Review: PEARL IZUMI Journey Short

The days of Lycra are numbered… at least when it comes to riding bikes on dirt. Nowadays the options for technical apparel that isn’t skin-tight are plentiful and varied—but being a less-is-more kind of guy, I’ve opted for the Journey Short from Pearl Izumi. While the lightweight design and subtle features (such as the removable chamois) scream technical apparel, these shorts could be mistaken for every-day chinos. They fit like normal shorts, but their polyester material is quick-drying and transfers moisture away from the body, which is perfect for hot summer rides. The Journeys are baggy enough to provide free range of motion, but not loose to the point where you’ll look like an out-of-season park rat. Available at Round House. $80; pearlizumi.com.