User submitted reviews
Review by Neil
Excellent Bike Shorts - Pros- These shorts are the most comfortable short you can buy. Great if you are out for a short ride, but where they really shine is on longer days in the saddle when your are touring or you are out for another century ride. Cons - They are pricey.
Review by PDX Biker
A couple of years ago, I rode across the USA using three different brands of bike shorts-averaging about 75 miles a day. My going away favorite pair of shorts were the Pearl Izumi Pros with the red chamois. Based on this experience, I ordered the latest version of the PROs about three weeks ago over the internet. For me, the chamois (green color) is far from adequate-too thin- for long days on the bike. I am getting ready to leave for some serious biking in Italy and I will not even be taking these shorts. Recommend wearing them for rides less than 40 miles.
Review by ggeled
The new Pro shorts (green chamosis) are very different then older model Pro shorts(red chamosis). First, they are shorter. Second, the material at the bottoms is looser, and does not grip the quads as much. Third, the sizing is way off. The new model runs a size smaller then the older model. Finally, the chamosis is a different shape, thickness, and material. These are still very good quality and feel, but if you have been using the older version, be prepared for a different experience.
Review by dsquare149
The chamois was comfortable and didn't chafe at all on long rides and on climbs. I'm 5-7, 165 lbs, with a 31-inch waist so I ordered the size medium. The shorts ran small and I literally have to pull the shorts up my legs a little bit at a time because they're extremely tight. I checked the label to make sure the shorts were a Men's size medium and it was.
Review by Anonymous
I have used several Pearl Izumi PRO shorts. The new anatomic seamless 11 chamois is excellent and very comfortable on long (50mi) rides as compared to the older 3D chamois. I highly recommend them.
Review by Anonymous
For 2014, an otherwise quality short falls short in 2 key aspects - leg gripper design and function, inseam length. Both shortcomings combine to allow the shorts to ride up the legs and adversely affect comfort on the saddle.
Rather than being a single thickness of elastic material with ample silicone grippers, the hem on these shorts is a double thickness of material with a fold at the very bottom. This design does not provide a firm, compressive grip on the lower thigh and the silicone grippers on the inside of this band are not effective. Starting with an already short inseam, the shorts ride up the thighs and allow the chamois to shift from its optimal position producing significant discomfort.
I am 5'9 at 150 lbs with a 31 inseam and 31 waist. I wear a size M. I wore out 2 pair of the 2013 version (size M, could not pull on a size S), they were my go to shorts for the longest, hardest rides. Those had a single thickness of elastic at the hem with ample grippers and did not ride up. I have 2 pair of the 2014 version and can only use them for shorter, lower intensity rides. Very disappointing at this price point. And if this is PI's top-of-the-line short, they have lost my business.
At WBW sale price they MIGHT be a reasonable purchase...but how do you value complete comfort on the saddle? At $150 (MSRP) they should be avoided. My new go to short for the long, hard rides is the Giordana Laser. The Laser is an outstanding short - superb chamois, extra inseam length (even at the smaller size), good, compressive, grippy thigh elastic. They do their job perfectly and disappear from the riding experience.
Review by 43 years on two wheels
I've always like Pearli gear, since back in the eighties when it first came out. I have kits by the Italian masters- Capo, Castelli, Giordana, and own plenty of Assos stuff as well. Pearl izumi compares very well and saves a few bucks too. These shorts fit well in a medium for me (I'm 5' 9, 137lbs.). They are comfortable in the waist with enough material around the hips to avoid any exposure. The leg band is smooth without any binding material to ride up or become uncomfortable. The medium would probably work well if your weight goes to the low 150's depending on your physique. For those who prefer shorts to bibs or just like having a choice (like me), these work very well. A comfortable yet simple chamois is nice as well- too much contouring and overdoing it with chamois these days, I think. I dig the color schemes and bought a matching top that's quite comfy as well.
Review by j4jcycler
The new version of the P.R.O. In-R-Cool have shorter legs and tend to ride up. The chamois is very different, but so far seems to be OK. It would have been helpful if the changes had been noted.
Review by MTFeltZ5er
I am a club roadie averaging about 40mi per ride. I am 6ft, weigh 180 with a 34X34 casual pant size. Pearl's sizing chart recommended a L in this pant, which I ordered first and found to be too tight. I exchanged it for an XL which fits perfect. It has good compression around the quads, the legs are a great length extending to the bottom of the quads and do not ride up, the waist is secure, and the chamois is the most comfortable of all the Pearl designs I've had. They also look good with the PRO LTD Jersey! Hope the sizing suggestion helps if you are looking for an awesome short.
Review by Anonymous
Feeling very confident in purchasing these shorts only to be disappointed with the chamois padding as I see no comparison to the existing 3D P.R.O. The fit was true to size, however the chamois was to thin to mention. In fact it didn't even extend through the entire chamois. I return them instantly for a refund.
Review by Byron
I have 5 pair. No other short compares to them. They are very comfortable. Especially good on the hot summer rides and for the long 60 mile rides.
Review by Anonymous
These shorts are longer and grippier in the leg than many others. Even better they improved the chamois by making it firmer than the Spring 2013 model. This feels better than the old, as it does not compress as much and hold its shape better. The materials hold up very well in long-term use. At the sale price this pair of shorts is a terrific value.
Review by Cuchulain
Construction seems sound, but I do not find these shorts anywhere near as comfortable as the P.R.O. shorts from just a couple of years ago. There is also very little room in these shorts for your naught bits.
Review by rsrsatx
Best bike shorts and Western has the best price I've found.
Review by Anonymous
They run small. I wear XL and have 35 inch waist
Review by Anonymous
Best pair of shorts I have ever owned. Century ride last weekend, was like I just went around the block as far as comfort. Awesome moisture transfer.
Review by Jess
The padding density provides extra but does not seem bulky. I bought these just to be able to increase my time on the saddle while staying reasonably comfortable and they really made a difference
Review by DWR
Excellent fit, cooling, and comfort especially for longer rides
Review by Anonymous
These shorts are one of the best I have owned. They are comfortable and they stay in place. I make sure I put these shorts on for long rides and save my cheap shorts for the short rides.
Review by Anonymous
Good fit for skinny legs and works well on long, hot rides.
Hi,
Thanks for your review! We do our best to keep our descriptions current. Pearl Izumi sometimes updates their chamois in new model years or seasons. Our description reflects Pearl's description of the shorts. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our customer service department at [email protected].
Thanks, Stacia