Anyone have this? Good or bad things to say about it?
I have it. Granted, I work for PI so I have most of our gear. The softshell is a pretty sweet jacket for temps around 35-60. The softshell material has really come a long way towards maintaining wind protection while having a softer, supple feel and breathability. Reviews from customers and shops have been pretty good thus far. If you want to go with something for colder temps or are colder in general, the elite barrier jacket is the probably the better bet. Not as stretchy as the softshell but it has quite a bit more fleece so you can ride in colder temperatures.
Personally, at these temps, I tend to prefer the Elite Barrier vest and arm warmers. I tend to run on the hotter side so I like having the flexibility to strip the warmers once I warm up. Then again, the vest is my all time favorite piece so it’s hard for me NOT to wear it.
have the pro soft shell fly. Its pretty awesome. Its windproof. Actually quite warm (maybe too warm) as I can run in it with just a t shirt underneath. Its water repellancy is quite good. I ran the jacket under the sink at the shop and water just came right off.
Riotgear:
Sorry for the slight hijack: But does PI make a L/S Skinsuit of insulated material for cyclocross?
Thanks
DB
I’ve been yelling at our guys in HQ for a couple of years now to make skinsuits but, so far, they’re only going to make them for our Pro teams and sponsored athletes. When we made them in the past, they didn’t really sell well so I think HQ is still a little nervous about producing more skinsuits if there isn’t a market for them. We may be making them for our semi-custom program but that’s still in the works.
My team kit this year is by Hincapie and they do make L/S skinsuits so that’s what I’m wearing for CX. So far, the Hincapie gear is pretty good so I’d be happy recommend them. I’ve seen a couple of Castelli suits as well and they look pretty nice. I’d be interested in trying the Castelli kit as it seems to be a bit of a heavier fabric (more fleece).
Riotgear:
I got a garmin l/s skinsuit at the outlet in frisco, and thought it was very nice- just feel too selfconsious with the garmin bling ! I had a Hincapie for the track but the leg grippers came off the first time I wore it - got an assos instead.
For cross though I need something a bit warmer. Might pull the trigger on a new Voler.
I think you guys are missing a market share w/o an offering.
DB
I agree. I think the Softshell material lined with a bit of fleece would make an awesome skinsuit for cross (water resistant, warm, etc.). Again, I’d take a look at the Castelli. I’ve had a couple of Voler kits which were ok (their pads don’t work for me) but, otherwise, the skinsuits were nice.
I’ll mention it again to our design staff. Pearl’s been focusing a bit more on urban gear (Front Range Collection) so it seems like it’d be a nice natural transition to include something specific for CX.
Yes, a light softshell material would be perfect.
Thanks
I have that jacket and do like it. It is not as compact when folded as the earlier version (the one that is not stretchy.) So it looks kinda big and goofy in my Jersey pocket. On the otherhand, it feels and looks better when I have it on.
i’ve got one too, really like it - haven’t been in the rain with it yet. it is a lot warmer and windproof than i was expecting, so it has a very good usable temperature range.
i will probably buy another(in a diff color) and maybe even some softshell tights too for those cold/windy/moist rides(like Solvang).