Pearl Izumi has always been my go-to bicycle clothing source until recently. I recently purchased Pearl Izumi "Select" cycling shorts and Pearl Izumi "Attack" cycling shorts in the same size as my older shorts and they are too short. The legs are shorter and the waist does not go up as high as my older shorts and I don't think it is simply a matter of the old shorts having stretched.
Seemed reasonably priced, but are the worst pair of shorts I have ever purchased. The nylon shell seems nice, with good fit and plenty of support, but the chamois appears to have been stamped out of a larger piece of cloth covered neoprene-like rubber. This leaves an exposed edge of rubber that chafes against my groin (in the crease where the thigh muscles meet the abdominal wall, or in other words, the inguinal crease). I have worn these shorts three times and each time have come away with an open wound where the rubber edge rubs my inguinal crease. I hoped washing them or repeatedly wearing them might soften things up, but it hasn't. I have NEVER had shorts give me an open wound, especially in that area. They can't be returned because they have been worn and washed. I would never buy these again.
I have purchased Perl Izumi products for their high quality in the past but no longer. Their gloves do not fit like they used to and the Attack shorts were by favorite shorts. I have an older pair and they are great. The new Attack shorts do not fit like my old size medium shorts. The material is half as thick. I could barely put them on as they were too tight. I returned them for credit. I t seem like the shorts and gloves are half as thick as before and their sizing for medium is smaller now. I will now research for another brand of bike shorts.
The Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts were just what I was looking for when I needed a new pair of bike shorts. I found that the comfort, quality and price were great reasons reason why I continue to buy the Pearl Izumi brand. Even better than the shorts was the great price at Bike Tires Direct!
Overall good shorts. The leg opening gripping, that other reviewers have liked, tends to pull on my leg hairs behind the knee. I have to roll the hem over to prevent this from ruining my rides. I have 32" inseam and the length is a bit long so that's something I can get away with and will just have to deal with it in the future. I've been riding in 90+ degree weather with heat index in the 100s. The light weight material has made these rides bearable. I do 40 mile rides and haven't had any issues other than the pulling of the leg hairs.
I've been purchasing Pearl Izumi shorts for thirty-five years because I know that their size XL shorts will fit me nicely (for my 6'1 height and 183-195 lb. weight range). I recently purchased their Attack shorts. They fit fine but I was surprised at the thinness of the material as compared to two other pairs of Pearl Izumi shorts that I already had. I have a pair of Attack shorts purchased a year ago and a pair of Elite Escape shorts purchased two years ago. The material on both of my older shorts is heavier. As a senior rider now, I go out on hard training rides that typically don't eclipse ninety minutes. I can't justify purchasing multiple pairs of PRO shorts. I do wish that Pearl Izumi manufactured a riding short whose cost and material quality was similar to their prior year's Attack and Elite Escape shorts.
I purchased a medium based on the size of an earlier model I have and manufacturer recommendation. The new one is too snug. Love the chamois though. No problem with saddle sores caused by seams or indentations.
My boyfriend always asks for these shorts as a birthday present or when he needs a new pair. He won't wear anything else. He likes the longer inseam and how the fit. No issues with the padding and they are a comfortable fit. True to size as well.
Looking for solid short for the indoor trainer - hour long workouts. This short disappoints... thin, simple chamois and feels as though the size runs a bit small, perhaps that is limited stretch. I am a solid medium in everything but these feel snug.
I have been looking for the quality that once was with this brand. Lately they have been uncomfortable and thick in the wrong places. For the price I do not see it worth the �maybe this pair will be different� mantra. Good luck maybe you will get a good pair...
The first 2 pair that I purchase in 2014 just now are showing wear after 30,000 miles in the saddle, prompting me to purchase two more pair recently with same excellent padding and great comfort fit.
