GearFlogger

Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch Flat Pedal Bike Shoe

It's no secret, we're big fans of Pearl Izumi biking gear. One thing we haven't tried is their cycling shoe line, but that changed when we tried on the X-ALP Launch flat pedal shoe.

We decided to make the switch from clipless - goodbye Eggbeaters, we loved you so! - to work on our flat pedal technique for a change of pace. The Launch seemed like a good shoe on paper, and once we had it on our feet it proved to be everything we needed.

The Launch has a Vibram Megagrip grip zone on the sole that gives you the positive engagement with your pedals that you need to maintain control. You don't have to think about your feet so much when you're clipped in, but that all changes with flats. Even with our aggressive Race Face Chester pedals, the Launch is tough enough to not get shredded even with aggressive riding.

The Launch looks as good as it performs, and as it turns out the one area we were nervous about - comfort - was no problem at all. The Launch easily switches from trail to tarmac, and you can wear it out on the town after a hard day of riding with no worries. The winning combination of performance, durability and just plain good looks makes the Launch our go-to flat pedal bike shoe.

$104.93 (on sale from $150) at REI

Pearl Izumi Summit AmFIB Bike Pants

Soft shell pants are an indispensable part of an active outdoor wardrobe, and when it comes to soft shell pants that can handle the crappiest weather while keeping you warm, dry and comfortable no matter what you're doing, Pearl Izumi has you covered. From the waist down, in this case, with the Summit AmFIB bike pants, PI's warmest bike pant for cold weather riding, skiing or anything else that involves charging hard in cold, wet and windy conditions.

Let's talk performance first. AmFIB is PI's soft shell technology, and it delivers reliable wind and water resistance. It was darn close to waterproof in our testing, while still remaining highly breathable to help you dump heat when the going gets tough. This is helped by the breathable panels behind the knee, which also make articulation easier while pedaling. The thickness of the material means this is cold-weather gear for active pursuits, although we also found ourselves pulling it off the shelf for shoulder-season weather where we might be standing around more.

What we really want to talk about is the fit. The Summit AmFIB displays Pearl Izumi's typical great fit, with wonderful articulation and a customized feel. But that is definitely not all. PI pulled out all the stops to make these pants a work of art expressed in the details: even the ankle zips have zipper garages! Thoughtful details extend to the handwarmer pockets, which have the zipper at the front of the pocket so when you're in the seated position you can put a hand straight down into the pocket. There are two front snaps for security, and on each side are two thin strips of hook-and-loop material with tabs so you can really dial in the fit.

There's a thigh pocket good for a smart phone or equivalent on the right side, and inside the left waistband is a small hang loop. The only caveat we have is that they definitely run a notch small, so you might want to order a size up if you're near the cutoff. Wearing the Summit AmFIB pants is truly a pleasure, they are just that well designed and executed. The overall fit and finish feels like it was custom tailored, and the performance is equally good. We have no hesitation is saying this is a high-end product that justifies every penny you spend on it.

$185.00 at REI

Pearl Izumi Versa Polo Shirt

We're generally leery of awarding anything a "best of" label, but we're making an exception here for the Pearl Izumi men's Versa polo shirt. The Versa is up for anything: wear it to work, then slog through your favorite rooty-tooty technical mountain biking trail. The Versa does it all with style and performance.

The Versa apparel collection has a great tagline: bike clothing specifically made for nothing specific. While this philosophy can get you in trouble for a lot of categories of gear - think climbing - it can work well for clothing if thoughtfully executed. And the Versa polo is if anything well thought out. The material is a lightweight a lightweight and stretchy fabric that easily wicks sweat away, and the cut is perfect, just slightly relaxed with a little bit of extra length for wearing tucked or not depending on your preference.

The features on the Versa are minimal but perfectly chosen: reflective strips on the sleeves that you don't notice until they're working and a small snap-closure chest pocket just big enough for a credit card and driver's license necessary for that post-ride beer. The snap-front opening is the perfect height for venting, and if it gets a bit nippy you can turn the collar up and close the top snap for just a bit of extra warmth.

The Versa Polo is truly a multirole shirt, and we've found ourselves reaching for it more and more often as the temps climb higher this spring. The only thing we could think to add would be a way to secure the collar points when it's turned up, which would turn it into basically a turtleneck, but that's a very minor nit to pick with an otherwise perfect shirt.

$69.95 at Moosejaw

Pearl Izumi Trail N3 Shoes

Gearflogging is hard work. I know, I know, "What do you mean? What about the naked speed-dating in a giant chocolate fondue fountain?" Sure, and that's fun and all, but eventually you have to sober up and actually get on your feet to, you know, go do something. And when that something is running, we cringe because we know a little part of us dies with every step. That's because running is insanely boring, repetitive and redundant. And repetitive. Maybe that's why 2 million people came to their senses and stopped running last year. Seriously, that's not bitter us talking, that's science! (Ed: that's not science, that's a wanton misreading of the data.)

In any case, there is one exception: trail running. Running in the woods is awesome, not least because once you're behind some trees, you can stop running and just puke your hungover guts out in blissful solitude. And yet there are ways to make even trail running suck, and that's with minimalist running shoes, which allow you to feel the full pain of every rock and root that you land on. Road runners clued in a while back to the fact that more padding is better, and now the revolution has come to the backwoods: behold, the Pearl Izumi Trail N3.

The N3 has a whopping 30mm heel stack, yet manages to feel supremely nimble and stable in all directions thanks to a wicked grippy sole. A beautifully tuned rocker ensures that every bit of energy you put into your stride is seamlessly translated into smooth forward motion. The uppers are supremely breathable, and the seamless construction and muted colors make the N3 a truly classy looking shoe that can walk to the office as well as pound up a mountain. The toe bumper provides adequate protection versus the inevitable incidental contact, and the no-slip laces really do stay put. After a month solid on our feet, wear is minimal.

The Pearl Izumi N3 is the real deal: high performance plus extreme comfort in a tough and good-looking shoe that can stick with you anywhere. Highly recommended.

$135.00 at REI