Pearl Izumi Quest Versa shorts review

We weren’t expecting to like these baggy mountain bike shorts. The fabric felt a bit flimsy and the length looked a little on the brief side. But on the bike we found that the outer shell sat really well over the liner and didn’t ride up. 

The pad was superb and the fabric was almost weightless, and despite a bit of puffing up in the groin area they were extremely comfortable. 

The Quest Versas aren’t rugged enough to cope with brambly edges or crashing into the dirt too often – but for long cross-country rides it’s comfortable and great value.

Our only big issue was with the colour of our sample. We’re sure that it looks great on a nicely tanned leg, but on a slightly blue Briton just emerging from winter, it isn’t good. Happily they’re also available in black.