This spring, Pearl Izumi launched a new Social Purpose to cement their philosophy that business can be a force for good—something we aren’t seeing too much of these days (ahem). Specifically, they are pledging to use their business practices and products to reduce their carbon footprint. So what better way to reduce your own carbon footprint by riding more and in the Pearl Izumi ELITE Pursuit Graphic ($125)?
What I Like
Cool graphics that aren’t over-the-top girly: I cringe at girly-girl patterns on bike jerseys. Believe me when I say that I’ve seen and reviewed boat loads of cringe-worthy patterns. Butterflies and birds to delicate sprigs of flowers and gentle swirls in retchable colors like pink and lavender. The ELITE Pursuit Graphic is definitely not in this class. My sample color/pattern “Glacier Teal Kimono” is a classed-up print of cool concentric dots.
Fits a real human body. It is body-hugging without the feel or look of a sausage in a casing. The ELITE Pursuit Graphic leaves just enough body parts to the imagination. If you want to ride fast, in a jersey that will never create drag, this is it.
Length covers the abdomen when off the bike. My size small is 18.5 inches long down the front and 26 inches in the back. This is the ideal jersey length for me, especially when I compare it to the Pearl Izumi Pro Jersey at 17 inches and the Pearl Izumi Pro Mesh at 18 inches. When I’m in the riding position, my stomach is adequately covered. When I’m off the bike, my stomach is still covered.
Performance. According to Pearl Izumi the ELITE Pursuit Graphic jersey is made from their Speed Sleeve and wind tunnel tested Aero fabric so you can “push your limits to the max”. While I don’t believe this jersey made me ride any faster, it certainly didn’t slow me down or make me feel overheated.
Pockets. Three nice-sized pockets that are all the same size. They’re plenty deep to hold a snack, a tool, iPod Touch and phone.
What Could be Improved
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There is nothing that Pearl Izumi could do to improve this jersey.
Final Thoughts
I had the pleasure of testing three jerseys from Pearl Izumi’s spring 2019 line: The Pearl Izumi Pro Jersey ($150) the Pearl Izumi Pro Mesh ($135) and the Pearl Izumi ELITE Pursuit Graphic ($125). All have their merits, all are fantastic jerseys.
But the Pearl Izumi ELITE Pursuit Graphic is hands-down my favorite for fit. It’s form-fitting without the sausage casing look, the graphics are sweet, it holds its own in moisture control, its length is perfect and it’s even a little easier on the budget.
