The Pearl Izumi MicroSensor 3D Pro Bib Shorts are perfect for long rides and racing, particularly when combined with Pearl Izumi?s base layers.  I am not much of a bib fan, so when I received the Pro Bib Shorts for review I was not very excited, but I couldn?t pass up testing a $140 pair of elite shorts, even if they are bibs ? not least because other product reviewers here at Roadcycling.com have switched from non-bib shorts to bibs and say they never want to go back.

The bibs have a very high quality look.  The MicroSensor bibs come with black cross-dyed stretch MicroSensor fabric, a choice of color (grey, red, and yellow), and flat locked seams.  The flat locked seams run throughout the shorts portion into the bib section.  The seams do not irritate the skin after long hours in the saddle.  Along with the flat locked seams, the Pro bibs have a smooth transition into the bib portion of the bib shorts.  That makes for easy putting on of the bibs.  However, I would definitely recommend a base layer to prevent nipple chafing caused by the UltraSensor mesh bib upper after long rides.

With the 3D pro pad (8mm contoured), the shorts are very comfortable without a long break in riding, but frequent washing was necessary to keep the pads? comfort up after multiple long and short rides. With appropriate washing the 3D pro pad is as comfortable after 100 miles as it is when the bibs are initially put on.  The Pearl Izumi MicroSensor 3D pro bib shorts come in multiple sizes (small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large) to accommodate different sized riders.  It would be nice if they offered a size X-small for the smallest riders such as climbers. Smaller-sized product reviewers here at Roadcycling.com have complained about not being able to find a size that?s just right. The size small is apparently a bit too large for these riders, which increases the risk of saddle sores. Helping with comfort is the leg gripper at the base of the shorts.  I found that the elastic gripper was very strong and comfortable, unlike many other brand shorts and bib shorts that weaken as long rides or races progress. 

During races, I found that the PI MicroSensor 3D Pro Bibs are great!  The shorts have one shortcoming, however. During stage races, a racer will definitely want to wash them often or bring a second pair to keep the pads comfortable. Washing your shorts frequently also makes other riders happier peloton campers. They are definitely great to use during the road race portions of stage racing.  Too many times I have finished a long road race with a saddle sore starting from shorts.  That was not the case with the MicroSensor shorts and the 3D pad.  The pad was phenomenal in preventing saddle sores.

All in all, I found the Pearl Izumi MicroSensor 3D pro bibs are a great addition to any serious or recreational rider?s apparel collection.  Because of the comfort of the 3D pad and the high functioning of the MicroSensor material, I will continue to race in the bib shorts anytime I can.

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