User submitted reviews
Review by Bob C.
Have bought one pair each of the past 5 yearsI ride a yearly total of 1800-2200 miles on Trek Madone 5.9 .I ride 5 times per week April - Oct. (less in the rest) in Ct. I would consider myself to be a serious recreational rider combining it with running, daily intense gym workouts and focus on maintaining above average physical conditioning. The Pearl Izumi Elite bike shorts are extremely well made, very comfortable yet durable fabric and seat padding. Fit is excellent. They don't rid up, pinch or loose elasticity. A quality product. I'm 6'2 and 192 ilbs with a fairly aggressive riding style. I rotate the latest pair of shorts with usually two to three rides rides every two weeks with last years shorts ( shorter rides only). The first time I put on a pair of Elite In R Cools, I felt total satisfaction .. rare for me . The best part is every year each parameter remains the same ( with only changes being in color scheme. Knowing the product remains the same in all features year in and out makes it a no brainer to continue buying. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Review by DonWA
These are expensive shorts but they do deliver what they promise. They breathe exceptionally well and are very comfortable. Look for a sale to take some of the sting out of the price.
Review by DonWA
I have never owned a pair of $100 short before. When I saw these on a good sale I had to try them to see if they are really worth the money. I have to say the comfort of these shorts beats any other shorts I own including less expensive Pearl Izumi's I own. They run a bit small so don't believe the size chart. I am 5'10, 170 lbs and have a 33 waist and with these shorts I need an Extra Large. I still don't think I could spend over $100 on a pair of shorts but if you catch these on a good sale they are hard to beat.
Review by Anonymous
These are my 3rd pair of PI shorts I bought over the last 6 years. I find PI shorts Elite and Pro models to be well constructed and designed. The material feels nice and the construction is solid but the fit on these seemed a tad tight compared to the Elite and the Pro shorts I purchased in the past. I realize they are tight right out of the package but I don't think my older ones were this tight when new. It wasn't a deal breaker for though. Once I got going, they felt fine. I wore them on San Jose to Big Sur (220 miles round trip) packed bike tour and I forgot that I had them on. The padding was certainly good enough but not as exotic or anatomically sculpted like the ones on my high-end Catelli racing bibs but for general riding and touring, it's a solid performer.
Review by Anonymous
The Elite In-R-Cool short has a very comfortable fit and maintains dryness and coolness for several hour rides in 80 degree temperatures. The seat chamois provides great cushioning without being bulky. The sizing seems to run a little small for Medium that I use with other shorts. The compression fit on thighs is snug but provides plenty of flex while riding.
Review by Merlin
I've got more than a few pair of these in my closet at they have become my favorite short. They fit very well and seem to hold up after many washings. Add to that the economical price (especially on sale!) and you have a winner.
This has been my experience over more than a few years and the inevitable cosmetic changes from year to year. I will not hesitate getting another pair of these when the need arises!
Review by Anonymous
Great pair of shorts for the price with a good fit and true to size. They feel comfortable especially for the long rides. I ordered a second pair!
Review by trublucali
Medium fits tight but I like it. Ride a lot in hot temps and these seem to keep me cool. Would buy again.
Review by Merlin
I wear shorts, not bibs, when I ride. After trying several different varieties over the years, this is the short I've decided is the one for me. I've got several pair of these that I rotate between rides.
Catching them on sale I'll buy a couple of pair as I know they fit, feel great, and provide a comfortable ride.