I guess I am a cheapskate, but I don't think of anything from Columbia as cheap unless maybe it is on closeout.

What did you replace the Columbia ones with?

I have several pairs of Worldwide Sportsman nylon zip offs that I think I paid about $20 a pair for. They have a built in mesh brief I got them from Bass Pro Shop, but I didn't see the model I have on their web site last time I checked. I am pretty happy with them. My first pair was my only off bike shorts for about 5 months of touring, a few short backpacking trips, and some wear around home. They are a bit worn looking, but still serviceable.