The Heat is On: Pearl Izumi’s Summer Collection

The Heat is On!

The summer is full of so many possibilities for where your bike can take you! Those closed-for-winter roads are now open and calling your name and the sun is shining high in the blue, blue sky. It can be the perfect weather for a ride. On the other hand, all that sunshine can make it very warm. It’s time to find the best cycling gear for the warm-weather rides. We tested out a few of Pearl Izumi’s collection: the Women’s Pro Leader Tank, (W’s) Symphony Cut Short and the Elite Tank.

The Symphony-Cut Short and P.R.O. Leader Tank that I wore were both made with a sun-protection fabric which has a UPF rating of 50+–truly perfect for the summer weather. But even better is that Pearl Izumi has also given its P.R.O. Leader Tank its ColdBlack technology which gives the cooling and reflective benefits that white fabrics have to all colors—in this case my jersey is red with black side panels, although it would be the same if it were all black in color. With this technology, you can feel as “cool” as if you were wearing white fabric and there are plenty of strategically placed panels for extra venting . The tank has some reflective touches in the back to help the cyclist be seen and has a nice slimming fit. I liked how the tank stayed nicely put, as it didn’t ride up in the back. The back pockets have a third hidden zipped center pocket behind the two back pockets, allowing plenty of room to stow a cell phone, banana and an energy bar on your back.

Pearl Izumi's PRO Leader Tank and Symphony Cut Shorts offer sun-protection and optimal cooling.

The Symphony Cut Shorts are  a little shorter than the average bike shorts, (the medium has a 6-inch inseam, while the small size has a 4-inch inseam)which is no problem in this weather. They also have vented panels on the lower part of the short for extra cooling. The chamois is Pearl Izumi’s Elite 3D version—perfect for long-distance rides! The little touches are there as well: a small rear pocket on the right-hand side and no elastic on the front panel for extra-comfort.  I loved the way Pearl Izumi’s PRO Leader Tank and the Symphony-Cut shorts fit and loved the way it looked. But the real test came when hours later, I felt so comfortable I didn’t have to think about it; there was no chaffing, no tugging to adjust the dreaded jersey creep in the back and no wishing that I had worn something else!

Paula’s Review: Riding in the heat? Here is a tank that can take you where you need to go! The Pearl Izumi women’s Elite Tank is the perfect top for those days in the eighties and nineties. The fabric is exceptionally soft and the moisture transfer and ventilation keeps you cool while riding. It features one small back pocket, an inside support liner with adjustable straps and reflective elements for low-light visibility. Another great feature with this top is that is long enough to stay down while riding. It is very form fitting yet so soft and comfortable. It is also made with sun-protection fabric with a UPF of 50+. A great addition to any bike wardrobe! 

The Pearl Izumi Elite Tank lets you bare your shoulders and gives cool, dry comfort for summer riding!

Front view of Pearl Izumi's Elite Tank