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The Troy Lee Designs Skyline Superlyte trousers are designed to be worn on milder days in the hills thanks to their lightweight construction.
There’s plenty of stretch in the fabric and a decent cut to ensure they’re not left flapping about as you turn the pedals. The deep, elasticated waistband helps not only boost comfort but to keep the trousers firmly in place when you’re shifting around on the bike.
While the three pockets are all useful, only one is zipped, which is a shame.
Still, though, when it comes to all-day comfort on and off the bike, especially on warmer days or throughout transitional seasons, the Skyline Superlyte trousers are tough to beat.
Read more: Best mountain bike pants 2025: rated and reviewed
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Superlyte trousers specifications
The Skyline Superlyte trousers are constructed from a Bluesign-approved four-way stretch fabric that’s mostly recycled, in a bid to keep you feeling comfortable when pedalling.
Features are minimal in order to keep weight down. That means there’s no additional waist adjustment and no reinforced panel on the inside of the ankle to protect against crank rub.
Instead, the Skyline Superlytes use a deep elasticated panel that wraps around two-thirds of the waist to help tailor the fit and keep them securely in place.
The closure is taken care of using two poppers and a zipped fly.
There are hand pockets on the front and up by the hips, and a third, rear-facing thigh pocket that’ll just about squeeze a phone in. This is the only zipped pocket.
The trousers weighed 258g on my scales.
Troy Lee Designs offers these trousers in five sizes (30-38in waists) and four colours. For reference, my 30in pair had an inseam of 30in.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Superlyte trousers performance
Slip them on, and you’ll instantly notice the snug, body-hugging fit that the elasticated waistband provides. You feel properly locked in to these pants, in a very comfortable way.
Thankfully, because the elasticated waistband isn’t too thick, the trousers don’t slide up your lower back while riding. Thicker elasticated panels can sometimes gape if there’s not enough give, but I've had no such issues here.
The cut is sporty and quite close-fitting, though, so you may want to try sizing up if you’re keen on a baggier look.
Still, even with the gentle taper to the legs, I had no problems getting chunkier knee pads (the ION Arcon LTs) underneath because there’s plenty of stretch in the fabric.
It’s that give that helps provide the incredible level of comfort and freedom of movement.
As well as articulating well when turning the pedals, there’s no hint of restriction from the Skyline Superlytes when moving around on the bike.
There are also no uncomfortable seams to sit on or chafe you. Even when soaked in sweat or puddle splashes, I’ve had no issues with them slipping down or needing to be readjusted.
It helps that, because they’re so light, when they get soaked, they don’t become unpleasantly heavy. They dry quickly, too, which is great on days when the weather can’t make up its mind or multi-day excursions.
So, are there any downsides to these trousers?
When you get particularly sweaty, the fabric can make a squeaking noise when seated and climbing. I’d love a second zipped pocket, too.
While the hand pockets are useful off the bike, I’d happily ditch one in favour of another zipped thigh pocket so I could securely hold my phone and car key separately.
These are lightweight trousers designed for use through spring, summer and autumn. Don’t expect them to keep you warm and dry through the winter months because that’s not what they’re designed to do.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Superlyte trousers bottom line
Overall, thanks to the stretchy fit and elasticated waistband, the Skyline Superlytes are the comfiest mountain bike trousers I’ve ever worn.
They don’t restrict movement at all, feel secure and I haven’t needed to adjust them, even on long rides.
On top of that, mine have lasted through months of use and numerous trips to the washing machine, and still look barely used.
It's worth trying before buying to get the fit right, but if you’re in the market for some seriously comfortable trousers, these should be at the top of your list.
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