At Run Oregon, we embrace all forms of physical activity beyond just running. Many of our bloggers (and likely many of our readers) are multisport athletes. If you are, or aspire to be, a multisport athlete, we’re excited to have you join us in this new journey. Welcome to Bike Oregon!
See all our posts on Pearl iZUMi here
While many of us participate in running races, Andrew competes in a variety of competitive cycling races in the Pacific Northwest.
Men’s PRO Road Shoes
- Color: Black
- Main Design Features: Full carbon outsole, perforated synthetic leather upper, dual BOA adjustment dials, soft lace guides, dual density footbed.
These shoes look modest, but absolutely pack a punch. Out of the box they feel impossibly light and incredibly stiff due to their full carbon outsoles – great news for those of us looking to save every watt with each pedal stroke.
The bottom of the toe box features an identically painted mounting grid for quick and precise installation of 3-bolt cleats, while soft textured plastic inserts on the toe and heel protect the carbon sole from accidental ground strikes. The carbon sole seamlessly blends with the synthetic leather upper, which feels soft, stiff, and fast, and is perforated on the front half for ventilation. Additionally, the footbeds offer a balanced mix of firmness and cushioning, helping to reduce hot spots after a long day in the saddle.
The fit is balanced and comfortable, thanks to the integration of soft laces, guide placement, and dual BOA dials. This system allows for smooth, micro adjustments with each twist, enabling every rider to find the perfect fit on every ride. I often start with the laces loosely fitted while warming up and cruising in a group, then quickly reach down to tighten the upper dials for crushing a long climb or making a hard attack off the front.
Simply put, these shoes are fast, efficient and allow me to make those quick adjustments on the fly so that I can get the most out of the interface of rider and bike. My expectations continue to be exceeded every time I put these on regardless of if it’s a short training ride, crit race, or gran fondo they have become my go to for all.
Elite Gel Gloves
- Color: Vesper Blue
- Main Design Features: 3D gel pads, synthetic leather palm, microfiber thumb, reflective accents, hook and loop closure.
These gloves are a great all-around option for any ride, offering the right mix of padding where it’s needed and light, breathable material everywhere else. They do fit a bit snug, so sizing up may be a good idea, and they took a few rides to break in. However, after those initial tight miles, they have become a nimble, vibration-damping pair of gloves that improve my riding experience.
The gloves don’t have any scratchy or bulky stitches, allowing for all-day comfort without distraction. Reflective accents on the top of the gloves add extra visibility when making hand signals, which is always a bonus. Additionally, the microfiber thumb construction is handy for a quick nose wipe on pollen-thick spring and summer rides.
I have been testing these gloves this season, and whether it’s a mild morning ride or a hot and fast road race, they have stood up to the challenge. They keep my bars sweat-free, don’t overheat my hands, and help reduce numbness in my palms and fingers, all while looking sleek and clean.
Men’s PRO Jersey & PRO Bib Short
- Color: Twilight Stripe
- Main Design Features: No-stitch clean hemlines, BioViz reflective elements, UPF 30, speed sleeve construction, triple density PRO Levitate chamois, body-contouring fit.
Crit racing is a psychological sport. You have to show up each race with confidence, convinced that you are the fastest rider there. And in order to think you are fast, you need to look fast, and that all starts with a fresh kit.
Right off the rack, this jersey and bib short combination stands out as a sleek, high-performance kit. It feels meticulously designed for riders who want to maximize every pedal stroke in any situation. The jersey’s fabric is very lightweight and incredibly stretchy, contouring to any body shape without being restrictive. Methodically placed seams and a front zipper glued from the inside eliminate folds and wrinkles, while the collar is form-fitting yet comfortable, preventing the claustrophobic feeling often experienced with other jerseys.
The rear pockets offer ample space for an extra inner tube, phone, and snacks, with an additional zippered pocket for valuables. My favorite feature is the minimalistic rubber material on the inside ends of the sleeves and waist, which keeps the jersey perfectly in place without pulling arm hairs or feeling constricting. Despite its pliability and lightness, the jersey maintains a UPF 30 sun protection rating, allowing me to focus on my place in the pack rather than worrying about sun exposure.
The bottom half of this kit is currently my favorite piece of cycling gear. These bib shorts are on a different level. The raw edges transition perfectly with my skin, and the rubber accents at the openings don’t irritate my legs. The laser-cut straps hold the shorts up effortlessly without tugging or bunching up. Like the jersey, the seams on these shorts are only where they are needed and go completely unnoticed during rides.
The standout feature is the chamois, which is exceptionally soft and seamless at the rider contact points. Made with a firm yet springy material, it remains comfortable for any length of ride. Whether I’m sitting high on the seat coasting in a group or on the knuckle of the saddle during a powerful attack, the chamois ensures I can focus on the strength of my legs instead of discomfort in other areas.
The successful combination of appearance, materials, and overall design demonstrates the effort Pearl iZUMi put into making a high-quality product for riders looking to up their game and perform at their best.
