clear that the Apex bike pants are designed by people who really ride bikes.
Tapered Legs for Unrestricted Pedaling
While the overall cut is loose enough to feel relaxed, the legs do taper at the cuff. The taper sets you up for a clean pedal stroke and means the cuff won’t interfere with your chain. A 10-inch zipper up the back of the cuff makes them easy to pull on.
Like the Apex bike shorts, the waistband includes dual velcro adjustment straps for fine-tuning the fit. If you are between the listed sizes, I’d recommend sizing up, as the adjustment straps seem to cinch down more than let you expand the waist. I comfortably wear a 30-inch waist in most pants, and the 30-waist Apex bike pants fit great, too.
Everything You Need in Mountain Bike Pants
I used the phrase “everything you need and nothing you don’t” when describing the Apex mountain bike shorts. Well, I can say the same for the Apex mountain bike pants. Like the shorts, they don’t include a chamois or padded liner. So, in that sense, you do need something, a liner short or bib of your choice.
The design is clean and comfortable, with a clear focus on being functional on the bike. There’s a total of five pockets, including my personal favorite — the vertical zip thigh pockets where the actual pocket sits to the back and side of the thigh, so whatever you put there just kind of disappears while you pedal. It’s the ideal pocket for keeping a snack bar or phone secure and easy to grab. There are also two drop-in hand pockets and a zip back pocket. Add a few reflective details, silicone grip zones in the waist, plus the aforementioned velcro waist adjusters, and the Showers Pass Apex Bike Pants have everything you need in a pair of pants for bikepacking, mountain biking or commuting.
Check prices and availability: Showers Pass Apex Mountain Bike Pants $145 (on sale for $101 as of November 2023!)
Check out our other mountain bike, gravel riding and bikepacking gear reviews on our adventure ride essentials page
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