Pearl Izumi Attack AMFIB Lite Jacket

This piece was perfectly created for cold, crisp, winter riding days. The kind of days you look at the thermometer and aren’t totally convinced you want to ride in the first place, so you need a great jacket to inspire you with confidence to get out. The kind of day that might warm up with a little sun-- so Pearl thoughtfully has provided ample pocket room to stash layers and accessories with pockets sewn low enough you don’t have to be a contortionist to reach into them. It might also be the kind of day that unpredictably can catch you in a quick shower-- but no worries, it’s DWR is water shedding. The high collar keeps the cold breezes out of your chest while the front pocket keeps your phone within quick reach to check that radar or take a quick snap of your epic day. Any which way you slice it, the Attack AmFIB Lite is created to keep you adventuring long into the winter so you don’t have to give up two wheels when the weather turns (though if you do, it also makes an excellent cross-country skiing jacket).

7mesh Colorado Arm Warmers

I was intrigued by these when I saw them on the website, knowing they’re made of the same material as the Hollyburn tights I seem to be grabbing daily-- for rides, commutes, hikes, runs and more. The material is slightly (barely) thicker than last-years model, but still thinner than most winter weight warmers which I think works for their ability to wick but keep me warm. And living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m never one to argue with a nice touch of water resistance in the material! One of the issues I have with most arm warmers is that as someone with long limbs, it’s rare to find warmers that reach all the way to my gloves-- leaving my wrists exposed. With 7 Mesh’s new customizable, trimmable cuff, you can make them shorter-- but I’ll enjoy an arm warmer that finally covers my wrists! The top of the warmer features lines of silicon to hold them up. When I’m putting them on they tend to want to roll down my (admittedly) large biceps, but once I smooth them out they stay nicely in place without falling down once I start moving. I truly have size “L” arms and they fit perfectly, so if you have smaller arms or have had trouble with arm warmers staying up, you might want to size down.

7mesh Sight Neck Cover

When the cold weather hits I’ve found that keeping my core warm is the key to keeping my hands, feet and extremities toasty without building up too much sweat. The Site neck cover does wonders for those chilly winds that want to creep down the front of your jersey. It’s actually a perfect weight for the damp, Portland, Oregon winters-- just right to keep the cold (around 40- 55 degrees most days around here) out but light and wicking so that when the perspiration builds on long climbs, I wasn’t getting soaked from having too thick of a layer. I also found myself reaching for it as a fashionable buff apri-rides or when I was a little chilly around the house-- and I’m looking forward to when the mountains finally have a little snow to test it out as a nice addition to my cross-country ski gear. Anyone familiar with my reviews knows I am a sweater and often struggle to find that right balance between warmth and getting soaked. Most of my neck gaiters seem perfect but are a bit too warm or worse yet, too snug to fit easily over my head. This light-weight, wicking piece has the right balance and an excellent fit. Bravo, 7 Mesh!

7mesh Glidepath Pants

These were the pants I didn’t know I needed until I had them. As advertised, they are light and stylish, perfect for on the trail, to throw on after a ride or as a versatile piece for bikepacking, these pants fit many bills. The front pockets read like joggers, while the side-angled rear pockets are perfect to stash a phone for quick access for photo memories. The waistband is perfectly adjustable, and the 4-way stretch makes playing on the bike more fun-- whether you’re acing that climb or working your favorite rock garden. The best compliment I can give these pants is that they’re so comfortable, you don’t notice them at all when you’re concentrating on the trail-- and that’s the way great riding clothing should be.

Gore R5 Women GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Insulated Jacket

I fell for this jacket as soon as it arrived. Gore has done an unbelievable job at creating a feather-weight jacket that is somehow, ALSO insulated and extra cozy soft. This is the kind of piece that actually makes you look forward to foggy mornings and early sunsets-- at least in the white/neon combo I’m wearing. I feel safer being easily seen on my runs with the color scheme that makes me hyper-visible without having to be screamingly full-fluorescent. As for the shell and insulation, this is the perfect piece for those colder late-fall days when the breeze seems chillier than the ambient air. I don’t just reserve this for my runs, either. It’s so lightweight it’s a go-to for an extra layer on fall hikes or bike commutes. Gore has struck a little bit of gold you might find behind one of those fall rainbows with the R5 Infinum Insulated Jacket, and I’m so happy to call one my own.

7mesh Hollyburn tights

You can check out my Hollyburn review from last season. I loved them so much they were a go-to piece all winter, but I was excited to try out these newly designed for 2021 editions since I was so in love with the earlier version. I wasn’t sure how they could improve them-- but 7mesh once again delivers. They have the same great features as last season (water-resistant, ultra-soft material, nice reflective areas) but with improvements! The waistband is (ever so slightly) larger so that for those of us with a bit more curves they fit more comfortably in the waist and hips. To ward off the dreaded droopy crotch that could come with larger sizing, they’ve added some nice, subtle silicone grippers near the pelvis that help them stay put. The 2021 material is barely thicker than last years, so they still remain as packable as ever. Another great addition is the trimmable hem. This ingenious solution solves the problem for those like myself with long legs struggling to keep our ankles covered, while giving those with a shorter inseam options to customize the fit to their anatomy. Simply brilliant! I didn’t think I could be more in love, yet here I am.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Gore Shakedry Race Jacket

When certain products are introduced you just know they’re going to improve your bike life. What else can you say about Shakedry? It makes for an insanely light jacket that is impervious to rain. The Race Jacket takes steps to correcting the one flaw of shakedry, namely that it’s inflexible. The Race Jacket has strategically placed flex panels with a cool honeycomb pattern. I’m not sure what that material is, but you would expect it to soak out and it doesn’t. They do claim that shakedry is breathable. It’s so hard to debate that claim. I do feel that the jacket allows some air through. The bottom line with any jacket is that if it’s warm enough and you’re working hard enough, you will cause condensation on the inside of the jacket. Gore finally got their sizing true, so now a medium fits like a medium and not a small. I very much appreciate that. So now, yes, the Shakedry Race is my favorite rain cape as they say. It packs down small enough to fit in a jersey pocket and the peace of mind it brings on mixed or rainy days is worth the price of admission. I love this jacket. If you live in the PNW and you don’t already have a shakedry jacket in your closet, do yourself a favor and pick one up.

7mesh Sight Shirt

I know there are a couple of readers that keep coming back to these guides. I mean how many independent review sites are there that test so much quality gear? Few, I think. OK, benedicto plug finished. Those that frequent these pages know I’m a big fan of light long sleeve tops for mountain biking. Truth be told, I’ll wear them hiking or as a base layer for XC skiing as well. This top has the same meticulous patterning that I’ve come to expect from 7mesh. That just means that it drapes well and fits like it should when I’m sweating up a 15 percent climb in the Gifford Pinchot. I like the protection when I’m riding overgrown trails and I prefer a long sleeve top to wearing sun sleeves. Yes, I’ve been known to wear those too. The fit is loose without being too DH bro baggy. As with all synthetic tops, it starts to stink after a wearing or two, so this may not be my first pick for a multi day trip, but for day rides, it’s hard to beat the Sight Shirt. Comfy and wicking.

Pearl Izumi Launch Trail Pant

I was excited to check out Pearl’s take on the beloved trail paint. Every Enduro/DH clothing makes a trail paint, usually plastered with logos, though. I like that I can wear these commuting if I want. They end up looking like a tech jogger pant, keeping my cuffs out of my drivetrain. I like the fit. I haven’t tried to wear pads under them. I think they would just fit. It may make them more snug than I’d like, but I think they’d go. The fabric is comfortable - a bit of stretch without feeling silly. The velcro closures at the waist do their job without getting in the way. I’ve tried past versions of Pearl’s winter stretchy biking pants, and I think this may be my favorite. They hit that tech streetwear look without looking too paneled or over thought. I think Pearl Izumi will do quite well with these, and I’ll keep reaching for them on damp mountain bike days. I might even hike in them. Don’t tell anyone I’m wearing bike pants. Aw heck…seize the day. I don’t care. They shed a good amount of precipitation and muck. They’re not fully waterproof, but we didn’t expect them to be. Get the Launch Trail Pant while you can. These will go quickly.

Pearl Izumi Summit Pro Barrier Jacket

This is a bit of an odd piece. I don’t say that to knock it, since it’s a piece I’ve grabbed more than most this season. It’s billed as a lightweight, pocketable, stretchy breathable top for mountain biking. I think it is all those things. I like the understated colors and street styling. I like the bit of stretch. It’s a bit like a more functional windbreaker. The loose wrist cuffs and the material seem to allow a bit more air in without cooling you down too much. It does seem to regulate temperature better than most. It claims to be water resistant, though I’ve only tested in light spitting showers. I think bikepackers might like this piece, since it’s so comfortable and it would work to keep sun and critters away, just taking the edge off the elements. I think the strength of this piece is in it’s comfort, simple good looks, and it’s trim fit. Oh! And it has a two way zipper. Nice one, Pearl!

Gore R5 Infinium Insulated Jacket

I got really excited when I first saw this jacket. Tori got one of these before I did, and I got jealous. This isn’t my first insulated synthetic mid layer, but what this jacket promises is a refinement. For one, it’s slimmer. It’s intended to be for trail runners and it surely works for that, though I think the temperature rating will be better for mid winter running, since we build up some much heat when running. Personally, I’m imagining this to be a great top for bikepacking. I think I’ll grab it for cool starts and chilly evenings. It layers well with slimmer cycling outerwear and it breathes well. I don’t know if it’s the magic most breathable infinium piece that I imagined it might be. I have overheated in it commuting, but that’s my fault for attacking windmills on gusty days. I just can’t help it. I feel like if I don’t pedal my heart out, the wind will defeat me. We can’t have that. The fit is lovely, with comfortable stretch panels at the wrist and back of the waist. I like the statement colors, though I did just notice an all black version for the fashion conscious ladies. If you’re looking for a trimmed down Polartec Alpha jacket that disappears on the body this one is worth a look. I’m confident that I’ll keep grabbing it for quick runs or jetting around town.

Gore C5 Thermo Bib Tights

I hate to compare clothing to bike components, but the C5 Thermo Bib Tights are like the Deore or maybe XT level bib tights. They fit well - not extremely compressive at all, which is a pleasant change of pace sometimes. I accidentally wore them on a fall day in the 50s - you know when youy leave the house and you feel perfect, which means ten minutes later when you’re warmed up, you regret that you overdressed. I did that, but then the wind started blowing and I rode into some shady spots and the C5 Thermo Bib Tights were just right. I’ve since worn them on colder days too and they’re always just right. They seem to disappear and just offer comfort on the bike. I’ve heard criticism that the chamois could be denser, but honestly I reduce my saddle time in the winter, so that’s no really a gripe for me. But I could see how some would think that. I love thoughts like the Windstopper cup. That’s the kind of thing I have come to expect from Gore. Thoughtful use of materials and placement within the garment. I also appreciate the hit of high vis yellow on these. It’s not huge, and it does match up with my high vis overshoes. To summarize, these are simply low fuss bib tights that just work in a wide range of weather and go out of their way to keep your temperature regulated. Recommended.

Gore C5 Thermo Jersey

Since this is the companion jersey to the C5 bib tights, it’s only fitting that the jersey fits well, slim without being overly compressive. Gore calls it “aero fit” which I would agree with. The collar comes up nice and tall up to your chin without choking. The thermal material in the core is a bit heavier that the material used in the sides and the lower arms. I like the grey colorway with the red/orange strip up the front. I think it looks smart. My only small niggle is as a semi retired graphic designer, the techy grid dots feel like an attempt at feeling high tech. Personally I’d skip those, but I realize they’re going for a considered detailing and it does accomplish that. For fall and early winter I’ve been surprised how many times I’ve reached for this jersey. When I got it in late summer, it seemed so heavy. Now it seems perfect. I like this jersey a lot. If you need a new go-to jersey for winter, the C5 Thermo Jersey is well worth your attention.

7mesh Colorado Leg Warmer

I probably got more excited about 7mesh introducing arm and leg warmers than I should. I feel like leg and arm warmers are this overlooked essential piece of cycling kit. In the past, I liked Rapha’s merino arm and leg warmers before they got holes in them. I feel like the Colorado Leg Warmers are a good companion to 7mesh’s sophisticated bib shorts, which feature lovely sleek material and raw finished edges. You’ll notice four different colored stitch lines on the end of both their arm and leg warmers. Those are there for your cutting reference. They’re trimmable, so in theory you pick your length and cut away. Personally I have long legs, so I appreciate the extra length, so I haven’t bothered to cut them. I like ‘em how they are. If you’ve ever suffered from the dreaded sausage legs, from overly constrictive leg warmer grippers, digging into your soft flesh you’ll appreciate what 7mesh has given us with the Colorado leg warmer. See, they just space out small vertical grippers that give the edge a bit of a spider web feel at the edge as they grip and space. It’s just enough grip to stay up, and saves you the shame of sausage legs. That in itself is enough to warrant a purchase. Finally, they move and breathe well. They strike a great balance between being warm and thermal without making you overheat. I’d say they’re a perfect weight for a PNW winter - think cool, not cold days in the mid 40s and low 50’s. Thank you 7mesh. These are my new favorite warmers!