Frustrating. After wearing their Ultra bibs for over 10 years because they fit perfectly and were a fantastic value, I'm frustrated. For a couple of model years, I've tried the new Ultras. First ones had great fabric and chamois, but were about 2 sizes too small. After a few returns, I ended up with the right size and I still ride them. Based on this, and reviews of the newest model, I decided to pay the non-sale price of $110.
First impressions were great. Top quality fabric feels like its not there, the length is just right, a well designed and comfy chamois, and the Medium size fit again. Yay! Almost. The straps are about an inch short. They fit, but way too tight. And, I'm a pretty skinny guy without massive shoulders. Then, you take them for a spin...
Within minutes, the legs are riding up. What starts as a 10.5" inseam quickly turns into a 7.5" inseam. And where does that fabric go? It bunches up at the top of your legs. REALLY uncomfortable. So, you coast a bit and pull them down. 15min later, they've hiked up again.
So, I sprung even more $ for bibs from another well known brand from CO. Guess what, their legs stay in place. What is missing from the Ultras? Silicone. There's just not enough gripper material on the inside of the bottom panel to keep them in place. Come on, folks.
I used to recommend these shorts to all my friends. Now, I don't recommend buying these until Performance verifies that they've fixed the strap length and leg grippers!
I have an older pair of these bib shorts and they are really comfortable. However, there are two flaws with this newer version. First, as the other reviewer noted, the inseam is pretty short; if you like wearing short shorts, you'll be happy -- otherwise, you'll miss the comfort. Second (and this is the worst), the chamois isn't flat-stitched around the edges. This results in chafing -- the worst I've ever had in a pair of shorts. I can't believe they didn't flat-stitch them. I'll never buy them again.
I have several pair of these shorts from a few years back, purchased under the former Performance Bike. They have been some of my favorite shorts ever so I was glad to see them offered now. My hope was they would be similar to the shorts I have but unfortunately they are different in two key areas for me. First, the inseam is much shorter. Don't know what inseam these are but I like a long inseam (10" preferred). Second, the waist is cut much higher than before, and because these are bibs it makes it very difficult when it's time for a natural break unless you remove your jersey and drop the straps. On the plus side the padding is comfortable and the shorts appear to be well made.
It would be helpful if Performance would include specs and sizing on their website. Right now it's difficult to know what size to order if you're not familiar with the product, or if the product will suite your needs. Had more info been available I would not have ordered these shorts to begin with.
I do like the bibs , however I have several pairs of older bibs in XL and theses are XXL and as they fit my seat area they are about three inches shorter from mid crotch to the top of the straps. When I put them on the straps over the shoulders is extremely tight and very uncomfortable. I will return them as I can’t handle the shorter straps .
I have no idea how or why the strap length was changed, I can not wear them !!
I have others that are 33 inches from crotch to the end of the straps , these are 29 inches, that’s a huge difference!
Felt smaller in size to previous Performance Ultra bibs. Chamois pad still the same type and quality.
I have been using the ultra bib shorts for several years now. Great shorts good fit overall I wish there were better grippers at the bottom of the legs though. Chamois is good doesn't bind for me, anyway. Will continue to use unless they come up with something better. These are also well priced.
These used to be one of the best products on the market, period. My 10 year old pair was amazingly comfortable and durable. I have ridden them for thousands of miles. I felt I needed to replace them as the seems in the crotch are starting to finally fail. I ordered a new pair...
What happend?? How/why did you change perfection?
These new shorts ride up my thighs and bunch up at the flex points in my hips. Very uncomfortable to wear, constantly tugging them down. The shoulder straps are a little shorter or less pliable. I have a longer torso, making this new pair very tight over the shoulders. I would not recommend this product to anyone anymore.
These are my favorite bibs for long rides, and they've been great on many 100+ mile days.
This is my second pair of these shorts. The first pair is two years old now and has worn pretty well. There is a spot on one leg where the stitching looks like it is trying to fray, but so far nothing major has happened. I am not sure what all the complaints are about the chamois. I regularly ride 2-3 hours at a time and have no complaints about comfort. As for the leg length, it seems normal to me. You do need to order up one size; I am wearing an XL. The straps fit me well and the fabric is comfortable in warm weather. For the price of $80, I think these shorts are a pretty good value.
These bibs fit perfectly first time worn. The leg grippers worked well and the material in the back has been upgraded. Overall, I am very pleased with the quality and price. I purchased a second pair.
This is a great value. I have purchased several Performance Ultra Bib Shorts. For some reason, these feel a tiny bit smaller than those I have bought before.
Nice, comfortable shorts, but the fit is very much on the small size.
I find it extremely sad to write this about a Performance product but the simple truth is that ever since the bankruptcy and A-Main purchase, Performance bib short have become the definition of cheap, uncomfortable and poorly sized. I had previously purchased two pairs of bibs that came with the cheapest, most uncomfortable “chamois” or liner imaginable. My last purchase of the ultra bib short (size large) wouldn’t even fit over my quads and the liner looked like something from a very cheap Chinese bike short. This is very sad since for 30 years, yes — 30, Performance bibs were a staple of my cycling kit. For the price, the quality and fit were outstanding. No more. Now they are just cheap, cheap, cheap and poorly made. Sorry Performance, that was my last purchase from you, ever. I hope the new owners actually get to see this. You have destroyed an affordable and well-respected brand. I hope you are proud of your work
I’m 5‘10” and weigh 185 lbs. These bibs run tight compared to my normal Pearl Izumi bibs. But they are still usable—indeed, I am wearing them now as I write this review.
The quality seems to be comparable to the low end Pearl Izumi bibs that I usually wear. Those bibs and these bibs are both of quite high quality.
The difference is the Pearl Izumi bibs, when on sale, cost about a half of what these bibs cost when they are on sale.
Would I buy them again? Yes, if Pearl Izumi went out of business.
Final comment: I ride every day and machine wash my bibs after every ride. Both seem to be quite rugged and both are very comfortable. It would not surprise me to learn that they were both made in the same Asian factory. No need to pay more.
they run about a size smaller than elite Performance bibs. Not worth the money over elite but got on sale.
I have had several versions of the Ultras and I keep coming back for them. I purchased 2 this time, to replace the two I’ve had for nearly 3 years. I have plenty of other bibs from other makers in the mid price range but the Ultra is my go-too.
The body is smooth and has just enough compression. No muffin leg and the grippers stay put. The pad is middle-thickness, which is perfect for my indoor workouts as well as 3 hour road rides.
So long as they keep making them, I will keep buying them.
Bought XXL because I am definitely overweight but the XL that I have from before the storefront closed still fit better then these. I would suggest you go up 2 sizes if planing to buy these. I am trying to return them but still haven't heard back about the return process after emailing them.
xl size would not fit a much taller person than myself at 5'9" straps are too short for the size in my opinion padding is good and cuffs are snug and stay put
Light weight and breathable! Love the comfort of the chamois! I will definitely purchase again.
Comfortable and fit well, two stars because the seams rip after just a few rides.
