Long road or gravel rides require added versatility and cargo capacity. Sure, load up your bike with frame bags, but if you can avoid it, just plop everything into your jersey pockets and into the various pockets on the Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts.
Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts Features:
- Italian PRO Transfer fabric balances feels luxe
- Levitate™ PRO Chamois pad with triple-density padding
- Drop-tail design for nature breaks
- Laser-cut bib straps for superior next-to-skin comfort
- Thigh cargo pockets and rear pocket at base of straps
- Laser-cut raw edge leg hem construction for seamless transition to skin
- PI Dry® technology for permanent water-shedding
- 10.5” inseam
- MSRP: $265
Shorts for the long haul
It’s now kosher again to go on long, self-supported adventures. To ride successfully, it pays to have the right bib shorts for proper comfort and enough storage to carry all you need. With Pearl Izumi’s new Expedition PRO Bib Shorts, I’ve found a capable partner for even the roughest terrain.
Gravel kits are somehow leaning towards lumberjack styling, which really isn’t my thing. Even though I’m not lining up at the local crit races, I still want an efficient and fast-riding kit. I don’t need excess material or unnecessary fluff to be more “gravelly.” But, I can truly appreciate just a little added creature comforts along the way. And, that’s just what the Expedition PRO Bib Shorts delivers.
From the outset, I knew these were something special. The specs in the initial pitch deck were intriguing and, upon arrival, my expectations were far exceeded. Built using Italian PRO Transfer fabric, these feel decidedly supreme. Certainly, they do have a high price tag, but every square inch of the Expedition PRO Bib Shorts backs that price up in spades. On rare occasion do I feel comfortable wearing bib shorts long after a ride, but I often find myself comfortably sauntering around the house long after a Zwift session.
Pulling them on, I can feel the added compression in a way I haven’t felt with previous Pearl Izumi bib shorts. Once situated, these feel amazing and are on par with the best bib shorts on the market. The seams are in just the right places and the overall feeling is really good. With stretchy straps, you can comfortably rock them either with or without a lightweight base layer. The laser-cut cuffs and silicone grippy lining ensure everything stays in place throughout your rides.
Beyond the awesome fit, the new Levitate PRO Chamois shines. On long indoor Zwift training sessions and gravel rides alike, it’s like I’m sitting on a cloud. In spite of that superb comfort, you still feel connected to the bike. Rough terrain is absorbed and I know I can ride in these bibs all day long. The chamois aligns itself perfectly and never requires re-positioning. I’m really pleasantly surprised overall and consider these to be among the best I’ve tested.
As mentioned, the added leg and back pockets make it easy to stash your phone, wallet or a couple of gels for easy access. My iPhone 13 slips in the leg pockets with ease. And, that drop-tail design actually works. Nature breaks of both varieties are easy — not something I’ve been able to do with any other bib shorts.
As one last power move, the PRO Transfer fabric features embedded water-resistance for all-weather riding. The fabric is a touch thick, but that has come in handy this spring during cool rides. I’ll post updates this summer after wearing them in the heat of the day.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs and the size medium is perfectly-snug.
The Good
- Added pockets are very useful
- Luxury feel puts these in rare territory
- Levitate PRO chamois offers superb comfort
- Leg cuffs stay in place
- Stretchy straps make for easy nature breaks
- Weather protection and added warmth on cool rides
The Bad
- May be a little warm in the heat of summer
- Pricey
The Bottom Line: Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts
Pearl Izumi may have hit the nail square on the head with these new bibs. The Expedition PRO’s have added storage, luxury feel and a superb chamois to keep you going all day long. That drop-tail design is unique as well. These have a lot going for them and sit comfortably among the benchmark bib shorts on the market.
Buy Now: Visit PearlIzumi.com
