Better known for their nostalgic 90s era sunglasses, Pit Viper have branched out launching a high-end mountain bike apparel line; High Speed Off-Road Apparel. The loud and proud prints are nothing short of what you’d expect from a brand whose list of ambassadors include Rap star Riff Raff. Pit Viper MTB Kit includes Unisex Shorts and DH Pants, gender-specific tank tops, long and short sleeve jerseys, as well as full lycra for the XC whippets.
All images by Dan Krauss
Pit Viper MTB Clothing
The High Speed Off-Road Apparel (HSOR) from Pit Viper is part of their LXIX line, created as a high-end MTB clothing line that is both functional and looks good, regardless of gender. Likely to split opinion, the HSOR is available in the dazzling print seen throughout this article, and in a far more understated black colorway for those who don’t intend on attracting quite as much attention to themselves.
Beyond its love-it-or-hate-it facade, the Pit Viper MTB Clothing actually has a bunch of technical features that make it a decent option for hot laps this summer. The long and short sleeve jerseys are made of lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester with a grid texture for heat and moisture mitigation. The fit is loose with a low profile collar and dropped tail.
The only gender-specific item in the new line of MTB Clothing from Pit Viper is the tank top. Like the jerseys, this gets a dropped tail to prevent trail crud from going down the back of your shorts.
Which brings me to… the shorts. This is a unisex item available in sizes XS-XXL. They are made of a stretchy, lightweight nylon-spandex blend. The highlight feature would have to be the hook and loop waist adjustment, said to accommodate a wide range of waist sizes. Curiously, they have a tapered knee opening which is meant to work well with and without knee pads. Pit Viper say it prevents excess fabric from getting caught on the saddle.
There are a couple of pockets; one down the side of the leg and one in the more traditional location. The hand pocket gets a waterproof zipper. There are laser cut ventilation holes down the leg to maintain some airflow on hot days in the saddle.
The Pit Viper DH Pants are essentially a full-length version of their trail shorts, sharing the same waist adjustment, ventilation, and pocket features. They get an articulated knee panel designed for use with and without knee pads and a hidden pocket down the leg for storing a lift pass or phone.
Pricing & Availability
Every item in the Pit Viper MTB Clothing LXIX Collection is available in an XS-XXL size range, with the majority of items (except for the tank tops) featuring a unisex fit. Pricing is as follows:
- Pit Viper Short Sleeve Jerseys: $66
- Pit Viper DH Pants: $132.75
- Pit Viper MTB Shorts: $123.75
Pit Viper is also offering branded socks, water bottles, and caps as part of the LXIX range. Head to the Pit Viper website for more info and pricing on the lycra line.
