Published December 23, 2025 10:59AM
When I teach cyclists how to handle winter riding I will often point to a good quality shell as being a cornerstone piece. Something like the Pearl Izumi Attack WxB is where you start building your winter protection and, right before Christmas, it’s on sale for 20% off. It’s a perfect gift for you or another cyclist in your life.
Pearl Izumi Attack WxB (20% off with coupon)
(Photo: Josh Ross/Velo)
When you start gathering warm winter cycling clothes, there’s a couple of ways you can go. The most obvious is a big money jacket that does everything. All you wear is a base layer under it and the jacket will have insulation as well as pockets. It works great if you’ve got the money for not only a highly capable winter jacket but also other solutions for different temperature ranges. The other way you can go is to choose a high-quality shell like the Pearl Izumi Attack WxB and build on it.
That second path represents a few advantages. For one, it’s cheaper upfront. Obviously it’ll be even cheaper with a 20% discount but even without that it’s easier for a company to build a good shell for less money because it does less.
The Pearl Izumi Attack WxB uses a recycled, and PFC-free, 3-layer fabric with a double zipper for better temperature regulation. There are no pockets, and the cut is fairly generous. It will keep the wind and rain off of you plus add some warmth. Also, the interior does not feel like a plastic bag, you could go short sleeves underneath too. That flexibility is the point.
The Pearl Izumi Attack WxB might land in the budget category for jackets but it’s still not cheap. Start with this shell and when you first start to ride in colder weather just put it on over your summer kit. It’s simple so it’ll do a good job but it won’t be that warm on its own. You can add arm warmers or use a long sleeve jersey if you’ve got one.
As you start to ride in colder and more extreme weather, add more pieces. The Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer is an amazing midlayer you can add at some point. You can also get really serious about your base layer with something like the Assos Ultraz base layer and you can add neck warmers, a serious set of bib tights from the best bib tights buyer’s guide, and… just keep going.
Through it all you’ll still have that one quality shell you bought years ago. You can hunt for discounts on other pieces along the way, and if it’s a warmer day you can just use the shell. This is where it all starts though.