fox makes good cheaper ones, 661 are super nice but pricey same with raceface, real nice but kinda pricey, and roach makes OK shorts kinda bland, all black
I just ride with cargo shorts most of the time. I dont like the feel of allot of the MTB specific shorts, but i would buy a pair if i could find some with some comfotable enough fabric.
I tried on some Specialized shorts and they really impressed me! Comfortable, adjustable, and they looked real nice. The only reason I didn't buy them is that they were $100. What a shame, because they were really nice!