Pearl Izumi stuff

[Owlie]

Apparently I get a massive discount on PI stuff through work (seriously, it's obscene). I need some new shorts, as I think at least 1 pair of my Sugoi shorts is going to have to be relegated to short rides only. Also, possibly a new jacket and tights.

Shorts:
I don't think the chamois in the lower-end shorts will be terribly friendly, but I'm curious about the higher-end ones. (The chamois in the Sugoi shorts has been okay up until now, but I like something a bit thinner for longer rides.) Can anyone comment on it? Also, how's the fabric for humid rides? I love that quality of my Castelli shorts, but hate the chamois.

Amfib tights: thoughts?

Jackets: Anyone got one to recommend?

[Kiwi Stoker]

I have a bit of Pearl Izumi stuff and I agree with you about the low end chamois- they were either far too thin or really bulky. However the high end stuff is great.

I love their headband with ponytail hole for winter. Mine has lasted for years and doesn't show any signs of wearing out.

I also have the droptail cycling suit tights. They are only the Thermafleece ones (2nd from the top) and have the Elite 3D (orange) chamois. Chamois is perfect- dense enough and not bulky, the fabric is tough wearing but really only OK down to temperatures of 5 degrees C.

Size wise I find them great and very true to size with a lot of give in the larger sizes.

Their Elite level shorts are great for hot, humid weather. Nice and thin and soft (not like the sliughtly scratchy panels of the Sugoi RS shorts) and wick really well. They also have the same chamois as my cycling suit tights which is a total bonus.

I also have a pair of their gloves which I really love- the Gel Vent. They have a solid flexi gel pieces on the palms with holes in them covered by mesh. The velcro fastens under the wrist and the glove is cut so it doesn't get in the way of your watch. I find they are really flexi but with enough padding to really absorb the bumps. I haven't had any numb finger issues wearing these gloves.

I also have the Elite Barrier Convertible jacket/vest. Fabric wise it is only water repellent and cannot withstand a total soaking shower but it is very versitile being able to turn into a vest. I notice they improved the design by making the sleeves that zip off one piece which is good. I now only use this as a vest as somehow I managed to lose a sleeve when the design was seperate sleeves! Nice and warm and does block the wind.

[Becky]

I love the red chamois in my pro bibs, once it "breaks in" a little. At first, it's too bulky, but flattens out just enough after a few rides. My PI pro bibs are my go-to long-ride shorts. That said, even after it's broken in, I still wouldn't call it thin. Certainly not like the chamois in my Terry Bellas.

My PI convertible windbreaker is fantastic, although I couldn't tell you what their current name is for it. Mine was called the Vagabond. I think Kiwi and I may be talking about the same jacket, though mine has the one-piece sleeve design.

Amfib tights are great, but I can't even think about wearing them until it's below freezing. As a result, I only wear them a few times a year. But when you need that much warmth and windblocking, they're perfect.

[Megustalaplaya]

I love their Symphony shorts, very soft and comfortable.

[Owlie]

Thanks! Kiwi Stoker, the Elite In-R-Cool shorts were the ones I was looking at. According to TE, they seem to be running a size large, but I'm concerned that the waist may be a little too tight if I go with a small. (According to the size chart and my hip measurement, I should be in a medium.)

As for the tights, I'm going for the chamois-less Amfibs (do they run relatively true-to-size?), and I'm definitely picking up another pair of the Gel-Vent gloves. (I love mine!)

The jacket is where I'm confused. I have a winter jacket already, but it's mostly black, not terribly wind-resistant, and too big. What's good? So many choices! I'm contemplating getting the barrier jacket anyway, but since the shipping is outrageous, I may as well put everything in one order.

[Becky]

I found that the Amfibs ran true to size.

Are you looking for a winter jacket, a spring jacket, or both? My Elite Barrier convertible jacket (finally found the name!) is definitely more of a spring/fall jacket. I have a Gavia from a few years ago that is super-warm and is more like this year's Pro softshell jacket.

[Owlie]

Both. I'm getting the Elite Barrier convertible jacket for sure, but I'm on the fence about the soft-shell winter jacket.

How is the sizing on the tops? I theoretically should be in a large. Do they run reasonably true-to-size?