I use the shorts on every bike ride, 10-15 miles, around 4 times a week. I have multiple pairs and they are the only shorts I use. Based on other reviews I did size up and they fit perfect. I think they will last a long time.
The Castelli Aero 4 short fits better, has superior build quality, is similarly priced, and not made in China. That doesn't make this short a terrible choice, it is still a top level product, and it out-performs cheaper alternatives. The biggest complaint I have about it is the chamois: it tends to pinch me in areas I'd rather not be pinched. I think it bunches up, due to being a little too large and thick. I also have Pearl AmFib tights that do the same thing. It could be I'm just not the right shape for this design, and others wouldn't have this problem, who knows. Overall, it is a pretty good product, but I have to admit, these shorts convinced me not to buy anything from Pearl in the future. Castelli all the way!
Based on reviews and past experience with Pearl Izumi, I expected a better fit and quality, especially at the going price. Riding everyday, and spending some time on the ski slops, I quess my frame and size (5'9" and 167 lbs.) had something to do with the fit. Once you get them on, they really do feel supportive and comfortable on the bike, The mediums I bought felt as though a person with a larger waist size (32 inch) could probably fit the bill just as well. They feel like a second skin, which is alll well and good, but the chamois is just way to big and thick for my liking. The chamois feels more like a gel pad, rather than sponge or foam, or combination. Either way, once you get oin the bike, they do provide you with all day support and comfort. Because of the deep discount offered me at purchase, they are probably worth the price, not so much as the advertised retail price.
These are my first sets of bike shorts with a pad or chamois in the butt area. Of course it's not like you're going to be sitting on a cloud with these, but they definitely feel like your second skin and make riding for a few hours manageable. I tried some of the interval shorts as well (a step below these) and these are better hands down. The fabric itself is better and the feel of when you put it on.
BTW I'm 190/180 lbs and 5'10 and these fit good. I also fell on my butt and slide on concrete and my cheek got scraped but no damage on the pants. These are really meant to last.
I actually really like these shorts once I have them on. It's getting them on that's a challenge. I use a liner short to extend the days I can wear a pair of shorts and with the snug fit it's an effort to get the legs of the liner shorts straightened out inside these shorts. Once on, they have plenty of padding and support for longer rides. Out on a ride I have absolutely no complaints. Because I ordered online I wasn't able to try them on first or I may have gone up from a medium to a large. Hard to say for sure without trying the large on.
Just wanted to compliment you on your new Pearl Izumi PRO shorts. I recently purchased a couple of pairs and was out riding one of my regular routes. A Great Pyrenes dog, that usually is contained by a fence, was out of his yard and attacked me out on the road. I was able to get stopped and unclipped, but I was not able to avoid him when he chomped down on my left thigh � right through my brand new PRO shorts. Even though I had several puncture wounds in my thigh, the shorts were unharmed. After washing the dried blood out of them, they look like new � no holes or teeth marks. I find that amazing. Not only do the shorts feel great in all respects, they can survive the teeth of an 80+ pound dog!
These shorts are a step above the Attack Shorts by Pearl Izumi. Maybe 2 or 3 steps above. A very snug and supportive fit. My usual rides are 60-70 plus miles, 3x or more a week. These shorts hold up and do not get mushy over the ride or after numerous washings. (Just so you know, I either hand wash or use Delicate Cycle and hang dry my cycling clothing). These are extremely comfortable shorts. Many other products from other manufacturers do not fit me. I am a former baseball player, short legged, and muscular. I am not built like a cyclist. It's tough to find clothing that fits. I suggest trying on clothing before purchasing. Pearl Izumi is the only manufacturer whose clothing product I purchase.
I have been riding in Pearl Izumi shorts for years. They no longer make my favorites, the Elite Inrcool with the orange padding. Too bad, because those were the best. Thought I would try these. The are okay. The padding is good, but the lycra is much thinner and they are a very tight fit. My biggest surprise was the lack of any type of cuff on these shorts. Guess I should have read the description closer. I can see these unraveling from the bottom up in a few years.
I have completed 5 long distance cross country cycle trips and butt pain was always a major issue. I just completed a 850 mile ride using these shorts with no butt issues. I was reluctant to spend the money but I have a whole drawer full of shorts that dont do the job. I combined these shorts with assos chamois cream and no issues. The material is very different and so is the waist band (or lack of it). I like these a lot!
Good cycling shorts are one of those things that lots of riders try to save on. Bad decision. If you are more than the most casual rider, really good shorts are a worthwhile expense. I ride 3000 miles a year and have been relatively happy with the less expensive Pearl Izumi options. I decided to treat myself to this PRO version and, wow, what a difference. Better designed and really comfortable. No chafing and even on longer rides where usually everything starts to hurt at a certain point these shorts are great. Highly recommended!! Your butt will thank you.
I bicycle 8,000 miles a year. Making my shorts work extremely hard! Especially since I weigh 220 pounds. Pearl Izumi stays true to their product warranty. Due to their unraveling of seams, Pearl Izumi has replaced 4 pairs of their Pro Shorts over the years. These shorts had thousands of rider miles in them.
