So, why buy them? I own a pair of Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier WxB pants (fully seam sealed) that are wonderful for those days when the sky lets loose and water is running down the gutters. But for the hilly 20 mile daily commute that I ride in Seattle, water proof (albeit "breathable") pants can be a little too hot and sweaty when the temperatures are between 36 and 50 degrees and it's drizzling or sprinkling (which makes up a lot of winter days in the NW), the PRO Softshell tights are perfect for me. They don't have a fleece backing so if you need a warm tight for cold (freezing and below), breezy, drizzly rides, try the PI Elite AmFib tights as they have a light fleece lining and the AmFib fabric is highly water resistant, reasonably breathable and has good stretch.
I use the AmFib tights on the days when the temperature drops to freezing and below. But they're too warm and bulky for warmer temps (as you get closer to 40 degrees). The customer service rep at Pearl Izumi says PI recommends the PI Elite AmFib tights for cold weather rides and the PRO Softshell tights for high output (tempo) rides where water resistance/breathability, low bulk and high flexibility are more desirable than a warmer, water resistant/breathable tight. If water resistance isn't as critical, then the PI Elite Thermal tights are recommended (these have softshell panels on the sections of the front, knees and legs).
It seems a bit silly to purchase 3 pair of expensive tights that, for my needs, are most effective in a relatively narrow temperature/precipitation band. However, in Seattle, a lot of winter rides (whether commuting, training or riding for fitness) fit within the vector of drizzly, cold and breezy weather. They've become my "go to" tight. The WxB pants are still used but only when it's pouring buckets. Since purchasing one pair of the PRO Softshell Bib tights with padded seat last year, I've purchased another pair of bibs AND the non-bib PRO Softshell tight (only available w/o padding). Why? Well, as the days are transitioning into Spring, I wear the non-padded Softshell tights over my regular cycling shorts into work, then put the tights in my pack and wear the shorts with leg warmers for the return trip home.
Regarding fit: the tights are not skin-tight. They're patterned to fit the rider in the cycling position. Knees are articulated and legs have enough length for the range of motion from extended to bent. As a result, when you're standing upright (not on the bike), the knees look a little baggy and legs too long. But, the tights don't feel restrictive at all. This is a happy combination of good design and fabric "ease".
"Don't Forget to Shake": there's a gusset on the front for "rest stops". Highly convenient and effective. The message on the inside of the gusset is "reader-side up" and says it all.
If you use shoe covers, please note that they will NOT fit under the tight's legs as the tights have stirrups which will prevent the legs from fitting over the covers. There are also no leg zips. Rain pants, on the other hand, will usually zip or slide over shoe covers (thus preventing water leaking under the tops of the shoe covers and into the socks and shoes).
These aren't cheap (and I'm not wealthy) and fit a relatively narrow band of use. But, they've proven to be highly versatile and fill a big gap in my winter riding gear. Note: the PRO Softshell Tights are no longer in the current PI line-up.
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Extremely disappointing. The material for much of the legs is waterproof but the construction is not the seams are just stitched and leak like crazy and the area behind the knees and the color panels along the thighs are not waterproof material so they leak instantly in heavy rain. The material is backed by a mesh rather than fleece so always feels kind of cold and clammy. Fit and design are very nice. Bottom line ok for road spray and very light rain but fails pretty quickly in light rain. PS since they do not breathe they get very hot above 50' but since not lined are not warm enough below 35' so pretty narrow comfort range as well.Best Deals for Pearl iZUMi Men's Pro Softshell Bib Tight
This bib is great for morning rides when the temp reaches 40s. I find it to fit true to size. I weigh 135lbs and measure 5'7".I particularly like the material. I have yet to try it on a rainy day.
Honest reviews on Pearl iZUMi Men's Pro Softshell Bib Tight
Pros-The fit is good
-Warm by itself but very warm with other layers
-The white bibs actually clean up well
-Super comfortable and quality materials on par with other Izumi products
Cons
-While riding in any position the suspenders for the bibs will be slack
-The legs are quite long and give you plenty of slack at the knees
-Temperatures below 35-40 degrees Farenheit, the bibs aren't enough to keep you warm
The deal breaker....
The metal brackets for the suspenders broke. The right shoulder bracket broke while dressing. I checked the left shoulder and the bracket looks strained and weak. The left shoulder broke later on.
If you plan for the brackets breaking and have materials ready, these are a grat set of bibs. Again, I want to love these bibs but I can't
Updated 12/3/2012
Sent the bibs in and Pearl upheld their replacement warranty. The brackets were replaced with some heavy gauge metal brackets. Beefy! Love the bibs!
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Good features, bad fit.The sizing is strange in the mid-section. I got this as a gift for my boyfriend and thought I was so clever to sneak into his closet and see what size bib-tights he wears. Unfortunately, these fit great around his legs, but when he got into position he could barely breathe.
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