Below Par
"Pearl Izumi has a solid reputation in cycling apparel, and their products are worn by many of my fellow cyclists. I wanted to step up into a higher quality of chamois for my longer rides (30-60+ mi) and 2-5+ hours in the saddle. I bought two pairs of Expedition shorts and found they run slightly large (XL slightly too big for 37 waist), which is the opposite of what I’d heard from others (that they run small). Additionally, the front of the waistband is thinner and more relaxed (to provide room for sagging bellies?), which I found unhelpful. I prefer consistent, firm support in cycling shorts. I returned one pair, but, unfortunately, after testing a pair on a ride, I couldn’t return it. I was disappointed that I couldn’t try a size L, as it appears these shorts are no longer being carried by this reseller, and the only two sizes available were S and XL. I had purchased the XLs at a significant discount. I also feel the chamois is of average support, but no better than other lower priced shorts. That was particularly disappointing, since the regular price for these shorts is more than 3 times the price for other shorts with chamois of comparable performance. So, because 1) my chosen size didn’t fit properly, 2) the chamois was of only average performance, and 3) the significantly higher price point, I cannot recommend these Pearl Izumi Expedition cycling shorts."
