Pearl Izumi

The Ultrastar is part of Pearl Izumi's lower-end Select range of products, aimed at the mass market cycling consumer. It's a casually styled jersey, straddling the road and MTB markets, with plenty of features.

The Canyon Shorts from Pearl Izumi are casual-looking summery shorts; just what the doctor ordered for summer café rides and trips to the local fete.

Relaxed trainer-like shoes offering all-day comfort with pedalling performance and the ability to walk more normally than a flat footed duck are a sought after commodity if you like touring, and are just as useful for casual around-town errands or weekend café rides.

The Elite Gel Vents are Pearl Izumi's mid-high end cycling mitt, with only the P.R.O Pittards Gel Gloves coming with more bells and whistles, and a higher price tag. At this price they are competing with most of the better featured gloves in the marketplace, short of tackling the specialist, handmade and race arenas.

Off somewhere hot for a training camp, or just hoping from some hot weather later in the year... or even now? Pearl Izumi's Elite In-R-Cool bib shorts promise "optimal cooling and reflective sun protection", and certainly they seem to take the edge off the hot days. On top of that, they're very comfy in use and the pad is good too.