Pearl Izumi Men's Elite In-R-Cool Bib Short

I recently picked up the Pearl Izumi Elite bibs (PI) on Gold Express Deal, and would like to compare them against a direct competitor that I've been riding for about 3.5 years, Louis Garneau Neo Power (LG). I am 6'4', 210 pounds and I have XL sizes of each.

Material: The PI are made of a shiny, slippery, and slightly thinner spandex compared to the high compression, matte finish LG. At first I viewed this as a potential downside, as the shiny, slippery stuff makes its way into low end cycling apparel. But after a long hot ride, I feel that it breaths better and may be less prone to rubbing.

Design and Fit: The PI are slightly larger than the LG in XL. LG uses the same material for the bib portion straps as the rest of the of the piece, and these straps have to be stretched into place over my shoulders: Very nice snug, compression fit. The PI by comparison use a very light mesh for the bib straps that could fit a man with a much longer torso than me. They aren't loose over my shoulders, but they aren't nearly as tight as the LG. I was concerned with the potential for the PI not staying in place, but this turned about to be unfounded. Plus, the PI straps breath better. Overall though, initial quality impression was better for LG.

Chamois Pad/Comfort: LG changed their chamois from my first (and favorite) pair of Neo Power Bibs to my second and third pair. I feel I like each pair slightly less. My newest LG Neo Power rub in a particular area and can be very uncomfortable. I just finished a 84 mile ride in the PI and both initial comfort and comfort on the 84th mile were significantly better than LG for me. Both LG and PI pads seem to be about same thickness (if not LG sl thicker/more diaper like), but I feel the PI may have larger surface area and be wider at the thinnest point between the legs. Win for PI here for my sit bone and saddle combination.

Conclusion: Both are excellent. Get whichever is on sale! I am tempted to try the top-line Pro PI now.

These are great bibs. Pearl Izumi hits the sweet spot between technology, fit, price and quality. You can spend a fortune on bibs, and I have, but the incremental performance and quality improvements just don't justify the added cost. Even the high-end Pearl Izumi bibs aren't worth it. These are the perfect compromise on all criteria.

These bibs seem to fit just right. I'm a guy that is not an elite racer. Rather my BMI is in the healthy range. These bibs give just the right amount of compression to be 'all-day' comfortable.

The best way to measure life of bibs is the number of washings they endure. These seem to be just fine in that regard. However, I learned long ago that cool water temperatures and air drying extend the life considerably.

I have been a huge fan of PI stuff for twenty-plus years now. My only quibble has been some inconsistency in sizing in recent years, as PI started upsizing stuff for us fatter Americans. Thus, I have had to return some XL jerseys for Large, however, on shorts, bibs, knicks, and tights I have stuck with XLs with good success.

Recently I retired two pair of bibs that I have had for probably ten years-and one only because an errant saddle bag strap wore a hole in the inner thigh! I replaced them with one pair of the new PROs and one of these Elites. I wanted to see if the PROs were worth the 30% premium over the workhorse Elite models.

Sizing-wise, both pair of XLs fit my 6'! 182lb frame well. Though I am blessed with a 32 waist, I do have large glutesupper thighs, which has always necessitated I go XL but then run the risk of a looser waist or less compression in the thighs. That was not the case with either here. Both provided firm and comfortable compression with no excess material evident anywhere. I will say that the PRO might run just a tad smaller, which is exactly what I was once told by an inside rep at PI.

Regarding finish, the PRO clearly has a more refined look with smoother and flatter seams and a few more panels used in its construction. I cannot say that I discerned any difference in the feel of the fit as a result of this, however.

Finally, the pad in the PRO felt a bit firmer and, well, a bit more pro. But for my typical two-to-three-hours-max ride, the Elite pad held up well and was consistent with other brands I have tried. If you're a long-distance rider, you may find the slightly firmer PRO ride an advantage.

Summing it up, the PRO model is clearly a step up above the Elite but for a fairly significant premium. If you are more value-conscious and are not a typical four-hour-plus rider, you will likely be happy with the cheaper Elites. But if you are one whose ego demands having PRO on your logos, and you are a high-mileage rider, you will likely find the additional premium over the Elite worth it.

Needed a new pair of bib shorts this spring, and went for these because of generally good experiences with Pearl Izumi shorts (and a little color to match my bike and a couple of jerseys, I admit). Fit is good. Comfort was good over a few rides, one century. Price was good on sale.

The Elite In-R-cool bib fits well and the pad is great. I have a year old bib (same model) and they hold up well. With pricing hitting $200 on some bibs, this one is priced right, so I give it high marks for value. I would recommend this bib to purchase.

I upgraded some older Pearl Izumi shorts for these and am really pleased I did. They do feel cool on the legs and the chamois is really, really good. My one minor thing is that they do run small. I'm 5ft8, 145lb and the large feels pretty snug. The length is also short, so if you like shorts to go close to your knees, these are not for you. For sure, order a size up.

Good fit after using the size chart provided, I am 6'2 but the medium size is perfect.

This is my 5th pair of Pearl Izumi shorts but my first pair of bibs. I find they are comfortable and wear well, but the obvious unspoken secret is they are a total pain to use the facilities in. Especially when you're sweaty with a pull over jersey.

On any morning ride over about 40 miles I usually need to go and I find I'm reaching for my shorts not my bibs.

I used to really like these bibs before they shortened the legs

Love these Bibs. Should have tried them a long time ago. They fit well and never need adjusting. I reach for these now instead of my collection of shorts.

The material used is top notch. Well constructed. The padding is dense (in a good way) and seems like it will stand the test of time. Only thing is it seemed a little tighter than usual in the crotch area. Other than that, fit is perfect. Hoping they'll stretch out a little in the crotch region though. I'm 5'6 135 lbs and ordered a small.

I am a recreational rider who bikes 5 times a week....on weekends my rides are 35-50. The Pearl Izumi Elite Bibs are my shorts of choice. With this purchase I now own 4 pairs. The older pairs continue to wear well. My next bibs purchase will again be the Izumi Elite In-R-Cool shorts.

Excellent fit everywhere for a 6 foot man. Chamois has ample padding. Great for 50-100 mile rides!

This is my first pair of bibs. Many guys told me once you try bibs you will never go back. I don't think I agree. I experienced more numbness in the nether regions than I have in years. My take on it is that the straps keep the shorts pulled up, which adds pressure to those nether regions. Add to that the inconvenience of removing base layers or taking a natural break and I'm just not sold.

The bibs themselves are the expected excellent materials and workmanship of Pearl Izumi. I thought the legs were a bit shorter than normal (I'm a long-legged dude) but that may be related the the shorts being kept pulled up by the straps.

This is my favorite bib short. It wears well, transfers heat and perspiration very efficiently, and is comfortable on three hour rides on the flats and in the hills. I ride 4 days per week and have gone though many brands and other Pearl Izumi models. The involved body parts definitlely prefer the PI elite In-R-Cool, and complain in other shorts whether bibbed or not. There seems to be no slippage in these babies.

love these bibs! I wear a size medium and these bibs fit perfectly. They feel durable and should last a long time.

No complaints about these bibs. I like the fit and they're more durable than many other bibs I've gone through.

This is my third pair of Elite In-R-Cool Bib Shorts. They are more comfortable than three other brands I have purchased. The oldest pair seem as new as the most recent purchase. When I saw them on sale I made my latest purchase.

Best bib I've ever worn. I have 2 of these and will probably buy another. Great padding, not too thick but thick enough to make a difference. The fit is more true to size than euro cut bibs. I'm 5' 10, between 183-187 lbs, large fit perfect.

Great shorts. However buy ONE SIZE BIGGER than you think.

I've been buying my bibs from a well known bike etaiiler (their house label) but these bibs are far superior. About 30% more expensive but well worth it. I am now exclusively wearing these for my longer rides. They are very well made and comfortable but the 3-D shammy makes it worth the price!

Shorts fit well. Materials are good high quality, mixed density to accommodate the higher friction areas.