Pearl Izumi PRO Ltd Bib Shorts

The Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Ltd bib shorts are well constructed and feel great for two to three-hour rides but at this price I would expect a seat pad to keep you comfortable all day.

The insert

The pad in these shorts has Pearl Izumi's Anatomic 1:1 Chamois technology. They say "The 1:1 chamois features a completely smooth surface next to your skin, for the most comfortable interface between body and pad." The first thing that struck me about these shorts was the thinness of the pad which varies between 4 and 13mm thick. However I was immediately surprised by how comfortable it was given the thin construction. It was great for turbo sessions, crit racing and shorter training rides, but on longer rides after about 2.5 hours I found myself wanting a thicker, denser pad.

On a plus point, the pad absorbs sweat well and has good breathability so stays dry on hot and high exertion rides.

Fabric and Fit

The shorts are made from Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. Transfer In-R-Cool fabric and claim to provide cooling and sun protection up to a UPF of 50 in the leg panels. The fabric has good wicking qualities and shifts moisture quickly, which was noticeable on hot days and during high intensity rides. Unfortunately the British summer didn't allow me to fully test the factor 50 sun protection.

Pearl Izumi say that in their P.R.O. Ltd bib shorts they have "developed an anatomic multi panel construction and strategically placed flatlock seams with improved leg structured design for maximum comfort." What is clearly evident is that this works. These shorts achieve a superb fit with no tight or baggy areas, are extremely comfortable next to the skin and feel light. They're very well made and I couldn't feel any evidence of the internal seams and stitching when wearing them. This level of comfort is where they stand apart from shorts at a lower price point.

To give you an idea of sizing, the large was a great fit for me. I am 6ft tall and 78kg. [And in his spare time, Nick enjoys mixing measurement systems - Ed]

Bib Straps

The bib straps are made of a lightweight mesh that is 65mm wide providing a good fit and stretch so you barely notice them. Unlike cheaper bib shorts I own, the straps leave no temporary indents on your skin.

Grippers

The shorts are held in place on your legs by an elasticated hem which is about 80mm deep and does a great job of keeping the legs where they need to be, with no slippage even after several washes. Like the straps you don't notice them and they sit comfortably on your skin without digging in.

Durability

I have worn these shorts 25 to 30 times and each time they have gone through the wash at 30 or 40 degrees. There are no visible signs of wear, they have kept their shape well and have not faded. Most importantly, the composition of the fabric and the snug comfortable fit has not deteriorated.

Conclusion

I loved riding these shorts due to the comfort and function of the fabric but wish the seat pad was up to longer rides. They have been my go to choice for rides of up to about 40 miles, but I have cheaper pairs with a more comfortable seat pad for longer adventures, such as the Sunday club run.

The Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Ltd bib shorts are £120; with a bit of shopping around you can find them for £89.99. The question you need to ask yourself is, are you prepared to part with that amount of money for a very comfortable pair of shorts that may be restricted to shorter rides?

Verdict

Very comfortable, light shorts ideal for shorter summer rides but the seat pad lets them down on longer rides