[Review] The Women’s Canyon Shorts by Pearl Izumi

If you read my review of the Launch shorts, you’ll know that short mountain biking shorts are typically my go-to shorts for riding. The Canyon Shorts by Pearl Izumi fit the bill perfectly and while they are a pretty simple and minimal pair of riding shorts, they are perfect for long or short rides alike. I love these shorts because of the feel and fit.

I usually have a very hard time finding shorts or pants that fit me and fit me comfortably but that has not been a problem with Pearl Izumi bottoms. I’m 5’10 and 150 pounds and I kind of have a bit of a tricky body. I have big thighs, wide hips, and a small waist. The size large fits me perfectly well out of the box. If these shorts don’t fit you well out of the box, don’t worry. They have a built-in adjustment system in the waist band so you can get a perfect fit in a matter of seconds. These aren’t too tight but they’re not falling down.

Aside from the fit being awesome, the feel is even better. I couldn’t believe how light these shorts were when I first threw them on. I was definitely impressed with how they felt when I put them on and it was as if you couldn’t even feel them. One thing that I would be nervous about is tearing this material easily if I wrecked on some rough rocks. I do probably crash more than the average person though and so far the material has held up to the abuse.

If you want shorts that are relatively light and tight like these, chances are you aren’t putting a whole lot in your pockets. If you do ordinarily use pockets when you’re riding, you’ll be happy to know that there is still an option for you on the thigh (one small zip pocket).

The removable chamois is both comfortable and breathable and I love that Pearl Izumi gives the option to remove it easily. This is not only great for washing but if you prefer to wear protective shorts underneath, you can easily customize your shorts.

If you’re looking for a no-frills mountain biking short that looks flattering as well as functional, look no further than the simple and comfortable Canyon shorts.