I will state that the items we received probably fall more on the casualwear side of cycling than hardcore training and racing. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as its sort of where I fall too when it comes to biking, but be aware that there is much more cycling-specific gear basically everywhere at Pearl. Here’s more on the new Rove Tech Henley and Canyon Shell Short.
Rove Tech Henley
First and foremost, the softness caught me off guard – I just want to snuggle up in it. This is by design (duh), as it’s more like an enhanced version of a cotton shirt than the sometimes harsh abrasiveness of a cheap polyester. In addition to being soft, the fabric is drirelease – actual tech that “utilizes synthetic and natural fibers to accelerate the water release rate of fabrics, pushing water and perspiration through and to the outside of the garment into the air, faster than other performance fabrics on the market“. Thus its great for multiple outdoor settings where moisture will be an constant – on the saddle, hiking, and running (yes, this is a cool and unique running top too), – as well as easily able to transition into casual settings as well.
To be honest, I started using this as a casual option the first few times before making it a running and cycling top. It’s probably the covered snap placket that gives off the relaxed vibe, but I can assure you it works great in multiple settings.
In first pulling out of the envelope, I was questioning a little about the fit – solely from the length. It is cut like many cycling shirts (i.e. a longer back tail), but it looked like it may prove to be shorter than desired in front. Though I have a longer torso, the Large actually fit at my exact comfort level, but if you are desiring something a little longer you may want to consider sizing up just in case.
The Rove Tech Henley currently comes in two basic colors – Stone (reviewed) and Pale Pine – both of which are muted in tone and remind me of an Oregon forest.
Canyon Shell Short
As I alluded to above, I have tried to be better at changing up my fitness routine during the pandemic. While I have historically had New Year’s goals surrounding mileage and racing, I have modified my workouts a bit with a larger focus on cross training, cycling, and weightlifting. However, with this shift, I noticed that my gymwear options were sorely lacking. Essentially I have had either running shorts or gym shorts – the latter of which had sort of doubled as sleepwear. While I have a few more appropriate options now, its always great to try out more and find what lane they fit in.
Much like the Rove Henley, the Canyon Short is a piece of apparel that can be utilized in multiple settings. While I probably wouldn’t wear these on runs, I have been using these on the bike and during floor-based workouts, and have appreciated their comfort level in those settings. I truly feel these will make fantastic hiking shorts as well this summer. There are two zipped pocket on the sides and one on the rear, and the stretch waistband should make it enjoyable for days out on the trails. Couple that with ripstop fabric and these should hold up to whatever you can throw at it.
The Canyon Shell Short currently comes in three colorways – Black, Dark Olive, and Ocean Blue (reviewed).
Pearl Izumi
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Products & Price:
- Rove Tech Henley | $45
- 88% recycled polyester, 12% Tencel lycell Imported
- Canyon Shell Short | $70
- Main Body: 91% recycled polyester 9% spandex
- Pockets: 100% recycled polyester
Thank you to Pearl Izumi for providing us with test items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
