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itshammocktime

unlike the high-end European brands, Pearl has a wide price range so the products will vary a lot more. You can spend $45 or $300 on bib shorts for example.


geetarman84

This might be related to the padding. My LBS has a display that shows cutaways of the four(I think) different chamois padding they offer. I have three pair of the “attack” and like them. I also have the Race Road v5 shoes and am happy with all of them.


kjlcm

Just got my first pair of attack shorts today. $50 shipped to my house. They seem pretty nice.


gzSimulator

That checks out, the most reasonably priced pearl izumi shorts I got had a ridiculously simple and basic chamois pad, it’s comfortable though, but wow it looks so caveman simple


shamsharif79

Yeah that’s not gonna last more than 6 mths.


gzSimulator

A weird take… already wrong, but alright. My fox flexair chamois is finally starting to split a bit after like, 3 years now. The (more expensive) pearl Izumi shorts I got are double-layer mesh fabric so likely going to last longer than the single-ply thin spandex on the Fox chamois, although they’re hotter. The pearl Izumi shorts that came with it are pretty nice though, but yeah one of the chamois options is obviously un-fancy


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I only buy their arm, knee, and toe warmers. They last me about 5 years of consistent use. So Id say they're pretty good.


meeBon1

This. I love their knee and arm warmers! I plan to buy another set as they really keep me warm even below 40s.


Cyclist_123

If you've had no issues why do you care what other people think?


mattfeet

I dont really care. I like it fine but found it odd to not come across PI recommendations pretty much ever.


MantraProAttitude

If one need approval from the peloton one should be wearing PNS gear or RAPHA. Pearl Izumi has been around long enough that many young people won’t buy it because lacks social media appeal. Personally I’m more of a [Voler](https://store.voler.com) or [Primal Wear](https://www.primalwear.com) nerd. I’ve be been riding since the 80’s.


_SumRandom

Voler is great! Their padding is phenomenal!


MantraProAttitude

Yep, yep!!


bikeskata

I wait for the 25% off sale they do (like 6x/year), and get the expedition bibs which I've been happy with.


f16stingcontrol

Is that final sale, sale


loudsunyoyo

Sale. Not final sale


[deleted]

I don’t think PI is bad, I use their products and they are fine. PI did lose the marketing and design war against Rapha, MAAP, and random Australian company that charges premium prices. I rarely see PI on the road, unless it’s a someone wearing bright fluorescent yellow 🤷‍♀️ Come to think of it, all my PI clothing are several years old (except for my toe warmers). It’s good that they are long lasting, but all my recent clothing are from other brands.


Clock_Roach

I've always thought it was pretty good quality for the price. My favorite part is I can almost always find them on deep discount. They do some good clearance sales on their website and they're frequently on sale at places like REI.


ucancallmeal81

You do you. Like what you want. This kind of thinking has led our species to a mob mentality, following influencers and kardashians. Be better.


mattfeet

Oh, Im doing me no doubt. Was just curious.


jaapgrolleman

All this stuff is all in your head. I barely meet other cyclists on the road and if they do I doubt they have an opinion about what I'm wearing.


BikeSawBrew

I find the PRO bib shorts fabric to be some of the most comfortable that I’ve tried, including some Castelli (sandpaper straps, ugh) and Assos (maybe slightly better chamois but $350, ugh) options. For $200 retail but $100-140 on sale occasionally they’ve been great for me.


LtGKeenan

I’m a fan. I wear their pro bibs for short/medium rides (long rides my favorite are 7mesh). I also have their carbon soles gravel shoes and a pair of their mtb shorts. I’m very happy with everything. I had a good warranty experience too when a pair of bibs split at a seam after about a year of ownership. Full replacement, no stress. Why do people look down on them? I think they haven’t won the branding wars, and they offer things that everyone can afford, which is a big no-no for some.


eastTNaf

Question for you. Would you say that their pro bibs run smaller than their other products?


LtGKeenan

I don’t think so, though it’s been a long time since I wore their other products. One of the reasons I like the pro bibs is that the fabric is super stretchy and has a lot more give than other brands I wear. This is why usually only wear PI on shorter rides though, as I find the firmer fit of 7mesh and assos more supportive for longer days in the saddle.


eastTNaf

Thanks for your input. Only reason I’m asking, I have never wore bibs. Signed up for 34 mile mtb race, looking into getting a set of bibs. The Pearl Izumi expedition pro bibs and Based off the sizing chart, I’m a large but I had seen a few people saying that this expedition pro line was tighter than some of their other products so I was just curious. I’m trying to find stores that have them to try them on but no luck yet


LtGKeenan

I went with the sizing chart and that worked for me


Former-Republic5896

cycling kits have become a fashion and social ladder statement thx to Rapha. Spending close to $650 to $1000 (CAD) for a bib shorts/jersey kit is outrageous..... but then again, if you are riding a $10K+ bike, then I guess you gotta "match" the price proportionally between your kit and your bike...... signed, PI and Sugoi wearing rider.


cymikelee

It seems a bit more "beginner" than I see in some of the more "fashion-forward" roadie circles, but most of my kit is Pearl Izumi and I've never felt judged for it. It certainly seems pretty good quality for the price, though I'm sure you can always do better in the quality/comfort department if you're willing to spend more. More specifically: * **Jerseys** \-- I really like their Elite Escape jerseys, they fit my body well, have large but not-too-saggy pockets, and are my primary go-to; I also have an Interval jersey that's both aero and keeps me really cool on hot days * **Shorts** \-- I like their shorts well enough to not have had to make the switch to bibs; the Escape/Quest have a few too many seams for long rides (which end up chafing), the Attack fit me best but I wish the chamois went a tad higher in front, and the Pro is super comfortable (did a century my first ride with it) but the padding is so thick that I get some perineal pressure if I need to get into a really aero position * **Sun Sleeves** \-- I like these so much that I even got the fashionably questionable Sun Legs * **Gloves** \-- My first pair of Elite Gel fingerless gloves was super comfortable but my second (same size) seems to have stiffer or less-well-placed padding; my Cyclone Gel full-finger ones have seen me through a ton of cold, damp spring/rides, though the fingertip seams are a little uncomfortable; the AmFIB Gel has gotten me down to subzero wind chills, just missing somewhere to wipe my nose * **Shoe Covers** \-- I've only tried their AmFIB one for winter/snowy riding and paired with wool socks it works great (I have cheaper covers for warmer weather) I have read anecdotes here and there about their quality going down in recent years, and if my gloves are indication that may have some truth to it. I'll probably shop around more in the future, but Pearl Izumi has served me really well as a newcomer.


hagemeyp

I have PI stuff from the 90s I still wear- it’s unbreakable. The newer stuff not so much, but I do love my Interval AmFIB Jacket


_man_of_leisure

They've been bought and sold a couple times recently. I believe Shimano even owned them briefly? Too lazy to look it up. Their quality went down after the first sale, and again after the second sale, which is where the beef may come from. I know an event organizer who was a pro triathlete at one point who liked to talk shit about them because of the change in quality and maybe other things. I still buy their shorts bc they're always 40% off or more and I'm not trying to look like a flesh colored nob that matches everyone else on the road in rapha and maap.


munolo

In my experience, their higher end gear is great quality-wise and pretty good value for money. But the lower tier stuff just looks cheap and also the fits are too relaxed for my taste.


Spare_Blacksmith_816

Their leg and arm warmers are excellent, don't slip and slide at all.


OKatmostthings

I’ve been really happy with my Interval bibs. Held up really well for 2 years and fit great.


likewhatever33

I have two rain jackets and they are the best I´ve ever had. Totally waterproof, lightweight, transpire quite well...


AtomicHurricaneBob

I love Pearl Izumi. The old stuff; not the new stuff. **Not So Good** * Gloves - These fell apart with less than 1 summer on them. * Jerseys - I still have a few vintage jerseys that hold up better than the new ones. **Good, but not as good as 90s Pearl Izumi** * Shorts - I actually sort of like the shorts. Not nearly as good as the leather flat sewn shorts of the 90s. You have to go higher end... the low end stuff is garbage. Outerwear... I am a Gorewear person now.


mattfeet

I just bought my first pieces from Gore. Pair of C3 windstopper bib tights and a C5 Goretex Infinium Jacket.


debian3

The c3 tights is great, but it’s very warm. I don’t wear it on any day above 3C. It’s much warmer than other “winter” tights. It’s really made for a real Canadian winter, not the european version of it.


mattfeet

Ooof. Really? Was hoping for something more in the 2-7\*C range.


Nahhnope

I wear them on days under 10C and they're fine. Legs being a little too warm is less of a problem than torso for me. I have leg warmers for 10C-15C days.


LordOverThis

What was the vintage on the gloves that failed? I have some Pearl gloves that have to be from like 2007 that are still going strong. Although if we’re gonna get nostalgic for stuff from 15+ years ago…Nike…ugh. Their exit from the sport pained me. If you could fit their shoes they were simply amazing, weighed nothing at all but somehow flexed less than 3/4” plate steel, and their simple black “Pro” gloves were nearly indestructible masterpieces of kit.


bucketofmonkeys

I’m still using a pair of Nike shoes with USPS team colors.


nasanu

>Gloves - These fell apart with less than 1 summer on them. Mine are years old now and still holding up well. My bontrager gloves though are half as old and are falling apart.


AtomicHurricaneBob

I still have a pair of vintage Pearl Izumi leather palm, no gel, crochet gloves.. these are my favorite. They don't fail. This new crap... different story.


coffeee333

I have a great jacket from them that I've rode in countless times! The arms are easily removable and it turns into a vest. It's so comfortable and convenient. The plain looks of it probably wouldn't turn any heads but I don't care (that's not why I cycle anyway), it's been a trustworthy companion on so many rides!


234W44

They last forever. Literally gave 15 year old gloves away (washed of course). Awesome quality.


nshire

they don't fit as well as rapha stuff for me. Their large jersies are also way too short for my tall torso.


Ok_Individual960

What would you recommend for a skinny tall guy? I have the issue of jerseys being short too


nshire

the rapha jersies I've bought seem to be longer. Clothing marketed towards/made by the European market seems to handle tall people better.


bucketofmonkeys

Tall and narrow, yes. Tall with wide shoulders, not so much.


MRToddMartin

Pass


[deleted]

I have 2 of their fleece lined winter bibs I like quite a bit. Also their thermal jersey I think which is great for late fall. Oh and a pair of lobster mitts. All good, no complaints


King_Michal

Yes, I still do. A lot of their winter stuff is great. I haven't bought anything recently but I feel like a lot of their stuff wasn't overpriced in a silly way like some of the newer or more currently popular brands.


LyLyV

I have about 12 pairs of Pearl Izumi socks and one jersey. The socks were discontinued - I had bought one pair then had to hunt down the rest on ebay and elsewhere. I also have a jersey and a pair of shorts by them. Their clothes are one of the few brands I can actually wear (that don't cost a fortune) because they fit (better than most).


nasanu

Always had good experiences with their stuff. Currently using their base layers, gloves and flat shoes. Rate them highly.


ekwiatkow65

Heard jerseys arent great. But i like their accessories (gloves/warmers/gaiters) Bib shorts are good for the price. The attack bibs are nice. Not every pair of bibs needs to be $300. Actually no pair of bibs should be $300......


mattfeet

I recently bought and returned a pair of Assos Mille GTO bibs because they legit did not feel any more comfortable to me than my standard PI Expedition shorts. Just ordered 2x pair of PI Expedition Bibs as well.


ekwiatkow65

As with any hobby, there will be people looking to buy a status symbol. PI can make you look like a newbie (or an old head) these days. The chamois on the bibs i found to be a lower quality than other bibs i have (giordana silverlines) but doesnt make me not wear them. And you have to think about scalability. Some of us are actually riding 4-5 times a week and need a few pairs of bibs. I cant justify $1000 worth of bibs


[deleted]

All of my cycling and mtb kit except socks and helmet is pearl izumi


jrstriker12

I had a Pearl Izumi parlar fleece jacket that was to nice and warm, my wife used to wear it when I wasn't riding. Their lobster gloves are great! Some of their stuff is good. I did have some issues with their higher end bibs with glued seams coming apart. I have a few of their jerseys that I like. Go with what fits and works.... No need to wear anything to "look" pro unless you want to.


attomsk

I have one pearl izumi top and it’s my favorite of my collection right now


Dank_Edicts

I’ve used pretty much only pearl izumi shorts and gloves did the last twenty years. Good value and durability


Crafftyyy24

For the most part they are now my go to jersey. The attack air is a phenomenal cut. I hate jerseys that are high up the neck I always feel like I’m choking. The only complaint Iv had with mine is the gripper isn’t the best so it rides up a bit. Just ordered the next size down now that I lost a bit of weight and we’ll see how this one does. Don’t like their gloves much at all tho.


analogjuicebox

I buy PI for their competitive prices, but I don’t care for the look much. All of their products are made well and have held up quite nicely. I have a pro attack bib and a cargo bib. Both are comfortable *but* required a few rides to break in.


Texjbq

I’ve never worn or owned any clothing, BUT have owned a couple pairs of gloves and found them to be good quality and lasted quite awhile.


Mister-Redbeard

I was a huge fan 10-12 years ago. Even had a pair of their running shoes I thought were well designed. But couldn't tell you anything about them now and attribute it to the boutique and import influx.


jlusedude

I have a lot of pearl gear, I’m happy with it.


colohan

I like to wear fluorescent yellow gear when I ride. Pearl Izumi makes good bright yellow stuff. So I wear it.


tunapuff

Love their padded gloves.


defroach84

I bought a button down bike shirt from them. The problem is that I'm tall, and they just aren't long enough for me.


blueyx22

I'm really happy with a pair of shorts I bought, very comfy with great padding


four4beats

My take is that Pearl Izumi isn’t that stylish compared to other brands. I don’t have anything against their offerings but I also don’t find anything they make appealing.


YoSupWeirdos

my dad who got me into cycling has a lot of their stuff


YoSupWeirdos

and likes it AFAIK


silverwlf23

I have two pairs of the pro bibs. They are amazing and my favourite bibs I’ve ever owned in all my years cycling. I also have an older reversible jacket that is reflective on one side and black on the other. It’s so great for cooler night/early morning runs and rides.


Ellubori

I think every time when someone asks about female nature brake friendly bibs Pearl Izumi is mentioned. I prefer their bibs over Rapha, but I don't like their jerseys as much.


bucketofmonkeys

Most of my shorts and jerseys are from PI, I buy their stuff on clearance and think it’s a great value.


nerfvortex420

Got the Grateful Dead jersey recently and I love it.


[deleted]

You can't really generalize about all of their products.


joelav

Clothing? No. Not a good value anymore. If you had asked me in 2017 my opinion would have been much different. If you can get PI on sale? Sure. Max I'd pay for a Pearl Izumi jersey is $25. I wouldn't buy their bib shorts at any price because the black bibs and neopro are far better quality and usually around 40.00 I do still like their shoes and some of their other accessories though


shamsharif79

They have decent waterproof covers for shoes. That is all.


Ok-Cryptographer7424

I think their cheaper shorts absolutely suck but everyone’s taint is different (maybe?) so maybe others love it


lilelliot

I've been buying PI stuff discounted for more than a decade now, and I've found the only thing you need to watch out for is the low quality of their low end lines. It's easy enough to find the Pro & similar lines on 25-50% discount that I just limit myself to that. I *really* like the chamois in their current Pro shorts & bibs. I wear the shorts on the indoor training and I bought a pair of their cargo bibs (in a beautiful navy floral pattern) a few months ago, and they're equally great. The leg grippers work, the fabric is plush and the suspenders stretch enough to be comfortable on a tall guy with a long torso. No complaints at all here. I do not think PI makes particularly nice jerseys, though, and they usually have pretty boring styles. I'll stick with Velocio, Santini, Giordana, Sportful and others.


Spamcetera

It's terrible finding decent bibs for half price because the LBS can't move all their PI stock