Price: $325 (on sale at the time of review, $243.75)
Colors: Black or Dark Navy
Sizes: XS – 2XL (only 2XL available online at time of review)
Fit: True to size
Fabric: Compressive
Drop Bottom: No
Pockets: One drop in thigh cargo pocket, one zippered cargo pocket, two lumbar pockets
Inseam: 9.5”
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Recently, Jim Langley reviewed the men’s version of the Expedition PRO bib short. While Jim gave the bibs a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, I had a different take on the women’s version.
Upon unpacking the bibs, I was initially taken aback by the new fabric choice. It made a crinkly sound, felt stiff, and the pad was thick and dense. Although a wash helped soften the fabric slightly, the chamois remained essentially unchanged.
Once I slipped on the bibs, the compressive fabric felt very supportive, ideal for long miles on gravel roads. However, the 9.5” inseam was short for my long legs, with the leg band hitting me too high on the upper thigh.
The perforated bib straps add comfort and breathability. I noticed the position of the center bib clip was lower than on previous bib versions. The lower placement was a nice touch, eliminating the uni-boob look.
There are two cargo pockets—one zipper and one drop-in. A zipper adds bulk and isn’t necessary if the design of the drop-in pocket is correct. Items will not shift or fall out, and I have yet to lose something from a drop-in pocket while biking.
Two additional pockets are located at the lumbar area for even more storage, primarily for gel packets. Be careful during nature breaks, as items can fall out of the lumbar pockets.
During my test rides, the triple-density PRO Levitate 3D chamois was comfortable in the sit bone area, but had too much bulk in the front area. The new fabric that covers the chamois is soft and smooth, preventing chaffing.
The one big miss from last year’s version to this year’s is the eliminating of a drop seat. It’s just such a pain to remove your jersey (and hydration pack) when it’s time for a nature break.
There are many good features of the Women’s Expedition PRO bib shorts. Hopefully, the Pearl Izumi team can build on these in their next iteration. I look forward to testing it next summer.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.