1. AeroSensor fabric
2. Shelf bra
3. Center rear pocket
4. Lycra bound neck and armholes

Reviewed by Jules

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Overall rating out of 10: 8.8
Adventure Racing, out of 10: 8.4 Distance riding, out of 10: 8.6

I was very pleased with the Women's Richter Race Top by Pearl Izumi. During the summer months I live in sports bras and tank tops. Sports bras on the blazing hot days, tank tops on the others. The Women's Richter Race Top has seen a lot of action. Since it is a piece from the Pearl Izumi triathlon line I figured my first outing in it should be either riding or running. I decided on one of my favorite rides from Southold to Orient Point and back. It's a quick 30-mile route that sees full on sun the whole way. The Richter top kept me feeling cool and dry the whole way.

Being that the Richter is a tank top my shoulders felt free

and unrestricted. I hate riding in t-shirts that bind my shoulders as I ride. The lycra material that they put around the neck and armholes was very forgiving as far as movement. It was a snug fit but not overly tight and moved with my body nicely. The top is cut to be form fitting, which allowed for a great wicking ability and had it feeling very aerodynamic. There was no extra material flapping in the wind. It was a hot and sunny day so I was perspiring but the fabric kept me feeling cool and dry. The Richter comes with a shelf bra built into it, which I found supportive and comfortable. I wore the shirt out of the box brand new and there was no itching, pinching or chaffing from any of the stitches or fabric.

I am usually a bare bones rider carrying only my water bottles so I did not make use of the center rear pocket but, for riders that like to store a GU or a banana, the pocket was a nice size and easy to reach. The Richter is also a great looking tank. I've ridden in a number of the garments from the tri line and one of the things I cannot stress enough is that they run small. If you happen to be a borderline size person definitely go with the larger size.

Pearl Izumi lists the price as $54.99 which I find a little expensive for a tank but, you can find it a bit cheaper if you do a little internet homework. As a follow up, I've ridden in this shirt numerous times and I'm impressed so far with how it is standing up to rigor's of washing. It has been my experience over the years that Pearl Izumi makes a quality product that is built to last.

For more details, check out:
::www. pearlizumi.com::