Getting Fall to Winter Ready with Pearl Izumi Cycling Gear

September 23, 2019

I’ve really gotten into the zen of cycling this summer and found a few routes around Vancouver that have since become fave spots for a lunch-hour or weekend cycle. Both my husband and I have packed our summer gear and are ready for crisp morning fall rides, which means warm, cozy Merino wool socks, gloves and tights are in order.

Our friends at Pearl Izumi graciously sent a few items for us to road-test for this feature.

Women’s Escape Sugar Thermal Cycling Tight

I can’t wait for the temperatures to drop just a bit more so that I can get into these warm, soft, full-length cycling tights.

The Escape Sugar Thermal Cycling Tight is considered one of Pearl Izumi’s best-selling tights, with a built-in padded chamois, side pocket for cash, credit card or ID, plus zippers at the ankle with protected zipper guards.

Pearl Izumi incorporates SELECT Thermal Fabric into these tights, setting the standard for both moisture transfer and warmth.

Visibility accents abound: there’s two Pearl Izumi BioViz™ reflective logos (one on the left rear, the other midway down the right leg), a strip at each leg just above those zippers and another strip around each zipper. I like the wide waistband on these — they make the pants that much more comfortable on rides.

Made of 90% polyester, 10% Lycra®, the Escape Sugar Thermal Cycling Tights are available in Navy One (as shown), Phantom Heather, Black/Screaming Pink and Black, in sizes XS to XXL; CAD $150/USD $100

Women’s Select Pursuit 3/4 Tight

Perfect for fall and transitioning into winter, Pearl’s Select Pursuit 3/4 Tight has a lot of the same features as the Escape Sugar but a bit lighter in weight.

These wide-waistband tights have both a built-in, body-curved chamois and UV UPF 50+ sun protection. Moisture transfer is minimized via the SELECT Transfer Dry fabric used.

The reflective BioViz™ elements are in the same areas, since these are 3/4 length, the strips are towards the bottom rear of the tights.

The inside of the ankles contain patterned silicon leg grippers so that the tights won’t ride up your legs as you cycle.

Fabric composition:
Body: 88% nylon, 12% LYCRA®, elastane/ UPF 50+
Color panels: 88% nylon, 12% LYCRA® elastane/ UPF 50+
Sublimated side panels: 82% polyester, 18% LYCRA® elastane/ UPF 50+

I received mine in Black/Screaming Pink, because safety first, right, but they’re also sold in plain black as well as a less-screaming pink whirl (stripes instead of a solid pink area).

In XS to XXL; CAD $130/USD $100

Merino Thermal Sock

Nothing says colder weather ahead than a pair of warm Merino wool socks!

The Merino used here is responsibly sourced, with added reclaimed polyester from recycled water bottles. Pearl Izumi combines these two materials for a more durable-wearing sock with a flat-toe seam for added comfort over your toes.

They also contain anatomic arch compression for a “performance” fit in a double-weight knit for extra warmth on winter days.

Ours have a cool Argyle accent on the top, but you can also choose from solid grey (Phantom Core), heather grey (Smoked Pearl Core) and the fully argyle-patterned Forest/Flame Crossing, in sizes S to XL (unisex).

CAD $30/USD $22

Women’s Attack Glove

The Women’s Attack Glove is made specially for a woman’s hand, with padding that supports your hands to keep them from going numb during your rides. While regular cycling gloves add padding, these are built with a specially-shaped, low-profile gel insert to maintain your palm’s natural arch.

This keeps handlebar contact at the knuckles and at the heel of the palm, together with an added slip-free synthetic leather grip for “locked-in” control. The inside middle and fourth fingers each have a stitched-in section of fabric that helps with pulling off the glove.

There’s a velcro closure at the wrist as well as BioViz™ reflective logos along the sides of each glove for safety. And if you need a quick nose wipe en route, rest assured that the material near the thumb is nice and soft.

Fabric composition:
Palm: 44% polyester, 31% polyamide, 25% polyurethane
Back of hand: 61% polyester, 32% polyamide, 7% elastane

I often suffer from numb fingers and having used these a couple of times now, they seem to do the job.

Available in Breeze (turquoise), Sugar Coral, Screaming Pink and Black in sizes S to XL; CAD $40/USD $30

Men’s PRO Gel Vent Glove

The PRO Gel Vent Glove, meant for warmer days, gains our approval for an easy, ventilated glove for comfort and ventilation on sweatier rides. There’s mesh fabric on the back to help keep your hands dry while the Clarino™synthetic leather palm offers comfort.

With its cool-looking, patented Direct Vent palm design (including gel padding) and mesh fabric on the back of the hand, the PRO Gel Vent Glove provides comfort on your ride via its durable synthetic leather palm.

Added features include a reflective logo and elements, a velcro closure and soft wiping surface on the thumb. They come in Rogue Red, Black and White, in sizes S to XXL.

CAD $65/USD $45 (white is currently on sale for CAD $52.49/USD $22.50)

Men’s Versa Quilted Hoodie

The Versa Quilted Hoodie comes in several colour combinations (as well as in black) to easily pair with your cycling and outdoor gear.

It’s got a drop-tail hem for added coverage, reflective elements plus a quilted insulated core for warmth and protection when the weather turns grey, wet and windy.

The body of the jacket is made using 133g Primaloft Gold insulation, making the Versa lightweight yet water-resistant and breathable without extra bulk!

There’s two hand pockets, a zippered pocket on the chest plus a nice roomy zippered compartment on the back. We like this versa-tile hoodie: it’s got an adjustable drawstring hood to keep out the cold, a cool interior pattern and well-placed visibility accents.