[Review] The Elevate Short by Pearl Izumi

I’ve never really thought looking good/stylish while mountain biking was a big deal but now that I do have a nice outfit to rip the trails in, I don’t want to go back to my old usual black on black jersey and bottoms. The Elevate Shorts by Pearl Izumi are not only my new favorite bike shorts because of how they look, but because of how they feel too. The length is perfect and while I was hesitant at first, now I love the fit.

I haven’t worn a shell short in a long time, most of my bike shorts have had liners in them, but I decided to go back to wearing bibs and I couldn’t be happier. The bibs stay perfectly in place and are a perfect combo for the Elevate shorts. The size large fits me really well and I’m 6’0 tall, 190 pounds, and usually wear a size 36 pant with a belt. I like that these are a relaxed fit and with options for adjustment, you can get a nice precise fit.

I’ve worn these primarily on warm days in the desert and find that they are great warm-hot weather riding shorts. The material, while it doesn’t feel thin enough to not be durable, is not a super rigid material so as not to breathe when it needs to. Adding to the breathability, I love that there are panels on the inner thigh to help with air movement where you need it most. It is also a 4-way stretch material so again, adding to that all day and any terrain comfort.

You’re pocket plenty with these shorts, with two pretty good-sized hand pockets that zip closed as well as a smaller center back pocket. The back pocket is nicely padded in case you want to throw your car keys in it or some other sharp object.

If you can’t quite make it home before the rain starts, you won’t get entirely soaked thanks to the DWR finish on the shorts. While you won’t stay totally dry, in a drizzle the water should roll right off your shorts.

I’ve paired my Elevate Shorts with Pearl Izumi’s Bib Liner Short as well as the Divide Top and even more importantly than having some style out on the trail, I am extremely comfortable all day long. Look no further than the Elevate Shorts for your perfect, comfortable, and great fitting first choice pair of shorts.