(jersey and bibs)
(gloves)
Jersey
Hot
- Variety of 9 attractive unique patterns
- ELITE Transfer Aero fabric and Speed Sleeve reduces drag
- ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric for moisture management
- Full-length zipper for easy venting
- Rear gripper hold back hem in place even in the drops
- Three rear pockets provide plenty of storage
Not
- Narrow collar provides less sun protection to back of neck
Bib Shorts
Hot
- V-strap drop-tail for fast/easy nature breaks
- Extremely comfortable P.R.O. Escape 1:1® chamois
- Italian PRO Transfer fabric for soft next to skin feel
- Minimal seaming and raw edge hems for added comfort
- Printed silicon leg grippers hold shorts in place
- Wide, laser cut bib straps provide barely there feel
- Fun polka dot option for wardrobe variety
Not
- Prefer a longer inseam
Gloves
Hot
- New 1:1® Connect Palm design for comfort and bar feel
- Gel insert supports hands and avoids numb fingers
- Soft fabric on the thumb for gentle wiping surface
Not
- Run small, order size up
Price: $125 (jersey); $150 (Bibs); $30 (gloves)
Colors: 9 patterns/colors (jersey); 3 colors, one with pattern (bibs); 4 colors (gloves)
Source: Company website, online, retail
How obtained: Samples from company
RBR Sponsor: No
Sizing: XS-2XL (jersey & bibs); S-XL (gloves)
Stylish and Performance
Pearl Izumi launched their 2019 Spring/Summer collection that offers both sophisticated style and performance. I tested 3 pieces from the collection and was very impressed. The ELITE Pursuit jersey, P.R.O. bib short, and SELECT Attack gloves all were comfortable, performed well, and incorporated reflective elements for low-light visibility.
With the launch of their Spring/Summer line, Pearl Izumi also announced their new Social Purpose. Their pledge is “Because we believe how we live shapes how future generations ride, we pledge to use our business practices, products and advocacy to reduce consumption of oil – and embolden all of us to ride more, do more.”
One of their new initiatives is a partnership with The Renewal Workshop to repair and resell PI warranty returns to give gently used products a second life instead of sending it to a landfill.
ELITE Pursuit Short Sleeve Graphic Jersey
This jersey is part of their mid-line of gear called ELITE. (P.R.O. is the top, SELECT is their entry level). The Graphic jersey comes in a variety of 9 different stylish colors/patterns including a screaming BioViz® option for low-light visibility. You’d be hard pressed to pick just one. I tested the glacial/teal komono version which is pictured at the top of the review. It’s form-fit design hugs the body and I found I need to size up.
This jersey use’s PI’s ELITE Transfer Aero fabric and Speed Sleeve which smooths airflow over the shoulders to reduce drag. This combines with their ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric powered by Ice-fil® to provide a breathable, moisture management jersey. The fabric is silky smooth and feels great against your skin. The fabric also has a rating of UPF of 40+ and temps 60-100 degrees F. I wore it in cooler conditions with a wicking base layer and arm warmers, during the first part of the ride, and was quite comfortable.
Other features of the jersey include a full-length zipper for venting and easy on/off when wearing bibs. An elasticized gripper on the back hem holds the jersey in place even in the drops and 3 nice size rear pockets provide plenty of storage.
Three rear pockets provide plenty of storage
The only negative I have for this style jersey is that the narrow collar. I prefer a little wider collar to protect the back of my neck from the sun especially on long rides.
P.R.O. Bibs – V-strap Drop-Tail Simplifies Nature Breaks
Back in Spring 2018 Pearl Izumi launched their P.R.O. Escape bib short with a v-strap drop-tail. The design made it easy to pull down the shorts without removing your jersey. This same design was incorporated into these bibs. Choose from 3 color variation to spruce up your cycling kit. There’s the basic black, navy and black kimono which has polka dots. They are form fit and run true to size.
V-strap Drop-Tail for quick bathroom breaks
The bibs also include the Women’s PRO Escape 1:1® Chamois that is extremely comfortable. The chamois fabric is smooth next to the skin. A free-floating dynamic stretch top sheet and 3-layer suspension core work together for extreme comfort. I was very comfortable and never had an issue with chaffing when testing both on the trainer and on outdoor rides.
PI also minimizes the amount of seaming and uses raw-edge hems for better fit and feel. The leg openings have silicone grippers that holds the short in place and doesn’t ride up. A center front bib clip allowing you to choose either a middle or side strap position.
The bibs have a temperature rating of 70-100 degrees F and the fabric wicks away moisture keeping you comfortable.
I’d give these bibs a perfect 5-star rating if it wasn’t for the inseam length. The specs say an 8.5” inseam, but it still felt short. This is totally a personal preference, but I like a minimum of a 9” inseam or longer.
The new SELECT Attack gloves are available in a women’s specific fit, as well as a men’s versions. The women’s version comes in 4 colors that’s sure to match one of your kits. The Attack glove provides support rather than padding to alleviate numbness in your hands. Pearl Izumi’s 1:1® Connect Palm uses a specially shaped, low profile gel insert designed to maintain the natural arch across the palm. This new design will appeal to those riders who prefer better bar feel than padding.
1:1® Connect Palm
There’s ample wiping surface on the thumb area and a ventilated fabric on the top of the hand. The Velcro like closure keeps the glove in place.
As with the Pursuit jersey, I had to size up. I normally wear a large women’s glove and according to the sizing chart a large should fit, but I needed an XL.
Bottom Line
Pearl Izumi’s new Spring/Summer line offers both sophisticated style and performance with lots of color/design choices. Also, the women-specific fit for jerseys, bibs and gloves provide you endless comfort on your warm weather rides. P.R.O., ELITE or SELECT, you’re bound to find some new gear at a price point that fits your budget.
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.
Hi Sheri
I like your reviews! But, I will continue to give you this feedback: When you quote the manufacturer’s advertising statements without qualifying them it sounds like you are endorsing and verifying them. If you haven’t tested these qualities I don’t think you should quote them without adding, ‘In my experience this did/didn’t show up’ or something like that. Here are things you quoted that you can’t actually confirm:
– PI’s ELITE Transfer Aero fabric and Speed Sleeve which smooths airflow over the shoulders to reduce drag
– The bibs have a temperature rating of 70-100 degrees F
Pearl Izumi’s 1:1® Connect Palm uses a specially shaped, low profile gel insert designed to maintain the natural arch across the palm