Enduro, downhill, cross country, dual slalom, free ride, all mountain, and probably a few more I forgot to mention. Seems like today people don’t just mountain bike anymore, but regardless of your riding style of choice you have to be comfortable. While spandex is great for road riding, I like something a little more casual and flowy for the trail. People will say looks don’t matter at all, but it’s hard to not feel really cool in a pair of baggy’s and a relaxed jersey. All of a sudden your riding style goes from fitness to fun, not to mention you are more comfortable.
I have been flogging the Pearl Izumi Veer jersey and short as of late and so far so good. This is Pearl’s top of the line mountain bike apparel and it shows. When testing this kit I did short rides, very relaxed rides, huge fatty multi hour rides, as well as a cross country race. I wanted to see how they stacked up across varying situations and honestly it is top notch. The Veer shorts come with a bib chamois liner. The chamois is super comfortable and the fabric used is lightweight so it doesn’t become too hot under the shell. I prefer a bib as I find it stays in place better than shorts. The outer layer shorts then clip to the bib using a simple snap system, which helps them from riding up or falling down. The shorts are a lightweight but durable fabric centered on ventilation. This really came in handy when slogging up those prolonged climbs. The shorts come with one front pocket, mesh on the thighs and sides, and elastic Velcro straps on each side for adjusting the fit.
The jersey is a full zip relaxed garment that is as comfortable as your favorite tee shirt. There is no elastic at the hem or sleeves which is nice, and it has one back pocket. The fabric is incredibly breathable and when sweating or wet doesn’t stick to you or bind/bunch up anywhere. A nice touch is the jersey matches the shorts, so um, yea you look super pro with this kit.
So final thoughts, Pearl Izumi had their head in the right spot when designing this kit. The fabric is light and breathable, but durable enough when you touch the ground (tested that this past weekend). The shorts are a good length and don’t go down to your calf, the jersey is incredibly comfortable and the full zip is a really nice touch for those 90+ degree days. I have yet to overheat, or wish I just had spandex on while wearing the kit. The styling is pretty cool too as at the 1st Annual Heard’s Mountain Classic this weekend I got compliments a plenty. People really dug the mesh on the front, and the pockets on both short and jersey.
The short will run about $140 or $170 with bib liner and the jersey comes in at $100, these prices are normal for a company’s top of the line offerings. I am 6’1” and 162 pounds and went with size medium on both, and am quite happy with the fit. This summer ditch the spandex, get the Veer kit, and get out on the trail!
($170 short and bib, $100 jersey); pearlizumi.com
