As a long-time fan and former women’s ambassador for Pearl Izumi, I have observed a slight decline in the company’s quality over the past few years. However, with the release of their 2024 Spring/Summer line, I am thrilled to announce that Pearl Izumi has returned to the standards I have come to love. The sizing still needs some fine tuning, but they are going in the right direction. In this review, I will share my thoughts on some of the pieces from this collection.
The cycling industry is rampant with wasteful materials. That is why the company’s pledge states, “Because we believe how we live shapes how future generations ride, we pledge to use our business practices, products, and advocacy to reduce our oil consumption and embolden all of us to ride more, do more.”
Pearl Izumi is actively working towards a more sustainable future by incorporating recycled materials into their products. This commitment aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly options and sets a positive example for other companies within the cycling industry.
Attack Jerseys (long and short-sleeve models) for men and women
Price: $90 (long-sleeve); $80 (short-sleeve)
Sizes: XS-2XL (women’s), S-2XL (men’s)
Long-Sleeve Colors: Dark Violet Spectral, Highrise, Black Spectral (women’s); Twilight, Highrise, Goji Berry, Black (men’s)
Short-Sleeve Colors: Five color variations (women’s); Ten colors (men’s)
Fit: Form fit
Sizing: True to size
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
Riding conditions: Warm weather
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Womens: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/womens-attack-long-sleeve-jersey-11222405?variant=43438649278635
Mens: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/mens-attack-long-sleeve-jersey-11122403?variant=43438382219435
Next to skin soft, comfortable, and stylish
I was immediately struck by the incredible softness of Pearl Izumi’s new Attack jerseys when I first unpacked them. It’s hard to believe they are made entirely from 100% recycled polyester. These stylish jerseys are available in short-sleeve or long-sleeve and women’s or men’s versions. Obviously, I tested the women’s version.
Since the weather in Chicago is still quite chilly, I decided to put these jerseys to the test on my trainer. The lightweight and quick-drying fabric performed well, effectively wicking away moisture from my skin. The full zipper front closure helped with venting.
The jerseys also have several other features. With three rear pockets, there’s plenty of storage space for all your essentials and nutrition. The silicon gripper hem ensures that everything stays securely in place, even when in the drops. Additionally, the BioViz reflective elements on the left chest and lower back provide added visibility and safety.
Both the short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions offer UPF 25 protection against the sun. It’s worth noting that the short-sleeve version has sleeves that hit just above the elbow, providing extra coverage. However, I found it puzzling that the collar was minimal, offering little to no sun protection for the back of the neck, a critical area during long rides.
Both Attack jersey styles are affordable and come in various colors and sizes. They are specifically designed for warm weather use, with the long-sleeve model offering a bit more coverage when needed.
Attack Bib Shorts
Price: $120
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Black, Dark Violet, Castlerock
Fit: Slightly small
Inseam: 8.5″ inseam
Fabric: 80% recycled polyester, 20% spandex
Riding conditions: Warm weather
Women’s: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/womens-attack-bib-shorts-11212403?variant=43438648295595
Comfort for long days in the saddle
The newly redesigned Attack bibs hit high marks as a result of my testing. Like the Attack jersey, these bibs are crafted from recycled super soft material. But what makes these bibs great is the ELITE Levitate chamois.
I put these bibs to the test during both indoor trainer rides lasting up to two hours and chilly outdoor rides under tights. The dual-density chamois provided exceptional support and comfort, while the fabric next to the skin minimized friction, ensuring an enjoyable ride.
The wide bib straps are designed to prevent any discomfort or digging into the shoulders and combine with a center strap buckle to ensure everything stays perfectly in place. Additionally, the breathable, moisture-wicking, and light compressive fabric further enhances the overall comfort of these bibs.
The leg hem features a raw edge design with silicon back grippers to keep everything securely in place while pedaling. My only suggestion for improvement would be for Pearl Izumi to offer a longer inseam option for those with longer legs. The standard 8.5-inch inseam left the bibs hitting me at an awkward mid-thigh length. Providing different inseam lengths could be a valuable addition to their range.
Pearl Izumi’s new Attack bibs are available in black, dark violet, and castlerock. It’s worth noting that they also offer extended sizing, which is a welcome feature as these bibs tend to run a bit small. To ensure the perfect fit, I recommend consulting the sizing guide provided.
Summit Gel Full-Finger Gloves
Price: $30
Sizes: S-XL (women’s); XS – 2XL (men’s)
Colors: Black, Air Blue, Violet (women’s); Black, Air Blue, Highrise, Red Dahlia (men’s)
Fit: Small – Recommend sizing up
Fabric: Back: 48% polyester, 38% nylon, 8% spandex, 6% polyurethane Palm: 60% nylon, 40% polyurethane
Riding conditions: Warm weather
Women’s: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/womens-summit-gloves-14242401?variant=43438507131051
Women’s Gel: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/womens-summit-gel-gloves-14242306?variant=42831242854571
Men’s: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/mens-summit-gloves-14142402?variant=43438490484907
Men’s Gel: https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/mens-summit-gel-gloves-14142306?variant=43438489534635
Excellent handlebar feel and dexterity
Pearl Izumi’s new Summit full-finger glove is new to its MTB line. I was eager to try them out, but ordering my usual size, only to discover they run a full size smaller. Fortunately, I passed them on to a friend who helps me test products from time to time, and the large ones fit her perfectly (she typically wears a medium glove).
Designed for warm weather rides, these gloves prioritize protection on the trail rather than insulation. They excel in providing exceptional maneuverability. They offer a superior handlebar feel with a seamless synthetic suede palm and silicon grippers on the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
The hook and loop closure at the wrist allow for easy on and off. There’s no need to take these gloves off to answer the phone, text a quick message, or take a picture. The index finger and thumb are highly sensitive, touch screen compatibility. The microfiber thumb is ultra-soft and absorbent, whether wiping sweat from your face or a runny nose.
The Summit gloves are available in various colors to appeal to different preferences. There are three attractive colors for the women’s model and four for the men’s. Additionally, the extended sizing is essential due to the need to size up. I found it strange that the men’s came in XS, but the women’s smallest size was small.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.