First impressions of Pearl izumi’s new gravel collection
25.4.2022
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pearl izumi are launching a new collection of cycling clothing for gravel bikers. Here are my first impressions.
It’s spring and the gravel bike trend is still going strong. I too have been hitting the roads and tackling gravel paths with this hybrid between a racing bike and a cyclocross. Over the same time period, practically every brand has jumped on the bandwagon with their own answer to the trend. Pearl izumi is no exception.
This Easter, I treated myself to a few bits and bobs from their new gravel collection. The brand, which was founded in Tokyo in 1950, was taken over by the Shimano Corporation in 2008. Its headquarters are now located in Colorado, USA, where the products also happen to be designed.
«Expedition Jersey»: stylish
This cycling jersey comes with three fitted back pockets and two side pockets. In addition, the «Expedition Jersey» has a small breast pocket with a button. That’s where I keep my earphone case. But who knows? Maybe there’s someone out there who wears a pocket square when cycling. What’s more, the reflective elements on the back improve visibility in poor light conditions.
«Expedition Shell Short»: nice to have
The water-resistant shorts don’t have any inner padding so I’m able to wear bib shorts underneath. Two trouser pockets and a small zip pocket on the side create space for a smartphone or key. Now that it’s spring, I only wear the «Expedition Shell Short» when cycling in very changeable conditions – when the spectre of rain could pitch up at any moment. When it’s sunny, I leave them at home. In my opinion, you just don’t need to have extra items of clothing on your bike when the weather’s nice. And when the rain decides to really pour, you’ll need rain pants anyway.
«Expedition Bib Short»: super comfortable
What makes Pearl izumi’s «Expedition Bib Short» unique? Is it the cargo pockets on the legs and lower back? Or is it the soft, breathable padding? Or maybe it’s the silicon on the hem which prevents them from slipping? It’s none of these things. While this is all well and good, it’s actually just standard bib short stuff. What makes these bib shorts unique is how comfortable they are to wear. The «Expedition Bib Short» feels silken to the touch and is super comfy. It’s occurred to me that the shorts have a high elastane content compared to the shorts I’d wear otherwise, which are made by a competitor brand(/page/besser-als-jede-wundsalbe-die-endura-gv500-bib-shorts-20403). That’s probably it.
Saving the best until last with the «Shimano SH-RX800»
I’ve been saving the best until last. Yes, the «Shimano SH-RX800». An awkwardly wordy term for a shoe that’s anything but awkward. Quite the opposite, in fact. Despite its carbon fibre composite sole, which supposedly allows force to be transferred to the pedals well, the shoe is surprisingly enjoyable to wear. At around 530 grammes, it’s also somewhat lighter than comparable products on the market.
The shoe is kitted out with the Boa fit system, including a dial with dual micro-adjustment function equipped for a two-hole sole standard cleats system. Cleats, by the way, are the little plates you can screw onto your clipless cycling shoes (linked article in German). They’re the bridge – if you like – between your shoes and pedals. After a bit of back and forth with the clipless pedals, and I decided to swap the «click» of cleats for the «clack» of magnets. In other words, Magped magnetic pedals. This involves having little metal plates on your shoes instead of cleats.
Oh, and I’ve been out and about with the whole regalia too, of course. There’s nothing better than shaking off winter by riding into the spring.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Sport
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Bike
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
3 comments
later