PEARL iZUMi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts Review

I’m digging cargo bib shorts these days. With the added storage capability — both during and before/after riding — it’s just nice to be able to stash a few small items. The 2025 PEARL iZUMi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts are now built with more durable fabric and feature a zippered leg pocket. The DNA is similar, but how do they compare on the bike with the original model I tested in 2022?

2025 PEARL iZUMi Expedition PRO Bib Bib Shorts Features:

• Armourtech Cordura fabric adds durability and compression
• Triple-density PRO Levitate 3D chamois
• Laser perforated bib straps for added breathability and comfort
• Stretch woven fabric aids moisture management
• Right sleeve pocket, left zippered pocket and two lumbar pockets
• Raw edge leg band
• BioViz® powerful reflective elements
• 10.5″ inseam
• MSRP: $295

Cargo bib shorts gone burly

True, gravel riders to tend to be a little rougher on their gear and equipment. As such, kit makers are delivering products that meet that need. For 2025, PEARL iZUMi has updated and gravel-ified their Expedition PRO Bib Shorts with burly Cordura fabric and pockets galore. Admittedly, I’m still rocking regular road kits for gravel and XC. I still like to ride fast on gravel and dirt, so efficiency, comfort and performance remain tops for me. I don’t need to look like a lumberjack or be ready to roll up to the local pub for a post-ride IPA. No, I ride hard, then come home where everyone knows I end up strolling around in my kit for hours (they’re used to it).

These all-new cargo bibs are built with tough Armourtech Cordura, which is noticeably thick and protective. Pulling them on, the leg compression is palpable, but not restrictive. A typical amount of stretching and pulling will get these on and in place. The wide leg cuffs are a common way to finish the leg openings, but my favorite shorts these days are simply laser-cut with minimalist silicone grippers to hold them in place.

The uppers are set at the appropriate height to keep my dad bod in place, with comfortable and stretchy straps that feature laser-cut perforations to aid breathability. Either next-to-skin or over a light base layer, the straps offer just the right amount of pull to keep the shorts in place without any chafing or discomfort. No question, these bibs showcase PEARL iZUMI’s sophistication and capabilities in the high-end bib short space.

With a multi-layer chamois, the saddle/short interface is smooth and snag-free. It is a comfortable pad for short and long rides on the most rough roads and trails. Most test miles have been on the road so far this spring, but gravel and MTB testing will follow and I’ll add anything helpful I observe from those disciplines.

As mentioned, the burly Armourtech Cordura fabric does provide compression, but the nature of the fabric is such that it just doesn’t contour as closely to every part of my body. Compared to the Assos Equipe R S11 Bib Shorts, these leave some air gaps on the frontside where the fabric bunches up and doesn’t sit flush against my skin. There’s no excess material up front, but it’s just the thick fabric’s inability to contour to every bit of my body that’s noticeable.

Storage abounds with the new Expedition PRO Bib Shorts. I always appreciate a good cargo leg pocket — with the best ones making my phone or a couple of gel packets disappear when stashed in there. The right leg is a sleeve and it is perfectly-placed to store items before, during or after any ride. I’ve heard from others that they prefer to place their phone in the left zippered pocket for added security. It works, but I’d trade the zipper for a matching sleeve like the right leg all day. There is a reflective outline of the zipper, but that could be added anywhere.

All that storage does allow riders to wear a pocket-free jersey or more casual shirt. I’m a jersey-guy, so I depend on my three jersey pockets. However, the additional storage is great for all-day adventures or rides like SBT GRVL. And, I always love cargo pockets for stashing empty gel packets during a ride or a phone before/after a ride.

With such durable fabric, I have zero worries about snagging them on a branch or brushing up against a rock and damaging them. And (knock on wood) if you crash, these bib shorts will provide much more protection than a typical material would. Initial mountain bike testing has also been positive — with the chamois providing excellent comfort and everything staying nicely in place after repeated standing and sitting through the ride.

Because the fabric is more substantial than usual,  they are great for cooler days in the saddle. I’ve comfortably worn them on morning road rides in the upper-40’s when I would have otherwise opted for thermal bib shorts (like the PEARL iZUMi or Velocio Thermal Bib Shorts). However, on the flip side, I’m not confident I would choose these for mid-summer rides (but I’ll test that in the coming months too).

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium Expedition PRO Bib Shorts.

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