Good pair of bibs, first couple of rides they are a little snug. After 3 washes and hang dried, fits nice and loosened up (still form fitted if you know what I mean). Pad handles 30-50 miles with no problems, haven't pulled a century but seem to be more than enough padding for long days in saddle. Seams of pad, I use chamois cream...period, no matter what bibs I wear. No raised or exposed stiches to rub.
On sale, great price, solid bib for training rides & longer.
Phenomenal bibs. I have two pairs of these, and compared to the previous (non-cordura) version, these are a step up in every way. Chamois is high density and exceptional for long rides (I've done several 200 and 400 mile gravel races in these bibs without changing out of them and had no issues at all), and the storage options are great. Highly durable (both in terms of wash durability and crash durability), and the straps are excellent and never dig into my shoulders. I find the leg panel fabric less stretchy than typical bibs, which leads to these being tougher to get on, but also leads to excellent support and comfortable, consistent leg compression.
For sizing reference, I'm 6ft and 165lbs, and I wear a Medium in these, as I do in other brands (Rapha, Pactimo, Black Bibs, Maap). These are perhaps slightly overbuilt for day-to-day riding (maybe? I guess?), but I still reach for them over all other bibs I own, regardless of distance or time in saddle.
I recently had to replace all of my older bike shorts, of another brand, and I decided to go back to my old Pearl Izumi's that I used to ride years ago. The Men's PRO Short I found to be excellent, if you are looking for a very good thick chamois. These short are very tight, but offer excellent support and comfort, if you have the body for what I call a "race-cut". They are pricey, but so are a lot of the other top brands, but overall, a great short. I know it can be hit or miss with bike shorts, but I found the Levitate Pro Chamois to be excellent !
This jersey is *warm, *very comfortable, *breathable (I can't cope with membrane jackets above about 40-45 F - I sweat too much), *available in bright colors (not death-defying camouflage or black), *long-wearing. It's my go-to winter jersey, and getting one around half-off is always a treat.
Just be aware Pearl Izumi sizes run much larger than euro-company sizes.
