I have used Performance shorts off and on since the mid 80’s and while they were always a good value, their lower price usually came with some sacrifices. In the last generation of Ultra Bib shorts the main sacrifice was that the smooth leg grippers were never able to hold the shorts in place for very long. That meant that if you didn’t put sunscreen an extra inch or two up your leg you were going to end up with a sunburn on skin that was covered when you started your ride.
This redesigned version doesn’t seem to have any of the sacrifices of the past though. In fact, I haven’t found any faults with this generation, and they seem to be the equal, in terms of features and construction, to the marquee brands I own.
The chamois is thick but not bulky and does not bunch up regardless of whether you are on the nose or the tail of the saddle. All panels are well designed with different stretch characteristics and opacity depending on placement. (Nobody will see your butt crack on the next group ride.)
A feature I especially like in this redesign is the front of the bib is cut slightly higher which helps avoid the muffin-top look for those of us who inadvertently put on a couple extra pounds last winter.
The only thing they are lacking, which I don’t personally use, but some people might like, is a hidden key pocket in the side of the bib.
Finally, the leg grippers in this generation do exactly what they are supposed to do. There is a soft, textured two-inch band at the end of each leg that keeps everything in place no matter how hard you ride.
My pasty white thighs are already thanking you for that…
Been riding/racing since the 80’s. I’ve worn almost every brand out there. These are a very comfortable pair of bibs suitable for any length of ride.
These are great endurance/training shorts that are great for race-day or fondo applications.
The multilayered chamois is the most notable feature of this short making any ride comfortable no matter the distance. I've used these for events as short as a 75-minute crit to a 400km brevet and had the same level of comfort at the end as when I started.
The gripper is quite nice in that it holds the leg in place, doesn't mar the skin or get irritated after a long day in the saddle. Furthermore, it smoothly blends into the leg- non sausage casing effect here!
While the shoulder straps could have a little more structure, they do their job well and go unnoticed once the jersey goes on.
I'm 6' at 172lbs normal to athletic build and wear a medium which fits perfectly.
I absolutely recommend these bibs to anyone.
These bibs are fantastic. Top tier quality and look. They are breathable and elastic enough to conform to your legs. The elastic band is on the money for its look and purpose. The chamois is exactly what I’d expect out of a race bib. It’s comfortable, has the just the right amount of pad, not too little and not too much. And it’s a great quality, built to last. The straps are comfortable and stretchy, which is great because you don’t want to feel or notice them when you’re on the bike. Lastly, the design is clean which matters, because let’s be real, you probably want to look good on the bike. (Don’t we all?) Whether you’re racing or just cruising down to the coffee shop, these should be the bibs you’re grabbing and putting on because they are awesome!
I own some bibs from Assos and Castelli and I honestly find myself reaching for this pair more often. The fit is snug without feeling like you have to wrestle it on and the pad is supportive without feeling like you’re wearing a diaper. For context, I’m 6’2”, 170lbs and in most brands wear a medium. Occasionally, I can fit a small. I got a medium and they fit as expected. I also really like that they’ve maintained the more traditional high-cut at the waist. So many other brands have started to make their bib waist cut lower. Even though I’m very lean, in the riding position, I appreciate the bib supporting my lower belly. Also, being tall, it common to for me to get a gap between my jersey and bibs when I stand up if they have a low cut waist. These bibs are simple, no frills and done right.
Great-fitting bib shorts. Material (especially the pad) feels of high quality.
Fit is great and they are comfortable. I prefer without arm straps tho. Picked these up first based on a general consensus.
I now have three pairs of these bibs. They are comfortable and wearing well. The pad is pretty thick, which works for me. Just wanted to note that for riders that prefer a thin pad.
I like that they are made in the U.S.A. as well.
I've been wearing the ultra shorts (no bib) for a couple years almost exclusively. I saw the bibs on sale, and thought I'd give them a try and bought a pair. I Love the length -- a bit longer than the shorts -- and the fit all around. I bought a couple more pairs after one ride on the Turbo.
The bib shorts were tight in the legs, the rest fit ok. The return service was great and the rep was very helpful.
I purchased these on a recommendation from another biker. Great recommendation plus I bought some socks that are great. No sweat and comfortable
Disappointing. I liked Performance Elite bibs, but the leg grippers didn't last, so I bought the Ultra V2 based on the excellent user reviews. I went on two multi-hour rides and the chamois was simply uncomfortable - it's too thick, overly sculpted and it chafes. The bib is otherwise solid but the chamois kills the deal, and Performance won't take back a used bib.
I got these to ride on longer road and mtb rides. The fit is great Size is Medium (I'm 5'8" 145lbs). The straps that go over the shoulders are comfortable, with just enough stretch. One of the issues with version one was that they would ride up the leg and that has been fixed with these ones. Overall, very happy with them, and well worth the price!
The Performance Men’s Ultra V2 Bib Shorts are a high end riding/racing short. I ride/race gravel, road and MTB. Wether it be a 1hr. Criterium, 2 to 4 training ride or a 8 to 10hr. Gravel/MTB race the shorts perform at many levels.
The Ultra V2 bib short fits amazing. The bibs fit snug and the grip around the legs holds the bibs in place. I personally like putting a gel pack or two inside the leg band for easy access and have never had one come out. I like the way the bib comes over my shoulders with a wide flat material. The waist band is not to high and not to low and fits snug around the waist.
I have been riding/racing for over 25yrs. and have cut my teeth in endurance riding. I am an ex 24hr. MTB Solo World Champion, a multi podium finisher in the NUE MTB Series a Calif State MTB Champion and just love long rides with friends. When it comes to cycling apparel I have seen it and worn it all. These bibs are by far a quality fit for racing/riding long days in the saddle.
When choosing a bib I am looking for a good chamois, a snug fit and for the material to be of substance and of course price point. I would recommend this short for long or short rides/races.
These bibs are exactly what you've been looking for- comfortable, extra soft chamois for those brutal rides we like to talk about, and durable. Best bang for your buck, 10/10 would buy again.
These bibs definitely do a great job as a quick-ride trainer bib or a race day long distance option. The price point being very affordable makes these shorts a great purchase for any level of cyclist from the beginner to the hardcore mile-slogging roadie. The fit is true to size and the leg band grippers are also a good improvement from the previous model too.
These V2 bib shorts are better than the previous version in that V2 bib shorts have a longer inseam and the grippy silicones on the bottom of the bib keep it in place. Also, I found the chamois very comfortable too especially when I am in an aggressive aero position. I often get a sore butt after riding hard in such a position in crits or fast group rides, but I haven't experienced it with these shorts so far. I am 5'7 and 160 lbs, and the medium shorts fit well.
Comfortable bib shorts at a reasonable price. I am 5'6" 145lbs and chose to go with a size M as that is what I typically wear with other brands and I would say they fit true to size. The leg gripper is more snug than the original Performance Ultra bibs but I would just chalk it up to a more "performance oriented" fit. I will be purchasing a second pair here shortly.
