6 Pedal-Ready Pearl Izumi Products
Pearl Izumi’s never off track—and rarely far from the singletrack. Over the past few years, we’ve tested quite a few of their products, from Chile’s volcanic grit to Colorado’s frosty mountain passes. These six products stood out by standing the test of time:
Pearl Izumi X-Road Fuel III: Shifting priorities
Active Junky’s seen – and ridden – this brand in nearly all conditions imaginable. This 360g model is somewhere between Commuting King and Workout Wonder. Our tester does both – and travels to places like Chile where the ability to hop on and go is critical. SPD-compatibility is crucial to making this work across platforms and uses; walkability is exceptional with adequate rocker along with a beveled heel. Styling builds on iconic forms while a subdued colorway lets the riding do the talking.
Tester Quote: “While I didn’t cut (Fuel III) open, the X-Road nylon plate inside did the job for stability and power transfer on the bike, clips or not – rental bikes for city tours are nearly always platform pedals. Fit runs true. The elastic lace keeper was a real help when thinner socks meant long lace tails.”
Best For: Recreational riding, cross-training spin workouts, travel
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek VI: Life is looking up
Some years ago, bowling shoes owned the fashion fast lane. Pearl Izumi’s highly-capable X-Alp threatens to unpave a new road with MTB capability wrapped in a gritty urban package. Low cut and deep-digging thanks to a multi-directional outsole, testers rode this one in Chile across volcanic flows and sandy berms. Not to mention gravel roads and urban pavement. Once again, Pearl Izumi embeds a fiber composite nylon plate to provide credible power transfer. The biggest surprise: off-bike walkability and all-day comfort from Energy Foam in the heel.
Tester Quote: “Pearl Izumi’s all-time bestseller? Now I understand as most riders – and travelers – can’t keep piling specialty cycling shoes up in their closet or duffel. Delivering surprising power on the uphills and easy walking over nasty stuff, 365g X-Alp owed the trail and brewpub around Coyhaique, Chile.”
Best For: Quiver of one MTB shoe, adventure travel
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier Arm Warmer: Enough said
What’s in a name? In the case of this cold weather staple from Pearl Izumi, everything. Rated at “three flames” on their warmth gradient, this product is another installment in a collection Active Junky’s valued in recent years. Once the decision is made to ride in cooler – and falling – temperatures, P.R.O. is the next step. Toe to head, there’s wind-fighting power and on-bike freedom of movement across the line. Barrier Arm Warmers flow into (or over) jersey sleeves with an anatomic fit that stays put. Thermal fleece inside is a treat as some reflective elements assist in lower light.
Tester Quote: “My approach is to buy modular, multi-season cycling apparel. Starting late summer (that equals winter in South America), Barrier gets included on early and late rides. Despite their extraordinary warmth and water resistance, these Arm Warmers can be jammed in my jersey pocket.”
Best For: Riding in nasty weather, extended touring and bikepacking
Pearl Izumi Men’s MTB WRX Jacket: Where you belong
If the next hill – and what’s over it – is where you’re bound, hit the brakes right now. This Barrier fabric jacket, put through the ringer on Chile’s volcanoes, is today’s must-buy item for far-ranging cyclists. Verified windproof by gale-besieged Active Junky testers, WRX’s hood design battens down over a helmet – and remains in place even during high-speed descents. Note; the sleeve design is elbow-pad compatible. At under 5oz, hip-length WRX tucked into the hydration pack for rapid deployment. Armpit and hood vents controlled uphill heat release but didn’t feel vulnerable on downhills.
Tester Quote: “Unless major rain is encountered, WRX is the on-trail tool to cut through blustery conditions. The full-length, internal draft flap was essential in Chile. While the brighter color might trouble some, I like it to stay visually connected to fellow riders when the clouds drop low on the mountains.”
Best For: Training, touring, adventure travel
Pearl Izumi Men’s Launch Thermal Jersey: Be the blizzard
Blast through snow-drifted trails and icy streams with Launch on your back. Active Junky’s “aha” moment came when the durable exterior gave way to Pearl Izumi’s version of interior comfort (SELECT Thermal Fleece). While a shell’s needed on awful weather days, Launch carries plenty of BTU power over a performance tee or baselayer to handle most on-mountain scenarios. Laundering is a no-brainer with 100% polyester and an interior sunglasses wipe keeps clarity close.
Tester Quote: “No doubt, the digital horizontal camo pattern says something’s different even at first glance. Launch is fun to wear even though the piece outperforms the hoodies I’d been riding. The V-neck works for spring and fall – add a taller baselayer in the winter.”
Best For: Three-season riding, bikepacking in tandem with a windshell or shirt
Pearl Izumi Men’s Launch SS Jersey: Beam me up
When Captain James T. Kirk rips a line on planet Beta Nine, this is what he wears. Defying gravity (and oxygen levels), the heroic Captain counts on Launch to manage moisture, on-camera and off. Alien females are drawn magnetically to the asymmetric pattern on the non-zippered design; of course, the collar is V-neck. Back here on Earth, testers in Chile favored the jersey’s looser fit and 100% polyester durability. Sublimated graphics carry a World Cup vibe no matter which colorway you ride.
Tester Quote: “Not boring or mainstream. That was my first reaction to Launch. Riding it gave me plenty of confidence to take tougher lines because (the jersey) did cling or feel sloppy, either.”
Best For: Aggressive trail riding, volcanoes or not, on any planet of your choice
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