Review: Pearl Izumi's Fall Collection - Tech Clothing with Casual Styling

Dec 29, 2021
by Alicia Leggett  
It's cold, it's wet, and it's now officially winter. I've spent this fall riding in Pearl Izumi's cool weather collection, which includes a plaid button-down shirt that's equally comfortable on the trails and in town, a set of pedal-friendly pants, a thermal zip-up jersey, and some warm gloves, because I finally have to give up my favorite ultra-thin ones. Now, I'm still wearing the whole kit, even as the snow is starting to fall and riding weather becomes more of a mixed bag. Here are my impressions.


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Pearl Izumi's Launch Trail Pant is lightweight, breathable, and very comfortable. The pant is well-designed, having two thigh pockets with sturdy zippers, smart placement that doesn't inhibit pedaling, and enough room for a large smartphone or some snacks.

The Launch Trail Pant comes in both men's and women's designs for a wide range of sizes and is made of four-way stretch fabric in one color: gray, or "Phantom." I've been putting them through the wringer and they're not showing any signs of wear yet, either, so I expect them to hold up well over time.
Launch Trail Pant Details
• Sizes: women's 2-14 and men's 28-38
• Adjustable waistband
• Lightweight 4-way stretch Cordura nylon fabric with PI Dry water-shedding treatment
• Phone-friendly, usable thigh pockets
• $150 USD
• www.pearlizumi.com (men's available here)

These pants have been very pleasant to ride in. They're not overly warm, so I wouldn't recommend them for full-on winter riding in cold climates, but they have been fantastic for when the air starts to turn crisp and they are roomy enough to layer up, too. The fit was fairly true to size, though I could have sized down and been happy. I tested a size 8 and would have done well with a size 6, so size down if you're stuck between sizes.

While not advertised as water-resistant or wind-resistant, they did a good job of keeping the elements out without trapping body heat. These pants are an item I'll definitely continue to reach for in a variety of weather conditions.

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Pros

+ Very comfortable
+ Usable pockets and all the right features
+ Lightweight and breathable

Cons

- Somewhat baggy


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The Expedition Jersey is Pearl Izumi's take on a classic wool cycling sweater. It has the standard three rear pockets that you'd expect of a road or cross country jersey, a bonus rear flap pocket with a snap closure, plus a front zippered pocket to keep things safe. All the zippers are sturdy, the material is soft, and the fit feels extremely cozy.

The fleece is made of sustainably-sourced recycled materials, per Pearl Izumi's goal of making 90% of its products from sustainable materials by 2022. Like all the rest of Pearl Izumi's gear, the Expedition Jersey has a lifetime warranty and can be sent in for free repairs.

Expedition Jersey Details
• Sizes: women's XS - XXL, men's S-XXL
• Stretch fleece
• Zippered front pocket and three rear pockets
• Made of sustainably-sourced recycled materials
• Three color options: off-white, navy, and red
• $130 USD
• www.pearlizumi.com (men's available here)

I did, however, find the fit to be a little odd, maybe just because the torso felt short. I tested a medium, so size up if you're between sizes.

I really like the idea of bringing back retro styling into a functional fleece piece for those crisp rides. Fall feels like the season for clothes to be old-school cool.

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Pros

+ Abundant pockets
+ Retro look
+ Very soft

Cons

- Kind of odd fit


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I'm a sucker for a good button-down shirt. Therefore, I love this one. It fits true to size, is quite soft, and is equally comfortable to wear for shuttle laps or into town. It's made of a soft polyester twill that wicks just like any other technical shirt, but has a bit more heft than most lightweight workout gear, so I feel it's best suited to downhill riding, but wouldn't be out of place on a cool-weather trail or gravel ride.

Available in six colors for women and two for men at the time of this writing, it's also the only clothing item in the history of the bike industry to offer more options to women than to men.

Rove Long Sleeve Shirt Details
• Sizes: women's XS-XL, men's S-XXL
• Wicking polyester twill
• Two chest pockets
• Reflective strip on back
• $80 USD
• www.pearlizumi.com (men's available here)

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Pros

+ I like the fit
+ Lots of color options for women
+ Soft, wicking fabric

Cons

- On the pricey side


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The Cyclone Gel Glove is Pearl Izumi's shoulder season glove model that's designed to get riders through their fall rides without freezing their fingers. The design is comfortable, extends further up the wrists than standard gloves for extra coverage, has a synthetic leather palm with gel pads, and has a three-layer softshell back to keep the wind and water out.

As the name suggests, the Cyclone Gel Glove incorporates gel pads on the palm. Although my palm padding philosophy is usually that I want as little as possible, the pads are well-placed enough on these gloves that I'll tolerate them, and I ended up using these gloves as my go-to pair as the weather cooled down.
Cyclone Gel Glove Details
• Sizes: women's S-XL, men's S-XXL
• Hook and loop closure
• Gel palm padding
• Reflective elements
• Screen-compatible finger patch
• Soft thumb patch
• $45 USD
• www.pearlizumi.com (men's available here)

The gloves are available in both men's and women's versions, though the women's sizing seems fairly unisex - the medium fit me quite well, even though my hands are on the large side when it comes to women-specific sizing. If you're on the fence, size down.

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There's a screen-compatible finger, so you don't need to freeze your hands if you want to use your phone. The palms are starting to show some signs of wear, but that's to be expected - I've been wearing them a lot.


Pros

+ Relatively warm
+ Comfortable
+ Padding on palm

Cons

- Padding on palm
- Sizing may be tough for women with small hands


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I got some fun socks. Cool, hey? They do all the things that socks are supposed to do, are super thin and lightweight, and are made of a very comfortable wicking material with no detectable seams. They're made of recycled polyester that has been treated with PI-dry, the same water-shedding treatment the Launch Trail Pant received.

Available in an abundance of fun colors and prints for both the male and female versions, there's bound to be a pattern for just about anyone.
Pro Tall Sock Details
• Sizes: women's and men's S, M, L
• Lots of fun colors
• PI-dry treated recycled polyester
• Thin, snug, and supportive
• $25 USD
• www.pearlizumi.com (men's available here)

The sizing is true to women's sizes, so they were a bit short on me, as I tested a women's M. I'm a unisex M and a women's L for socks. Size up if you're on the fence.


Pros

+ Comfortable
+ Nice wicking material
+ Available in lots of fun patterns

Cons

- $25 is a lot for socks, no matter how great they are



Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Gloves Jerseys Pants Pearl Izumi


Author Info:
alicialeggett avatar

Member since Jun 19, 2015
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62 Comments
  • 126 3
 Technically, that's a button-UP shirt. Button-down shirts use buttons to fasten the collar flaps to the shirt body. All button-downs are button-ups (probably?), but not all button-ups are button-downs!
  • 85 3
 @MtbSince84 : this is quality pedantry!
  • 26 0
 @muumuu: I'll be here all week! :-)
  • 15 0
 @MtbSince84: on jalopnik somebody would say the obligatory “you must be fun at parties”

But seriously though. I’m gonna use this as an icebreaker at parties.
  • 11 0
 @itslightoutandawaywego: haha "parties"
  • 3 0
 @muumuu: in all sincerity (as a brit living in the US) I never really understood the difference... so thank you! :-)
  • 1 1
 @itslightoutandawaywego: my go-to is “I eat as s”
  • 1 0
 @mandingo18: Huh, would have thought a simple introduction would have a similar effect for you.
  • 2 0
 @itslightoutandawaywego: "Parties"? I think you mean Zoom meetings. #2020too
  • 49 0
 An off white fleece jacket for mountain biking? Wouldn't that quickly become a brown fleece jacket?
  • 26 4
 Not if you remember to pack toilet paper on your rides.
  • 3 0
 It’s brilliant. Snow camo so that when you have a crash and you smash the derailleur your lifeless body doesn’t get found for days. And all you needed was that damn chain breaker to get out before you froze.
  • 2 0
 Literally my first thought when I saw the front page thumbnail
  • 2 0
 It's adaptive camouflage. If you fall into the mud, you now look like mud.
  • 11 1
 Still waiting for Pearl Izumi to start making shorts and pants in a more "Athletic fit" rather than the "Display Mannequin Fit" cut they've been using the last 4 or 5 years. *Woops, thinking out loud again*
  • 4 1
 @surfzup Is mannequin a euphemism ladyparts ? Asking for a friend.
  • 6 0
 @surfzup : I don't know if you have the same problem, but mine is that I have relatively big butt and thighs compared to my waist. My solution is to buy womens shorts. I've purchased probably a dozen pair of shorts in the past two years.
  • 2 0
 @iamamodel: This is a useful solution!
  • 2 0
 @iamamodel: I've had this problem my whole life. I've been thinking about getting women's shorts for this reason and assumed they make them bigger in the butt and hips. You've pushed me one step closer to that solution.
  • 2 0
 @MattyBoyR6: well, I own both men's and women's 100% Airmatic shorts. I had to fold the men's 32s waistband over and bar tack it to get the right fit. Women's large Airmatic were a perfect fit out of the box. I did try women's mediums but the pocket is too short to hold my phone and my 'boys' didn't have enough room.
  • 3 0
 @iamamodel: ABit shorts (abitgear.com) make two versions of their short for precisely this reason: athletic fit for those with glutes, quads and hamstrings and slim fit for those with low glute mass and slimmer legs.
And they are very well made and have the correct pockets where you need them, including a phone pocket on the left hand side for left handers #lefthandershaverightstoo
  • 1 0
 @andrewbikeguide: Hmm. I'm also left handed. Ta for the info.
  • 1 0
 @iamamodel: my half shell helmet is a women's because the mens didn't fit my small head haha.
  • 3 0
 Can vouch for the Launch pants down to near freezing. Great pocket placement, phone doesn't interfere with pedaling at all. Good room for pads as well. They're not a vented summer pant like some others, but they've been great.
  • 3 0
 I bought some pearl isumi pants. They ripped immediately. I contacted them but they said they didn’t have any replacements and that I was just out of luck.

Never buying their clothes again.
  • 4 0
 @Pacificashredder - You might not want to just take No for an answer. PI has always been really good on warranty for me. I don't call 'em or ask - I just mail in the garment and tell them that it needs to be fixed or replaced. I've done that a few times over the last 10 years. A couple times I got a new garment, other times they fixed my garment. Worth a try.
  • 2 0
 I also find that odd. I have found that they're stuff is kind of ridiculously durable...and their fabrics are usually super comfy and typically don't get the synthetic funk that others do. They're mid to upper level road chamois are all I will buy, though 2 have lasted me 12 years. And I have worn a few of their shorts and shirts that were absolutely hideous just because of how nice they were function and feel wise. They also lasted longer than I wished they would because of the styling. I got a few things as swag as a shop employee...and it worked because I bought some other stuff. I have worn a lot of brands and honestly theirs has been the most durable for me...and I used to crash a lot...like intentionally pushing til I went over the limit almost every ride...getting in tune with the limit is a good way to get good and test gear...
  • 2 0
 I think Alicia always does a really great job with her photography and reviews.
Thanks for this ! I enjoy reading her honest impressions. Cheers and happy new year PB crew (-:
  • 1 0
 I think it's worth noting that PI Dry is not your average DWR. They say it is built to last the lifetime of the garment, without the need for special care or wash-in treatments. It also breaths better than many water resistant fabrics. It would be interesting to hear how it stacks up in the real world.
  • 1 0
 Sprung for the trail pants on sale and while expensive, they were worth it. Perfect for 40-60f days, comfortable and good pockets. If you are a slim fit, the Hand Up AT+ pants are the bomb and less than half the price. My teenage loves them and they fit him great, not so much for us older more stocky guys.
  • 2 0
 I have the Handup pants as just knock around casuals. They don't seem like they'd hold up to heavy use and are not particularly technical. Maybe the AT+ jawns are nicer.
  • 1 0
 @carym: only $20 cheaper but the Specialized Demo Pro pants fit us normal dad shaped bodies. I use mine all summer at the bike park (I can’t stand sunscreen) and I use them for most of the fall/spring without a second layer underneath, a thin pair of insulated tights fit underneath without a problem, as do knee pads in the summer.
  • 2 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: way to slide in some Phillyisms into the comment section.
  • 1 0
 @whambat: ha, we're out there!
  • 1 0
 Those PI flannels are where it's at tho, I've had mine for like two years and it's my fall kit at this point, I'm not sure how it's not gross and ruint. Not to mention those ladies droptail bibs are the sheet for gravel riding and peeing in bushes like the boys.
  • 1 0
 I have a pearl pro account so I own a bunch of their stuff. From my experience they have an excellent customer service department with a great warranty. It's just tough right now because things sell out so quickly. Their elite level chamois is amazing as well as their shoes, socks, rain jacket, bib tights. Sometimes the sizing is a bit off, but that's all. I ride 3x a week and I haven't had to replace anything this season.
  • 1 0
 No mention of what the inseam is for the women's pants and I've found it very difficult to find any women's mtb pants long enough for my 6 foot, size 4 wife. Pretty ridiculous at the price almost no company can make pants that fit taller women.
  • 4 3
 Sorry, I think I will stick with putting a sweatshirt over my chest protector and putting my Jersey on top of my sweatshirt. Keeps me perfectly warm in the fall and early spring.
  • 3 0
 Pearl Izumi makes really quality kit. Glad to see their styling department is starting to catch up too.
  • 3 0
 this just in...Pearl Izumi drops their new Patagonia brand "inspired" mountain bike clothes!
  • 4 0
 I LOVE PADDING ON PALM. So rare now.
  • 1 0
 Amen. Got 3x pairs of Fox Ranger Gels gloves as there are so few out there. Luckily these are really good.
  • 3 0
 -7 in Vancouver this week, that kit is not going to be warm enough.
  • 1 0
 "Kind of odd fit" is the worst kind of CON. The kind of kind of CON that makes be never buy, because then I probably never use it..
  • 1 0
 Pearl Izumi sizing always seems to be hit or miss for me. Never consistent.
  • 3 1
 I can vouch for the gloves. Perfect for colder rides.
  • 1 0
 “It’s officially winter”, reviews Fall Collection. Hmm, winter needs aren’t fall needs for most of us Smile
  • 2 2
 Careful with those Launch Trail Pants ... hard to tell from photos, but it's as shiny as the silk shirts everyone wears in "Boogie Nights."
  • 1 0
 They're actually pretty matte
  • 1 0
 @briceshirbach: Tell that to the pants I am wearing, that are on my body, right now.
  • 1 0
 @singletrackslayer: none?
  • 1 0
 The Rove shirt is awesome. I wear it biking and to school, and it works well for both.
  • 1 0
 Still waiting for tech clothing with formal style, like a Gore-Tex dress suit...The Gore Tux!
  • 1 0
 Isn't it winter, not autumn?
  • 5 0
 All the seasons are delayed due to Covid. It won't get warm until September next year.
  • 2 2
 Plaid as part of their new design? This was outdated before it hit the shelves.
  • 20 0
 Ironic this statement came from a Canadian…what’s it missing maple syrup?
  • 3 0
 @mpowers: Molson....
  • 1 0
 Con. Anything that’s white, duh
  • 1 0
 Sustainably sources materials... you have to love a bit of Green Washing!
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