Chamois quality determines whether a two-hour ride feels manageable or memorable for the wrong reasons. The Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts use the Transfer 3D chamois—a pad that sits in the middle of their lineup but punches above its weight for riders logging regular miles without racing ambitions. The foam density and shape work best for saddle time in the one-to-three hour range, where you want enough cushioning to stay comfortable but not so much padding that it feels like wearing a diaper.

The shorts themselves use Pearl Izumi's Transfer In-R-Cool fabric, which handles moisture management through a combination of wicking treatment and fabric structure rather than relying on mesh panels alone. The material pulls sweat away from skin and spreads it across the surface area for faster evaporation—standard practice for cycling apparel, but the execution here feels consistent across varied conditions. The 9.5-inch inseam hits a middle ground between racing-short coverage and the longer cuts that have become popular with the gravel crowd.

Leg grippers use silicone rather than elastic, which keeps the shorts in place without the tourniquet feeling that cheaper options create. The waistband sits flat without rolling, and the overall fit follows Pearl Izumi's semi-form pattern—snug enough to prevent bunching but not compression-tight. Available in Black and Navy, the Attack Shorts work as everyday training kit or as a more affordable option when you need multiple pairs in rotation for back-to-back ride days.... Read More