Pearl Izumi PRO Escape Bib Shorts

The aesthetics might not stun you, but for hot weather rides, the PRO Escape bib shorts offer just about everything you need.

The PRO Transfer fabric that Pearl Izumi uses throughout the Escape bib shorts is among the softest and most comfortable we at VeloNews have tested recently. It lends to a barely-there feel out on the road. There are no hot spots, uncomfortable seams, or fabric bunching to speak of.

The lay-flat, laser-cut bib straps disappear over your shoulders and combine with a mesh bib upper to keep you cool. In fact, Pearl Izumi says these shorts are appropriate on hot days ranging from 60 degrees up to 100 degrees. The temperatures during our testing hovered in the 80s and low 90s. These shorts certainly are up to the task of hot-weather riding.

While the PRO Escape’s aesthetics are a bit vanilla, there are smart reflective elements in the overall design. They don’t scream gaudiness, but add some higher visibility.

Compared to other bibs we’ve worn recently, the chamois is fairly thin. For an all-day grind, you might prefer heavier padding. Pearl touts its PRO Escape 1:1 chamois for its top-sheet design. Basically, the layer that contacts your body moves independently from the rest of the chamois construction. This didn’t seem to make a noticeable difference for us out on the road. The chamois felt perfectly comfortable for a bib short in this price range, but it didn’t wow us.

Given the overall comfort on hot days, the PRO Escape bibs are a worthwhile addition to your cycling wardrobe, especially at a reasonable price. If you prefer a relatively thin chamois, these bibs make a good case for becoming your go-to pair.