Norrona skibotn flex1: MTB Pants & Shorts - bike trousers that can take a beating

We have already tested a number of products from the Norwegian outdoor manufacturer Norrona, and all of them have shown hardly any signs of wear or defects even after the test period - the stuff lasts! Now there are two trousers from Norrona's skibotn line for MTB. The skibotn Flex1 Pants and the skibotn Flex1 Shorts. Both are the right trousers for wild MTB riders. Yes, not a contemporary feminine term, because the two cycling trousers are only available for men - even though women can certainly wear them too.

The skibotn Flex1 Pants cycling trousers from Norrona in a practical test

In terms of style, you can't go wrong with black cycling trousers anyway. Never. The Norrona skibotn Flex1 Pants fit comparatively loosely in M, with plenty of room around the bum in particular - a relaxed fit doesn't get on your nerves when riding. And that's how it is. The bike trousers are visibly made of two different fabrics: one is very flexible, quite thin and airy and slightly reinforced in ripstop style. The other is smooth, but is designed to withstand more and is therefore stitched in particularly stressed areas such as the seat. The plan works. Even blackberry bushes with their thorns have an effect on the skin underneath - the trousers look as good as new even after contact.

The skibotn trousers are really comfortable to wear when riding, seem to be quite breathable and don't chafe anywhere. Especially not on the frame or the cranks, because Norrona has sewn the trouser legs tighter towards the bottom; right down to the flexible but quite tight hem at the ankle. This is stretchable thanks to a mesh fabric at the back. The waistband can be adjusted as usual with Velcro fasteners and sits firmly on the body with silicone strips on the inside.

There are 5 pockets, with 2 "simple" front trouser pockets. These look a little worn after a short time - but the condition does not deteriorate any further. There is another small one sewn into the right trouser pocket, where you can stow a light tool or some cash. The two back pockets are located on the side of the hips and have a vertical zip. This is practical, so you don't sit on the contents. However, the pockets are far too small for a modern smartphone. Too bad.

Features of the Norrona skibotn Flex1 Pants

• Weight: 372 g in size L (manufacturer's specification)
• Pre-shaped knee construction
• Pre-moulded seat construction
• High waistband at the back
• Non-slip inner waistband
• 2 trouser pockets
• 2 back pockets with zip
• Tool pocket on the right (with zip)
• Black reflective logo / reflective stripes on the back of the calves
• Stretch fabric
• Adjustable waist
• Water-repellent treated material
• Stretchy hem at the ankle
• Main material: 85 % recycled nylon / 15 % elastane ripstop
• Reinforcement: 69 % recycled nylon / 19 % recycled polyester / 12 % elastane
• Price: 199 Euro (RRP) >> at Mountain friends or Mountain time available

Conclusion

The Norrona skibotn Flex1 Pants have a casual, relaxed fit; these pants are also great to wear after a ride - or at the end of the day. What's more, these Norrona bike trousers make a very durable impression - especially on the seat.

The Norrona skibotn Flex1 bike shorts in a practical test

The Norrona skibotn Flex1 shorts are short cycling shorts, but they are cut long enough to reach over knee protectors. Or to provide sufficient sun protection for the knees. The material is slightly thicker than that of the long bike trousers, making them a little more robust.

Features such as the adjustable waistband with silicone grip and pockets are similar. The pockets on the skibton Flex1 shorts are also positioned more vertically and have a zip. The back pocket, on the other hand, is the classic right back pocket, also with a zip. The biggest difference is the long 2-way zips on the legs, which are lined with mesh. This means you can either open an air vent or open the legs wider to accommodate thick protectors.

And this is exactly where the short bike trousers have a very annoying design flaw. If the zip is closed all the way, the metal part knocks on the knee with every pedal stroke, which starts to get on your nerves after about 200 pedal revolutions - and can even hurt if you have sensitive knees. Does this mean: a) I can only ride these skibotn shorts with protectors, or b) only with the leg zip open a few centimetres?

Conclusion

The Norrona skibotn Flex1 shorts are certainly more robust than the pants, but they move with you because they are also stretchy, but not as airy as the long trousers. With protectors on the knee, the zip problem is not a problem - but without it is a bit annoying.

Features of the Norrona skibotn Flex1 Shorts

• Weight: 256 g in size L (manufacturer's specification)
• Non-slip inner waistband
• Pre-moulded seat construction
• Customisable collar system
• Water-repellent material
• 2 trouser pockets
• High waistband at the back
• Rear zip pockets with vertical entrance
• Main material: 86 % recycled nylon / 14 % elastane ripstop
• Reinforcement: 69 % recycled nylon / 19 % recycled polyester / 12 % elastane
• Price: 159 Euro (RRP) >> e.g. at Mountain friends or Mountain time available

Note: The single-colour model variant tested here (called olive-drab) is no longer available from Norrona. The zip has now been removed from the two-colour models.