April showers may bring May flowers, but March is when I start itching to ride more. March has its fair share of showers, so getting out means wearing rain gear.
I will go out on a limb and suggest that no one really wants to ride their bike in the rain. It’s more something that happens because you ride a lot.
Regardless, dressing for wet weather isn’t rocket science. You guessed it: layer up with a cycling rain jacket and maybe pants, depending on the situation. The only hard part is narrowing down your rain jacket choices. Most waterproof cycling jackets fit one of three categories:
- Full-featured rain jacket with pockets, a hood, and bomber waterproof, breathable construction
- Midweight 2.5 or 3-layer rain jacket made for longer rides and relatively packable
- An ultralight rain jacket made for occasional wear that stows in a jersey pocket until needed
The Pearl iZUMi Attack WxB Rain Jacket fits category two. It’s a performance-driven cycling rain jacket with a form fit and waterproof, breathable construction. It balances durable, seam-sealed, 3-layer membrane construction with a minimalist design approach. The result is robust rain coverage in a streamlined package that’s stowable in a frame bag or large jersey pocket when not needed.
Pearl iZUMi Attack WxB Rain Jacket – $135
Durable 3L Waterproof/Breathable + Minimalist Design = Balanced Performance
The Pearl Attack WxB is the cycling rain jacket you can grab for multi-hour rides in wet weather. The durable 3L performance means it’s waterproof and breathable enough for dedicated wet day rides. It’s been my go-to for damp days with temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (5-10 Celsius) when I need to wear a rain jacket right from the start versus packing one for possible rain.
The minimalist approach means no pockets or adjustable cuffs to add bulk. Using a lightweight ripstop shell and low-profile patterning, the Attack WxB is light enough to stow if the rain eases. While it doesn’t quite fit a standard jersey pocket, it easily stores in a frame bag or larger jersey pocket. For example, it fits the larger pocket on my midweight winter jersey with a two-pocket versus a traditional three-pocket design.
Two-Way Zipper
A nice compromise on the minimalist design is the inclusion of a two-way zipper. It makes it easy to dump heat on long climbs and, more importantly, easy to access your rear jersey pockets. The two-way zip i a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in functionality.
10k/10k Waterproof/Breathable and PFAS-Free
The Attack WxB rain jacket uses Pearl’s proprietary 3L membrane construction and PI Dry® DWR treatment. Pearl prides itself on creating PFAS-free products. At 10k/10k waterproof/breathable, it’s not as breathable as some rainwear I have used, but I found it worked well in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (5-10 Celsius) temp range. Given warmer temps, the lower breathability rating is more noticeable.
Articulated fit + Soft, Supple Feel = Comfortable
There’s no doubt Pearl iZUMi knows bikes. The fit and feel of the Attack WxB speak to their decades of specialized bike apparel design. From the drop tail to the tapered arms and trim fit, it’s a bike rain jacket through and through. With the relatively soft, supple feel of Pearl’s proprietary 3-layer construction, it’s a comfortable and affordable rain shell that stands up to extended wet-weather rides.
Pearl iZUMi Attack WxB Cycling Rain Jacket for Men and Women – $135
Check prices and availability of the Attack WxB Rain Jacket directly from Pearl iZUMi
Read our other cycling jacket reviews:
Pearl iZUMi Attack Hybrid
Showers Pass Cloudburst
7Mesh Oro – Shake-Dry
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