Pearl IzumiWomen's Sugar 5 Inch Short(Return to Product Page)

Abbreviated review:

Pros: love the 5' inseam, front and back rise, and side pockets. BTD customer service is amazing.

Cons: chamois is cheap, bulky foam which causes chaffing. The stitching starts coming out almost immediately, and then holes develop.

The unabridged review:

I'm a 5'4, 124 - 140lb, 55y/o female with a background in triathlons and cat 3 racing. I ride around 80 miles a week, mostly road. I've been wearing Pearl Izumi cycling shorts exclusively for the past 30 years, but I'm disappointed in the durability and quality of the sugar 5' short. My first couple pairs of PI shorts lasted years'10 or so each. In comparison, my first pair of 5' sugar lasted not quite a year; I've worn the second pair for two months. Despite washing on delicate cycle and air drying, the stitching around the chamois started coming out within a month for both pairs, and holes started developing shortly afterwards. I sewed them up and rode on. Started looking for an alternative short, and gave BTD a call for recommendations. The customer service rep was helpful, and offered me store credit, even after I explained that I had made numerous repairs on the shorts. If you've made it this far down into my review, you may be asking yourself why I didn't buy the higher priced PI Pro short'I prefer the shorter inseam. I don't want knickers, I want shorts. But after searching for the past week, I've come to the conclusion that I'm looking for the unicorn of cycling shorts: a good quality short with a 5-6' inseam, 4-6mm chamois, high front and back waist (no drawstring), and a wee pocket for keys and ID. I'll likely go with a tri short.

These iP shorts with 5 inch inseam look fantastic on my 50 mile rides. Meanwhile, while he admires the fit, I'll rave about the comfort. One thing normally true about bike shorts; you get what you pay for. Although, these are priced in the mid range, the build quality and pad comfort are far above comparably priced women's shorts. Highly recommended.

First padded cycling shorts for my wife. It's been used for indoor cycling. So far, she likes it. If it goes on sale, will purchase more.

No nonsense riding shorts that have perfect padding and the right amount of coverage. They are designed for women with an athletic body.

I will never buy another pair of bike shorts again!so comfy and cute. I'm normally a small and medium fit just right in these.

PROS: Good for hot weather, or riding a hot sweaty indoor or trainer ride. True to size fit and good padding.

CONS: I wish these had more pockets, and I would love a high-waist version. Expensive, like all bike clothing.

I bought the sugar short in burnt rust color and size small. The fit was great and the color was definitely unique and a nice shade of orange.

I was looking for a good bike short that didn't go down to my knees. This one fit the bill. Comfortable too.

I was looking for a good bike short that didn't go down to my knees. This one fit the bill. Comfortable too.