
User submitted reviews
Review by Bob C.
Have bought one pair each of the past 5 yearsI ride a yearly total of 1800-2200 miles on Trek Madone 5.9 .I ride 5 times per week April - Oct. (less in the rest) in Ct. I would consider myself to be a serious recreational rider combining it with running, daily intense gym workouts and focus on maintaining above average physical conditioning. The Pearl Izumi Elite bike shorts are extremely well made, very comfortable yet durable fabric and seat padding. Fit is excellent. They don't rid up, pinch or loose elasticity. A quality product. I'm 6'2 and 192 ilbs with a fairly aggressive riding style. I rotate the latest pair of shorts with usually two to three rides rides every two weeks with last years shorts ( shorter rides only). The first time I put on a pair of Elite In R Cools, I felt total satisfaction .. rare for me . The best part is every year each parameter remains the same ( with only changes being in color scheme. Knowing the product remains the same in all features year in and out makes it a no brainer to continue buying. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Review by DonWA
These are expensive shorts but they do deliver what they promise. They breathe exceptionally well and are very comfortable. Look for a sale to take some of the sting out of the price.
Review by DonWA
I have never owned a pair of $100 short before. When I saw these on a good sale I had to try them to see if they are really worth the money. I have to say the comfort of these shorts beats any other shorts I own including less expensive Pearl Izumi's I own. They run a bit small so don't believe the size chart. I am 5'10, 170 lbs and have a 33 waist and with these shorts I need an Extra Large. I still don't think I could spend over $100 on a pair of shorts but if you catch these on a good sale they are hard to beat.
Review by Anonymous
These are my 3rd pair of PI shorts I bought over the last 6 years. I find PI shorts Elite and Pro models to be well constructed and designed. The material feels nice and the construction is solid but the fit on these seemed a tad tight compared to the Elite and the Pro shorts I purchased in the past. I realize they are tight right out of the package but I don't think my older ones were this tight when new. It wasn't a deal breaker for though. Once I got going, they felt fine. I wore them on San Jose to Big Sur (220 miles round trip) packed bike tour and I forgot that I had them on. The padding was certainly good enough but not as exotic or anatomically sculpted like the ones on my high-end Catelli racing bibs but for general riding and touring, it's a solid performer.
Review by Anonymous
The Elite In-R-Cool short has a very comfortable fit and maintains dryness and coolness for several hour rides in 80 degree temperatures. The seat chamois provides great cushioning without being bulky. The sizing seems to run a little small for Medium that I use with other shorts. The compression fit on thighs is snug but provides plenty of flex while riding.
Review by Merlin
I've got more than a few pair of these in my closet at they have become my favorite short. They fit very well and seem to hold up after many washings. Add to that the economical price (especially on sale!) and you have a winner.
This has been my experience over more than a few years and the inevitable cosmetic changes from year to year. I will not hesitate getting another pair of these when the need arises!
Review by Anonymous
Great pair of shorts for the price with a good fit and true to size. They feel comfortable especially for the long rides. I ordered a second pair!
Review by trublucali
Medium fits tight but I like it. Ride a lot in hot temps and these seem to keep me cool. Would buy again.
Review by Merlin
I wear shorts, not bibs, when I ride. After trying several different varieties over the years, this is the short I've decided is the one for me. I've got several pair of these that I rotate between rides.
Catching them on sale I'll buy a couple of pair as I know they fit, feel great, and provide a comfortable ride.
Review by Anonymous
I've used these shorts multiple times and they are very comfortable. Several of the rides were 6 hours and they were very comfortable. The padding seems to be in the right spots. The only negative is the material is thicker than I'm used to so I hope it breathes well in warmer temps.
Review by Tom A
This is the third set of these shorts I've ordered over the years. Even though a mid-priced short, I don't find any reason for wearing anything more expensive. I wear them until the padding no longer works, and they still aren't worn out, although the fabric on my last two pair did fade more than previously.
Review by Anonymous
Highly recommend this product for all riders. The fit and feel are perfect. It definitely blocks the UV rays on hot days. And the chamois is good for any century or more.
Review by Shaker Hts rider
Pearl Izumi Elite in-r-cool are great shorts, that wick away moisture so that they dry quickly. The chamois pad is thick and comfortable for long rides (for me that is 50 - 60 miles). I have other Pearl Elite shorts without in-r-cool and I much prefer the in-r-cool shorts - as the fabric is more comfortable. I also have Pearl Pro shorts and like these just as much!! Will be buy more when it is time to replace old shorts.
Review by Anonymous
Pearl Izumi Elite short is well stitched heavy duty fabric that maintains its strength, comfort, and wearability over 3 seasons of hi mileage cycling assuming proper washing and drying.
Pearl Izumi definitely outlasts and outperforms the competition - hands down. It wears snug without slip or wrinkle and the chamois wear and feel are superb. My Pearl Izumi cycling apparel has outlasted the competition for 10 yrs.
It's always cheaper to go first class in the long run.
Review by John
I've always work Pearl Izumi shorts and usually the Elite (i.e. orange chamois version). I have two pairs that just won't die - they are over 5 years old and have thousands upon thousands of miles on them. A year ago, I ordered two pair of the Elite In-R-Cool shorts. They were a bit smaller although the sizing was the same as the shorts I had had before so I tend to wear other shorts instead. Imagine my surprised when getting off my bike yesterday and there was a big hole worn in where the saddle contacts on the edge of my thigh. The material just wore out - I've been using the same saddle for years and I've never had a pair do this. Based on this, I think PI is using less robust construction than they have in the past.
Review by cyclist
I like these shorts for comfort and fit. I use thes for rides 60 to over 100 miles rides. The shorts stay in place and I don't sweat much they do keep me cooler.
Review by CarlosBD
I am a recreational rider and typically will be in the saddle for several hours. I find the shorts to be okay on comfort. Some of my older Pearl Izumi shorts seem more comfortable to me but they were in the PRO price range though so that might explain the difference. I dont like the mesh like sections around the waist. The shorts dont seem to fit as snug as older models.
Review by MerlinAma
I've worn this short for over two years (no - not the same pair) and have accumulated several so I'll have clean shorts on multi-day rides.
They are the only short I'll buy right now. They fit well and have a great liner.
In fact, I don't use any other products of this brand but they have the shorts that are great at any price - more so at the current price.
Review by ajlabora
Nice quality shorts that match my yellow jersey. Life time warranty. Some times it tasks a while to get the exchange but so far so good despite the delays.
Probably not the manufacturer's fault.
Review by Anonymous
Excellent product,fits well, chamois is properly sized. I will buy another pair.