PEARL iZUMi Launches PI PRO/BLACK, Its Lightest and Most Advanced Performance System to Date

April 16, 2026

Co-developed alongside PEARL iZUMi athletes, the system is engineered to disappear in motion and deliver on race day

Boulder, Colorado (April 16, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – PEARL iZUMi, the Colorado-based leader in cycling apparel and footwear, today announced the launch of PI PRO/BLACK, the next evolution in premium, performance driven cycling apparel. Developed in close collaboration with the brand’s elite athlete roster, the five-piece system is engineered for race-day intensity, focusing on precision, weight, and fit.

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% 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 instills 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 Jersey ($225) 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 ($190) 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 ($350) 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% lighter than the brand’s existing PRO bib style.

The PI PRO/BLACK Wind Vest ($150) 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 a PFAS-free PI Dry® water repellency, GoFresh™ anti-odor technology, and BioViz® reflectivity for low-light visibility.

The PI PRO/BLACK Woven Aero Sock ($55) 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 work day 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 PRO/BLACK launches April 16, 2026, and will be available at www.pearlizumi.com/. Pi/Red and the new S26 color options are available now.

Media Contact

Madison McMicken
Purple Orange Communications
madison@purpleorangepr.com
707.580.9580

About PEARL iZUMi

PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 60 years ago in Japan, when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live today shapes how future generations ride, and is committed to using its business practices, products and community advocacy to create a positive impact through cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in Boulder CO, where it embraces strong influence from the Colorado Front Range.

For more information, visit https://www.pearlizumi.com/