For 2025, the Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra trousers have seen some updates, the most important being the introduction of pockets. With a high quality construction, fancy materials and a well-cut, true to size shape they’re a high performing pair of trousers. Unfortunately however, the price is hard to justify though when there are many great cheaper options available.
Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra trousers – Technical Details
These race trousers are built around Troy Lee Designs (TLD) Ultra Tech fabric which is designed to offer great ventilation along with a DWR coating which sheds water and dirt. Ventilation is further enhanced with laser perforated holes on the inner thigh and outer shin of each leg.
Mesh-like panels on the back of the legs aid ventilation and are a thinner material to reduce bunching improving freedom of movement. TLD have added a nice touch on the construction by taping all the seams, this is usually seen in waterproof garments and whilst these trousers aren’t waterproof it’ll help with durability and comfort.
Moving onto the cut, these trousers are designed to be a slim, race-like, fit. A tapered lower leg keeps material away from the bike however room has been afforded in the knee area for chunky pads. A low-rise waist with elasticated waist band keeps a consistent fit with the use of a ratcheted buckle to cinch it up.
The website marketing and even the garment label mention a leather patch to protect against chain abrasion, this is no longer present on the 2025 trousers giving a more slimline fit.
New for 2025 is the introduction of pockets, on the back of each thigh are meshed pockets secured with a sealed zip and use large zipper tags for easy operation.
TLD recognize the impact of clothing materials used on the environment, therefore these trousers are constructed with Bluesign approved fabric for less environmental impact.
The Sprint Ultra trousers are available in sizes ranging from 28-38 and have 3 colourway options – mono black, mono yellow and mono chalk.
Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra trousers – Performance
The size on test is a 34, I’d usually go for a 32 and the 34 did come up a little large so I’m happy these are true to size. Even with a slightly larger size, the fit is well tailored to a mountain biker’s physique with enough room for chunky quads and plenty of knee pad room too. Those who struggle with finding trousers long enough, I am happy to report these are cut a little longer than some.
The waist band keeps things comfortable whilst the ratcheted mechanism to adjust the fit is very common place and for good reason, it just works.
The introduction of pockets is a much-needed addition. Even if you’re the most devoted racer the chances are you’ll be carrying a phone and keys at the very least so there is never a reason to not include pockets. These are just about big enough to get a phone in and are well placed behind the thigh to keep your cargo out of the way.
The ventilation holes are a nice addition to aid air flow through the trousers although in reality I didn’t find these to add much. In particular, the shin holes just vented to the knee pads – it’s always going to be a sweaty affair in that area. When conditions get wet these holes do a good job of letting the wet and mud in so these may not be the trouser of trouser for wetter races.
The thinner mesh-like material on the back of the legs does a great job of aiding breathability whilst being sensibly placed to stay out of the firing line from rear tyre mud spray.
With a DWR coating, the material does a great job at fending off splashes and light downpours – this coating will of course diminish over time but can be retreated if required.
Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra trousers – Verdict
With a retail price of £200, these are some pricey riding trousers and although they’ve got some great features along with a high quality construction there are plenty of other options available.
If you’re after a racer-only set of trousers, the Specialized Gravity Pant is a great option. Its tough, well fitting and a more palatable £140 but foregoes any pockets.
I’ve been personally enjoying the Fox Racing Ranger Pant for all but the soggiest conditions. It’s a comfortable, breathable and tough pair of trousers which comes in at £100 but they’re not great at fending off the moisture.
The Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra trousers are made with a high-quality construction using fancy materials and well-cut for riding duties. They’re super comfortable, finally feature pockets and handle the odd splash well however the holes don’t aid breathability as much you’d expect whilst letting mud spray in. Oh and there is the price… certainly cheaper, equally performing alternatives available.
Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra Trousers
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