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.

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Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack

The Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable backpack is weather-resistant, reflective and has a waterproof laptop pocket in the back panel. As with just about all Timbuk2 packs, organization is outstanding. Catering to the serious commute, Timbuk2 added a deep pocket to securely hold a 24-ounce GSI Outdoors 720 Flip vacuum bottle full of coffee—a must for any serious bike commuter. There are two reasons we like this pack. The first is its expandability. Most days it’s not needed but a few instances our writer Janet was certainly glad to have the option. The second is Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty. I’ve cashed in on this lifetime warrant once with a seam coming apart on an early-model Copilot luggage roller and they replaced it. Full review coming. Timbuk2.com | $189

North Street Morrison Pannier

I’ve been using the North Street Morrison Pannier since 2016 and the love lives on. It’s a durable, waterproof pannier that is made in the U.S. The mounting system consists of two simple, non-locking, durable metal hooks that hang from the top of the bike rack and lower metal hook. You will love the versatility of the stashable backpack shoulder straps that fit conveniently into their own pocket when not in use. And the pizza resistance on why it’s still carrying my work stuff and groceries after three years? It’s made from military-grade 1,000 Denier waterproof Cordura nylon. North Street, which is celebrating its 10th birthday in October, is a Portland, OR-based company of eight employees who do all of their own design, cutting, sewing and fulfillment in-house and deliver bags all over the world. northstbags.com | $200

Fenix BC21R Bike Light

With its bright, broad beam of 880 lumens, the Fenix BC21R offers five brightness modes of Turbo (880 lumens), High (380 lumens), Medium (200 lumens), Low (100 lumens) and Flash (alternating 380 lumens and 100 lumens). What I love so much about this light is a power-saving feature called Intelligent Output Downshift that automatically shifts the light down to a lower setting. For enhanced safety on urban streets or trails, the Fenix BC21R is equipped with red sidelights that provide 180 degrees of visibility.  fenix.com | $75

RydeSafe Reflective Decals

The fall “shoulder season” is marketed as the best time to bike to work because the mornings are cool with non-existent humidity and the rides home are along bike paths lined with trees in a variety of changing colors. But to me, it’s more like the season of red targets on the backs of cyclists. An investment of $30 worth of stickers artfully placed (or in my case, plastered) on your bike will transform you into a two-wheel freak show. When car lights hit it, your bike illuminates like a Tron bike and can be seen from the space station. What motorist isn’t going to take notice? rydesafe.com

SockGuy Socks

Cyclist love socks with unique and fun designs and SockGuy has always delivered on that—while making them in the U.S. Cats and wine are among the things in this world that I cannot live without. Imagine my glee when I saw SockGuy had my best interests in mind! Cats and wine! First, there’s Peace, Love, Wine that are outstanding cycling socks on hot and humid days because they’re “meshy” and allow good breathability. Same with the Bad Kitty socks, which are my favorite. And now, with the weather getting cooler, I’m loving the Catz socks. They’re definitely good for dayhikes but they’re amazing for commuting in cooler weather because they’re made with 75 percent wool. Wool, as you know, is strong, comfortable, warm on cold days, cool on warm days. It keeps your feet warm when wet and they’re odor resistant.  sockguy.com | $10.95 – $14.95

Velocio Recon Micromodal Jersey

This unassuming Velocio Women’s Recon Micromodal Jersey is perfect for all disciplines of cycling but we love it best for commuting because of its sheer casual presence. The soft material is derived from beech trees and a carbon thread knit into the fabric adds anti-microbial properties. This means it won’t hold onto funky body odor so you can wear it for several days before the buzzards start to circle. Although the jersey is slimming and form fitting, it doesn’t grab or drawing attention at “trouble” spots when hitting your local tap room on your Friday commute home. Velocio | $139

Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey

Full review coming soon the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey but so far, I have found only positive accolades. Everything about this jersey screams comfort, warmth and softness. You know I love back pockets and this jersey has them and they are supremely easy to reach when riding. Not only is it breathable, it’s pretty wind-resistant. It also has a semi-relaxed fit so you can wear a baselayer under it for extra warmth. Pearl Izumi has partnered with  The Woolmark Company to create a line of cycling apparel and accessories featuring Merino wool. A great baselayer to go with the Symphony Thermal Jersey is the Merino LS baselayer. Merino wool is a natural fiber and you can literally wear it for a week before it needs to be washed. Full review coming. Pearlizumi.com | $140

Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel Gloves 

When our staff writer reviewed the  Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel gloves he thought he had landed on the perfect glove for mountain biking. He did, but since the review he’s been wearing them for all riding, including commuting and urban riding because of their comfort and fit. The grippy no-slip suede palms, lack of unnecessary padding, and the touchscreen compatibility make these a pair of gloves any commuter will appreciate. lizardskins.com | $35

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