PEARL iZUMi  Expedition Bike Shorts - Men's

Pearl Izumi used to be a premium brand, but although I keep checking out their shorts every once in a while, just seems like the quality still isn’t what it was. I ordered these, tried them on, but the chamois felt odd and the appearance of how the chamois was sewn in just didn’t seem like quality. Personally I just didn’t care for the design of the top of the shorts, but not a quality issue, just personal preference. I would recommend other brands over Pearl Izumi.

I've been enjoying these for long rides. The pockets are amazing and things will NOT fall out (phone, gels, keys). I'm in between sizes, and found sizing down the better option. My only gripe is the constrict a tiny bit tighter than I would like at the leg opening, but I only notice it visually on rides, not a feeling issue.

Love these shorts! Just did a 115 mile ride in them and felt great the whole time. Side pockets are very helpful, able to carry extra snacks, and keep my phone in there as well.

Wore these for a 53+ mile bikepacking trip and they were fantastic. So much added comfort with these guys. Highlight recommend.

These shorts are great, but the REI in Southside sucks. There were several employees in the store, but only one person on the register. I had to wait in line for 20 minutes while a guy returned 5 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of sunglasses, and a few clothing items. I wish they would have closed this location instead of the Settlers Ridge location.

Not sure why I am being asked by REI to review something they cancelled when I ordered it since it was out of stock.

Excellent bike shorts. Great chamois. Lots of pockets. Pretty perfect.

Pockets make it easy for phone and other small stuffs while biking

What were the designers thinking with the pad and fabric?! The primary functions of bike shorts are comfort and durability PEARL iZUMi previously established a name for quality cycling apparel. This pair of shorts—and others in the current lineup—demonstrate the opposite. I had a pair of their shorts for nearly 20 years with steady use over thousands of miles of road and mountain biking. I was sad to see them finally wear out. Even though this new pair has three thigh-side pockets, it’s as though the designers put all consideration into that feature then just spec’d a ridiculous pad that is way too thick throughout. Even for people new to cycling, to have that much padding directly beneath one’s perineum is wrong. It leads to rapid irritation and numbness no matter how well a rider perches on their sit-bones. I took two rides to make sure it was not something I was doing. Nope. It’s a pad better suited for a mattress. And the fabric began to pill in fewer than 35-miles of road use. Hardly something you’d expect from a product named “Expedition.” My review here is supposed to show a photo comparison with similarly priced Velocio shorts with grey padding (these and the Pearl Izumis—orange pad—were each on sale and priced within a few dollars of one another). Yes, I did order the proper size. Both are men’s small and fit the same. The Velocios don’t have pockets, but a feature such as that should come after comfort. I’ve ridden nearly 300 miles in the Velocios (longest ride was 70). Great comfort and durable fabric. I have nearly 1,500 miles on a pair of Velocio bibs, including 130 comfortable miles and 11,000 feet of climbing in one day that show no wear in fabric like the Pearl Izumi shorts showed after just 35. Oh, and prior to returning them to REI, I washed them on a cold, gentle cycle and dried them flat. That mattress pad did not want to sit properly in its pouch no matter how I tried to reposition it. To all of that, I say OUCH! Please, return to your roots Pearl Izumi.