After 15 years of ownership, bike giant Shimano sold PEARL iZUMi to United Sports Brands last May.
Since then, it’s been an open question what impact, if any, the Japanese-founded company’s new owner would have on its trademark road and mountain bike apparel.
Well, the latest product release — the first since United Sports Brands took the reins — offers “a glimpse at what’s coming on the horizon,” according to a news release. Called Horizons, the limited edition run is intended to be a “sneak peek” into PEARL iZUMi’s future. (No word yet if we’ll get more psychedelic offerings.)
The new road kit includes a PRO Mesh Jersey and a PRO Bib Short, both available for men and women. There’s also a Men’s Attack Air Jersey and a Transfer Cycling Cap. All four products come with a rainbow gradient design that’s colorful but not quite loud. All the products aim to help riders pedaling through hot-weather conditions.
Read on to find out more about the latest from one of cycling’s favorite brands.
PEARL iZUMi: PRO Mesh Jersey
If you’re looking for some new threads for tackling hot, humid weather, the PRO Mesh Jersey comes with stretchy mesh fabric meant to keep you cool.
Its form-fitting top includes a low-profile collar and long sleeves, while an anti-odor treatment “keeps the funk at bay,” the website says. That allows the jersey “to be worn multiple times between washes, so you’ll never have to ride without this favorite,” PEARL iZUMi says.
The PRO Mesh Jersey retails for $150 for both men and women.
PEARL iZUMi: PRO Bib Short
For its new bib short, PEARL iZUMi paired the Levitate PRO Chamois with what it calls Italian PRO Transfer fabric (a mix of nylon, polyester and elastane, which is a form of Lycra).
The bib uses “seven carefully engineered panels” to minimize seams, with wide straps for support. Also, a printed silicone gripper is meant to keep the bib snug and secure — even during extra-tough rides.
The PRO Bib Short retails for $225 for both men and women.
PEARL iZUMi: Men’s Attack Air Jersey
In case you’re wondering, the “attack” of this jersey signifies its design for “performance-minded riders.”
PEARL iZUMi made 80% of the jersey with recycled materials. It also has minimal seams, a smaller collar for greater airflow and comfort, and — of course — stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric. The brand claims that its apparel technology allows even darker colors (like the black center of this jersey) to have the cooling properties of lighter-colored fabrics.
The jersey also comes with three rear pockets that lay flat when empty and expand for extra food or other essentials.
It retails for $120.
PEARL iZUMi: Transfer Cycling Cap
Yes, cycling caps sometimes make you look even cooler, but they can also help keep the rain and sun out of your eyes.
That’s the point of the Transfer Cycling Cap, which comes in the same brilliant colors as the rest of this limited-edited run. The “carefully shaped bill” balances protection from the elements with visibility on the road, PEARL iZUMi said, and comes with quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric for sweaty rides.
The cap’s available online for $25.
Learn more about PEARL iZUMi’s new product line at their website.
