If you're a cyclist that demands the best technology at the best price, then look no further than the Performance Ultra Shorts. Designed in Chapel Hill, NC and made in the United States, the Ultra Shorts ensure you'll be riding at your best.
These shorts feature the new Ultra TMF Italian chamois with Skyving technology for seamless, pressure-free comfort, and its multi-density foam with Air Mesh layer provides shock absorption, breathability, and moisture-wicking. The shorts' high compression fabric has an embossed texture and uses push/pull technology to manage moisture while the six panel construction with abrasion-resistant side panels maintain a streamlined fit.
Coldblack technology reduces skin temperature under direct sunlight for the ultimate in cooling comfort on hot days and the an UPF 30+ rating means there's protection against the sun's harmful rays. Wide, sublimated leg bands are non-restrictive and the silicone interior helps to keep the shorts perfectly placed. Built with the same features found in high-end cycling shorts, the Performance Ultra Shorts give you all the benefits the pros are accustomed to.
Features:
- Nylon/spandex fabric blend with embossed texture improves aerodynamics, manages moisture, and provides high compression at a lighter weight
- Abrasion-resistant side panels are made with a special knit that pulls perspiration from the surface of the skin and pushes it off the face of the material
- Ultra TMF Italian chamois is anatomically shaped for long distance comfort, features multi-density foams to absorb vibrations, utilizes seamless Skyving technology to eliminate steps between foam layers, plus has a carbon brushed anti-bacterial top sheet
- Italian made leg opening includes a wide sublimated leg band with silicone print to prevent them from riding up the leg
- 6-panel design with high compression reduces muscle fatigue and speeds up muscle recovery
- UPF 30+ sun protection
- Flatlock seams eliminate chafing
- Reflective accents enhance visibility in low-light conditions

The L cycling shorts are snug. Not tight, but snug on me - the way cycling shorts are meant to be. They work well and kept me comfortable on my 2 mile ride.
(As an aside, the XL shorts fit too, but were more loose in the butt.)
Unless I gain some #s, I'm sticking with the L in the future.
I've worn Performance shorts exclusively for about 15 years. Yes, I have tried others, but I prefer Performance. Initially the price attracted me, but now the fit, and the wearability have kept me. I routinely do 75+ mile rides and never need chamois cream, experience skin breakdown, etc. The Ultra shorts just fit, don't roll up, provide good protection, and last forever. Period. I don't notice problems with my sit it area, so I must be doing something right. I credit these shorts with a big part of that.
They do fit a little small. If you're between sizes, go up. Maybe go up anyway if you prefer them not so tight.
And then there is Performance's on-line service: All I can say is they will make it right. Tracking, updates, etc. are provided (of course, and as expected)---but they will also give you good help when you need it.
The Men's size MEDIUM I ordered for myself fit perfectly, and are even better than the older model of the same shorts (Performance Bicycle Ultra Men's shorts) I still wear from about 8 years ago. In fact, in contrast to the feedback which Performance Bike has apparently received from some other customers about the Ultra shorts running small, the current (2020) Men's Ultra shorts I recently purchased were less tight than my older ones from 8 years ago (so did not run small at all in my experience). In addition, the size MEDIUM Women's Ultra shorts I ordered at the same time for my wife were actually too loose, so I returned them and bought her size SMALL instead -- which fit her perfectly (so she also did not find them to run small; she normally wears size small, so her Ultra shorts fit just right; I don't know why she originally asked me to order mediums, except that she may have assumed the shorts would run tight / small, which they don't).
The padding on the current Ultra shorts is completely changed from the older model I bought about 8 years ago, but I like it just as much (I don't prefer either model's padding, I like them both).
Overall, I really love the Performance Ultra shorts, and will not hesitate to buy another pair when I need more. So I hope Performance Bike continues to sell this product!
Ultra shorts' padding is "good" yet inferior to that of a "cheap" pair of other brands such as Pearl Izumi. I use Ultra shorts for relatively short rides up to 50 miles yet my buns demand better treatment on rides over 50 miles thus use other brands for that.
These shorts were very kindly sent to me as replacement for a purchased pair that have defects in the sewing that holds in the padding. The seams of the original pair (high visibility with yellow bands) were separating to point one can see light (or my leg when wearing) between the seam and the stretch of the shorts. I have pictures though their review site does not allow attachments.
I noticed the defect after wearing once or twice and first thought I may have snagged them (shame on me if so). Further inspection shows the seams separating in same manner (though not as severe) at other points around the crotch seams thus know it was not a mistreatment of the shorts.
Performance asked for pictures and immediately sent a replacement pair (they evidently and sadly don't make the high visibility yellow version any more). They were prompt, understanding and kind.
Checking the replacement pair prior to using reveals the SAME DEFECT in the same seams although not exacerbated to the extent of the first pair.
It is unfortunate yet appears they have a defect being caused and produced in manufacturing.
Hopefully, Performance will correct the defective manufacturing. These shorts may last a long time yet I'm not holding my breath for these seams.
These shorts are as good or better than name brand shorts costing lots more. They fit me great(the large fits me snugly (as bike shorts should) at 6" 36"waist, 197 pounds 45"chest