Pearl Izumi is taking a strong step into the pointy end of the road apparel market with its new Pi PRO/BLACK lineup. With compressive materials, low weights, modern cuts, and aerodynamic textures, Pi PRO/BLACK is made for riding fast on the race course and off. The lineup consists of bib shorts, a standard jersey, a mesh jersey, a wind vest, and aero socks for both men and women.
This is the brand’s second color-coded apparel collection this year, following the Pi/RED bibs and jerseys, which came out about a month ago. The new Pi PRO/BLACK apparel officially launched at Sea Otter, and I swung by the booth to check it out. Pearl Izumi also sent me a few pieces to check out ahead of time, so I have actual weights and some fit notes on its new race-oriented premium apparel lineup.
Pi PRO/BLACK Bib Shorts: $350
Pearl’s new BLACK bib shorts are made from an “Italian engineered stretch woven fabric with graduated compression.” They’ve got all the hallmarks of a pair of modern, high-end bib shorts, including raw cut hems, bonded grippers, seamless straps, and a longer inseam for more aero coverage and muscle compression.
Inside, Pearl Izumi’s PRO 3D Levitate chamois is fairly dense and has “adaptive contouring” for all-day comfort and more aggressive riding positions. Outside, aerodynamic ribbed texturing on the quadriceps aims to reduce drag, while In-R-Cool smart temperature technology is said to trigger cooling as intensity and body temperature rise.
- Italian stretch-woven fabric with graduated compression supports circulation and reduces fatigue
- Seamless bib upper and raw-edge leg hems minimize bulk and eliminate pressure points
- Triple-density PRO 3D Levitate chamois provides friction-free comfort and adaptive contouring
- In-R-Cool sweat-activated HeiQ Smart Temp technology triggers cooling when body temperature rises
- Longer inseam supports quadriceps and reduces friction on long rides
- Raw-edge bonded grippers maintain a secure, smooth fit
- PFAS-free, environmentally responsible construction
- Premium BioViz reflective elements ensure 100-meter visibility in low light
- 135g (M), 10.5” inseam
- Sizes: Men: XS – XL, Women: XS – L
- Colors: Balsam Green, Black
I’ve got the Pi PRO/BLACK Bibs in a size medium, and they fit me relatively well at 6’0” and 170 lbs. It seems like a large could probably work for me too, but I haven’t tried one on. The mediums are a bit tight when pulled on, because they are very compressive. The fit is modern with a longer inseam that covers more of my longer-than-average thighs. The bib straps are wide and super soft, and the chamois feels excellent. Overall, their fit and feel are very race-oriented, which is the point. They weighed 161 grams on my scale, which is 26 grams more than the claimed weight listed above, but still very lightweight.
Pi PRO/BLACK Jersey: $225
According to Pearl, “the Pi PRO/BLACK Jersey is the pinnacle of precision performance — engineered for riders who measure effort in watts, not words.”
Reportedly, the ultra-light fabric makes the jersey 30% lighter than the standard PRO jersey. It’s intended to be compressive, helping to enhance circulation while supporting the muscles during intense efforts. Additionally, the snug fit helps riders cut through the wind, and the ribbed aero texture on the sleeves is said to smooth airflow and save precious watts.
The PRO/BLACK Jersey has sweat-activated In-R-Cool tech built in, which claims to help regulate body temperature. A low-profile collar, short torso, and longer sleeves all point toward the race-oriented intended use.
- Ultra-light stretch-woven main body is 30% lighter than our standard PRO Jersey
- Compressive race fit supports circulation and reduces muscle fatigue
- Ribbed woven fabric sleeves deliver aerodynamic advantage over standard knits
- In-R-Cool sweat-activated HeiQ Smart Temp technology triggers cooling when body temperature rises
- YKK lightweight half-mesh semi-locking zipper enhances ventilation and stability
- Low-cut collar and shortened race-length torso minimize drag and bulk
- Three traditional rear pockets offer ample storage
- Premium BioViz reflective elements ensure 100-meter visibility in low-light conditions
- Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection for long rides under the sun
- Weight: 98g (M)
- Sizes: Men: XS – XL, Women: XS – L
- Colors: Balsam Green/Silver Blue, Smoked Paprika/Auburn, Feather Grey/Silver Birch
I’ve got the Pi BLACK Jersey in a medium, and it fits similarly to the bibs. It’s a squeeze to get into, particularly the sleeves, and it’s the most compressive jersey that I’ve ever put on. It’s frankly kinda awkward to wear off the bike because the fit is so snug and articulated, but as soon as your upper body is in the riding position, it feels quite natural. Measured weight on my scale was 97 grams, almost spot on the claimed weight.
Pi PRO/BLACK Mesh Jersey: $190
“The Pi PRO/BLACK Mesh Jersey was made for the hottest rides and hardest efforts — where breathability isn’t optional, it’s essential.”
The body of the BLACK Mesh jersey is made of an ultra-light Italian mesh, which is VERY see-through and allows nearly unimpeded air flow to the torso. The sleeves are made from a similar material to the standard jersey, with the ribbed texture aiming to enhance aero efficiency. It’s got a similarly race-oriented, compressive fit, with a low-profile collar, short torso, and extended sleeves.
- Ultra-light Italian mesh body fabric delivers exceptional airflow and moisture management
- Raised ribbed woven sleeves provide aerodynamic advantage over standard knit fabrics
- Compressive race fit supports circulation and reduces muscle fatigue
- HeiQ Smart Temp sweat-activated cooling helps regulate body temperature in the heat
- GoFresh natural anti-odor technology keeps fabric fresh during long efforts
- Minimal collar and shortened race-length torso minimize drag
- YKK half-mesh semi-locking zipper enhances breathability and secure ventilation
- Traditional three rear pockets offer reliable on-bike storage
- Premium BioViz reflective elements ensure 100-meter visibility in low-light conditions
- Weight: 86g (M)
- Sizes: Men: XS – XL, Women: XS – L
- Colors: Auburn/Smoked Paprika, Silver Blue/Balsam Green
I’ve got the size medium PRO/BLACK Mesh jersey, and it fits similarly to the standard one described above, but not quite as compressive. It’s extremely airy with the mesh body fabric, and also very see-through. It will probably require wearing sunscreen underneath. Mine weighed a shockingly light 81 grams on my scale.
Pi PRO/BLACK Wind Vest: $150
The new PRO/BLACK Wind Vest looks like a streamlined wind layer that complements the aerodynamics of the rest of the BLACK lineup. It looks very packable and weighs a claimed 79 grams in a size medium, so it should be easy to bring along and put on before chilly descents or tuck away after a cool morning start.
“Engineered for high-output rides and unpredictable weather, the Men’s Pi PRO/BLACK Wind Vest strikes the perfect balance between protection and precision. Built from an ultra-packable stretch-woven fabric, our lightest vest ever is designed to move with you — not against you — when the tempo rises. A wind-blocking front panel cuts the chill, while a lightweight Italian mesh back regulates airflow and prevents overheating. The race-calibrated fit eliminates bulk and drag, with a two-way YKK zipper providing quick venting and mid-ride access to jersey pockets. Finished with PFAS-free PI Dry water repellency, GoFresh anti-odor technology, and BioViz reflectivity for low-light visibility. It’s the layer you forget about — until you need it most.”
- Ultra-packable stretch-woven fabric provides windproof protection in a race-tuned fit
- 10% lighter than the PRO Barrier Vest for maximum efficiency
- Italian mesh back panel enhances breathability during high-output efforts
- YKK® VISLON® two-way zipper offers bottom-up ventilation and access to jersey pockets
- Shortened torso and silicone hem reduce drag and hold the fit in place
- PFAS-free PI Dry® C0 durable water repellent sheds light moisture responsibly
- GoFresh™ anti-odor technology keeps the vest fresh during repeated use
- Premium BioViz® reflective elements by 3M ensure 100-meter visibility in low light
- Weight: 79g (M)
- Sizes: Men: XS – XL, Women: XS – XL
- Colors: Balsam Green, Feather Grey, Smoked Paprika (men’s only)
Pi PRO/BLACK Aero Socks: $55
And finishing off the lineup are some new aero socks. These look a lot like other aero socks on the market, with ribbed texture up the stretch-woven cuff to smooth airflow around the leg. At a claimed weight of 15 grams, they’re very lightweight. The rest of the sock looks a lot like a traditional cycling sock, with an arch tension band, a seamless toe construction, and moisture-wicking materials. They come in white only, and sizes S to XL
- Ribbed stretch-woven upper enhances aerodynamic efficiency for reduced drag
- 15g ultra-light construction designed for high-output performance
- 360° arch tension band ensures a secure, stay-put fit under load
- Silicone gripper cuff holds the sock in place through sustained efforts
- Seamless toe design eliminates friction in tight-fitting race shoes
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying polyester blend keeps feet dry under pressure
- UPF 50+ sun protection shields exposed skin
Availability
All of Pearl Izumi’s new Pi PRO/BLACK apparel is available now. Head to the Pearl Izumi website to learn more or get yourself outfitted for the coming season.
pearlizumi.com
