Very nice bike shorts. When I shopped Nashbar for these I found very little information about sizing but I did find a description for an earlier version of the Ultra Shorts on the Performance site that said, "The advanced compression technology improves blood flow, and can increase the time to muscle fatigue. This does mean that the fit runs slightly smaller however, so if you're between sizes we'd recommend sizing up." I took this advice as I'm an older, less fit rider who has always purchased a size Large in other shorts such as Pearl Izumi, Garneau, or the old Descente AeroX shorts. So I sized up to an XL in these shorts and they fit appropriately. Take this advice with a grain of salt as I recognize that there are a lot of body types out there. I'm male, 5'9" 190 lbs, typically wear a size 36 waist in pants.
I've tried probably six different brands and styles of bike shorts, some of which were more expensive than the Performance Ultras. The Ultras fit me better and are the most comfortable at the end of a century ride. I have three pairs now and won't ride more than 50 miles with anything else.
Wrong size sent. Ordered XL and small sent. Which was strange as only XL was indicated to be in stock on the web site
I ride 3,000-5,000 miles of road/gravel/MTB/tour a year and I love these shorts. The latest version of the Ultra shows that they continue to improve an already superior product. Having several pairs of the same shorts means the fit on my bike doesn’t change, so I keep about 4-6 pair in rotation. All I can say is that these shorts work: They stay in place, don’t roll up, prevent hot spots, and generally make it so I don’t think about or have to worry about problems down there. Thanks!
These are good quality shorts. From a sizing perspective, I debated between L & XL. I am 5'10" 190ish and wear 36" jeans comfortably, but still need a belt to keep them from falling down. I ended up with both sizes.
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.
Ultra shorts are wonderful shorts from a wonderful company! I put 3-5,000 miles (not counting time on the trainer) a year on my bikes and these are the only shorts I wear. I usually buy 2-3 pair a year, and keep 6-8 pairs in rotation---I think there is value to fitting the same way on my bikes, and having shorts fit the same way is a big part of that.
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.
These are nice shorts - however, do take heed of other reviewers' notes that these run small. I'm on the slim side, and the size chart showed me squarely in the middle of "Medium," which is where I usually end up with sizes. But I ended up needing Large.
My experience with Performance Ultra cycling shorts has been terrific! I currently own two pairs, one purchased this spring (2020), and one purchased in about 2012. In addition, my wife now has a pair of the Women's Ultra shorts also purchased this spring (2020).
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!
They run small, however generally pleased with them. The padding works well but a bit full.
Nice shorts that fit snugly but comfortably. I would like the lakes to be a couple inches longer. I am 6' 3", 180 lbs, 35" waist. I bought the large size. They fit well, but are maybe a little too snug. I will probably try the extra large next time, and see which I like best.
Fit is impressive, looks are attractive. The chamois is a bit light on padding for my liking, but it's acceptable enough for me to consider buying another pair, so I guess that's not a real issue. Why are shorts so freaky expensive?
These are the worst riding shorts I have ever bought. The design in terrible. The pad is too wide in certain areas, and this pushes the stitching out too far into the leg. The stitching then rubs on the inside of your leg. Plus they are so tight that it compress not only your quads, which is fine, but all your other parts in that area as well. 20 miles into a 70 mile ride I was dying. Not worth the price if they were free and of course they are non-returnable. What a waste of money.
Excellent shorts - durable, comfortable, hell of a chamois, and really fine heat transfer, which is important in Houston.
I didn't realize that I was wearing second rate gear until I got these and put them on. They instantly became my favorite riding shorts and I will be buying a couple more pair.
The shorts look great. I have purchased them before and these look a little better. I have not worn them yet.
Fits great. Padding in the right places and stays there. Waist stays up and legs stay down. All and all a comfortable short.
I've used Performance cycling products and clothing for over 5 years. Their "Ultra" clothing is definitely better than their regular line.
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.
Excellent so far. Only had a couple weeks but fits well and felt great on an 80 mile ride.
Great product. Very comfortable with a great chamois.
Just got a pair. These were my favorite shorts for many years, but when PERFORMANCE changed hands they had stopped selling them. I saw they had them again (MADE IN USA), and hoped they would be same high quality. THEY ARE STILL GREAT!
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
