Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Just in time for spring and summer riding, Pearl Izumi sent several samples of their 2025 line-up, which I’ve been putting to the test on hotter days and on gravel and road loops since. Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit on some of these rides.
A couple of years ago I reviewed a similar Pearl Izumi kit to what I’m covering now. I loved it and still use it. Since it hasn’t been that long, I expected these new pieces to be about the same and was impressed to find that they are all new and improved, too. I’ll start with the bibs and then look at the jersey and socks.
Expedition PRO Bib Shorts
Rating:
Price: $325
Sizes: S, M (sample size), L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black, Navy, Dark Sea
Women’s version: Yes
Fit: True to size
Inseam: 10.5 inches
Materials: Main Body: 72% CORDURA nylon, 28% elastane | Leg Pockets: 74% CORDURA nylon, 26% elastane | Back Bib Pockets: 78% polyester, 22% spandex | Other: 100% polyester
Features: Armourtech Cordura has guaranteed fabric durability against abrasion while maintaining high compression. Laser perforated and raw edged premium elastic bib straps.
Stretch woven fabric moves moisture away from skin. One drop-in thigh cargo pocket, one zippered cargo pocket, two lumbar pockets. Raw edge leg band construction for seamless transition to skin. BioViz powerful reflective elements that reach 100 meters for night visibility
Chamois (padding): Pearl Izumi Triple-density PRO Levitate 3D chamois minimizes skin abrasion and sit bone discomfort while offering premium stretch for elevated contouring to the body
Availability: Bike shops & online
Acquired by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Fantastic fit feel and function
Pearl Izumi pulled out all the stops with this new set of Expedition PRO Bib Shorts. The body is made of an ultra-light Armourtech CORDURA fabric that’s abrasion-resistant and high compression too. The bib straps are laser perforated to keep you dry and they’re so wide and thin you barely feel them. The gripper leg bands at the thighs hold the shorts in place while adding to the compression right where it’s needed. And for awesome comfort, there’s Pearl’s triple-density Levitate Pro 3D chamois with substantial padding at the sit bones for all day cushioning. For nighttime visibility there are also Pearl’s BioViz reflective logos (these are in their other items too).
These are cargo bibs too with 2 drop-in pockets in the back plus one drop-in pocket on the right leg and a zippered one on the left leg, with a nice easy-to-operate heavy duty zipper. All these pockets hold items snugly so they don’t move around when you’re pedaling. The thing about having all these pockets in your bibs is that it lets you wear whatever jerseys you want, even ones without pockets, since you can carry essentials in your shorts. Also, it’s easier to access frequently used items such as your phone or even an action camera if they’re tucked into the pockets on the legs.
I find the PRO Bibs ultra comfortable. The CORDURA fabric has a stiffer, tougher feel than standard spandex so I thought it might be warm on hot rides, but it, and all the other fabrics in these bibs breathe well and the shorts remain comfortable and transfer moisture to keep things dry and comfortable on every ride. The compression fit keeps them snug and in place while they never stick or bind or pinch, they move with you like a second skin. Overall, these could be the best performing and most comfortable bib shorts I’ve ever owned.
PRO Mesh Jersey
Rating:
Price: $165
Sizes: XS, S, M (sample size), L, XL, XXL
Colors: Black, Red Dahlia, Stellar Immerse, Surf Spray
Women’s version: Yes
Fit: True to size
Materials: Main Body: 70% recycled polyester, 19% polyester, 11% elastane | Sleeves: 54% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, 11% elastane
Features: PRO Transfer Mesh fabric is highly breathable and quick drying. Sweat-activated In-R-Cool technology improves thermal regulation. GoFresh anti-odor technology, bluesign approved. Iconic Speed Sleeve construction. YKK semi-locking front zipper adjusts venting easily on the fly. Traditional 3 rear pockets and one rear zipper pocket. Low-rise neck opening.
Made with recycled content. BioViz powerful reflective elements that reach 100 meters for night visibility. Pedal to Zero: Going by bike 13mi / 21km offsets the climate impact of this garment.
UPF 0-10
Availability: Bike shops & Online
Acquired by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
The Ultimate Hot Weather Top
To give you an idea how well ventilated Pearl’s PRO Mesh Jersey is, if you hold it up in front of your eyes you can see through the PRO Transfer Mesh fabric that makes up most of the jersey. This lets the air in and sweat out for quick drying, plus it includes Pearl’s sweat-activated In-R-Cool technology to improve thermal regulation.
I’m not exactly sure how In-R-Cool works, but I can confirm that this PRO Mesh jersey was not only comfortable in hot temperatures but it felt great when it was cooler too, even down to about 55 degrees. Other nice features include odor control and some ultraviolet ray protection, though rated only 0-10, but at least something.
You also get a quality YKK semi-locking full zipper (when locked it can’t slide down on its own), a low-rise neck opening, a slightly elongated sleeve length and 3 rear pockets plus one small zip pocket on the right side.
Usually on lightweight summer jerseys, if you load up the pockets, the back of the jersey stretches lower than usual, which is annoying because you feel your gear bouncing around especially when standing up to climb. I’m pleased to report that’s not the case with the PRO Mesh, it held the weight of my little toolkit and other essentials just fine. I noticed that the pockets are reinforced and that probably helps.
Last and definitely not least, the fit and feel of this jersey is exceptional. It’s so snug and wrinkle-free that it almost feels like it’s painted on yet it moves with you and doesn’t cling. And regardless of the heat, it dries almost immediately so it never becomes damp. It’s definitely the best hot weather jersey I’ve ridden in.
Transfer Air 7″ Socks
Rating:
Price: $22
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Black, White, Red Dahlia, Cactus Flower
Calf height: 7” cuff
Women’s version: Yes
Fit: True to size
Materials: 58% nylon, 34% olefin, 8% spandex
Features: 360-degree arch tension band for a secure fit. Moisture-wicking, fast-drying light polyester blend. Made with recycled content.
Availability: Bike shops & Online
Acquired by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Sleek socks that beat the heat
Pearl’s Transfer Air Socks were one of the biggest surprises in this new kit. The fabric they’re made of is lighter and thinner than any of the cycling socks I own and I own a bunch. This makes them more stretchy, more breathable and faster drying. Plus it helps them stay put and not change position when you’re riding.
Additionally, there are 360 degree tension bands around the arches for a great fit and ventilation zones on top of the feet to enhance airflow and prevent overheating no matter the effort or conditions. There are also 7-inch cuffs that provide a modern look and nice coverage. The Transfer Airs feel so good, I don’t want to go back to my other socks now.
Extras
Pearl Izumi provides a 60-day from date of purchase fit guarantee, a 5-year warranty plus a crash replacement policy that provides a 30% discount on replacement cost. You can read the details here: https://www.pearlizumi.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions#warranties
Summing up
If you’re looking for a premium riding kit offering the ultimate in performance, comfort and function, give this exceptional Pearl Izumi kit a try. I think you’ll love it as much as I do.
Jim Langley is RBR’s Technical Editor. A pro mechanic & cycling writer for more than 40 years, he’s the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Tune in to Jim’s popular YouTube channel for wheel building & bike repair how-to’s. Jim’s also known for his cycling streak that ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim’s full bio.