Pearl Izumi Fall 2023 Road Cycling Kit – Expedition Bib Shorts, Attack Long Sleeve Jersey and Quest Barrier Jacket
Pearl Izumi Fall 2023 Road Cycling Kit – Expedition Bib Shorts, Attack Long Sleeve Jersey and Quest Barrier Jacket
Paul Gallaher
Recently, I was offered an opportunity to test a Pearl Izumi cycling kit for the season. So, I’m reviewing:
1: Men’s Expedition Bib Shorts
2: Men’s Attack Long Sleeve Jersey
3: Men’s Quest Barrier Jacket
Pearl Izumi Men’s Expedition Bib Shorts
Details: These bibs improve upon concepts I recognize from earlier models of Pearl Izumi bib shorts I’ve worn in the past; They have soft polyester and spandex that feel good on the skin. The fabric allows moisture to wick out while also allowing some airflow through to keep you cool. A new and improved multi-density chamois is used that PI calls their “Levitate Plus” model. This chamois has different densities of material strategically designed in so that pressure points have the cushion they need yet also wicks away moisture to help maintain healthy skin. For more info on the PI chamois design, look here: https://www.pearlizumi.com/pages/levitate-chamois. Silicone grippers placed at the bottom of the leg openings keep the bottom of the shorts where they should be. Lastly, these have three built-in pockets with an extra layer of fabric sewn into the side of each leg and one in the center of the back of the shorts that is big enough to stuff a packable jacket or a few snacks.
The test rides: These bib shorts offer some pretty great technology. I’m pretty tall at 6’3”, so I was a little tentative asking for a medium in these. Some brands I’ve tried in the past have shorter shoulder straps that were uncomfortably tight and really pulled down on my shoulders whilst giving me a “snuggie” (not the blanket with sleeves) on the bottom end. Not optimal. I was pleased when I tried these on and they fit well with the fabric of the shoulder straps fitting me better than some large size cycling bibs from other manufacturers. The straps seemed a bit flimsy at first check and I was worried they might roll up or get stretched out over time. These concerns were unwarranted. Over numerous wear-and-wash cycles, the bibs seem unaffected and still have good elastic and compression in the legs and abdomen. The light shoulder straps feel like they’re barely there but keep everything in place.
I really like this blend of fabric PI uses on these bib shorts. It’s very soft yet also provides some compression and support in areas I want it. The built-in pockets are useful for a few small things like a credit card (for coffee) or a key. I personally would not use them to put a phone in during the ride, but they ARE big enough to do so if you choose.
Lastly, the chamois is marvelous. I’ve ridden these bib shorts on long road rides with several thousand feet of vertical climbing and descending. I’ve also worn them on mountain bike rides under unlined MTB shorts. I have yet to feel a hot spot under these shorts even on rides where I’m really working on a long climb or riding on a jarring MTB ride over roots and rocks.
These bib shorts really ARE my new go-to for any ride that I think will be long, or more punishing on my body than an average ride. If you live in a climate where you can wear bib shorts year-round, these should be on your short list to try! This model is available in sizes from small to XXXL.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Attack Long Sleeve Jersey
Details: This long sleeve road bike jersey current comes in seven stylish color varieties at the time of this review. While Pearl Izumi calls it a “summer” jersey, these jerseys do come with long sleeves. The fabric is lightweight polyester that does provide ample sun protection on covered areas. The jersey does wick moisture very well. On the practical side, these jerseys come with three spacious pockets in the back with ample space for a rolled up light jacket or gilet, food or even a water bottle. The jerseys come in sizes from small to XXL.
The test rides: For this jersey, I tested a high-visibility “Fuego Eve” color pattern. Interestingly on one of my rides, I did meet another rider wearing the same jersey and recognized the color pattern at quite a distance. In recent times, I’ve been choosing to wear long-sleeved jerseys during all but the very hottest days for my road bike adventures. As a person with fair skin that rides at high altitude (which can be cold during any month of the year), I want the sun protection and just a little more warmth than a short-sleeved jersey can provide. This jersey fit the bill perfectly. The fabric is thinner than my insulated long-sleeve jerseys yet is a nice middle ground that I’m choosing to wear more often. It is a very comfortable fabric on the skin. This jersey pairs well with a light jacket for the cool fall mornings that will be coming in just a few short months. If you fancy a light, breathable long sleeve jersey, this may be just the ticket. Personally, I intend to keep adding to my limited collection of long sleeve lightweight jerseys and this collection has been a step in the right direction for me.
https://www.pearlizumi.com//products/mens-attack-long-sleeve-jersey-11122005?variant=42471240532139
Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest Barrier Jacket
Details: Pearl Izumi designates this jacket as a lightweight packable jacket for early morning starts or emergency protection. It does have a water repellent treatment that will help keep moisture away while it still remains breathable to keep you dry if you’re on the edge of working up a sweat. The jacket is 100% recycled polyester. It also features dual side hem cord locks to help fit the waist to keep our unnecessary airflow and water out. There are non-slip silicone bumps sewed into the bottom hem of the jacket to hold it in place, and elastic wrist cuffs. The jacket also does feature some added light reflective material to keep you safe during times of low light and visibility. As PI states, this is a lightweight and packable jacket. It does not have the full features found in many other cycling jackets like pockets, removable sleeves, vents, a hood or insulation.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest Barrier Jacket – Paul Gallaher of Engearment.com
Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest Barrier Jacket – Paul Gallaher of Engearment.com
Paul Gallaher
Paul Gallaher
Paul grew up in Minnesota where he learned to love the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and canoeing in the summers and skiing in the winters on Minnesota’s 300 foot-tall “mountains”.
Paul Gallaher
After finishing college, he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF eventually becoming a special operations and reconnaissance instructor navigator flying and serving around the world for twenty-two years.
Paul Gallaher
Living and traveling around the world has given Paul opportunities to explore outdoor passions. He is an advanced scuba diver, a pilot, a sailor and has skied in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Paul Gallaher
Paul Gallaher
Paul Gallaher
