Pearl Izumi’s Stylish, Functional Cycling Kit
At Brew / Drink / Run HQ, if we’re not home brewing, drinking, or running, it’s very likely we’re out on our bikes.
Cycling to work, the bar, a brewery, or occasionally a different bar gives us a chance to burn a few extra calories, see our home town from a different perspective and minimize our carbon footprint. But with the right gear, biking also becomes just a bit more fun.
Pearl Izumi is attempting to blend fashion and function with its new line of cycling-focused clothing. While I’m definitely an amateur, rocking these new Pearl Izumi items made me feel like a seasoned cycling pro. These are my thoughts from a recent 90-degree ride to work.
The most noticeable piece of clothing a cyclist sports is the jersey. The strong red and black variation of the Pearl Izumi Attack Jersey strikes a serious posture while still being highly visible to motorists. The sizing was true, form fitting without being too tight.
The full zipper makes taking it on and off easy and the wicking properties of the fabric made my ride cool and brisk. This was especially important when heading into the office for a full day of work, where being a wet, sweaty mess is not a part of the job description.
The back pockets were easy to reach and roomy enough to utilize for a variety of items, from energy gels to a cell phone.
In warm summer-like temperatures, I had to negotiate with myself to try on the Sun Sleeves. My apprehension on wearing additional layers on a hot day was totally unfounded thanks to the In-R-Cool® technology that immediately made a difference with my perceived body temp. Pre-saddling up and without any wind resistance, it felt like there was a slight breeze blowing on my arms. That was magnified once the ride began and made me not only more comfortable but well protected from harmful UV rays.
Pearl Izumi Elite Gel-Vent Glove
All cycling gloves are not created equal. Some are scratchy from rough inner seams. Others are impossible to remove. Most make your palms hot and are generally ill-fitting.
With the Elite Gel-Vent Glove, the same technology that made the Sun Sleeves effective works overtime on the inside of your hands to keep wetness at bay and cool down the grips. The gel pads provide a generous buffer between skin and handlebars but still allow for a firm hold.
Pearl Izumi Flash 2-in-1 Shorts
It’s hard to pull off the super-tight bike short look. I’m comfortable enough to recognize I’m not one of those people. However, the benefits of wearing compression shorts for cycling long distances outweigh the fashion aspect. With the 2-in-1 Shorts, you get the best of both worlds. A skin-tight base layer with a traditional running-short overlay. This top layer still vents and wicks; but cleverly disguises the fact that traditional bike shorts are underneath. It’s a perfect compromise.
Take these four items, add in a helmet, socks and shoes and your new cycling wardrobe is complete. You’ll look and feel good on your next bike to the pub, the office or wherever your bike lane takes you.
