The Pearl Izumi Men’s Canyon Shorts (with Liner) aim to be a go-to option for riders who want comfort, versatility, and value in one package. They’re built for everything from after-work laps to all-day trail rides — but how do they hold up in practice?
Features (via Pearl Izumi)
- Constructed from mini ripstop fabric
- Single-density SELECT Levitate chamois reduces skin abrasion and sit bone discomfort
- Detachable interior liner provides off-bike versatility to the shell short
- PI Dry® C0 technology, a PFAS-free, durable water repellent
- Two drop-in hand pockets, one side zippered trail access pocket
- Button waist closure with full zip fly
- Two-sided nylon strap waist adjustments
- 12″ Inseam
- MSRP: $110.00
- Made with recycled content
- Main Body: 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex
- Pockets: 100% polyester
- Liner: 88% recycled polyester, 14% elastane
On the trail
Over the years, I’ve gone through a few phases with what I want in a mountain biking and cycling overshort: from slim-fitting to baggy and durable moto-style DH shorts. These days, I prioritize I desire comfort more than anything, but I also still prefer a more streamlined silhouette. The Canyon shorts deliver on all fronts. They feel spacious in the crotch but I’m not concerned about hanging up on that seat. The legs have a taper towards the knee for a steamlined look is relaxed but doesn’t look baggy. And importantly, the material offers a bit of air flow on hot, sweaty rides.
This summer, when things got warm, is when I really began to appreciate these shorts. So much so that they became a regular go-to on road trips this summer. The lightweight fabric feels unrestrictive on the bike, and my legs stayed comfortable, even on long, sweaty days in the saddle.
Like many performance MTB shorts, they lack rear pockets; this does help minimize heft and increase breathability, but it does make it harder to find a spot to stash my trusty pocketknife. Fortunately, the thigh pocket on the right is well placed for holding a phone without noticeable bounce, which has allowed me to stash my folding knife in the right pocket. The pockets aren’t secured, which made me a bit nervous about carrying my nicer Benchmade knife, so I have been carrying my cheapie… without any issues. If Pearl offered a lifestyle cut similar to these with rear pockets, I’d definitely rock them on my more adventurous rides.
I’ve been on the hunt for lighter-weight chamois, and while I initially was concerned about what seemed like a lot of material at the front of the Select liner, they were comfortable on the trail. I’ve been finding I prefer lighter-weight undershorts with a lighter pad for mountain biking. Breathability is key.
Fit and sizing
The size 32 shorts and pants I’ve been running in for some time are getting uncomfortably snug- I’m more of a 33-inch waist at the moment, so I sized up to the 34 shorts. As such, the fit leans a bit on the generous side — the adjustable waistband helped bring them back to a good spot, but I may do a small hem somewhere to get them from a 34″ to a 33″.
Sizing has been a bit of a moving target for me this season. I’ve been spending more time in the gym focusing on strength and mass over cycling endurance, and that shift changes how things fit. Turns out, when you’re not burning thousands of calories on epic rides, your body actually builds muscle mass. (My creatine intake and supplements could also play a factor)
On the trail, the Canyon Shorts hit that sweet spot between lightweight and durable. The fabric moves well and breathes great in warm weather, and the removable Select Levitate chamois liner adds comfort for mid-length trail rides without feeling bulky. The pockets are well placed — the zip thigh pocket fits a phone without bouncing, and the hand pockets come in handy when you’re off the bike.
The 12″ length also plays quite well with knee pads, offering some overlap.
Overall, these shorts check all the right boxes for a value-packed trail short that works as well for backyard laps as it does for all-day rides. They’re comfortable, functional, and versatile — especially for riders who prefer a relaxed fit and breathable feel in hot conditions. The one downside? The “Chimpmonk” color looks good with a layer of dust on it, but the light color does show stains a bit easier than a darker brown color would.
The Pearl Izumi Canyon Short sells for $110. More info at PearlIzumi.com.
Pearl Izumi Elevate Pants First Look
I was really excited to try the Pearl Izumi Elevate pants. Not that many brands offer a ratched waist, which is by far my favorite waist closure. And looking at the spec sheet, these read like a checklist of all features I could ask for in a race-style pant.
Features
- Ratched waist adjustment
- PI Dry® C0 technology for a PFAS-free durable water repellent
- Laser-perforated venting through the legs
- Two zippered Trail Access™ side pockets
- Kneepad compatible
- Made with recycled content
- BioViz® reflective elements
- 30.5″ inseam
- Fabric content
- Upper Leg: 89% recycled nylon, 11% spandex
- Lower Leg and Back Yoke: 86% recycled nylon, 14% spandex
- Pocket Bag: 100% polyester
- Other: 86% nylon, 14% spandex
Fit and Sizing
The majority of the 32″ shorts and pants I currently have in rotation have been feeling a bit tight this year (including a pair of Pearl baggy shorts I have) so I looked hard at the specs and requested a size 34.
I have never missed so hard when it comes to sizing as I did with the Elevate pants. However, what I have doesn’t seem to match the sizing chart, as these run big. My waist is more like 33″ at the moment, so the ratchet at the waist should have easily cinched up. Unfortunately, even all the way snugged, they sit low enough to snag on my seat. As I enjoy riding steep tech lines, this was potentially dangerous, so I just haven’t used them on a real ride. And although the size chart lists these pants as a 32″ inseam, it’s more like 34″.
We have a tester lined up for the Elevate pants and will report in from the trail soon.
For more info, visit PearlIzumi.com.