by Brian Mullin
X-Project Shoes
The X Project shoe uses a tuned carbon sole which is rigid while pedaling, and then will flex when hiking or running over technical terrain. The shoes have an EVA foam heel to absorb impact, co-molded rubber tips on TPU lugs for traction and a full-length tapered unidirectional carbon plate for power transfer and hike-ability. This year they have revamped the entire line and changed the colors, upgraded the model 1.0 and 2.0 closure system to a Boa reel system.
The X-Project 1.0 has a seamless second skin upper for comfort and breathability, and a non-stretch web that conforms to your foot and keeps you stabilized for maximum pedal efficiency. The innovative bi-directional closure system uses two micro-adjustable Boa reels and gives a semi-custom fit by gathering equally from both sides for even foot retention. I tested the original X-Project 1.0 almost two years ago at a Pearl Izumi press camp: X-Project Shoes Press Camp
The X-Project 2.0 has a Fully Bonded upper for comfort and breathability, without any hotspots. The bi-directional closure system uses one micro-adjustable Boa reel and gives a semi-custom fit by gathering equally from both sides for even foot retention. For cost savings, the bottom closure is a normal Velcro strap.
The X-Project 1.0 is $320 (Grey and Red), the X-Project 2.0 $240 (Grey and Sulfur), and X-Project 3.0 is $180 (Black), and they come in full and half-sizes from 39-47, and full in 48 and 49. For women, the X-Project 2.0 $240 (Black and White) and X-Project 3.0 is $180 (Black), and they come in full and half-sizes from 36-43. The new shoes should be released in the December time frame.
Apparel
Most of their mountain bike apparel lineup got a major overhaul this year, especially on the women's side of things. They hired a color specialist from Nike to help realign their color schemes. With the women's line they wanted to make serious mountain bike gear, but still wanted to keep things fashionable and fun.
MTB WRX Jacket
The WRX jacket uses a DWR water resistant material and doesn't have any taped seams. It offers great wind and water protection, is lightweight and has abrasion resistant arm guards. It has a full-length internal draft flap with a sealed zipper, an integrated hood that fits over a bike helmet and is compatible with most elbow pads. It retails for $175 and comes in Black and Yellow. I am interested in this rain jacket, since it light, easy to pack, has an over the helmet hood and should be great for inclement weather.
Shorts and Chamois
The Elevate short (Gray one) is their new durable All Mountain shorts, which has a water-resistant DWR treatment, 4-way stretch ripstop fabric for comfort and two zippered hand pockets. It has a longer 15" cut to fit over knee pads and has a tapered cut towards the knees for a better fit with less bagginess. It has a snap front closure with a fly, and the waist adjustment utilizes two internal Velcro straps. It comes in Granite, Green and Black and retails for $100. I am looking forward to the Elevate shorts since the longer fit and style is what I prefer for my technical riding apparel, and the two internal side waist adjusters look ideal.
The Summit (Olive one) is their new trail and x-country shorts, which has a water-resistant DWR treatment, 4-way stretch ripstop fabric and two zippered hand pockets. It has a longer 14" and has a tapered cut towards the knees for a better fit with less bagginess. It has a snap front closure with a fly, and the waist adjustment utilizes two internal Velcro straps. It comes in Olive, Red and Black and retails for $80.
They have new bib short liner that uses a stretchy mesh material and their comfortable Elite 3D chamois. It has a fly, three back pockets, gripper-less leg openings and costs $100. It should make a nice item for their mountain bike shorts, offering more comfort and no chamois droop.
Jerseys
The new Big Air Jersey (Red one) offers long sleeved protection and uses a open mesh transfer material for comfort, breathability and wicking. The All-Mountain jersey has a loose fit, a v-neck collar, longer length sleeves for additional coverage and a small soft material section on the inner to clean sunglasses. It comes in Brown and Black, and retails for $55. I have always been a big fan of long sleeved jerseys, for sun and arm protection (couple of bouts with skin cancer), and I am glad to see Pearl Izumi finally come out with a true long sleeved jersey.
The Launch Jersey (Black one) is a short sleeved jersey meant for aggressive trail riders and it uses a transfer material for comfort, breathability and wicking. The jersey has a relaxed fit, a v-neck collar and a small soft material section on the inner to clean sunglasses. It comes in Red, Black and Yellow, and retails for $60. It also comes in a 3/4 sleeve version for added sun and arm protection, and comes in Red, Black and Yellow, and retails for $65.
Womens Apparel
As I stated earlier, Pearl Izumi wanted to keep their women's apparel a bit more fashionable and aesthetic, and try and get away from the typical baggy look for shorts. They came out with patterns and colors that could be considered more fun, and they would pass my teenage daughters fashion judgement. I like the Journey Short Journey Tank jersey combination shown on the left.
Shorts
The Journey Short (Blue ones) has a runner short styling and design, and have a 6" inseam length and an elastic waistband. It comes with their MTB 3D chamois liner, a snap front closure with zip fly and mesh panels for ventilation. It has a rear stash pocket, comes in Black, Pink and Blue and retails for $75.
The Launch Capri (Black ones) has a loose-fit, utilizes stretch fabric for comfort, has a shank button-front closure with zip fly and a waist adjustment and has two zippered hand pockets. It comes in Black and retails for $75.
Jerseys
The Journey Tank top jersey (Red one) utilizes a transfer dry fabric which pulls sweat away from your skin and offers comfort and breathability. It has a built-in lightly lined shelf bra that gives support and coverage, an optical wipe cloth and a zippered hip pocket. It comes in Gray, Red, and black and retails for $60.
The Launch 3/4 sleeve jersey (Green one) utilizes a transfer dry fabric which pulls sweat away from your skin and offers comfort and breathability. It has a v-neck collar design, cool sublimated graphics, and has an optical wipe cloth and 3/4 length sleeves for additional coverage. It comes in Blue, Red and White and retails for $60. It also comes in a short sleeved version for $55.
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