Pearl Izumi Pro Pursuit Cycling Bib Tight

The Pearl Izumi Pro Pursuit Bib Tights represent excellent performance at a very good price (and, as usual, even better online – but make sure you're buying the right ones, they come with or without a pad). If you are after foul-weather, full-length bibs for going fast in, look no further.

Historically I've had a hit-and-miss affair with Pearl Izumi kit. I nearly wept when my 20-year-old winter gauntlets finally passed on to the Great Glove Bin In The Sky after multiple repairs, yet last summer I reviewed its Elite WxB jacket and came away unimpressed. I recall the standout feature was 'no features to speak of' – and if clothing is going to go minimalist while retaining a premium price tag, it had better deliver the goods, fit- and comfort-wise. Fortunately, with the Pro Pursuit bibs Pearl Izumi has restored my confidence in its ability to offer high performance at a sensible price.

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Keeping it simple, the 'no features to speak of' tagline is again applicable – but this time it works. The Pro Pursuit bibs don't feature ankle zips, carbon weave, a radio pocket, über-reflectivity or a pad that claims to be borderline-sentient to your changing anatomical needs. You put them on and go ride. During which you stay warm, dry-ish and, most importantly, comfortable.

The multiple panels are split between material to keep water out low-down and heat in, while being breathable up top. The level of brushed-fleeciness I found to be just right, never noticing an excess or absence of warmth while bashing about the place in temperatures in the lows-to-zeros. On a couple of occasions I donned the Pro Pursuit bibs for hour-long turbo sessions in a literally freezing garage, and found they melted away into the background, leaving me to focus on just how much fun I wasn't having.

> Buyer's Guide: The best winter cycling bib tights

Opinion will be divided on the merits of zip vs. no zip at the ankle, and it was a feature I thought I'd miss until I realised the total lack of any irritation or need for adjustment under a winter boot and/or heavy overshoe. The ankle fit isn't tight, nor loose – it's just so. There's a silicone grip-strip to keep things in place, and I never felt the need to make lower-leg adjustments.

Moving north, the knee panel is slightly articulated to sit right on the bike, with a more breathable panel at the back of the knee than at the front.

Further up around the waist and lower chest/back the panels retain some fleeciness while aiding breathability through thinness. As someone who runs pretty cold, I found the balance to be just right.

The straps are a laser-cut seam-free single piece, ensuring maximum comfort under multiple layers.

The multi-density 'PRO Pursuit 1:1' pad looks flat, and it's only through close inspection you detect the differing thicknesses. As a lifelong card-carrying disciple of The Church Of No Pad Fits All, I am very pleased to report that from ride one the pad felt like it wasn't there. I never had to move about, adjust anything or feel a need for a change of scenery. This was a set of bibs I wore daily, washing immediately on return from a ride, and popping on the radiator ready for the next day's outing.

With very minimalist silver logo branding on the left buttock and right thigh, these are hardly a commuter-warrior high-vis beacon of invincibility, but the flip side is they should pair nicely with just about any jersey or jacket. And after what must be getting on for 30 washes they look good as new. For the £129.99 RRP they are a pair of bib tights you should be very happy with.

Verdict

For the money it's hard to go past these warm, comfortable and stylish bibs. Highly recommended!