User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
The Idea of a bib didn't appeal to me 'till I tried these. I now have a drawer full of non-bib shorts that I don't want to wear. I agree with some of the other reviewers, the chamois gets better after a couple of washes. The raw edge leg openings are so much more comfortable than the old style elastic band grippers. Feel well made, and I can't find any flaws in the stitching. 5'6, 155lbs, medium fits great.
Review by Jerryingeorgia
These are very nice bibs for a reasonable price. I'm 6'4 200 pounds. XLs fit great. I'm a big PI fan. Compression is just right.
Review by Anonymous
I have used Pearl Izumi shorts for 1000's of miles. These Elite shorts use the same chamois but they seem to be of a lighter outer fabric. OK I guess for summer riding.
Review by Anonymous
The only negative is a bit of a hassle to use the toilet. If in doubt about size go with the larger.
Review by McCall cyclist
I have bought PI bibs for years but these fall short. Sizing is off (have worn medium for years) and these are too small. Chamois is also too thick, diaper like. did not even ride in them, returning for credit, not sure I want to try another pair of Pearl Izumi bib shorts.
Review by Shaun Thompson
The chamois is thicker than the green chamois in the PRO version, which I like better. I also prefer the shorter inseam length than other shorts I've worn. Good quality and they last a long time.
Review by Nate
I use these to commute to and from work and ride for fun on the weekends. They are well made, comfortable, and fit well. The bibs really keep the shorts in place.
I have about 250 miles on these shorts now, they wash well and perform the same as the day I bought them.
For size. I am 6' 1 and weigh approximately 218 lbs. I do weight lift also, not a body builder but pretty fit for 50. Not much body fat. The XL fits snug but comfortably.
I originally bought my first pair while at an REI store, I liked them so much that I looked on-line for another pair and found them at a better price on Biketiresdirect.com so I bought my second pair here.
Review by Anonymous
I still like my PRO shorts the best but the Elite are my next favorites. They work fine for long rides.
Review by Jerryingeorgia
PI Elite is a nice product line. These bibs are the best value I've found. The right combination of fit, compression and breathable. They are a good buy at MSRP. I snagged a couple pair from BTD at $50 bucks off. I'm 6'4 and 195. XL is perfect.
Review by Tejasnole
I've worn these bib shorts for years and they have been consistent in fit and wear. For
The price, they can't be beat.
Review by Joseph Laguna
I have been wearing bib shorts for about 10 years now. I especially love Pearl Izumi branded apparel. It always comes with a great fit, a great look and excellent durability. I feel very comfortable wearing these shorts on any ride. Overall I believe that Pearl Izumi always provides great value regardless of what you buy from them. Biketiresdirect.com does a very good job of providing a variety of brands and value across the cycling apparel they sell
Review by FuelFool
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.
Review by StuT
Pearl Izumi makes awesome cycling kit. The fit is a little tight but they are very comfortable for longer rides.
Review by roubaix007
Wheather your a racer or rec rider these bibs fit bill at a great price without having to take out a loan. The fabric and construction are built to last more than one season but the comfront for longer rides is what brings me back.
Review by Anonymous
I'm 5' 11 167lbs. I bought the large size. Fits great in the legs and waist but the shoulder straps are tight and therefor pulls up in the crotch. Someday a manufacturer will make adjustable shoulder straps. Otherwise very good quality.
Review by Anonymous
I like these bibs and use them often for training. They seem like they will hold up for a long time and I should get a long life out of them.
Review by Anonymous
IMHO bib tops are one of the top advances in cycling over the past 50 years, right up there with all the technical improvements in bicycles. Compared to the old drawstring shorts, bib tops allow much fuller breathing and are more comfortable to boot. I haven't done a comprehensive comparison, but these PI's are definitely extremely comfortable. In particular PI's chamois is so comfortable that I don't bother with gel saddles or even chamois cream (so far at least). And the uppers are great, even on hot summer days. I prefer the all-black version I got a couple of pairs with the neon bands at the bottom of the legs and the neon color seemed to fade a bit with washing.
Review by Anonymous
Reasonable prices and good fit
Review by Anonymous
Really comfortable fit and made for a smooth ride. Did 75 miles in one day and had no discomfort. Will be ordering another pair