User submitted reviews
Review by lml2000
Don't like bibs, so have always gone with shorts. Quality shorts are hard to come by since most are sold as bibs. Pearl Izumi have always been my go-to brand for shorts. Have tried a couple others, but the fit just isn't the same. The PRO short doesn't disappoint. Just wish I could get in the Dark Ink color.
Review by
I normally wear a size large with Pearl Izumi shorts. As suggested I size up to XL. The fit is great. I�m 5/11, 160lbs with a 35� waist. The Chamois is nicely padded for my not so padded butt. I normally ride between 35-40 miles 5 times a week. I recently bought a pair of the Castelli Endurance 3 shorts. In my opinion, the Pearl Izumi are far superior in fit and comfort.
Review by Eachesrob
I've been riding these shorts forever. They have the thickest, firmest chamois. Mine are now 5 years old and I started getting some saddle sores. I bought a new pair to see if the older ones degraded. While they are still thick they are evidently not as firm because the new ones solved the problem. I ride daily. I bought more shorts and now mix riding older ones with newer ones which works. A friend of mine complained of saddle sores recently. I suggested these shorts and he said that they are in a whole other league so it's not just me saying it! Make sure to buy according to their sizing chart. They will be very tight, but this is how they are supposed to fit.
Review by Anonymous
like any clothing, cycling shorts are very specific to the individual in terms of sizing and fit, but these work great for me.
i'm about 5'9" (175cm) and 133 pounds (60kg), and for me the size small fits really well. they are definitely form fitting (especially at the leg opening) in a way which may take getting used to if it's your first pair with that type of fit, but i quickly got used to them and find them really comfortable now.
the leg grippers work well, the laser cut edge is really nice, and the seams are very smooth all around. these are my first high end cycling shorts, so the chamois is a huge improvement over what i had previously.
they are expensive, but if you're patient you can occasionally find them on sale for 50% off, and even at the more common 25% off, they seem to be a good value for what you get.
Review by Anonymous
I have been riding the PI Elite shorts for years and have been very happy with them but wanted to try the new Pro shorts with the new levitate pro chamois. I ride 30-45 miles on each ride on smooth bike paths. My personal opinion is that A) the PI Elite shorts are more comfortable with a little more compression B) the levitate pro chamois is only marginally better than the orange PI elite chamois C) I was sliding all over my saddle in these shorts which I do not do on my Elite shorts D) the leg grippers on the PI Elites keep my shorts from riding up my legs better E) overpriced. All of my shorts are size large. Unfortunately, once you try any apparel, they are yours.
So now I have a pair of what I thought would be awesome shorts that I do not wish to even wear again. That is the way it goes with cycling clothing sometimes. BTD would not provide any credit and I cannot disagree with them. They have been very good to me overall. I tried anyway.
Review by Matthew
I have a lot of riding gear collected over 20 years. I have always preferred the Pearl Izumi PRO shorts with the "In-R-Cool" and the red chamois. These newer shorts lack the high end design touches of the older PRO shorts: touches like the additional design stitching and leg hem are gone. The newer PRO shorts still have nice interior padding, but they are a plain material, and without any imagination in their design. The old model of PRO short used to stand out, and the material quality was visible, and also palpable when washing them. The new model works, it just looks like a lower-end version of Pearl Izumi shorts. I will only write honest reviews, and these are a slight disappointment considering the price point.
Review by Anonymous
Better than cheap Assos, comfortable on longer rides
Review by John
These fit great and make my ride comfortable. They are a bit more expensive but seem to last quite a bit longer than other brands.
Review by jkpeck
This is my favorite of the many shorts I have had over the years. The fit is great; the pad is very comfortable, and it breathes well. I have several pairs. The earlier ones have been very durable, so I expect this one will too.
Review by btd
Fits a bit tighter than other Pearl shorts or tights (wear large usually W=35, Hips=37) but comfortable once on and riding. Pad provides good comfort.
Review by TulsaLes
First time I purchased a pair of these shorts....I usually wear Sugoi RS which are pricier.....the PI Pro short is a good alternative ....the fabric is nice and allows for body movement without rubbing.....nice shorts
Review by Senior Cyclist
My go to shorts for longer rides.
Review by LoneRider
I bought an XL which size chart says is for waist sizes 33 - 37.5. My waist is about 36 inches and these were too big - both too roomy and too long. Good leg length and silicone grippers. Quality seemed good for PRO level shorts but no riding experience yet.
Review by MontBiker
I use the PRO short for all of my riding. They are comfortable and durable
Review by Ernie pilon
It's all in name,,, great product,,,, but run small
Review by Tom
I like these shorts. I've been a long time PI Pro short user. The company changed their Pro short design with the 2019 style year. These shorts are the 2022 style year with the extra inch or so at the waist. This helps to eliminate the "plumber's crack" feel. Though, be aware that these shorts still run lower in the torso that the 2018 or earlier style year. For me the legs are too grippy - they catch on my toes when I put them on. I also have to give them an extra tug and squat to get them fully on. The fabric is thin and is not as long wearing as past years but do last several seasons. I put over 7000 miles on my bike each year, so my shorts see a lot of saddle time. The chamois is the best I've found and that's what keeps me buying them. My wish is that they were lower priced.
Review by Oceanbikerider
They are a perfect size and shape for me. They are very comfortable and now my new favorite biking shorts.
Review by Tom
You have to be careful buying the PI shorts. PI ruined them with the 2019 design, which are too small and you cet the plumber�s crack effect. They fixed this with the 2022 design by adding a 1 inch waist band, but they are still a bit tight. I love the Shamir. It is very well padded. I wish that PI had stayed with the 2017 design.
Review by Dan Beausoleil
By far the best shorts ever they are expensive but worth it
Review by Anonymous
I've worn these shorts for years, they never let me down in fit or comfortably.