PEARL IZUMI SELECT PURSUIT LS

Will the Pearl perform out on the bike?

The Select Pursuit LS jersey from Pearl Izumi is stylish, soft on the skin and comes with a quality construction that we’ve come to expect from Pearl products. But, and it’s a rather big question mark, we just can’t see how much use we’d get from this £60 spend.

Among its touted benefits, Pearl Izumi – like Zone3 – also pitch the Select Pursuit for its ‘sun protection on warmer days’ and the UPF 50+ rating stands up on sunny days. Sadly it fails to provide the breathability we demand for higher temperature riding and we were soon wanting to stash it in our jersey pockets on summer days (something it’s too big for).

The lengthy and baggy sleeves also make it lose aerodynamic points compared to the Lava next door, even when riding down on the drops. Positive points include the sizeable and easy-to-access pockets on the lower back, the hem that stops it from riding up and reflective elements for low level-light riding. But overall it feels like a jersey for someone who can’t have enough of them, and we only found its niche on slightly chilly and dry days and the odd commute. It also lacks the race-day appeal of the Zone3 Lava, and the the specificity of a gilet, base layer or lightweight waterproof. pearlizumi.co.uk