Summer is on the way (allegedly) in the Northern hemisphere and there is nothing better than some new kit for the warmer days. Pas Normal Studios sent me their Mechanism kit in their new colours for 2025: Bib shorts in khaki green and short sleeve jersey in light indigo, plus their sleeveless base layer and socks. To finish off the ‘ensemble’ a pair of their very new Escapism mitts and a logo race bidon arrived a couple of weeks later. I’m set for this summer, we just need the weather.
Nearly warm enough
Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Short Sleeve Jersey – 180€
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I usually finish with my overall impression, but on this occasion I’ll start with the obvious quality of the materials used and top workmanship gone into Pas Normal Studios clothing. Starting with the jersey; It has a proper collar, not low scooped at the front. The full zip has small pouches top and bottom. There are wide gripper strips on the sleeves and all the way round the waist, to keep everything in its place. The jersey is made of two panels, with shaping at the shoulder and a narrower panel at the front. This works like having side panels for ‘figure hugging’ jersey. The material used is very breathable and soft to the touch.
A nice subtle colour
The large overlock stitching is in a contrasting white, which matches the bib shorts, and gives the kit a unique look. Now to my favourite subject, the pockets. The pockets are double or maybe triple stitched with strengthening material on the inside at the joints. The tops of the pockets have a solid edging so you have difficulty finding your pockets on the move, but the thing I like the most is the small zip pocket at the side of the main pockets to keep some money/card etc. All training jerseys should have one. There is a small logo on the front and a larger ‘P N S’ on the back, with ‘Mechanism’ on the inside of the collar. There are 17 different colours, all subtle shades, nothing in your face and you can either match or contract with the bib shorts.
That important zip pocket
Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Bib Shorts – 280€
The bib shorts I have are in khaki green, a colour I probably wouldn’t pick, but they go well with the indigo jersey. You could have a matching, all the same colour, but a contrast looks good. There are 5 different colours of bibs. If you do choose to mix and match, the colours/shades are all very classy, it’s obvious that the jersey and bibs are made in Italy.
One of the best pads
The most important part of any bib shorts is the ‘chamois’ or pad. I have used the Pas Normal Studios pad before and not had any problems. It feels like there are four thickness, more where you need it and less, where you don’t. There is a channel in the centre, much like many saddles, to lessen pressure on the prostate area. There is less material at the front, so less chance of chaffing and feeling like you’re wearing a baby’s nappy/diaper. The pad is very good.
Great fitting bibs
The legs have three panels each and the body has four, with a cross panel at the rear, they all help to shape the bib for a great fit with lots of comfort. There is also the matching ‘zig-zag’ stitching at the seams, not all the seams, just the more obvious ones. Wide gripper strips on the legs keep everything where you want them and you can wear the long if you want. The material used is stretchy and soft. The grippers are soft to the touch, so no skin marks at the end of the day.
Breathable bib and wide gripper
The white bib is made up of wide elastic straps connected at the front with breathable mesh material. The same material is used at the back between the straps, which helps to keep them in the middle of the shoulders. ‘P N S” logo on the legs and ‘Mechanism’ across the back. Even if you only bought the shorts, you wouldn’t regret it.
Nice colour combo
Pas Normal Studios Sleeveless Base Layer – €70
I was always told to wear a base layer in all temperatures as it keeps you warm in cold temperatures and takes the sweat away from the skin when it’s hot. My mother always said “N’er cast a clout till May’s oot”. She also said you should always have clean underwear on in case you were hit by a bus, which seemed pointless under the circumstances. Anyway, a good base layer in changeable weather conditions or if you are doing a lot of climbing, could save your life, or at least keep you comfortable.
Always wear you vest
The Pas Normal Studios base layer is tight fitting and comfortable and it works. Insulating you and/or wicking the sweat away. The soft breathable material hugs the body without rucking up and all the edges are double hemmed. The usual Pas logo on the front and ‘Road to Nowhere’ down the spine. Practical and comfortable.
Comfortable base layer and wide bib straps
Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Socks – 20€
The Pas socks are a little bit high for an ‘old school’ rider like me, but they are not over the top. White is the colour for cycling socks, but the Mechanism’s come in 7 colours, if that is what you want. They are soft and the material on the top of the foot is breathable with some padding under the sole and at the heel. The top of the sock isn’t too tight and they don’t fall down, although with all socks, that might depend on your legs. ‘P N S’ on the side of the legs and ‘Mechanism’ on the sole. Comfortable to wear and they don’t let your feet get too hot. Chuck would like the height, a little shorter would suit me, but each to their own.
Comfortable socks
Pas Normal Studios Escapism Mitts – 45€
The Escapism mitts were an added bonus I wasn’t expecting, but as they arrived two days ago, I had to add them to the review. Pas Normal Studios say they are ‘gravel-specific’, but there is no reason why you can’t wear them on or off road. There is a thick bit of padding on the palm, which would absorb any rough surface, while the rest of the palm material would stop any chaffing. The back of the hand is a soft woven, elastic material with a ‘Pas Normal Studios’ reflective logo.
Soft weave back
At the wrist there is a strengthened section which helps pulling them on and will protect the soft, inside of your wrist. Unlike many cycling mitts, they are easy to pull on and off. Sturdy and well made, with comfort and safety in mind.
Padding and protection on the palm
The Overall Impression
Pas Normal Studios designs and manufactures top quality kit, that is the first thing you notice. It’s also stylish, fits well and is very comfortable… but at a price. It costs much the same as the other brands at the top end of the market. If you want a Colnago, a Pinarello or a hand made bespoke bike, it won’t be cheap. Pas Normal Studios clothing never disappoints.
Only the best of kit
The Pas Normal Studios Logo Race Bidon – 20€
Those nice people at PNS also sent me their Logo Race Bidon. The first thing you notice is the translucent look of the bottle, you can see exactly how much you have left to drink. There is also the feel of the plastic, it has a soft squeezy feel to it when empty, but solid when it has liquid inside, so no problem of it shooting out of your bottle cage on a ride. It has a nice big opening to easily add your chosen powder and the valve is big and lets a lot of fluid out when you need it. The valve has a rubberised feel to it and is very chunky and seals very well, so no leaks. PNS has a selection of bottles, so if you are a Pas Normal Studios fan, you must have one.
PNS logo race bidon
What Pas Normal Studios Sez:
Men’s Mechanism Jersey
The jersey is suited for rides in mild to high temperatures. Combine with a stow away jacket/gilet or arm warmers on colder rides.
The jersey is optimised for high intensity training rides and races.
This jersey works with you as you ride due to its micro-perforated fabrics on the collar, sleeves, back, and side panels. With its quick-drying properties, moisture is quickly absorbed and then dissipated to reduce any windchill after the hardest efforts.
Fit
- The jersey has a tight, aerodynamic fit – ideal for high-intensity road riding and racing.
Product details
- Aerodynamic race fit
- Lightweight fabric
- Highly breathable
- Modern low-cut collar to reduce chafing and improve comfort
- Fully dyed waist and sleeve elastic grippers
- Zippered side pocket with a stay-down seam zipper
- The stiff zipper insert makes it easier to reach your essentials
- Single layer patch pocket inside
- Minimalistic guarded zip ends
- Full-length YKK zipper with semi auto-lock puller
- Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Made in Italy
Men’s Mechanism Bibs
The bibs are optimised for high intensity training rides and races
The bibs are suited for rides in mild to high temperatures. Combine with leg warmers on colder rides.
Fit
The bibs has a tight, aerodynamic fit – ideal for high-intensity road riding and racing.
Product details
- Aerodynamic race fit
- Mesh-structured straps
- Durable zigzag chamois stitching
- Four-layer ultralight foam chamois
- Fully dyed fabrics and elastic grippers
- Highly breathable
- Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane
- Made in Italy
Men’s Sleeveless Base Layer
The base layer is optimised for summer rides in warm temperatures. The most breathable base layer in our range.
The base layer offers superior breathability properties and is optimised for moisture wicking.
Fit
The base layer has a tight fit that gives the best possible comfort and allows you to build extra layers on top of the base layer.
Product details
- Lightweight mesh fabric to disperse moisture
- Road to Nowhere branding down the back
- Central Pas Normal Studios chest logo
- Material: 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane
- Made in Lithuania
Mechanism Socks
The socks are optimised for summer rides in warmer temperatures.
A key component to round out your everyday kit, our collection of Mechanism Socks is designed for the summer weather, providing optimal comfort and exceptional durability under the highest performance requirements. Perfect for high intensity training and racing.
Fit
- The socks has a tight fit that gives the best possible comfort.
Product details
- Meryl® Skinlife yarn
- Lightweight and breathable
- High wicking performance
- Excellent wash- and colourfast performance
- Fabric: 78% Multifilament Polyamide, 14% Polyamide, 6% Polypropylene, 2% Elastane
- Made in Portugal
Pas Normal Studios Escapism Mitts
A gravel-specific mitt suited for your all-terrain rides during the warmer months. The knitted fabric on the back of the hand gives you the needed ventilation during your high-intensity efforts. A padded palm reduces hand pressure and numbness during bumpy rides. The mitts offer protection from chafing, abrasion, and road rash if you crash. The Escapism Mitts has been finished with a reflective Pas Normal Studios logo on the face of the gloves.
Product details
- Knitted main fabric for breathability
- Vent holes on palm
- Reflective Pas Normal Studios logos
- Gel padding for additional comfort
- Rubber part on the wrist for easy wear
- Main fabric composition: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
- Palm composition: 84% Polyester, 10%Polyurethane, 6% Spandex
Pas Normal Studios Logo Race Bidon
The Logo Race Bidon is an ultra-lightweight, high-performance cycling bidon designed for effortless hydration. With its record-lightweight 51g, it is one of the world’s lightest bottles. Made from BPA-free, odourless plastic, it ensures fresh-tasting water. Its soft, squeezable body and high-flow valve deliver smooth, fast drinking. A leak-proof cap and wide-mouth opening offer easy use and cleaning.
Product details
- Lightweight 51g bidon
- BPA-free plastic
- 550 mL
- Dimensions: 185 x 74mm
- Easy to squeeze
- Dishwasher safe up to 40°C
- Fits into all common bottle cages
- Silicone valve with high liquid flow
- Screw cap with wide opening
- Available in various colours
- Pas Normal Studios branding
- Made in Italy
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