Article by Jeff Valliere
Introduction
Pearl Izumi has recently released some premium cycling clothing for Summer 2025 for road, mountain and gravel and in this article, I review cycling apparel from Pearl Izumi’s Expedition and Pro line, including: Expedition Gel Full Finger Gloves, Pro Short Sleeve Jersey, Expedition PRO Bib Shorts, Pro Long Sleeve Jersey as well as the Canyon Shorts with Liner . I have put them through the ringer on the roads and trails around the Front Range of Colorado and can say with confidence that these are some of the best articles of cycling gear on the market.
Pearl Izumi Pro Short Sleeve Jersey:
Sizes S-XXL
$200
The PRO Jersey is a race fit jersey made with lightweight high performance fabric that balances sweat management, positive compression, sun protection and everyday race/ride functionality and is also enhanced with UPF 30 sun protection and is equipped with 4 rear pockets (3 traditional pockets and a small side zip pocket) for organized and secure storage for long distance adventures.
The fabric is comprised of: Main Body, Pocket: 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane Back Body: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane
The jersey is form fitting, but sizing is true to size in my usual medium and while snug, is not overly so, a fit that I would describe as just right for streamlined recreational riding or racing and in line with other performance/race jerseys (I am 5’9” and weigh 145 lbs with a waist size of 33”). The sleeves are long, just about to my elbow, with a snug elastic hem. I also appreciate the grippy waist hem that prevents the jersey from riding up, staying securely in place.
I find the materials to be very soft, supple and breathable, quick drying and are odor resistant.I can easily get several rides in before needing (wanting) to wash.
The pockets are a traditional cycling jersey format and hold items securely. On the right side is a zippered pocket, which I really appreciate for stowing valuables such as keys and wallet.
Pearl Izumi Men's Expedition PRO Bib Shorts
Sizes S-XXL
$325
The Expedition PRO Bib Shorts are the ultimate bib shorts, building upon the Expedition bibs by adding a triple density PRO Levitate 3D chamois and premium Armourtech Cordura fabric that is abrasion resistant and maintains a high compression. If the premium chamois and fabrics were not enough, these shorts are loaded with storage options, with a deep drop in pocket on the right side, a roomy zippered pocket on the left and then two lumbar pockets on the back.
Fabric: Main Body: 72% CORDURA® nylon, 28% elastane | Leg Pockets: 74% CORDURA® nylon, 26% elastane | Back Bib Pockets: 78% polyester, 22% spandex | Other: 100% polyester
While $325 is pricey, the Expedition PRO Bib shorts are leaps and bounds better than any other shorts I own, as the materials are so incredibly smooth, comfortable and conforming, the pocket configuration/capacity is excellent, the chamois is incredibly comfortable/protective, the leg bands are very low profile and the grippers around the leg band are wide and prevent the shorts legs from riding up. These shorts are also for sure one of, if not the most stylish bike shorts I have seen (available in black, dark blue or dark green) and are perfect for long distance rides, or rides of any length. Fit is true to size in my usual medium.
The PRO Levitate chamois is the best in the PI line and among the best of any out there. I can ride indefinitely without any soreness or numbness.
These lumbar pockets are very convenient for long rides for storing extra food or any other small items.
The leg grippers are super low profile and sticky, keeping the 10.5” leg (perfect length) in place without them ever riding up.
Performance is perfect for the utmost comfort for long distance gravel rides (or road, or mountain), with great breathability, storage, style, fit, durability and quality.
Pearl Izumi Canyon Shorts with Liner
Sizes 28-40
$110
The Canyon Shorts with Liner are perfect for mountain bikers, gravel bikers or anyone who is looking for a more casual riding look. With a ripstop and PI Dry® C0 technology for an PFAS-free durable water repellent outer shell, it has a nice level of flexibility, range of motion and is durable, standing up to abrasion and abuse. The inseam is 12”, so Canyon shorts provide plenty of coverage to ensure the casual mountain biker look and keep the sun off the legs. The liner is constructed of Single-density SELECT Levitate chamois, that reduces skin abrasion and sit bone discomfort.
Fabric: Main Body: 91% recycled polyester 9% spandex Pockets: 100% polyester Liner: 88% recycled polyester, 14% elastane
The Select Levitate Chamois is moderate in thickness, not as protective as the PRO Levitate, but offers ample protection as a short liner for rides of several hours or so.
The Canyon shorts have deep front pockets that keep items secure without the risk of items falling out when riding, plus a zippered side pocket that angles back so items are angled down when riding.
Waist adjustments are easy, with a velcro cinch on either side.
Overall, the Canyon shorts are perfect for mountain biking, wearing for errands, commuting and family rides and I will wear the outer shorts without the liner just as comfortable day to day shorts or for hiking, as they are thin, light and breathable on their own.
Pearl Izumi Pro Long Sleeve Jersey
Sizes S-XXL
$240
The PRO Thermal Jersey is constructed of Premium Italian brushed fleece, breathable fabrics that offer excellent cold weather performance. The jersey is well insulated, breathable and comfortable, offering exceptional moisture management on high output rides.
Fabric: Main Body: 52% nylon, 32% polyester, 16% elastane | Other: 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane
Fit is described as “form fitting”, with an elastic hem and patterned silicone gripper to ensure a secure fit. Form fitting is “accurate” and perhaps a bit too much so, where this jersey runs a bit on the small side. I first received a size medium, my typical size in all shirts, jerseys, jackets and it was way too tight and needed to trade up to a large, which is better, but still snug and a bit long in the arms (I am 5’9”/145lbs). Unless you are the most rail thin Italian cyclist, you may want to consider sizing up. With sizing sorted though, the PRO Thermal is comfortable and offers great flexibility and freedom of movement.
The rear of the jersey is longer to keep out drafts on cold rides and does not ride up. There are 3 conventional pockets and one zippered side pocket, which are the norm.
The pockets are deep and easily fit a rolled up shell, plenty of food, phone or any other reasonably sized essentials.
The PRO Thermal Jersey is surprisingly warm and I have been comfortable wearing it on early morning rides in temperatures as low as the mid 40’s. If it is much cooler than that, I will be adding a shell, but much of this depends on your speed and whether you are climbing or descending. It is full zip, so you can zip it down and vent well on climbs. The brushed fleece interior is particularly comfortable and cozy and breathes quite well.
If you need to remove the jersey mid ride, it rolls up compact enough to fit in a jersey pocket (if I think I will need to remove mid ride, I will wear a short sleeve jersey underneath).
Pearl Izumi Expedition Gel Full Finger Gloves
S-XXL
$40
The Expedition Gel gloves are a durable long distance gravel or mountain biking glove with a synthetic leather palm for tactile control with a light back fabric for a sleek fit and breathability. Paired with a 1:1 Control Gel palm padding that offers a balance of support and a connected feel with the handlebars. They provide very good brake and shift control and are also touch screen compatible. Touch compatibility works well and is not only good for the phone, but also the Garmin Edge or other cycling computers that have touch screens.
Fit is true to size, as I typically wear a size medium, but I think a small would work for me too here and perhaps provide a little less movement and better control (though with the slip on elastic cuff with no velcro, they may be challenging to slip on in a smaller size).
I find the Expedition Gel gloves to be very comfortable and help me to control my bike well, be it on the mountain bike or my gravel bike. They are cool and breathable enough for wearing on hot days (especially in the lighter Green Bay color), but also provide enough warmth for chilly morning rides in the summer. I have even ridden several rides to 12,000 feet in June and they were adequate for temps in the mid 40’s.
The Gel pad definitely helps dampen the vibration on the handlebars, while still maintaining a high level of control and dexterity, which is great for those times on technical terrain, although for less technical riding and long smooth miles, I would prefer a bit more padding. Trade offs I guess.
Pearl Izumi
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John) and racing as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.
More RoadTrailRide Reviews HERE
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