Product Review: Pearl Izumi’s Men’s Expedition Gravel Kit (bibs, jersey & gloves)

Jim's Tech Talk

By Jim Langley

Rating: Price: $130Sizes: S, M (sample size), L, XL, XXL, XXXLColors: Black (sample color), Urban Sage, Loam EncoreWomen's version: YesFit: True to sizeInseam: 10.5 inchesMaterials: Main Body: 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex; Bib & Pockets: 84% recycled polyester, 16% spandexFeatures: Compressive Transfer fabric made with recycled content, 2 thigh cargo pockets, center rear pocket at the base of the straps fits a shell jacket or nutrition, laser-cut bib straps for superior next to skin comfort, silicone print holds cuffs in place and provides a smooth transition from the short to skin, BioViz reflective elements for visibility, hanging loop in backChamois (padding): Pearl Izumi Levitate Plus Availability: Bike shops & OnlineAcquired by: Company sampleRBR advertiser: No

Rating: Price: $100Sizes: S, M (sample size), L, XL, XXLColors: Gravel (sample color), Burnt Rust, NightfallWomen's version: YesFit: True to sizeMaterials: 65% recycled polyester, 28% polyester, 7% spandexFeatures: 3 bellowed rear pockets, 2 side stash pockets (one that zips) & button-down chest pocket; full-length zipper; medium length sleeves; 1.5 inch tall collar; BioViz reflective elements for visibility; silicone print holds back in place; form fit; hanging loop inside collarAvailability: Bike shops & OnlineAcquired by: Company sampleRBR advertiser: No

Rating: Price: $35Sizes: S, M, L (sample size), XL, XXLColors: Black (sample color), Urban Sage, ArcticWomen's version: YesFit: True to sizeMaterials: Backs: 66% nylon, 17% polyester, 17% spandex; Palms: 60% nylon, 40% polyurethane; Lining: 100% polyesterFeatures: synthetic-leather palms with 1:1 Control Gel padding, spandex backs for breathability, microfiber thumb panels for face wiping, slip-on design (no closures)Availability: Bike shops & OnlineAcquired by: Company sampleRBR advertiser: No

A little before the Sea Otter Classic bike festival took place back in April in Monterey, California, I asked RoadBikeRider apparel guru Sheri Rosenbaum whether she knew of any gravel cycling clothing. One of the brands she recommended was Pearl Izumi. So I made an appointment to visit them at their Sea Otter booth where they showed me their Expedition gravel line-up, which includes bib shorts, a jersey and gloves. All the pieces are available in Men's and Women's versions.

Gravel being relatively new, I wasn't sure how clothing made for it might differ from regular road gear. At first glance their Expedition pieces looked a lot like a road kit. But it turns out that there are extra features that make a lot of sense for all-road riding. After the show Pearl sent me a kit for testing and review. I’ve got several hundred miles on it now riding a variety of road, gravel and mixed surface loops here in Santa Cruz and I couldn't be more impressed.

Since I tested the entire kit, bibs, jersey and gloves, that's how I’m going to review it. Simply put it's the most comfortable, best fitting and highest performance kit I’ve owned. The fabrics feel great against the skin. The laser cut bib straps are so thin you barely feel them on your shoulders.

The bibs and jersey have a compression fit so they’re snug against the body and there aren't any wrinkles or loose fabric but they’re never too tight or clingy. The sleeves are just the right length and the 10.5inch inseam gives just a little extra coverage for the thigh muscles which is nice.

The fabric's moisture transfer keeps you dry and the breathability is excellent too. I rode in temperatures from 49 to 80 degrees and for as long as 5 hours and this kit performed perfectly. The bibs and jersey have silicone panels on the cuffs and tail respectively that keep the top and bottom nicely in place and I didn't feel these at all when riding.

This kit has a custom fit and feel that makes you want to put it on and keep it on during and after rides.

The biggest difference between a standard road kit and this Expedition kit is the addition of pockets. And the biggest surprise is having a large cargo pocket on both thighs. They’re large enough to easily hold a modern smartphone.

Phones are heavy so you’d think it would move around in the pockets when pedaling, maybe even fall out. But the pocket fabric is so stretchy that it holds the phone in place and while you can feel the weight of the phone you otherwise aren't bothered by it at all because the phone doesn't move around.

So the pockets function very well and make it possible to carry anything you want right where you can easily get at it. The thigh pockets also add a layer of fabric over part of one of your hardest working pedaling muscles and I liked that. I also never felt that they made the shorts too warm. The other thing about pockets which is obvious but you might not think about it since it's road bike shorts we’re talking about – is that you can put your hands in them to warm up if you want.

Centered on the back of the bibs is another handy pocket large enough to accept a light shell jacket or other items. What's nice about a pocket in that location is that it's covered by the jersey to help keep anything from coming out. You do need the flexibility in your shoulders to reach back there to retrieve items. But when every pocket in your jersey is used up the bibs’ pockets could save the day.

The Expedition jersey has extra pockets too. Along with the standard 3 pockets across the back there's a smaller zip side pocket (where I’m keeping my house key) and a smaller easily accessed slash pocket on the other side. Plus, there's a button down chest pocket, which adds style to the look of the jersey.

The Expedition bib shorts come with Pearl's Levitate Plus chamois. According to their description, "its PLUS Next-Gen Suspension Core uses high-density layers to distribute your body weight over a larger area for more comfort, even deep into a ride when most chamois are packed out. It features a moisture-transferring 1:1 Boundary Layer that moves with you in and out of the saddle to minimize friction. This is a daily rider chamois that is ready to go the distance."

In the graphic you get an idea of how it works. Notice the pressure relief indentation down the center. By using different density padding the chamois shouldn't bottom out which keeps you comfortable.

On my rides it performed as promised. It stayed dry, cushioned well over the bumps and smooth surfaces and did its job. When padding doesn't work you feel it and I never felt anything except comfort.

Speaking of padding, Pearl's Expedition gloves boast gel padded palms. Because I like minimal mitts I usually find gloves with gel bulky and uncomfortable. But these have a thin layer of a much harder gel than I’ve tried before.

It gives you nice protection while not affecting the fit and feel otherwise. The gloves have breathable backs for maximum comfort and synthetic leather palms for a great grip. The palms are a little long to protect more of your hands and provide even more gripping surface. And these are slip-on gloves so there are no closures to worry about.

For keeping your face dry and comfortable there are absorbent microfiber panels on the thumbs. While two fingers on each glove have sewn in pulls to make removing the gloves easier.

Pearl adds their BioViz reflective details to the Expedition kit. Quoting them "BioViz is a proprietary hi-visibility system designed to increase rider visibility for drivers by leveraging human biology. We employ a unique combination of fluorescent colors and strategically placed reflective elements that demand the viewer's attention. Our standards ensure riders are not only seen but seen with enough time for drivers to react safely, day or night."

I did not ride at night so I didn't experience how this works in my bibs and jersey. I think the logos might illuminate and attract attention for safety.

Three other great features Pearl provides are a 60-day fit guarantee (to ensure you love the fit); a limited lifetime warranty and a crash replacement policy. Also, they use recycled materials in their garments.

If you’re looking for a kit up to the challenge that is gravel riding, Pearl Izumi's Expedition kit is a great choice. I think you’ll love everything about it and that it’ll help you enjoy your rides even more.

Jim Langley is RBR's Technical Editor. He has been a pro mechanic and cycling writer for more than 40 years. He's the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Check out his "cycling aficionado" website at http://www.jimlangley.net, his Q&A blog and updates at Twitter. Jim's cycling streak ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim's full bio.

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