These are horrible shorts. They look nothing like the picture. Perl Izumi has gone way downhill as far as I'm concerned. I bought a few of these 5 years ago. Same item - Escape Quest shorts. The old ones are excellent, so I decided to get a couple more pairs. WOW, have they gotten bad. Cheaply made - worse then the knock-offs that can be had for 1/2 the price. They have a single zig-zag stich around a flat piece of padding - not contoured like the old shorts. Extremely uncomfortable to wear and I look like a fool wearing them as well. Pearl Izumi used to mean quality. Now it just mean how cheaply can we make something and sell it using (what used to be) our good name. No more P.I. for me.
So disappointed in these shorts. I have several pairs from 2014, which are still going strong, even after thousands of miles. So I decided to get a couple more. The 2014 version has double stitching, no overlapped seams, grippers on the bottom all the way around and a contoured pad. They are great shorts! The new version has single stitching in a zig-zag pattern which just looks dumb and obnoxious, overlapped seams (this will get totally irritating and annoying after just a few miles), a few grippers pieces in the bottom, and a pad that is a single huge piece - extremely uncomfortable. Sadly, the quality of PI has gone WAY down as I've had the same issues with their jerseys. I feel like PI is no longer a brand that I will buy. I've gotten "cheap" no-name brands that have had better quality, which is sad when you are paying a premium for PI. The short literlly look like something you'd pay $10. So disappointed.
Understand that cycling shorts and chamois are like saddles - very personal. But for me, I find these shorts to be quite comfortable regardless of ride length or air temperature. Also on my indoor trainer they work well but not 5 star. One hour seated only sessions. Outdoors, 2-2 1/2 hours. But what shorts do get 5 stars on a trainer? Older male rider, 175 lbs.
So guess what? A new pair of cycle shorts can make a huge difference. It's especially true when the manufacturer has improved the product. The Chamois and the construction of the shorts are both improved the the pair I bought several years ago.
This is a solid, non-articulating chamois. Bulky feel, no comfort for long rides. At the price they are fine for a daily commute. These are not your best choice for anything over a 10 mile commute. The shell squeaks on my seat as well. These used to be my choice for my weekday workout ride (~20 mile) not any more. Has Pearl abandoned the 'value' segment of recreational rider wear.
I'll not longer trust a short were the chamois isn't shown.
I've seen a lot of reviews lately on these shorts and how people aren't liking the chamois in the newer pairs. Personally, I LOVE the uncontoured chamois. There are no less or more padded areas which for me gives an extremely comfortable, consistent level of comfort in the whole area (sit bones, perineum, etc). These are more comfortable than my contoured Specialized shorts which are $20 more in price and i can only make it about 20 miles without those bothering me. Give them a go. You may have the same result!
I bought these (2 pair) to replace some aging Pearl Izumi (not sure which model) shorts from many years ago that had now lost the elasticity in the waist. I wasn't expecting much at this price. But they have proved to be comfortable and even hold onto my leg quite well. I'm super lean, so that was somewhat surprising. The butt pad felt kind of weird at first-like I had made an accident in my pants like when I was a kid. But when you're on the bike, these are noticeably more comfortable than previous versions of Pearl Izumi shorts (for me). Truly excellent price as well for something that works this well. Wish they were still made in the USA instead of China. But that's how the world is these days.
I generally wear PI Pro or Elite bibs on the road, needed something for Spin class during winter months. Very happy with this purchase, nice material, fit well, good length, comfortable. The chamois is slightly bigger/thicker than what I am used to but feels fine on the bike. Good quality and definitely an upgrade from other lower end shorts that I had been using previously. Very satisfied.
I use these in warmer weather by themselves and under tights in cool weather. As with most Pearl Izumi gear they are well made and seem like they will last a long time. I am a 32 waist and these fit me just right. My only minor complaint is that the padding is a bit thicker than I like.
