Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Aero Glove, P.R.O. In-R-Cool Jersey and P.R.O. In-R-Cool Bib Short Review.

Darryl’s Rule #1 of Cycling – “Thou Shall Not Skimp On Riding Clothes.”

Now that summer is in full-swing, if the subject of comfortable riding gear is not on your mind, it should be.  As the weather here in Southern California has swayed between warm, humid, hot, and finally the setting for London Broil, I have been managing on my rides with the help of the latest Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Series of riding clothes.  Courtesy of Glendora, California based Tweaked Sports, I have been cruisng around the valleys in the 2012 Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Aero Gloves, P.R.O. In-R-Cool Jersey and P.R.O. In-R-Cool bib shorts.  And, the gear’s performance has been nothing less than impressive.

P.R.O. Aero Glove - $35.00

As some of you have noticed and inquired about, these are some pretty neat gloves.  They are the new for 2012 Aero Gloves, A.K.A., Time Trial (TT) gloves.  When I first spied them in the Pearl Izumi catalog, I knew I had to try a pair.  And, I am glad I did.  Not only are they pretty darn stylish, but they are pretty darn functional, too.  They stay snug on your hands, with no bunching or hot spots, provide excellent grip on the bars, and should hold up well in a spill.  There is, by the way, no padding, or gel inserts of sorts, but combined with good, padded bar tape, you will not miss them.  If you try these, I suggest going snug, versus loose.  I wear a size large, however, a size medium fits like, well, a glove.  These have become my new “Go To” glove, and I have even noticed quite a few Pro Riders wearing them all the time, as well.  Available colors are Red and Black, sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.

•New 1:1 Glove Fit minimizes palm bunching for superior grip comfort and handlebar feel
•Pittards® WR 100X Natural Carbon Leather palm provides superior softness and durability
•Extended cuff for aerodynamic performance
•Simple pull–on design

P.R.O. In-R-Cool Jersey - $150.00

The also new for 2012 P.R.O. In-R-Cool jersey is made for the heat.  With the new In-R-Cool and fast-drying Transfer Minerale fabric technology, sweat and heat are comfortably wicked away from the body (even without a summer base layer).  I have used this jersey in extremely high heat and high humidity environments, and I never had that hot, soakin’, soggy feel lesser jersey’s deliver.  The front zipper is full-length, and the pull is sized just right to locate on the run, as the need to ventilate on climbs and zip-up on descents is a good thing to do.  There are also numerous mesh panels throughout the garment, which not only provides excellent ventilation, but a snugger, better, form fit, too.  There are also the standard three back pockets, plus a fourth, sweat-proof, zippered compartment.  Available colors are Red, Black, White and White/Orange, sizes S, M. L. XL. XXL.

• P.R.O. Transfer fabric with In-R-Cool® and Minerale™ technology provides optimal cooling    and reflective sun protection
• Full length zipper for venting
• Elasticized gripper on back to keep hem in place
• Three back pockets plus zippered sweat-proof pocket
• Sublimated graphics
• Reflective elements for low-light visibility

P.R.O. In-R-Cool Bib Short - $175.00

The 2012 P.R.O. bib shorts are the best I have tried yet.  And, while I have not tried every brand out there, they are the most comfortable of the multiple brands I have worn, thus far.  The chamois is the new “4D,” is well placed, and it actually disappears under this mild-mannered evaluator’s tail.  It is seamless, breathable, antimicrobial, with a four-way stretch to wick away moisture.  Up to this point you could get a smooth pad, or a comfortable pad, but it was difficult to get both.  Well, this bib gives you both.  Not too many manufactures can make that claim.  The multiple panel fabric of the shorts has a smooth, comfortable, compression fit and feel, UPF-50 protection, with the front of the bib not too high for those times when a “Natural Break” is necessary.  The straps are smooth and comfy, thus no digging-in or the feel that you are actually wearing something over your shoulders.  The legs come with silicone grippers, thus they stay put and do not ride up your leg.  Available colors Black, Black/Red, Black/Orange, Black/White, sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.

•P.R.O. Transfer fabric with In-R-Cool® and Minerale™ technology provides optimal cooling and reflective sun protection
•P.R.O. Transfer with Minerale™ Direct-Vent Bib
•Anatomic multi-panel design
•Silicone leg gripper with welded construction
•Anatomic P.R.O. Seamless 4D Chamois®, 3-layer, variable density
•Reflective elements for low-light visibility

I have been using these garments for about four months now, and they are holding up pretty well.  I hand wash them with a mild “Delicate Fabric” detergent after every ride and hang dry them.  There have been no rips, tears or frayed seams to speak of, unlike some other brands I have tried which seem to start unraveling after one ride n’ wash. 

While there are a plethora of clothing choices out there, I say you owe it to yourself to give the latest Pearl Izumi gear a try.  Cycling is all about enjoyment and fitness, and if you wearing uncomfortable riding clothes, then you will not have fun, and you will not get fit.

All prices listed in this review are retail.  However, fear not - Tweaked Sports can get them to you for a whole lot less.

Tweaked Sports: www.tweakedsports.com

Pearl Izumi: www.pearlizumi.com