Pearl Izumi Pursuit Hybrid Cycling Bib Tight

The latest version of Pearl Izumi's Pursuit Hybrid winter bib tights have had some subtle alterations, and with Mike raving about the previous versions in his review almost two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that, if anything, they've got even better. The added PI Dry technology on the back of the legs prevents you getting soaked from spray, they're super-stretchy and flexible so you can use them on hard training sessions too, and the padding is really comfortable – they're my favourite bib tights!

• Pros: Excellent weatherproofing, comfortable pad and straps, well elasticated at the ankle
• Cons: Not cheap, minimal reflectives, but that's about it

The Pursuit Hybrids are supposed to be optimal for temperatures ranging from -5C to +5°C, although from my test rides I'd say you can definitely get away with using them in temps up to 10°C as long as you don't go too overdressed on top.

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The straps are very soft so caused no irritation at all, and the breathable frontage with mesh material comes up just past the belly button, pretty much the middle of your midriff. It means for deep winter you'll be wanting to layer up on top, but for me that's preferable because I didn't feel too overwhelmed or sweaty in them like I can get in bibs that pretty much come up close to the chest.

Moving down, the backside and legs are lined with a soft fleecy fabric, providing plenty of warmth and excellent breathability. Another thing I noticed in comparison with lower priced bibs is how much stretch the Pearl Izumis offer; usually, for fast training rides I'd stick with shorts and leg warmers for the extra freedom of movement around the knee area, but there's plenty of give in these and it just wasn't an issue.

At the ankles there are no zips or straps, it's simply a strong elasticated cuff – something I wish other brands would take note of. Foot straps are just a bit annoying and do little to hold them in position anyway, I find. The cuffs here are easily stretchy enough to put over socks and a winter boot. With straps and zips you really need to put socks on first which I often forget (I also forget with the Hybrid Pursuits, but you can just roll them up so it's easier).

The pad is really comfortable – sometimes I can get a bit of an outline on my backside and some chafing on long, soggy rides, but experienced nothing of the sort here.

The PI Dry tech added to the back of the legs is a hydrophobic treatment (you can watch me getting splashed to demonstrate how it works, here) and repels water without affecting breathability. When you splash through puddles or get sprayed, the water will just roll off the surface to stop you getting soaked through. It works very well on these tights, and PI Dry also coats each individual fibre so it never loses its effectiveness over time like a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment.

Pearl Izumi's 'BioViz' reflective elements appear on the back of the ankles, which is supposed to provide some extra visibility, but, following confirmation from some friends, they do a very minimal job of helping you to be seen. It ticks a box, but if I was to have one criticism of these tights it's that if you're buying them on the strength of the extra visibility, you might be disappointed. That said, if you have a good set of lights, I don't think it really matters.

Over the test period I've found them to be impressively robust – after a couple of months and 10 or more washes plus time in the dryer, they're pretty much as new, so no complaints here, and I've no doubt they will last years.

In terms of value... yes, they are expensive, but not the most expensive, and I'd consider them a good investment. Both Gore's C7 Windstopper Pro Bibs and Santini's Giove reviewed on the site recently cost more at £179.99 and £170 respectively, and Rapha's Pro Team Winter Tights are a whopping £210. At the lower end, Caratti's Elite Windproof tights are just £65, but our reviewer Stu says the thick windproof panels can restrict movement. I have a pair of Caratti bibs and also some dhb Classic Thermals, and can definitely vouch for some restriction in movement that I just don't get with Pearl Izumi's Hybrids.

You could choose to spend another £20 on the £179.99 Pursuit Hybrid Pro tights, with upgraded softshell panels and a slightly more luxurious chamois, but after a month in these I can't really see why you'd need to pay the extra (although I have no basis for comparison, admittedly).

> Buyer's Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling bib tights and trousers

We've heard on the grapevine that Pearl Izumi's apparel is set for a bit of a colour and design overhaul from spring/summer onwards, but I for one hope the designers don't do anything too radical to these bib tights, because they're probably the best I've ever worn.

There are cheaper options, of course, but nothing in my current cycling wardrobe is as good, and personally I think they're well worth the money. I usually ride to work and back four times a week, so have four pairs of bib tights on rotation through the colder months, and I always look forward to my ride a bit more when it's time to get these out.

Verdict

Truly excellent bibs that are warm, water resistant and very comfortable