EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE

Men's 12" Inseam Guide Trail MTB Shorts

Sale price $79.96 Regular price $99.95

Size
Color: Mud Brown
Overview

The Guide Trail Shorts solve the biggest problems with mountain bike shorts: awkward fit, saddle snag, saggy pockets, and restricted movement. Built with true-to-size comfort, 4-way stretch fabric, a performance taper, and an adjustable hook-and-webbing waistband, they move naturally on the bike without feeling baggy or bulky.  Zippered thigh pockets securely hold your phone without bouncing or getting in the way. The gusseted crotch and rear stretch panels keep the shorts comfortable through climbs, rowdy descents, and long days in the saddle.

Specs & Features
  • Inseam is 11.75 for sizes 28-34. 36+ is a 12" inseam
  • 2 stash pockets in front and 2 zippered thigh pockets large enough to fit any phone
  • Large YKK zippers for ride time dexterity and durability
  • Hook and webbing waist adjustments
  • Durastretch Pro+™ 4-way stretch 92% Polyester 8% Spandex fabric
  • Poly Performance material to aid moisture transfer and breathability
  • Inseam gusset for overall movement (No more riding up or snagging on your saddle)
  • Unbreakable waist button with reinforced nylon webbing 
  • DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a coating that works by creating a barrier to repel the elements 
Our Mission

We believe in the freedom of two wheels and the trails that make it possible. Every purchase supports our 2% for the Trails initiative — funding trail maintenance, protecting access to public lands, and preserving the places we ride. Over $100K donated and counting.

Shipping, Exchanges and Return Policy
  • Free Shipping on all US orders over $75
  • Free Exchanges on all non-closeout items
  • Returns have a $8 handling fee (this is waived if you choose store credit)
  • Closeout items are not eligible for returns or exchanges
  • Start your return or exchange HERE
  • 5 stars: 101 (95%)
  • 4 stars: 4 (4%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (1%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
S
Sheri Bailey (Maysville, GA)
Shorts

These were for my son and he loves them!

G
Greg Carr
Guide shorts

love the blue color! As usual the fit and adjustability are spot on. Excellent quality too.

S
Sage Nguyen (Denver, CO)
Love the fit

I’m a small guy and it’s hard to find a pair of mtb shorts that fits. Most shorts out there on the market are too long on me. These fit perfectly. I’m 5’5” 140 lbs. I have all 4 colors.

A
Aaron Ross (Cathedral City, CA)
Not as good as the original.

I purchased a couple of Guide Shorts (in grey and black) the first year they came out. Best shorts I've owned. There were the right length, and the leg openings slimmer with an ideal fit. In fact, I've been a big fan of all the Cognative clothing. Well made, well thought-out, and reasonably priced.

I purchased a third pair of these shorts (blue) in 5/23. This current design does not work as well as the original. They are much longer and baggier. I'm very disappointed with the changes. Too bad, but I wouldn't buy any more of these.

M
Mark Leary (Portland, OR)
Can you be in love with shorts?

If we're talking about the Cognative Guide Trail shorts, the answer is unequivocally: YES.

These shorts are the comfiest bike shorts I've ever worn. Period. End of story.

Trim fit. Unlike most trail shorts - you know the ones that can fit twelve people and your gramma and the kitchen sink in just one of the leg holes - that are so baggy, Cognative has designed a trim-fit short that doesn't get hung up on your seat or make you feel like you're swimming in fabric.

Bomb-proof. For their inaugural ride, I took my first pair (yes, I bought another pair a week later) for a 45-mile overnight bikepacking trip in the Oregon high desert. After beating them up pretty good, you would've thought they were fresh off the shelf. Not a mark on them ... even when there were plenty of marks on me.

Smartly designed. Every aspect of these shorts has been thoughtfully considered, from the stretchy, but durable fabric, the inseam that doesn't ride up, the tapered legs, the cool hook-and-webbing waist - all of it.

My only critique would be there needs to be more colors. Otherwise, Cognative knocked these shorts off the trail.

So, would I recommend? Have you read what I just wrote?! Wholly and without reservation. Pick up a pair and you'll see for yourself.

J
J.S. (Helotes, TX)
Best MTB shorts ever

These shorts have a tailored fit, a fabric that is sturdy yet supple, pockets that actually hold a phone and yet allow carried items disappear while pedaling, bomber zippers that won’t break, and are far less expensive than the competition. I’m comparing them to my Kitsbow, Pearl Izumi, Patagonia, and Giro shorts that are in my rotation. You could double the price and these would still be my go-to short every time. Well done Cognitive!

B
Brian Keith (Elizabethton, TN)
ADD TO CART!

So, you're sitting on the sh#tter at the in-laws house, sneaking a couple early beers to control you blood pressure listening to your father in law b+tch about politics. You get on Cognative MTB and start perusing the new release section. You just found the Holy Grail of MTB shorts! You have officially reached the end of the internet. Trust me when I say "these shorts check all the boxes". Perfect cut, perfect pockets, perfect phone placement. Perfect waist adjustment. They even look sexy off the bike. Your next click from this review should be the "add to cart" button.

S
Shayne Taylor (Springfield, MO)
Big Booty Boys, Rejoice!

I bought and returned over $800 worth of shorts from Backcountry. In the end, I couldn't find any shorts that would fit my big thighs and glutes without leaving a massive waist gap. By having adjustments on both sides, these shorts were able to cinch the waist inches down without creating a massive fold like shorts with only a single adjustment do. I'm not sure if I like the button, but overall I'm just glad to have found such a good looking pair of shorts that fit, and the price is great.

D
DAVE

I liked them both , notify me please when you get those shirts inXL and I will buy more Thanks pants are great too

J
Jonathan Emery (Pawtucket, RI)
True to size fit

Fit is true to size. When wearing they are so comfortable I dont even realize Im wearing them! Which will make me think twice before leaving the house ... dont wanna forget wearing bottoms lol

R
Rick Ziobro (Asheville, NC)
Pinnacle of cycling shorts!

Fit is true to size and the ability to make adjustments at the waist is simple and easy to use. I love how the fabric has stretch to it and there is no bunching when pedaling. Living in Pisgah, having the shorts with some water resistance is icing on the cake!!!

s
steven mcnutt (Ashburn, VA)
Comfortable, affordable, durable mtb shorts

I've now purchased 4 pairs of the guide shorts. They're very comfortable and look good enough to use for casual wear. The adjustable waistband works excellent, keeping the fit dialed even when wearing pads underneath.

In terms of abrasion resistance, they stand up to the normal spills and falls of trail riding quite well.

Best value going in a mtb short.

B
Brian Caruthers (Granbury, TX)
5 Star

I know it sounds redundant but these shorts can truly be you new go to shorts. They are good enough and comfortable enough to wear all the time not just on the ride. They are now my new touring shorts. I'll be out ridingfor a couple of months and so will the shorts.

L
Leo Guerra-Hershey (Mission Viejo, CA)
Excellent Riding Shorts

The best riding shorts period. Great quality and well designed.

J
JA (Lincoln, NE)
Perfect shorts

My husband loves your shorts! Comfortable, just enough stretch, covers his bum when riding, no sag, adjustable. He comments every time he puts them on for a ride that they are superior shorts. Thank you!

J
Jeffry M (Charlotte, NC)
Best shorts

Theses are simply the best mountain bike shorts ever!

T
Tommy (Raleigh, NC)
Awesome short!

Everything about this short is a winner! The cut, the fabric and the features are all stellar. The fit runs true to size. Don't hesitate to purchase this short, not only for riding, but for climbing or around town too!

A
Andrew Ewing (Jacksonville, FL)
High Expectations

Having experience with the riding pants, I had high expectations for these shorts and I was not disappointed. I’ve only worn them twice, but I can tell they are as durable and as comfortable and rider friendly as the pants. I would buy again.

s
shane toomes (Hendersonville, TN)
Great pair

Love the shorts. I wore them yesterday in DuPont! Nice and stretchy. I usually wear Endura short for the longevity but they are not stretchy at all.

D
Donald Reynolds (Greenville, SC)

Great fit and comfort

R
Robert Munday (Reno, NV)
Amazing MTB Shorts!

Most comfortable and functional shorts ever!!

L
Lance Alligood (Chicago, IL)
As awesome as their pants--just shorter!

Feature for feature, these shorts are identical to Cognative's awesome trail pants. The only difference is that they stop just above the knee. I love the zippered pockets on both sides which are big enough to stick my phone in, and the waist adjustment & fasteners are the best I've ever had in any MTB short or pant. I've had great experiences with the pants--surprising durable in a couple of tumbles--so I have no reason to doubt that the shorts will hold up every bit as well.

E
Eric (Portland, OR)
Perfect fit

As a big guy, it’s hard to find riding gear. I was happy to find Cognitive and after buying these shorts, the fit and performance were so good, I’ve come back for more (shorts, pants, jerseys). Sizing is generous—when ordering my normal waist, I have to bring in the adjustable waist about 2/3rds for a snug fit. Plenty of room to go either way.

A
Allan Mitchell (Wolfeboro, NH)
Perfect fit

Best mountain bike shorts I've worn. True size fit as well. I have two pairs and will buy more for certain

S
Steven

Quality zippers used as well as the main body fabric and stretchy panels! Worth the investment!

S
Seth Cain (Edinburgh, SCT)
Best. Ever.

I have 2 pairs of Guide pants and a pair of Guide shorts. These are hands down the best MTB bottoms out there and I’ve worn many. I don’t leave reviews, but these are worth it. The material is magic. Durable, but soft and light. Perfect. Seriously.

J
Jay (Copperopolis, CA)
Everything I had hoped for

I bought the guide pants last fall and loved them over the winter. I knew I would buy the guide shorts this spring. Both have the right fit, very comfortable and work very well on the bike. I will buy them again!