Boulder, Colorado (April 16, 2026) – Pearl Izumi athletes tested PI Pro/Black over thousands of miles, providing constant feedback to develop a race-ready kit. PI Pro/Black is approximately 30 percent lighter than Pearl Izumi’s existing Pro line, combining advanced compression, ultra-lightweight materials, and an aerodynamic construction.
“Being part of the team behind the PI Pro/Black line has been inspiring,” said Pearl Izumi Athlete Alexey Vermeulen. “As an athlete, it is the small moments as you watch the evolution of a great product come to life that instill confidence and belief on the race course.”
A System Designed Through Rigorous Athlete Testing
PI Pro/Black was developed as a complete head-to-toe system. Every piece was tested in real-world conditions to ensure it performs under pressure and disappears when the rider is in motion.
“We tested the PI Pro/Black jersey and bibs against a standard pro kit and found about a 6-watt savings at 20 mph,” said Pearl Izumi Athlete Hannah Shell. “Most aero testing is done at much higher speeds, so seeing gains at a more realistic gravel pace makes this data way more relevant for how we actually ride and race.”
The PI Pro/Black uses a stretch-woven fabric that sits close to the body without feeling restrictive, holding its shape through long rides. Raised ribbed sleeves help keep airflow smooth, improving aerodynamics, and features sweat-activated In-R-Cool technology by HeiQ Smart Temp to manage heat that builds up on the body.
The PI Pro/Black Mesh Jersey is built for hot rides and intense efforts. The ultra-lightweight Italian mesh fabric keeps airflow high and manages moisture well. The cut is compressive, with a shorter torso and minimal collar to keep everything streamlined on the bike. It also features ribbed knit sleeves, providing an aerodynamic advantage over standard knit fabrics.
The PI Pro/Black Bib Short is constructed from a proprietary Italian-engineered stretch-woven fabric with graduated compression that is tuned for sustained muscle support, improved circulation, and a second skin feel. The bib upper is seamless, the raw-edge hems eliminate bulk and pressure points, and the Pro 3D Levitate chamois is designed to stay comfortable over longer efforts. The PI Pro/Black Bib Short is over 20 percent lighter than the brand’s existing Pro bib style.
The PI Pro/Black Wind Vest is lightweight (79g) and easy to pack down. It adds protection when conditions shift, blocking wind in the front while regulating airflow on the back by using a mesh panel for breathability. The vest features a two-way zipper for quick temp control and easy access to jersey pockets while riding. It’s finished with PFAS-free PI Dry water repellency, GoFresh anti-odor technology, and BioViz reflectivity for low-light visibility.
The PI Pro/Black Woven Aero Sock finishes the head-to-toe system, using a ribbed upper to help reduce drag and a silicone gripper cuff to hold it in place on long rides. It’s lightweight (15g), moisture-wicking, and features UPF 50+ sun protection.
“PI Pro/Black came out of a lot of small refinements over time,” said Sierra Temple, Pearl Izumi’s Product Development Manager. “We worked closely with our athletes to understand what actually makes a difference on race day and focused on those details, like fit, weight, and how the product feels after hours on the bike. The goal was to simplify things down to what really performs.”
Pi/Red and S26 Round Out the Lineup
Alongside PI Pro/Black, Pearl Izumi is expanding its lineup with the introduction of PI/Red and new Spring 2026 styles.
Pi/Red is built for riders putting in the workday after day, delivering high-performance, breathable gear at a more accessible price point. Inspired by key innovations from PI Pro/Black, the kit brings proven performance details into an everyday training setup. Compressive, body-contouring fabrics move naturally with the rider, while lightweight materials and cooling technologies help regulate temperature when the intensity picks up. The kit is designed to stay comfortable, perform consistently, and handle the demands of everyday training.
The S26 collection introduces fresh colors across Pearl Izumi’s core styles. S26 blends technical function with everyday comfort, providing gear that feels very technical and comfortable in the saddle.
Pi/Red and the new S26 color options have launched. Pi Pro/Black launches April 16, 2026.
