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 On: 2006-05-19
The "first worst" are the longer version of these shorts. These fit okay but have the same problem as the longer ones inthat the leg "grippers", which should be some form of exposed elastic to actually grip your leg, are covered in cloth so they dont grip. You can barely move without these thigns riding up. Saddle sores are the name of the game with these shorts so I wouldnt use them for anything longer than maybe a 5 mile ride.
 On: 2006-05-19
I was really surprised to read the other review that complained about the shorts riding up. I own two pairs of these shorts, two pairs of the longer version, a pair of the Performance "Classic" (which are only good for spinning classes), and two pairs of quality Pearl Izumi cycling shorts. These particular shorts from Performance are my favorite spring/summer shorts out of the bunch.
For me, these dont ride up at all. (I used this pair to train for and complete a century ride in April 2006. I continue to wear these to cycle 3-4 times a week, 30-45 miles a ride.) Im guessing the reason these shorts dont ride up on my may be because Im not built like a "normal" cyclist; Im not especially slender or thin. Im quite curvy (but not fat) and I have big/thick muscled thighs. Friends of mine who are "pear-shaped" also love these shorts as they fit snugly without pinching the legs or by being baggy in the waist. These are noticeably roomier in the waist, hip, and thigh area than my Pearl Izumi shorts. (The waist on my Pearl Izumi shorts actually cut into my lower waist/upper hip area, whereas all of the Performance Century shorts come up and over the hips, with the waistband comfortably resting just below/on the belly-button. This cuts down on that "muffin-top" look, too.) It appears that body shape may have more to do with these fitting well rather than anything else.
I do find that the Performance brand runs a little big, so if you prefer better compression and a snug fit (including the legs), you want to size down. (For reference, I wear a 10/12 in Levis jeans. My body dynamics shift from off-season to on-season, so I own a pair of these cycling shorts in Medium for off-season training and a pair in Small for racing/riding.) If you like or require the silicone gripper in the legs, then these shorts are not for you.
One more (silly) bonus of these shorts is that these are short enough your tan will work with all of your regular shorts and summer clothing. No more "cyclist" leg tans! (Im talking about when only your knees and calfs are brown.) These shorts eliminate that problem.
As for care, these are really easy to care for. The chamois is synthetic and doesnt seem to trap odor or moisture. I hand wash them throughout the week and then machine wash them once a week. (For the past year, all of my Performance Century shorts have washed well in a lingerie bag thrown into the washing machine.) Just hang them to dry and thats it.
I suppose that the only way these could be better was if they were a little more shock-absorbing or the padding was (more) contoured. If thats what you really want, then I suggest that you pay the extra $10-$15 dollars to get the "Elite" or "Gel" pairs or go buy some Pearl Izumis or some other high quality cycling pair of shorts that will come with a better chamois, higher compression lycra, and silicone leg grippers. If youre looking for a curvy-womans comfortable pair of shorter cycling shorts at a budget price, I think these just might fit the bill.
Overall, Im very happy with these shorts. Like I said earlier, out of the bunch, these are my favorite pair. For the price I paid (<$40), Im not sure these shorts could be beat. I hope my two-cents on the matter helps.
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