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Gear Review: Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Bike Shorts

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:45:00 -0700

I decided it was time for a new pair of biking shorts. I received a pair as a gift from a biking enthusiast boyfriend, way back in my college days, but this time I was buying my own. After trying on a thousand pairs, and polling my biker-chick friends on their favorite brands, I went with the Peal Izumi Ultrasensor Shorts ($95). They may be a little pricey, but the investment in keeping my backside comfy is certainly worth it. More than the padding, which they amply provide, these shorts are designed to wick. The padding and the fabric of the shorts both promote evaporation. Plus, since we are talking technology, I should add that the chamois (aka padding) contains silver fibers to provide some antimicrobial action by reducing bacteria naturally.

Most importantly these bike shorts are comfortable and flattering. They have a little leg gripper action at the bottom seam so the shorts don't ride up, but the gripping elastic is comfortable and doesn't dig into your legs. Another key feature, these shorts are machine washable, which is always important in workout wear since you are hopefully going to do some serious sweating while wearing them.

You can find them here.

Source.

Are Runners Not Joggers?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:30:00 -0800

I recently came across the new Pearl Izumi ad campaign and I am a little peeved. The theme of the campaign is "We are not joggers," which basically belittles joggers in the name of runners.

The whole campaign completely reminds me of the article that blamed Oprah for the decline in the status of the marathon. I am not really sure if Pearl Izumi is trying to lose some customers, or just push us to run faster, but I am not loving this approach. You have to start somewhere, and I think that jogging (or even, gasp, walking) is a fabulous way to start. If you want to push yourself to go faster, then great, but it's all in the name of health as far as I am concerned, not in the name of status.

Check out all their anti-jogger phrases from their campaign — I'd love to hear your thoughts.

More after the break so

Get Your Butt in Gear: Pearl Izumi Sugar Short

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Riding your bike is a great cardio workout since it's fun, fast, and the constant breeze keeps you cool. If you don't ride your bike that often, you probably have a sensitive bum, so I definitely recommend getting yourself some padded bike shorts.

Made by Pearl Izumi, Sugar Short certainly protects your booty and keeps you looking and feeling cool! I love the name and I LOVE these shorts.

The best part about these shorts is that they have something called 3D TOUR Chamois™. It's a big name that basically means an anatomically contoured pad for your bum, to prevent you from getting saddle sore. This comfortable pad is seamless and antimicrobial.

I also like that these shorts are not too short and not too long - they have a 5" inseam. Plus, you can't beat the price - $44.95 from teamestrogen.com. These padded shorts will make a huge difference on your next ride.

Get Your Butt In Gear: Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When you are spending a lot of time on the saddle, biking for hours at a time, you need to protect your lady business. The designers at Pearl Izumi know this little fact and have designed their Attack Shorts with this in mind. These seamless racing shorts have a women-specific chamois (that's the fancy name for "padding") to prevent possible friction points by providing padding in key areas. We need padding in different spots than our male biking buddies. These Attack Shorts are durable, comfortable and stylish with a shorter inseam creating a contemporary fit.

Plus, these shorts are on sale right now at REI for the reduced price of $51.99 (originally $70), as part of REI's Labor Day Sale.

Get in Gear: Indoor Biking Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

When it comes to biking gear it is hard to find reasonably priced goods. A user recently asked for help in finding a good biking shoe for indoor use. When shopping for spinning shoes you want to make sure the shoe breathes, hot feet can make a spin class less enjoyable. The mesh fabric used on these shoes by Pearl Izumi screams breathability to me, and I think they look pretty cool too. Plus you can tell by the name of the shoe Sprint Women's Indoor Cycling/Recreational Shoe it is designed to help you go fast while inside.

Another selling point for these shoes is the seamless construction, eliminating points of irritation and friction to reduce blisters. Designed to be flexible enough to walk in, but rigid enough for pedaling the non-marking rubber sole is ideal for gym use.

Fit's Tip: Make sure the clips on the shoes you choose work with the pedal system of your gym.

Buy them from Brand Cycle.com for ~~$74.99~~ $64.99 reduced price!!!

It is National Bike Month, so why not try out a spinning class near you?