Pearl Izumi Microsensor 3D Bib

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This is about the Gavia Amfib Bibs. The same 3D Race chamois is wonderful. However there is a seam running underneath it right down the middle of the chamois that is rough and abrasive. You can't tell this just by trying them on in the store but after some time in the saddle, your sensive areas declare its presence loud and clear. This is a terrible shame because otherwise it is a good product, but with this it is a horrible design and a failure in the real world. You can feel this seam in the store if you know what to look for. I've never had anything close to this problem with Giordana, Canari or even Performance. Stay away.

Strengths:
Good external material, good chamois Race 3D

Weaknesses:
very bad design with a rough, abrasive seam running under the center of the chamois producing irritating and painful friction. Expensive, especially for the poor design.

Similar Products Used:
Giordana, Canari

Price Paid:  $140.00 at University

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
Flite Saddle

Summary:
The New 3D Pro Strech Chamois is the nicest I have ever riden. Padding is not to think but dense enough to not pack out on a long ride over rougher roads like the chamois in my Assos and Castelli shorts

Strengths:
Chamois and fit

Weaknesses:
Its a lot to pay for a short but not as much as other shorts on the market that don't have as nice a chamois and don't hold up

Similar Products Used:
Assos, Castelli

Price Paid:  $110.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Mt. D

Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works Roubaix w/SRAM Force componentry.

Summary:
Bike shorts are very much a personal choice, and I've tried numerous brands. These are a close second to my Assos FI.13 at half the price. They fit great, look great, and are excellent for that long ride.

Strengths:
Looks, fit, chamois are all top notch. Excellent durability if taken care of. I finally wore out a pair after almost 2 years of regular riding.

Weaknesses:
A bit pricey

Similar Products Used:
Assos, Descente, Castelli

Price Paid:  $130.00 at sale@LBS

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Specialized Roubaix Elite with Brooks Swift saddle.

Summary:
I make it a rule never to pay over $100 for shorts, but this was a sale and after trying on everything else in the store, I decided to go for the high-price spread for a change. The fabric and cut were exceptional, and I am a fairly “average” build (175 lbs, 5’11”) so the Medium worked for me. Riding in them was another matter. Twenty-six miles and an spin session were enough for me, I took them back to the store for credit.
The pad may as well not have been there. I am riding a Brooks Wooden, er.. Leather Swift Saddle which is still in it’s break-in period (just over 1000 miles) and I expect this feeling from my ancient Tinley and Hind shorts, which are virtually unpadded, but not from a pair of $160 shorts. The center seam was a tangible presence that was very irritating to me.
Perhaps on a Specialized Alias saddle (or any other center-grooved saddle) I would still be wearing these, but I have ridden leather virtually my whole life.
The LBS said they could not resell them since there was already some pilling in the under-the-butt area, which should not be there after such a short trial, so I am awaiting PI’s pleasure, which probably means I will get some Ultrasensors in exchange.
I really think PI should pull these from the market, the pad is just poorly designed. The cache of marketing any aspect of a garment as “for racing” does not excuse such discomfort for so much moolah. A well-designed pad in such otherwise comfortable shorts might have almost seemed worth the price. My ratings are based solely on their unrideability, I wish I could give PI credit for the fabric and cut, but I am down $130 and not happy.

Strengths:
Fabric and cut make these almost "not there" but for the horrible pad.

Weaknesses:
"Padding" was perineal torture.

Similar Products Used:
Sugoi
Santini gel
Performance Elite (best value)
Ancient stuff from byegone days - Hind and Tinley

Price Paid:  $140.00 at REI

Summary:
I've changed my mind regarding these bibs. My previous evaluation was incorrect. Since my initial trial with this product I've discovered that there is a seam that runs up in front that causes chafing and pain. Also in the back the seams causes sores on the buttocks after several hours of riding. I've tried different brands of bibs now, and have to say that the PI's now fail miserably!

Strengths:
Bib straps don't slip - seem well made.

Weaknesses:
Poorly placed seams cause chafing in front and back.