We’ve been enjoying months of rides around the city and now that many parts of Canada have lessened restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s time to start summer road cycling!
We discovered a few Pearl Izumi pieces for men and women that are perfect for summer and fall, including the men’s PRO Jersey and SELECT Pursuit Tri Short plus the more casual women’s Journey Short.
Women’s Journey Short
I’d been looking for a more relaxed, yet padded riding short that’s a departure from the traditional cycling short look and fit. Pearl Izumi designed the Journey Short for indoor cycling classes and trail riding, but I’m finding them perfect for road riding as well.
The shorts have an attached liner (in a contrasting colour) with an integrated SELECT Escape 1:1® Chamois. The interior sports several sections of silicone gripper around the leg to prevent the shorts from riding up as you cycle.
On each side of the waistband is a section of elastic for added comfort. I like the classic gym short shape on these. The shorts are highly breathable as I discovered on a recent warm afternoon ride.
The main body is constructed with 100% polyester while the liner is a composite 91% polyester and 9% LYCRA® elastane.
These easy-wearing shorts come in sizes 2 to 14 in Pine/Malachite, Dark Denim/Navy, Beet Red/Sugar Coral, Teal/Black, Port/Cayenne, Sea Moss/Mist Green and Black; CAD $50 to $100/USD $37.50 to $75
Men’s PRO Jersey
The Men’s PRO Jersey in R-Cool® fabric is very soft to the touch and dries in no time. My husband used it on a couple of longer rides and really enjoyed wearing it. He didn’t overheat as much on longer climbs and the full length zipper allowed him to ventilate at will.
A great feature of this jersey is the five rear pockets (two more than the usual three on most jerseys). Both sides have open mesh panels for both breathability and ventilation.
There’s even a zippered security pocket for your ID and other valuables. It’s possible to pack enough food and gear into those pockets for the whole day if needed. The Pine/Atomic Red pairing is a beautiful, understated colour combination.
Additionally, the 50+ UPF rating helps protect against sunburn and BioViz® reflective elements are included on the back and on the sleeves for low-light visibility.
Tech Features
– PRO Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric for optimal moisture transfer and dry time
– Bonded sleeve, hem and pocket construction for minimal fit and feel
– Rotated sleeve construction for on-the-bike comfort
– Full-length, semi-auto lock zipper opens with one hand for easy venting
The PRO Jersey comes in sizes S to XXL in Pine /Atomic Red, Torch Red, Navy One and Black; CAD $150 to $200/USD $112.50 to $150
Men’s SELECT Pursuit Tri Short
We also recently tested out Pearl Izumi’s SELECT Pursuit Tri Short. The fabric is very thin, light and flexible and fits tight around your skin. This short stays in place on your legs without any issue while the flat-lock seams provide superior abrasion resistance. Hubby really likes the stretch draw cord that lets you tightly secure the shorts around your body.
The easy access envelope pocket on the back is well hidden and allows you to stow smaller items. The TRI quick-dry chamois is not as thick as in standard cycling shorts, but it does the job well, and it contributes to making these shorts the ultimate triathalon short.
Tech Features
– SELECT Transfer Dry fabric sets the benchmark for compression and moisture transfer
– Plush elastic silicone leg gripper
– New TRI quick-dry chamois
– Reflective elements for low-light visibility
In sizes XS to XXL in Navy/Screaming Yellow, Black/Atomic Blue and Black; CAD $50 to $100/USD $32.50 to $65
Pearl Izumi products are available online and at select retailers across the US and Canada.
We were graciously sent the Pearl Izumi items above for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain our own.
