Pearl Izumi recently dropped a boatload of new fall/winter gear, and I sat down with Abigale Youcha to review the line. The company sent me several key pieces, and I’ve just started testing each one.
Along with the new line, Pearl Izumi launched a Let’s Pedal to Zero campaign. The premise is that every garment includes the number of miles necessary to ride, instead of driving a car, to zero out its carbon footprint. As I’m sure you’ve read, the bicycle industry is one of the worst when it comes to sustainability and carbon footprint. Between the materials (e.g., carbon fiber) used in the manufacturing of bikes to the synthetics used in clothing, the cycling industry must find ways to recycle, repurpose and reduce. Pearl Izumi is one company attempting to move in that direction through recycled and more durable fabrics.
Below are my reviews of the company’s new Thermal Cycling Bib Tights and AmFIB Lite Shoe Covers. I was really impressed with both items.
Thermal Cycling Bib Tights
https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/womens-thermal-cycling-bib-tight-11212210?variant=41958695469227
Price: $165
Color: Black
Sizes: XS-2XL
Fabric: PI Dry water-shedding technology; made of recycled content
Chamois: Women’s Levitate Plus
Pedal to Zero: Going by bike: 22 miles offsets the climate impact of these bibs
Availability: Online or select retail stores
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Comfortable is the first word that comes to mind when describing these new Thermal Cycling bib tights. The fabric is next to skin soft, there’s just enough stretch, so you don’t feel restricted, and the bib straps are supportive, but you don’t realize they are there. Even the Women’s Levitate™ Plus chamois is so comfortable you don’t even notice it.
The bibs fit great, especially with my 6-foot frame. The inseam is plenty long and does not leave a gap at the ankle (note no ankle zippers). There’s enough give in the bib straps that they don’t pull or restrict movement. One of the best features of these bibs is the drop-tail design. Yes, ladies, those cold weather nature breaks don’t need to be a pain in the… just like the PI bib shorts, pull them down, no strap removal necessary.
I’ve been wearing these bibs on early morning rides with temps down to 40 degrees, with one ride in dense fog …not my brightest idea. The thermal fleece fabric kept me warm, and the PI Dry coating kept me dry.
Pearl Izumi has put their women’s Levitate Plus chamois into these bibs, and I think “levitate” is a good description. They use high-density layers to distribute the rider’s body weight over a larger area which translates to increased comfort. The chamois also has a moisture-wicking 1:1 Boundry Layer that kept me dry.
For added storage, these bibs have cargo pockets located on each thigh. It easily fits a cell phone or nutrition. The pocket design is such that items don’t shift around while pedaling, and you forget they are there. BioViz reflective elements are strategically placed on the leg for better visibility in low-light settings.
Bottom Line
A good pair of thermal fleece bibs is essential if you want to extend your riding season into the late fall or winter. I can recommend these Pearl Izumi bibs for temps into the low 40s or, if the sun is out, the high 30s. Your tolerance for the cold could vary from mine.
AmFIB Lite Shoe Covers
https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/amfib-lite-shoe-cover-14382201?variant=41958653100203
Price: $65
Color: Sunfire (orange) or Black
Sizes: S-2XL
Closure: Zipper
Availability: Online or select retail stores
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Road Or Trail, Keep Your Feet Warm And Toasty
Shoe covers are a great addition to your cycling wardrobe to help extend the cycling season and keep your feet warm. Pearl Izumi’s new AmFIB Lite shoe covers do the trick with three-layer softshell fabric that provides windproofing and water resistance. Available in two colors (black or Sunfire) and sizes small to 2XL, these covers will fit both road and MTB shoes snuggly for minimum wind resistance.
The company sent me the Sunfire (orange) version, which provides additional visibility to drivers when road riding and both colors have a reflective element. The covers quickly slip over your shoes, and the ankle zipper secures snuggly over tights. The reinforced heel and toe will give you many seasons of durability.
Bottom Line
Extend your riding season without purchasing winter shoes simply by adding shoe covers to your gear list. The new AmFIB Lite shoe covers from Pearl Izumi are durable, lightweight, warm, and easy to take on/off. What more could you ask for? Now, go ride and embrace the cold weather.
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.
Hooray for the drop tail design!!!!