Performance Inc. Shorts

Price Paid:  $49.00 at performance.com

Favorite Ride:
Hilly Hundred

Bike Setup:
Schwinn Comp Pro

Summary:
I've always purchased clothes from performance. I've always liked them. I purchased these shorts but I've failed to like them. The insert is way to poofy if you would call it. When I first tryed them on I noticed it felt like I was wearing a large diaper behind me. They are not made too my liking. After riding many times with them they have softened up some but are still to poofy and uncomfortable to walk in. I will spend more money next time and buy another better name brand.

Strengths:
Very durable. Fit well, sizes are what they state.

Weaknesses:
Too much pading. If you like alot of pading and extra pading these are for you.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau

Price Paid:  $19.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Whatever I have time for

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock Felt F5C

Summary:
The Century shorts have their limitations but for $19 I'm not complaining. Just right for shorter rides, especially in hot weather.

Strengths:
Bulletproof fabric that lasts and lasts, and stitching that hasn't failed. Loop drawstring around the waist that can't get lost. Chamois is thin but sufficient--I prefer it that way because it keeps my bum cooler. Read my review of the Pearl Attack shorts to get the rest of the picture.

Weaknesses:
That bulletproof fabric doesn't have the sexy stretch of name brand shorts, and it pills a bit after a few hundred washings. Also, the chamois coverage is skimpy around the inner thigh.

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi Attack shorts, Ultima bibs.

Price Paid:  $49.00 at PerformanceBike.Com

Favorite Ride:
ponte vedra to St augestine FL

Bike Setup:
Giant ocr c1 full carbon road bike. Dura Ace/Ultra mix

Summary:
This review is for the Performance Ultra shorts. I got this short because of the price and bicycle magazine rated it best short under $100. For the money this is a solid pair of short but is certainly not in the $100 category. The material is fairly sheer, which I like here in florida but it does not streach nearly as well as my pearl izumi ultra sensors. They run small and the lack of streach could cause problems for some riders. The pad is pretty good but not as dense as I would like. They do look pretty cool and have a slightly dimpled texture....but I'm going to try a pair of Sugoi rs flex shorts next.

Strengths:
price.

Weaknesses:
lack of streach in the material, pad in not dense.

Similar Products Used:
pearl izumi, cannondale, hind

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Performance Bike

Favorite Ride:
anything dry

Bike Setup:
Specialized Sequoia Comp, Ultegra FD, Dura-Ace RD, KoolStop brakes

Summary:
Performance Ultra Men's Shorts. Very comfortable, excellent fit with 10-panel design.

Strengths:
Chamois provides excellent support and comfort for those century rides, without chaffing. Great durability wash after wash.

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Performance Bike Web

Favorite Ride:
anything with good clean pavement

Bike Setup:
Frankensteinbike based on a Trek 1400 frame

Summary:
This review is for the Elite Light shorts. After Performance totally screwed up an order for another short, I figured I'd give these a try on sale for $25. I am extremely pleased, considering the price! I've tried plenty of other el-cheapo shorts and nothing's come close as far as offering "high end" features that actually work right. Have only had these for a few weeks but I've put a few hundred miles on them already. Had a few issues but overall I'm happy. Only thing that remains is to see how they hold up over time. Heck, for $25 it's OK if they only last a season or two. Oh, and these things are TIIIINNNNYYY! I wear size 36 pants, which should be on the loose side for the L size, according to Performance's sizing chart. On others' advice, I got XL anyways, and they're borderline too tight. Order them BIIIIG!

Strengths:
8 panels, flatlock seams, nice multi-layer molded chamois, nice wide elastic leg grippers, excellent wicking and breathability. Good overall comfy fit, in terms of hugging in all the right places - no saggy diaper look.

Weaknesses:
Had a few minor "rubbing" issues - not much room in there for the dangly bits, and the seams on the chamois are rough. Went away after the first few rides though.

Similar Products Used:
Other cheap shorts. I'm a cheapskate and consider myself pretty familiar with LOTS of terrible shorts in this price range. These are the clear winner!