Beat the Heat: A Review of the Pearl Izumi PRO Mesh Jersey & Air Bib Shorts
Tired of overheating on summer rides? My in-depth review of the Pearl Izumi PRO Mesh Jersey and Air Bib Shorts covers the fit, tech, and on-road performance of this elite cycling kit.
For any serious cyclist, riding in extreme heat presents a genuine challenge. It's not just about comfort; it’s about performance. When the sun is scorching and the asphalt is radiating warmth, your gear can be the deciding factor between a personal best and bonking before you’ve even hit your stride. Kit that can handle the most demanding summer conditions is worth its weight in gold and Pearl Izumi has some winners in their Men's PRO Mesh Jersey and Men's PRO Air Bib Shorts.
After putting this kit through its paces on long rides in temperatures pushing 90°F and over 100°F on pavement, I can confidently say it has transformed my warm-weather riding experience.
The Upper Hand: Pearl Izumi Men's PRO Mesh Jersey
The first thing you notice about the PRO Mesh Jersey is how incredibly light it is. The primary material, a PRO Transfer Mesh fabric, is exactly what it sounds like—an open, highly breathable weave designed for one thing: airflow.
Fit and Feel
This jersey has a compressive "race fit," meaning it sits close to the skin to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. However, it never feels restrictive. The fabric has enough elastane to move with you, whether you’re down in the drops or out of the saddle on a climb. The details are what you’d expect from a pro-level garment: the sleeves are slightly elongated for a modern, streamlined silhouette, and the low-rise collar prevents any bunching or discomfort when you're zipped up.
One of my personal pet peeves with lesser jerseys is the rear gripper riding up when I move around on the bike. The silicone gripper on the PRO Mesh Jersey stays locked in place, a small but crucial detail for comfort.
Performance in the Heat
This is where the jersey truly excels. Its breathability is second to none. On long, punishing climbs, I could feel the air moving through the fabric, pulling moisture away and preventing that sticky, clammy feeling. It’s enhanced with sweat-activated In-R-Cool® technology, a feature that genuinely seems to improve the body's ability to regulate its temperature. The harder I worked, the more effective the cooling felt.
For practicality, it includes three standard rear pockets and a fourth zippered pocket, which is perfect for stashing keys or a credit card securely.
It's worth noting that the mesh fabric, while brilliant for cooling, is inherently delicate. Care should be taken to avoid snagging it. Also, the UPF rating is low (0-10), so applying sunscreen underneath is non-negotiable for sun protection.
The Foundation of Comfort: Men’s PRO Air Bib Shorts
If a jersey is for cooling, bib shorts are the foundation of endurance. Contact point comfort is paramount, and "bum health," as some riders call it, is critical for long days in the saddle. The PRO Air Bib Shorts are, without exaggeration, completely out of mind even during long rides, which is a huge compliment.
A True Second Skin
The feeling can only be described as a "second skin." Pearl Izumi uses a feather-light PRO Transfer stretch weave fabric that offers significant compression to support your muscles without feeling heavy or hot. The most revolutionary feature is the construction. The seams are welded and bonded rather than stitched, and the bib straps are laser-cut. This completely eliminates chafing. After a 100-mile ride with temps in the 90s, I had no irritation whatsoever—something I can't say for many other bibs.
The PRO Levitate Chamois
The heart of any great bib short is the chamois, and the triple-density PRO Levitate chamois in these shorts is a masterpiece. It provides multi-density support right where you need it, contouring perfectly to the body and reducing pressure on the sit bones. On an 85-mile ride followed by a 104-mile ride the next day, the chamois provided consistent comfort without any issues.
The fabric is also treated with In-R-Cool® IR technology, which actively reflects infrared rays from the sun, providing an additional layer of cooling performance that you can feel.
The Verdict: An Investment in Performance
When paired together, the PRO Mesh Jersey and PRO Air Bib Shorts create a synergistic system that excels in the most brutal heat. The aerodynamic fit is seamless, and the coordinated cooling technologies keep your body operating at its peak potential.
While the price point for this kit is undeniably in the premium category, it’s an investment that pays dividends in comfort and performance. After experiencing the difference on long, hot rides, I would not hesitate to pay full price. For cyclists who push their limits in the heat and demand the absolute best from their equipment, this Pearl Izumi PRO kit is, in my opinion, the new gold standard.
PEARL iZUMi
PEARL iZUMi
