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Lightweight trail trousers from EnduraThe MT500 Burner Lite cycling trousers on test

Stefan Frey

 · 22.12.2025

With the MT500 Burner Lite, Endura has a lightweight and well-ventilated trail pant in its programme - with the feedback of the Atherton siblings.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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The Atherton siblings rely on the Endura MT500 Burner Lite trousers for tough trail use. With a comfortable cut and high stretch content, they are designed to provide maximum freedom of movement, good ventilation and robust durability. In this article, you can find out whether the slimmed-down version of the tried-and-tested downhill trousers impressed us in the test.

If you're looking for lightweight bike trousers for trail and enduro rides, you should take a look at Endura, because the Scots have come up with the MT500 Burner Lite trousers the weight-optimised version of the proven downhill pants in the range. Thin stretch fabric and ventilation inserts are designed to prevent heat build-up and increase comfort.

The waist size can be extensively adjusted using Velcro straps. For a better fit on the trail, the MT500 Pants are equipped with silicone prints on the slightly raised rear. Two zip pockets and a Clickfast attachment for connecting a pair of padded shorts round off the features. And if you do have to roll home through traffic, large reflective prints on the calf ensure visibility.

The waistband is cut slightly higher and can be adjusted in width using Velcro. Silicone at the back provides additional support.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe waistband is cut slightly higher and can be adjusted in width using Velcro. Silicone at the back provides additional support.It doesn't get much airier than this: the already thin material is flooded with fresh air thanks to mesh inserts and laser cuts.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIt doesn't get much airier than this: the already thin material is flooded with fresh air thanks to mesh inserts and laser cuts.

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Endura MT500 Burner Lite trousers in test

If we've been riding really light trail pants lately, it's the Endura MT500 Burner Lite. Their material is almost as thin as balloon silk. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the trousers are really airy even on warm days. Especially with the mesh inserts in the back of the knees and the laser cuts above the shins. Even with knee pads, it doesn't get sweaty so quickly in the Endura.

The disadvantage of the lightweight stretch material is that it rustles louder than many other bike pants we have tested so far. Especially on long climbs, where you can't hear anything else apart from the whirring of tyres and the chirping of birds, the loud rustling of the pants can be a bit annoying in the long run. The lightweight material can't quite keep heavier objects such as smartphones in check either, which means they bounce around slightly when pedalling.

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The lightweight material is a bit rickety. Your mobile phone bounces around in your trouser pocket when you pedal.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe lightweight material is a bit rickety. Your mobile phone bounces around in your trouser pocket when you pedal.

Otherwise, however, we have a lot of good things to say about the Endura trousers: Thanks to the high-cut waistband, silicone band and extensive adjustment, they sit firmly on the hips in all situations. No slipping in the saddle, plenty of freedom of movement in technical terrain and a very airy feel. In terms of fit, the MT500 Burner Lite is rather large. If you like to wear your trail trousers tight and sporty, it's better to go for a smaller size.

A large reflective print ensures visibility in road traffic.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA large reflective print ensures visibility in road traffic.

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Endura MT500 Burner Lite Trousers - Info & Price

  • Weight: 277 grams (size L)
  • Made in: China
  • 4-way stretch for maximum freedom of movement
  • Waist size adjustable with Velcro
  • Silicone prints at the rear for better grip
  • Mesh and laser cuts for ventilation in the back of the knees
  • 2 zip pockets
  • Clickfast system for clipping on inner trousers
  • Price: 114,99 Euro >> available here
Yes, I know, I could have made a career as a senior physician at the Charité in that lift. But it was only enough to become a BIKE editor. After all, the MT500 Burner is certainly more comfortable to wear than a stubborn surgical gown.Photo: Georg GrieshaberYes, I know, I could have made a career as a senior physician at the Charité in that lift. But it was only enough to become a BIKE editor. After all, the MT500 Burner is certainly more comfortable to wear than a stubborn surgical gown.

Advantages

+ very light and airy
+ good fit thanks to high waistband and wide adjustment range
+ comfortable length, trouser legs do not ride up

Disadvantages

- Material is a little rickety
- heavy objects bounce in the pockets
- Zips not very smooth-running

MTB trousers in comparison: 6 trail trousers in the test

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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