TESTED: Pearl Izumi Launch Trail Pants
Some trusty trail trousers are so hot right now. Will Shaw tests the Pearl Izumi Launch pant.
Walk into plenty of bike shops around Australia and in the apparel section, you’ll find a wide array of options from Pearl Izumi. Pearl Izumi is Shimano’s unassuming apparel subsidiary, and they’re perhaps best known for their reliable, well-priced offerings. Despite this, a couple of items I rode day in, day out on our NSW Snowy Mountains road trip really highlighted Pearl Izumi’s continued pursuit of progression and innovation at the premium end of the market.
TESTED: Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Jacket
The Pearl Izumi Launch Trail Pants are a lightweight set of pants that give you the warmth and protection you’re seeking in riding pants, without any of the bulk. The 4-Way stretch Cordura material is immediately noticeable when pedalling, and there’s none of the tightness at the top of the pedal stroke that’s the norm when it comes to riding pants.
The Launch Pants are a world away from the heavy, rigid pants that gravity riders have been riding for decades. Whilst I’d happily ride them in the bike park, I’d also have no qualms about heading out on an all-day pedalling mission in them.
The Launch Pants feature a number of other practical inclusions. Two zipped pockets keep everything secure, whilst the waterproof material keeps your valuables dry as well. I rode the pants in fairly heavy rain, and they’re impressively water resistant for how light they are.
The tapered leg and cuffed ankle are also nice touches. Despite the slightly slimmer fit than many of the bulkier, gravity-oriented pants out there, these pants run just fine with knee pads underneath. The cuffed ankle means there’s no chance of your pants getting stuck in your drivetrain, and you don’t have to go for the classic commuter trick of tucking your pants into your socks.
RRP: Launch Trail Pants: $279.95
From: Pearl Izumi Australia
