The Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts on review are the pair I want to reach for when the weather warms up. They feel light, the supplied liner is comfortable, and there is enough useful pocket space to make them practical riding shorts. For hotter summer days on the MTB or eMTB, that combination works well.
There is a limit to their appeal when temperatures drop, though. Having also ridden in the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus shorts, I prefer those on cooler days. The Skyline earns its place as a comfortable warm-weather option, rather than the one pair I would choose for every forecast.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts
£59 (RRP £140)
Pros
Lightweight feel suits hotter summer rides.
Comfortable supplied liner.
Adjustable waist helps fine-tune the fit.
Useful zipped pocket storage.
Cons
Less appealing on cooler days, when I prefer the TLD Ruckus
Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts at a glance
| Product tested | Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts with liner |
|---|---|
| Size tested | 34, outer shorts and liner |
| Waist | Adjustable |
| Storage | Zipped front pockets |
| Best suited to | Warmer-weather MTB and eMTB riding |
Fit and comfort
Comfort is the Skyline’s strongest selling point in my riding. The lightweight feel makes them an appealing choice when heavier kit feels unnecessary, and the adjustable waist gives some scope to fine-tune the fit. I tested a size 34, with the supplied liner also labelled 34.
The cut looks tidy without the appearance of an oversized downhill short. Worn with my TLD knee pads, the hems overlap the tops of the pads while standing. That is a useful indication of coverage, although riders choosing a size should also check the overlap in a bent-knee riding position, particularly with a different set of pads.
Is the supplied liner comfortable?
The liner is a worthwhile part of this package. I found it comfortable, which matters because the outer shorts only tell half the story when you are buying a pair with padding included. A good fit around the waist is welcome, but it cannot make up for an uncomfortable liner underneath.
For anyone new to baggy riding shorts, the liner is the close-fitting inner short, with a padded insert known as a chamois. It provides cushioning between you and the saddle. Here, my experience of that padding was positive, and the liner contributes to the Skyline’s overall comfort rather than feeling like an afterthought.
Pockets and everyday practicality
There is plenty of pocket space for my needs, and the zipped front openings are a welcome practical detail. Secure storage is useful whether you are heading out for a local loop or spending the day at a trail centre. The pockets also help these feel like ordinary shorts when you are off the bike.
The styling is fairly restrained on this pair, with the small turquoise graphics adding some colour. That will appeal if you prefer your riding kit to look relatively casual. The more useful features remain the straightforward ones: comfortable fabric, an adjustable waist and accessible zipped storage.
TLD Skyline versus Ruckus: which would I choose?
Temperature is the deciding factor for me. On hotter summer days, the Skyline’s light feel is a clear positive. It suits the conditions in which I want less bulk from my riding clothing, while retaining the comfort and practical details I expect from a trail short.
When it is cooler, I would choose the Ruckus instead. That does not make the Skyline a poor summer short; British summer riding covers a wide range of conditions, and my preference changes with them. If your rides regularly start cool or stay that way, the Ruckus deserves a look alongside the Skyline.
Verdict
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts get the basics right for warm-weather riding. I like their low-bulk feel, comfortable liner and useful pockets, and the adjustable waist adds to an easy-to-live-with package. They are a strong option for riders looking for comfortable baggy shorts for hotter MTB and eMTB days.
My main reservation is their range of use as the weather cools. I would keep the Ruckus for those rides and reach for the Skyline when the forecast is warmer. For more options across your riding wardrobe, see our best MTB clothing guide.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts
£59 (RRP £140)
The competition
Troy Lee Designs Ruckus shorts
£65 (RRP £160)
The Troy Lee Designs Ruckus shorts are the most useful comparison here because I have ridden in both. I prefer the Ruckus when the temperature drops, while the Skyline gets the nod on hotter summer days. If you are choosing between them, think about the conditions you ride in most often rather than assuming one is automatically the better short.
Endura SingleTrack Lite shorts
£50 (RRP £90)
The Endura SingleTrack Lite shorts offer another approach to summer trail kit, with four-way stretch fabric and perforated thigh vents. Endura also offers different leg lengths, which makes them worth considering if coverage is a deciding factor. Their Clickfast system accepts a compatible padded liner; check what is included in the version you buy when comparing the total cost with the Skyline package.
Fox Ranger Lined shorts
£65 (RRP £75)
The Fox Ranger Lined shorts are another option if you want the outer short and padding in one purchase. Fox lists ripstop fabric, a moisture-wicking waistband and a dual-density chamois liner for this version. That makes them a relevant alternative to try alongside the Skyline, particularly if the TLD fit does not work for you; liner comfort and waist fit should decide the choice rather than the specification alone.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts FAQ
Do the Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts come with a liner?
The pair reviewed here came with a padded liner, and both the outer shorts and liner were size 34. Check that the product listing specifies “with liner” or “W/Liner”, as the Skyline range also includes shell-only options.
Are the Skyline shorts comfortable for summer riding?
Yes. Their lightweight feel and comfortable supplied liner are the main reasons I like them for hotter summer days. On cooler rides, I prefer the TLD Ruckus.
Do the Skyline shorts work with knee pads?
The hems overlap my TLD knee pads while standing, as the review photographs show. Fit will vary with your leg length and pads, so check coverage and freedom of movement with your knees bent before settling on a size.
Can you adjust the waist on the Skyline shorts?
Yes, the tested pair has an adjustable waist. It allows you to fine-tune the fit, although it is still important to choose the right starting size for your waist and thighs.
Are the Skyline shorts suitable for eMTB riding?
Yes, they suit warmer-weather eMTB riding as well as conventional mountain biking. My reasons for choosing them are the same on either bike: comfortable padding, a lightweight outer short and useful zipped storage.