The Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey ($140) is designed with the cold-weather rider in mind. But its warmth and versatility means it transcends cycling to a a variety of high-exertion outdoor activities.
What I Loved
Multipurpose Style and Use
It’s a given that if a piece of apparel has the Pearl Izumi logo on it it’s geared for cycling. The Symphony Thermal Jersey most definitely is but it’s hardly limited to just cycling. And with a price tag of $140, it could be hard to justify the purchase if it’s specific to one activity. In the month that it’s been cold enough for me wear it, I’ve also used it for trail running. Although the snow hasn’t fallen yet, I can’t see any reason why I couldn’t use it for cross-country skiing.
Fit and Size
The Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey is semi-fitted, meaning I had no problem wearing a short-sleeved or long-sleeved wool baselayer underneath. I wear a size small in tops and my size small sample seemed to be the right fit. I especially liked that it offers enough room in the shoulders so that I don’t feel constricted when I use it for running. For cycling, the sleeves are nice and long and fully cover my wrists when I’m in the aggressive riding position. They’re also ever-so-slightly flared at the wrists to accommodate cycling or running gloves.
Semi-fitted Cut Allows for a Baselayer
So far the coldest temperature I’ve ridden in the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey is 31 degrees. I experimented with three separate wool baselayers to achieve that optimal balance between comfort and overheating: which is a blend of 57 percent merino wool and 43 percent nylon, a Kora Shola yak wool baselayer and a short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer. My personal preference in temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees was the Pearl Izumi’s Pro Merino Thermal Jersey. The Kora Shola was way too warm, although its sweet spot is much colder temperatures. The short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer worked well in keeping my core warm and moisture managed but my arms were cold.
Warm
On its own I found it warm down to the low-forties regardless if I was cycling or running. The higher collar and long sleeves with angled, glove-friendly cuffs certainly contribute to keeping out drafts.
What I didn’t Like
Nothing. There is no reason not to buy this jersey for fall and winter outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
Soft, breathable, warm, great for layering. Styled to wear on or off the bike. Fitted enough not to prevent bulky but also allow for a wool baselayer when it gets really cold. The Symphony Thermal Jersey is yet another win from Pearl Izumi.
