By In April, Pearl Izumi announced a partnership with iracelikeagirl, a women’s endurance team and community created and supported by professional triathlete Angela Naeth. The proceeds from this new line will benefit the iracelikeagirl athlete community. In 2017 Naeth founded iracelikeagirl with the mission to use the sport of triathlon and other endurance sports as a platform to bring women and girls of all ages and abilities together—to support, encourage and inspire one another.
But don’t look for any of these pieces in your local bike shop. They are currently sold exclusively online at PearlIzumi.com. The collection includes a jersey, shorts, arm warmers and tee. Pearl Izumi sent me the jersey and shorts to test out. I liked it so much I just went online today and bought the matching arm warmers. The four-piece collection includes:
ELITE Pursuit LTD Jersey – MSRP $120
ELITE Pursuit LTD Short – MSRP $130
T-Shirt – MSRP $30
Arm Warmers – MSRP $45
The Jersey
Both the jersey and shorts are from Pearl Izumi’s ELITE line which is their mid-level apparel. The fun colors and design of this kit make it very noticeable and often complimented. I found the kit very comfortable in a variety of temperatures (rated 60-100 degrees F) and the fabric did a good job of wicking moisture even on a 90-degree day. The jersey is form fit so it fits close to the body, but the raglan sleeve construction provides room for movement. Touches of the hi-viz neon yellow are smartly designed into the front, sleeve and back of the jersey. I definitely felt visible to drivers and pedestrians. There are three back pockets for plenty of storage and a full-length zipper for easy ventilation.
The Shorts
This collection only offers shorts (no bibs) and is part of Pearl Izumi’s ELITE Pursuit LTD line. They are form fitting to provide compression for key muscle support and use the ELITE Pursuit 1:1™ chamois for comfort. Using ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric powered by coldblack® to provide cooling and sun protection. The silicone leg grippers are comfortable, non-restricting, and provide great visibility using bright neon yellow.
Be Proud to Race Like a Girl
Riding or Racing Like a Girl should not have negative connotations. I’m proud to be a girl and proud to ride like one. On a recent group ride I was the only woman and after a rest stop a few guys decide to head back to keep their ride short. As they took off one of the riders yelled “Bye girls.” I immediately chimed in and said, “Excuse me?” He dug himself deeper into the hole he created by saying that I didn’t ride like a girl. Which I quickly responded, “Yes I do ride like a girl and damn proud of it!” I wish I had my iracelikeagirl kit on that ride.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a uniquely designed kit that grabs attention, while supporting the iracelikeagirl community, check out their new kit on Pearl Izumi’s site. Women and girls alike should be proud of their riding/racing abilities, and never ever apologize for it. Heck, watch out, we can easily “chick” you out on the road.
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.
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