How to Transition Your Cycling Apparel for Fall

Arm Warmers

When the fall season arrives, the weather can swing between frigid mornings and balmy afternoons. By having the right cycling apparel, you can stay comfortable as the mercury drops… or rises. Here are some tips for updating your cycling gear for fall:

Layer up. The last thing you slip on before you head out for a ride should be the first thing you want to take off when the temperature rises.

Diversify your cycling apparel. Essentials to keep in your cycling wardrobe include a short-sleeved jersey, sweat-wicking technical clothes, a thermal undershirt, a thermal skull cap, a cycling vest paired with arm warmers, gloves, covers for your cycling shoes and ¾-length cycling pants or tights. Keep in mind that if the temperature outside is 50 degrees or less, you’ll want to cover your knees. If the cycling pants aren’t padded, which is common, wear them over cycling shorts that are.

Go for breathable clothing. While you want to stay warm and toasty, you don’t want your cycling gear to trap moisture when you sweat. Trapped sweat can cause you to overheat, chafe or, if you’re in below-freezing temperatures, develop hypothermia. There are different types of sweat-wicking materials on the market, so you might need to experiment to find the ideal combination for the varying fall weather conditions.

Don’t neglect your feet, hands and head. Helmets alone aren’t generally warm enough when the temperatures fall. The thermal skull caps created for cyclists are thin enough to comfortably fit under a helmet or in a back pocket. Protect your hands with gloves made of wool or a sweat-wicking material. If it’s rainy outside, or if the wind is particularly fierce, wear waterproof gloves over the thinner pair. The same idea applies to your feet: Use comfortable wool socks, and add a bootie over your cycling shoes when it rains or gets cold.

Don’t cut your rides short this fall because you aren’t prepared for the weather. With the right combination of cycling apparel, you’ll enjoy long rides regardless of the conditions.

What sets BicyclingHub.com apart from the competition?

Few are as passionate about cycling as we are. At BicyclingHub.com, our goals are to get more people on bikes more often and make cycling a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

We do this by:

Eric Solberg from Castelli USA briefing staff the difference
between Castelli's KISS 3 and Progetto X2 chamois.

Providing customers with extensive product knowledge.  Each season BicyclingHub.com staff meet with product representatives from major cycling clothing manufacturers, including Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Showers Pass and Sheila Moon, to learn about new technology and features and built into the products. This hands-on training (and subsequent extensive testing) ensures we are able to offer extensive details and comparisons between products to our customers and retain our credentials as experts on cycling clothing.

Sharing our trustworthy expertise. All of our customer service representatives ride in the products we sell and are happy to provide customers honest product reviews, top Staff Picks, and and offer recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Offering exceptional customer service through friendly, fun and reliable attention. Whether you're a dedicated urban commuter, a multi-day bike tour enthusiast, or preparing for your next big race, BicyclingHub.com constantly applies itself to making certain we deliver the same outstanding customer service and prompt delivery that ensures we stand apart from our competitors. We want your ride to be as enjoyable as possible, and we work hard every day to keep you rolling in style.

Regular Blog articles and Facebook updates that keep you in the loop. Wish you had a friend in the bike industry for the latest updates? Now you do! BicyclingHub.com provides our customers not only with access to a large online catalog but also a vibrant Facebook community (over 9,5200 members and growing strong), on-the-go Twitter updates for Daily Deals and exclusive sales, and an active Blog to keep our readers informed on the latest cycling-related news, videos, fun trivia contests and more.

Videos. Sometimes seeing is believing. BicyclingHub.com is staying at the forefront of the cycling apparel market by taking two-dimensional pictures and text and bringing our customers a 3-dimensional experience. Be it specific product features of the Showers Pass VelEau 42 Hydration System, an introduction to who you're choosing when you choose BicyclingHub.com, or the newest cycling jerseys coming out of the Castelli catalog, stay tuned to BicyclingHub.com's YouTube channel.

A Passion for Cycling: Behind-the-Scenes Look with Filmmakers from PDXK Productions

Doug Duguay, owner of BicyclingHub.com, states: "I guarantee that no Internet retailer of cycling clothing knows the product as in depth as we do. For us, training and product knowledge is a priority."

Tips for Cyclists on Reducing Risk to Skin Cancer

Guest Blog article by Stephen Dupont, Pocket Hercules

MINNEAPOLIS (July 2011) -- You wear a helmet to protect your head. You wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and dirt. You ride defensively to avoid careless drivers, kids, and dogs.

But more often than not, you, like many who enjoy bicycling, forget to put on your sunblock before you hit the roads and trails.

If you love cycling and want to enjoy it well into your senior years then protect yourself from the sun. That’s the advice for America’s 57 million bicyclists from a leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has treated thousands of patients over the course of his 15-year career for skin cancer and melanoma.

As the days grow longer and warmer, and the sun intensifies in it’s strength, cyclists need to take precautions against the sun’s harmful rays, says Dr. Sam Economou, who leads Plastic Surgery Consultants Ltd., a practice located in Edina, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis.

The reason is simple: skin cancer is on the rise. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year. In addition, about 68,000 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, are diagnosed yearly. While more people are detecting cancer earlier, increasing their chances of survival, cancer rates are actually rising, especially among young people who use tanning booths and those who do not use sunblock when working and playing outside.

Cycling is about spending time outdoors. And more often than not, most cyclists enjoy riding their bikes when the weather is nice and sunny. That puts many of America’s 57 million cyclists at risk for skin cancer, says Dr. Economou. The more time you spend outdoors cycling, the greater risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation and sunburns.

People who bicycle a lot have several strikes against them when it comes to skin cancer, notes Dr. Economou. Because many cyclists ride near their homes, they think they’re not at risk if they don’t put on sunblock -- even for a short ride. The problem is that cyclists tend to expose more skin than other athletes because of the clothes they wear (shorts and short-sleeve shirts). In addition, many cyclists may not realize that water, sand, and asphalt streets reflect dangerous UV rays.

To help cyclists lower their risk of developing skin cancer, Dr. Economou offers these tips:

Apply sunblock. Always apply sunblock lotion at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, before you start to perspire, to allow the sunblock to be absorbed into your skin. If you think you may remove some cycling clothes during your ride, consider applying sunblock before you get into your cycling clothes. Even if you’re riding at 6 a.m., apply sunblock and reapply it after every two hours you’re outside. Use a sunblock with a SPF rating of at least 30 an arms, legs, face and neck and a water-resistant SPF of 50+ on your nose and the top of your ears. Make sure that your sunblock is effective against both UVA and UVB rays.

Wear a hat. The most susceptible place on your body for skin cancer is your head -- the top of your head, your face, nose and ears. Believe Dr. Economou, reconstructive surgery on the nose and ears is challenging. Cyclists should wear a thin cycling cap underneath their helmets to prevent from being sunburned on the top of their head. Always apply sunscreen to the face, especially the nose and ears, and to the back of the neck.

Polarized UV-blocking sunglasses. Cyclists should always wear sunglasses to protect their retinas from harmful UV rays, as well as dust particles on a windy day. Sunglasses that wrap around your face offer the best protection. Polarized lenses help cut the glare (from nearby water, sand, asphalt and snow) to help you see better during your ride. A really good pair of polarized sunglasses is one piece of equipment in which every rider should invest. They’re just as important as buying a bike.

Wear cycling gloves. Wear gloves specifically designed for cycling. Padded gloves not only make riding more comfortable, they’re essential to preventing nasty scrapes in the event of a fall. Gloves also are helpful in protecting the tops of your hands from sunburn, which is one of the most exposed parts of your body during a ride. Don’t forget to apply sunblock to your hands before putting on your gloves.

Wear protective clothing. If you have a high risk or history of skin cancer in your family you should look into protective clothing. Even on the hottest days, wear lightweight long-sleeve shirts, caps, socks and shorts. Equip yourself with cycling jerseys and shorts that are specially made to block the sun and wick away moisture to keep you cool while out on the road or trail -- apparel that offers a UPF rating of at least 30+, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Remember, UV rays are present even on cloudy days.

Cycling jerseys, such as the Pearl Izumi Annata White Elite Limited Cycling Jersey pictured here, feature Pearl Izumi's famous moisture-wicking polyester fabric, UPF 40+ protection from the sun's harmful rays, and a form flattering fit. This bold new design also offers Direct-Vent size panels to enhance syle, performance and comfort.

Move your cycling time. Here’s another excuse for getting yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn. It may be more pleasant to wait until the day has warmed up and the sun is shining, but that’s when the sun is at its strongest, and cruelest, in terms of skin cancer. And don’t fool yourself on cloudy or partly cloudy days. Harmful UVA and UVB rays still get through clouds. Instead, shift your riding time to early morning or early evening to avoid the affects of the sun. Just don’t forget to wear highly visible clothing (screaming yellow, orange or lime green) to make sure automobile drivers and other cyclers see you.

Avoid sunburns. Repeated sunburns over time can cause significant damage to your skin. Severe sunburns as a child are a leading risk factor in developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns happen though, despite our best intentions. If you do get a severe sunburn, stay hydrated, treat the sunburned area with an aloe-based lotion, take cool showers, and if you’re experiencing headaches, take a pain reliever.

	KEVIN SAYS: Give the Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves a try! Having the fair-skinned complexion that comes as standard with red hair, I have to watch myself in the sun lest I should become lobster-man! I tried the Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves out and found them to be great and much more convenient than applying and re-applying lotion. I guess there is less chance of 'missing a bit' also, and ending up with red patches that might have escaped the lotion. Any concerns about putting on what seem like armwarmers for a hot summer's day soon went away once I started out. These actually did feel cool to ride in and I had no problem leaving them on for my entire ride. I would recommend these highly for anyone looking for sun protection - which I guess should be everyone, right? Be safe out there! We finally got some good weather in Portland and the mercury was up there in the 90's - well that's hot for us ! Thing is - the hotter it got, the cooler these, and my arms, felt. To add to this - the last couple of days have started out chilly and these did the trick keeping the goosebumps away in the morning. Later on when the sun blazed throught the cloud cover I did not need to take them off and/or apply sunscreen. I am loving my sun sleeves!

Stay hydrated. To maintain healthy skin, don’t forget to stay hydrated while cycling by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic beverages before and during a ride. When your skin dries out or is not hydrated properly, it’s more susceptible to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Water remains the best liquid to drink while exercising. Sports drinks add empty calories.

Conduct skin cancer self-examinations. If you have a fair complexion, multiple freckles and moles, and experienced severe sunburns as a child, you have some of the leading risk factors for skin cancer. Take this seriously, especially if you spend a fair amount of time outside cycling. At least once a month, before you get into or just out of the shower, look at your
skin. Look at moles and freckles to see if you notice any changes in their shape, size, color or asymmetry. Make an appointment once a year with your doctor or a dermatologist to look at your skin as part of an annual exam. Especially watch moles and freckles on high-risk areas of your body, the face, nose, ears, the back of your hands and your calves.

All the Retro, None of the Grouch: New Retro Image Apparel Has Arrived!

Everything Vintage is New Again!

If you're happy and you know it, ride your bike! The (mostly) smiling staff of BicyclingHub.com modeling the new men's and women's Smile Jerseys from Retro Image Apparel.

I can't tell you how pleased we are to have all your iconic favorites back in stock. With a new manufacturer for 2011, these Retro Image Apparel jerseys offer an improved fit, brighter sublimated graphics and a softer, rapid-wicking fabric.

As soon as the boxes landed in our (outstretched) arms, BicyclingHub.com staff tried on some new Retro Image Apparel jerseys vs. the old ones for comparison. Immediately noticeable was the difference in the quality of the fabric itself: possessing a softly brushed interior with an almost silky feel directly against the skin, this new Euro fabric also provides slightly more stretch than previous years and lays flatter against the torso, eliminating the awkward "bunching" effect in the stomach region.

Retro Image Apparel's new fabric also promises to be far more breathable, rapidly wicking away sweat from the body and transferring it to the surface for quick evaporation. Mesh sides with pinhole air vents pair fashion with function, and s mall details such as the double-stitching and lined backing on the zippers were also improved--and much appreciated.

A note on sizing: while not exactly the same extra snug racer cut of years prior, Retro Image Apparel Women's Jerseys still offer a tapered cut for a sleek and stylish look. At 5' 7" and medium build, I fit into the Retro Image Apparel Women's Medium, but found the sleeves to be a bit constricting on my biceps (mountain-biking, vinyasa yoga and cross-country skiing all serve to give them some extra definition) and the jersey was a tad short for me on the hip line. Because of these two factors, I opted for a size large, which gave me a little extra length in the torso I prefer. I'd recommend someone of my size and height to go up one size from their traditional American cut, or the same as their European-brand cycling clothing.

The final word from the cycling clothing experts: for a snug fit, order the same size as your American-sized garments; for a slightly more relaxed cut, we recommend ordering one size UP from your traditional American size.

You're invited! BicyclingHub Portland Grand Opening Celebration Friday, April 15th

Time and Date: Friday, April 15 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: BicyclingHub.com
642 SE Stark St.
Portland, OR 97214

Crit version:

Join us for a night of delicious hors d'oeuvres and beer, special 1-day discounts, and bike-themed fun at our NEW retail space. Food catered by Portland Pedal Power. Show up and get FREE BEER from Hopworks Urban Brewery. All cyclists welcome!

Visit us online anytime at www.bicyclinghub.com

Brevet version:
BicyclingHub.com's Grand Opening Celebration of its new Portland retail space in Inner SE Portland on Friday, April 15th is planned with a decidedly bike-themed flavor in mind. With free beer from Hopworks Urban Brewery and delicious treats courtesy of Portland Pedal Power (delivered by bike, of course!), special discounts and one-day sales on cycling apparel and accessories (including locally based manufacturers Castelli, Retro Image Apparel and Showers Pass), and the great Classic Paris Roubaix 2011 race aired on our new showroom floor, it's going to a be a great way to GEAR UP for Spring.

BicyclingHub.com recently received a Bicycle Friendly Business Award for its efforts to promote and encourage bicycling from the League of American Bicyclists at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. It proudly joins other Oregon-based Bicycle Friendly Businesses, including Bike Gallery, Alta Planning + Design, Community Cycling Center, King Cycle Group, Travel Oregon and The Standard, who are committed to creating a more Bicycle-Friendly America.

With the opening of our new retail space at 642 SE Stark St., located near two main corridors for bicycle commuters in the city’s well-mapped bicycle route network, walk-in business is expected to increase significantly during the 2011 cycling season, as well as online traffic from across the nation.

Photo, above: some of the BicyclingHub.com staff (including the office dog and resident box-shredder, Diego) utilizing the new bike racks installed in front of our new retail location.

The Grand Opening Celebration is open to everyone in the larger Portland-area bicycling community and will provide an opportunity for those passionate about making their community a safer and more enjoyable place to ride, work and play to come together and connect. Please join us!

Can't make it to Interbike? Join BicyclingHub at Pedal Nation 2011 instead

If you like bikes, and bikes on things, co-organizers Aaron McBride and Andrea Updegrave McBride cordially invite you to join them at the Second Annual Pedal Nation Bicycle Show this weekend, April 9th-10th, at the Oregon Convention Center.

Described as "an industry show for the everyday cyclist," the Portland-based event offers a variety of great deals on gear, apparel, bike accessories, and equipment; workshops and seminars on bike-related topics from Wheel Truing 101 (Jude Kirstein, Epic Wheel Works) to Bicycle Trip Planning (Jeff Smith, Portland Transportation Options); the Pimp’d Bike Showcase; and family friendly entertainment for every level of cycling addiction. From year-round commuter to time-trialing specialist, die-hard roadie to mountain-bike maniac, rambunctious randonneur to Sunday strolls with the family, and all the riders in between, Pedal Nation promises to satisfy your bicycle cravings.

BicyclingHub.com sat down with Aaron McBride not long ago to discuss the upcoming show and how he and his wife Andrea plan on making their sophomore effort bigger, badder, and more bike-spectular than ever. New for 2011 is a re-designed floor plan featuring a bigger freeride and exhibition area and a 40 X 80 feet Nutcase Pedal Park in the center of the venue, paying tribute to Portland's lush greenways and prolific parks. A Portland Saturday Market theme--with a circus tent at the hub and park benches, grass strips, and helmet tree displays adding to the ambiance--should produce a more dynamic feel. McBride comments, "We wanted to bring the outside element inside...the expanded Demo Area and loop [was constructed] roller-rink style to produce a streetscape effect."

Also new this year is the OBCA Framebuilders Showcase, featuring 10 local bike manufacturers who custom build frames by hand. And just ask McBride about the pro riders on the roster and his eyes readily light up. With professional trials rider, "bike porn" star, and yoga instructor Ryan Leech and freeride specialists Andrew Taylor, Greg Watts, Jamie Goldman and Phil Sundbaum scheduled for daily demo sessions, the adrenaline should be fast and free-flowing.

With over 100 exhibitors, booths, manufacturers and organizations, under one roof, visitors can peruse the latest models from manufacturers such as Marin, Co-Motion Cycles or Bianchi; shop for belts and messenger bags re-purposed from bicycle inner tubes, proudly display their velo-love with bicycle-themed jewelry and arm themselves against the variable Portland weather with the help of Showers Pass. Those contemplating expanding their travel horizons had the opportunity to chat with experienced guides at Cycle Oregon and Unusual Tours, as well as chat with local advocacy organizations such as the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Northwest Trail Alliance.

Returning favorites from last year include the popular Gold Sprint races, matching up to 4 riders on stationary trainers attached to computers who are encouraged to sprint as hard as they can for 500 or 1,000 meters while the crowds cheered on and tracks their performance on a color-coded screen in the background. Another crowd-pleaser is the Urban Bicycle Fashion Show, where fashion models and their trusty two-wheeled steeds roll down the runway highlighting a wide range of clothing, apparel and accessories to wear on and around one’s daily bike-commutes.

Knowing visions of springtime races and long summer rides dancing in your head, BicyclingHub.com staff will be in attendance this weekend to help you find the appropriate gear to help you stay motivated and ride straight thru Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter 2011. Pedal Nation attendees will be treated to an unparalleled display of cycling clothing for every kind of cyclist, special discount coupons for gear of your choice will be handed out to every booth visitor. Our goal: enabling cyclists to set—and reach—new goals throughout the year. Be it short-sleeve jerseys, cycling shorts and bib shorts, booties and/or extra-comfy gloves, we've got you covered.

BicyclingHub.com also has a limited number of 2-for-1 entry passes available at our new retail space. Stop by 642 SE Stark St. anytime between M-F, 9-5, and pick some up.

Photo, left: Don't miss our trademark I BIKE PDX t-shirts--guaranteed to be the hit of the show!

Serious about riding, but also serious about looking good?

Photo, above: designer Sheila Moon is passionate about both cycling and her brand, designed exclusively for women who love to ride and look good doing it.

Talk to Sheila Moon. A fashion designer by trade and bike racer for 17+ years, Moon creates all her cycling apparel with the technical properties you'd expect of a sports performance garment, paired with fashion-forward designs. "These are NOT cut-down men's jerseys," she emphasizes. "My customers are women who are fashion-conscious, strong and fit. Women who want to be strong and competent [on the bike], but still LOOK like a woman."

The first online retailer to carry and ship her products to a national market, BicyclingHub.com met up with Sheila Moon at Interbike last fall, where she showcased some of her favorite pieces and introduced new products making their debut in the Spring/Summer 2011 line. Building her company in the early days via word-of-mouth and grassroots promotion, Moon remains just as passionate about both riding and her brand designed exclusively by and for women cyclists. Currently enjoying an international market and increased brand recognition, Moon reflects back on both her personal and professional expansion. "I grew with my business, size-wise" she laughs. "I had to think of things from a different angle; how do I make this fit other women of every size?"

With a typical customer profile ranging from ages 35-65 and self-proclaimed cycling enthusiasts to suburban professional mothers, Moon wanted to offer workout apparel that was low-impact, easy on the body, and provided a great introduction to exercise. Remarking on her selection of plus-sized jerseys, she notes, "It feels good to be able to offer something fashionable that fits."

Two of our favorite carryover pieces are the long-legged Women's Athena Cycling Shorts and Women's Venus Cycling Knickers, both featuring her trademark yoga waistline. Why so popular? we asked. "I used to race in men's bibshorts," Moon recalled. "Most women don't wear bibs." [Pit stops can get tricky for women, especially if you're riding in a rural area or there are no public restrooms readily available.] "I can't stand elastic around the waistband and constricting the belly." In addition to removing the elastic around the mid-section in favor of a yoga-style waistline, Moon also eradicated the elastic grippers around the legs.

Photo, left: Grippers be gone! Don't want your cycling shorts to ride up your legs as you pedal, but can't stand the feeling of elastic cutting into your thighs? Moon has solved both problems with her elastic-free cycling shorts. Note the silicone gripper at the cuff.

When it comes to finding the right fit, you might find cycling shorts to be a matter of highly personal preference. "What many folks don't realize is that the rise between the crotch and the belly button varies a lot; [measurements between] hips, waist and crotch region provides a lot of variation between women."

Other factors that might decrease your discomfort (and increase your ride time enjoyment)?

• choice of saddle
• proper bike fit
• a good chamois (and no movement of the pad while riding)
• chamois creme

One final piece of advice from a pro? "Chamois time is NOT training time," Moon states. [Once you're done riding] get outta those cycling shorts!"

Photo, right: Sheila Moon's eye-catching cycling dress, paired with black knickers, prove that fashion and function can work and play well together.

12 Days of Christmas starts TODAY!

12 Days of Christmas Equals 12 Days to Save!

BicyclingHub.com is helping you sprinkle holiday cheer across the roadways and along the trails with our 12 Days of Christmas special deals and super savings. From December 1st - December 12th, each day will feature a new sale, exclusive offer or special giveaway to get you ready for family gift exchanges, Secret Santa swaps, and thoughtful surprises loved ones will appreciate and utilize for seasons to come.

Prepare to reach into our Musette Bag of Savings and check back daily for exclusive deals!

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Sneak Peek at today's Exclusive Deal

ONE DAY ONLY! Buy any pair of cycling shorts or bibshorts, get the second pair 25% off!

Buy one pair of cycling shorts or bibshorts, get the second pair 25% off! With a heavy arsenal of cycling shorts for both men and women in a variety of sizes, styles and color themes, and over 40 varieties of bibshorts, we're Not SHORT on quality or selection this holiday season.

NOTE: select the shorts or bibshorts you desire and physically place them in your shopping cart; the savings will be shown under the "Discounts" section of the page and automatically deducted from your purchase.

25% discount applies to the item of equal or lesser value. Hurry! Offer expires December 2, 2010.

New Technology Makes Pearl Izumi's 2011 Cycling Apparel Line a Real Gem

Pearl Izumi, one of the leading manufacturers of cycling apparel in the United States, chose to debut its new line of cutting-edge technologies--including the new 4D Chamois and In-R-Cool, Transfer Aero, and Transfer Minerale fabrics--at Interbike, the world's largest industry trade show. BicyclingHub.com staff sat down with representatives to glean more information and catch a sneak peak at forecasted best-sellers for the Spring/Summer 2011 line.

While "trickle-down economics" has its detractors, Pearl Izumi's commitment to "trickle down technology" has already gained some traction in the marketplace with both its P.R.O. and Elite lines of cycling apparel. New fabrics designed and developed for professional athletes (such as In-R-Cool) are now available to consumers at a competitive price point, without compromising on quality or design.

Dare to Wear Black on Even the Hottest of Days: In-R-Cool Reduces Perspiration while Blocking the Sun's Rays

Planning a cycling vacation through France's renowned Loire Valley in steamy July, or continuing your usual group rides in Miami, Florida straight through the hothouse month of August? Now you can stay as cool as you look in Pearl Izumi's vividly-colored jerseys and cycling shorts with proprietary In-R-Cool technology, designed to reduce fabric's surface temperature while increasing both performance and comfort by reducing perspiration--up to 50% more when compared to traditional black performance wear. By creating a fabric that brings reflective cooling benefits of white to dark materials, In-R-Cool deflects harmful UV rays and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.

To further enhance comfort, In-R-Cool utilizes a special perspiration-activated technology that cools body surface temperature by 5%--one more way to keep you cool, even under the hottest conditions. So before you plunk down the benjamins on one of those expensive, new-fangled "cooling vests" some of the pros have been sporting during the Tour de France, consider slipping into the P.R.O. LTD Speed Jersey or Elite Jersey and In-R-Cool bib shorts instead. Both your body and your wallet will thank you.

Another new innovation up Pearl's sleeve? TRANSFER with Minerale fabric is comprised of finely crushed volcanic rock designed to draw moisture away from the skin. These natural minerals create a porous yarn structure, increasing both moisture transfer and odor absorption: two key elements to sustained comfort levels, especially on long rides. With an enhanced dry rate up to 50% faster than regular performance polyester, cyclists can eschew the discomfort of a soggy wet top and stay focused on the road ahead.

And for the track fiends and time-trial junkies, where aerodynamics are crucial and every second counts (literally)? Pearl is proud to present Transfer Aero. Often paired with In-R-Cool in a garment, this fabric is uniquely textured and positioned in strategic areas to reduce wind drag by over 15%, when compared to traditional flat performance fabrics.

Cold Black: similar to In-R-Cool, Cold Black technology reflects UV rays away from the body, enabling the cyclist to remain just as cool in a black jersey as a white one.

Still haven't seen enough? Take a Seat.

New for 2011 is Pearl Izumi's 4D Chamois Pad, available in the full men's and women's P.R.O. lines. The biggest change from its predecessor, the already-comfy 3D Chamois (still found in the Elite line of shorts and bib shorts for men and women) is its pre-shaped anatomic cut, providing 4-way stretch to conform perfectly with a body in motion, The 4D chamois folds while sitting, so the natural position of your body is molded to its form. And 12 mm of 3-layer variable density padding and new foam technology allow for a 35% lighter chamois.

Also new from Pearl Izumi: all white cycling shorts for both men and women will be made with grey chamois pads to allay any fears that color chamois won't bleed in the wash. "If you're fast enough to rock the white," as one of the Pearl Izumi representatives commented, you can now ride with extra confidence!

Got a question about Pearl's different levels of chamois in their Select, Elite and P.R.O. lines of apparel? Call your favorite cycling clothing experts toll-free at 1-888-817-8060 and we'd be glad to share our advice, experience and expertise.

Pearl Jam!

Team-inspired construction and performance fabrics in the Elite LTD jerseys are combined with sublimated graphics and Direct-Vent side panels for style, performance and comfort. Combine with matching Elite LTD bib shorts, as shown in the models above, and you've got a full team kit ensemble as colorful as you.

Women's Specific Designs are the Designated Ringers of Pearl Izumi's 2011 Catalog

(left): Japanese cherry blossoms and detailed stitching on the Women's Elite LTD jersey and matching Elite LTD shorts makes this one of our favorite women's kits in the Pearl peloton.

"These aren't men's jerseys just sized down anymore; it's a complete women's line," explains our San Diego Pearl Izumi Rep.

After perusing the collection for ourselves and noting the fine details stitched within each piece, down to the cursive scripting on every women's jersey or shorts; the flattering designs incorporating hour-glass shaped color blocks to give its wearers a slender, trim-to-waistline appearance; angled jersey pockets to provide easy, on-bike access; larger grippers that are welded, not stitched to lie flat against the leg, rather than the dreaded "sausage casing;" and a well-stocked library of color stories to aid in easy accessorizing and matching of tops and bottoms, we couldn't agree more.

Pearl's taken their compression-style shorts to a whole new level for the new year. We love the detailing on these 2011 P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts for women, pictured above, right down to the cuff line. Cycling shorts that grip the leg securely to prevent ride-up, without cutting into the leg? Sign us up.

Pearl Izumi's new 2011 Ultrastar shorts for women, such as the White Spyro seen here, have a little something extra: waistband and cuffs that can be rolled up to show off some extra design and flair. Whether you roll them up or lie flat against the skin, you can wear them to spin class or the next group ride and feel fit, fast, comfortable and ready for anything. Non-constricting leg gripper = "anti-sausage effect"--a nice bonus!

Our Favorite Innovation in the Upcoming Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Note the new radio pocket, left, to be included in the P.R.O. and Elite lines of jerseys for both men and women. Designed as an extra hidden rear jersey pocket, this sweat-proof storage compartment is a convenient place to stash your cell phone, GPS unit or music player without fearing the sweat of your labor will render your electronics incapacitated. And with a built-in cord plug for easy access to your IPod, MP3 player or team radio, you'll never miss a call up to the front again.