Pearl Izumi Women’s P.R.O. Escape bib shorts

Pearl Izumi has redesigned not only its chamois, but also the entire bib short for its P.R.O bib line, and the Women’s P.R.O Escape bib definitely outshines older P.R.O. bib models.

Pearl has sunk considerable time and research into their 1:1 Chamois, and created the Escape line for more adventurous than race-oriented riding. The density of the padding is placed to optimize comfort in a slightly less aggressive riding position. We found it comfortable while riding the rough gravel roads in southern Colorado on a bike that would fit that description.

Pearl also touts the benefits of the chamois’s free-floating top sheet. While the chamois seems slightly wider than most, it was quite comfortable and didn’t bunch or pinch, which is supposed to be one of the benefits of the top sheet.

The shorts and bibs are lightweight, soft, and finished with laser-cut edges that add to the light feel. These will make a great summer kit when the temperatures start to climb. Plus, the light silicone grippers don’t pinch, keeping the shorts in place on bare legs and over warmers.

Wide straps yoked together just above the shoulder blades offer structural support for Pearl’s revamped drop tail. At the lower back, the straps start out very wide and slightly overlapping, in what Pearl calls a V-strap. This allows you to squat and pull the shorts down without removing your jersey or fiddling with buckles or straps. We found this redesigned “pee-break” feature to be a vast improvement from previous versions.

Aesthetically, the W P.R.O. Escape bib isn’t exciting or attention-grabbing, but it’s a solid foundation piece that will play nicely with a variety of kit and offer excellent support on epic days in the saddle.

Reviewed and written by Brittany Jones.

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