Mechanism is Pas Normal Studios race-fit collection merging performance and contemporary design. With carefully selected technical fabrics and their signature silhouette matching an aggressive position on the bike. Our man in Spain, Alastair Hamilton, has just tried out the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism collection for the cooler days out on the bike.
The Mechanism cold Collection
Men’s Mechanism Deep Winter Bibs — Dark Stone
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I’m ‘old school’ and if the temperature drops bellow 20ºC I need long tights or leg warmers. So when Pas Normal Studios sent me a pair of Mechanism Deep Winter bib shorts, I thought they had sent the summer gear. But as soon as you take them out of the bag you can see and feel that they are not for the warm weather.
A very different pair of shorts
The outer feels like it is wind and rain proof and when run under a tap, water does run off. The inside is soft and warm, just what you need when the mercury drops. As with all Pas Normal Studios bibs, the chamois is one of the best I’ve seen. It feels like there are four layers of padding, thinner where it is not needed and more at the sit bones and the central pressure points. I gave them a first test on the Wahoo trainer for half an hour, very nice. The gripper strip is broad and has a chris-cross pattern of silicone which holds the everything in place, without squashing.
A very good chamois
The bib is made of elastic straps at the front and a mesh at the back, with a small section of mesh at the front. The straps are wide and comfortable and mesh on the back is comfortable. I only have one criticism, the shorts come up very high, this does keep you nice and warm, but it does make a ‘call of nature’ quite difficult, but then in cold weather you might not want to ‘go’ as much.
Comfortable, yet snug gripper
What do they feel like out on a ride? I’m not at ‘full form’ at the moment, so a short ride was all I could manage. We had a cold spell last week and temperature was a low (for here) 9ºC with a cold wind that brought it down a good few more degrees. The knees felt a little chill, but once I got going, I didn’t notice. As I said the chamois is very comfortable and the fit was good, no complaints.
What Pas Normal Studios sez: A technical winter bib for fast-paced training and racing. The Mechanism Deep Winter Bib combines light and advanced membrane fabrics for protection from wind and water and adds a brushed fleece backing with a grid structure for extra insulation and warmth. Pair the bibs with leg warmers in training or use them for early-season racing.
The Mechanism Deep Winter Bibs feature soft elastic straps and a mesh back panel, creating the best possible conditions for your base layer and outer layers to work with you. For autumn/winter 2023 we have updated the fabric, using the more stretchable Windtex Pro Membrane to create the protective features.
Wind and water protection
To protect you from rain, wind and road spray, the Deep Winter Bibs uses a combination of fully dyed 3-layer and 2-layer fabrics with added DWR treatment.
Chamois
The four-layer chamois pad has been specifically designed to ensure lasting performance and comfort. The quick-drying, antimicrobial membranes ensure you stay cool and fresh at your critical contact point with the bike to reduce friction and prevent the build-up of humidity.
Elastic Grippers
All grippers have been fitted with soft, fully-dyed elastics that deliver the truest colour. The elastics also feature our signature silicone gripping pattern, keeping the bibs in an optimal position to improve your aerodynamic silhouette.
Maybe it’s the hairy legs that kept me warm?
Men’s Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey — Dark Moss
Plain but classy
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: The jersey is a similar colour as the shorts, but not quite the same and the material is different, so there is a contrast between the clothing. The Mechanism jersey is lightweight, but it is so dense and has a fleecy interior, so it keeps you nice and warm. There are little zip pockets top and bottom of the YKK zip to keep it all looking neat. The collar and cuffs are well finished, no badly cut bits of material on the inside.
A subtle look
The front is just the right length and I didn’t get any ‘ride-up’. There is a discrete Pas Normal Studios logo on the left side of the chest, not too big, subtle. The back, the logo is larger, but looks good. The pockets are a work of art. The same material as the rest of the jersey is used for the outside of the pockets, but the inside is made from a fleecier material, bellow that there is a mesh section and a broad elastic strip (with ‘Road to Nowhere’ printed on the inside) to hold everything tight. there is a very handy zip pocket for important items. I do wonder why they don’t stitch along the bottom of the zipped pocket to make another inside pocket?
Looks great and very well made
The Mechanism jersey has a subtle look in the style of the moment. It fits (me) well and is comfortable, the workmanship on the finish is 100%, no corners cut with strong stitching and some non-stitched joints. As I said before, the pocket area is a work of art. This is an all year round long sleeve jersey, you would need to wear more underneath in really cold days, but most spring/autumn days an undervest would be enough.
All jerseys should have one of these little zip pockets
What Pas Normal Studios sez: The Mechansim Long Sleeve Jersey is suitable for layering or as a standalone jersey. All through the seasons. The Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey exhibits the Pas Normal Studios mentality of seamlessly combining visual aesthetics with quality, technical apparel. The soft fleece-backed fabric makes the Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey perfect for both high-intensity training and racing. Use it as a standalone outer layer on chill mornings or late afternoons. Or pair it with a heavier base layer and a gilet or jacket when the temperature drops.
Product details:
- Soft fleece lining
- Facilitates moisture dispersion
- Pas Normal Studios logo on chest and back
- Fully-dyed fabric
- Mesh lining beneath back pockets
- Bacteriostatic and hydrophilic garment
- YKK zipper with guarded zip ends
- Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Made in Italy.
Product Features:
Fabric
Brushed with a soft, fleece lining, the jersey features antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties, keeping you dry and feeling fresh the harder you push.
YKK Zipper
The jersey features a Japanese YKK zipper with a semi auto-lock puller. Guarded zip ends are included to prevent skin irritation and protect your bib shorts as you ride.
Pockets
The back pockets are made from the same soft fleece fabric and will not overstretch when your pockets are full. An elastic hem keeps your belongings safely secured, while a concealed zippered side pocket has also been included and fitted with a protected insert.
Classy look – The kit, not so much the rider
Men’s Thermal Hooded Windproof Base Layer — Dark Stone
Just for a cold face
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: The Thermal Hooded Windproof base layer is another really handy piece of kit. The light fleece material by Polartec is very warm without being bulky and the wind-proofing on the front area is a bonus. Then for those really cold days the hood will keep your ears and head toasty along with the built in chin buff.
Polartec for warmth and a wind-proof pannel
Both the hood and scarf, when not in use, don’t get in the way or cause any sort of obstruction. There is also no problem about wearing a helmet as there are slits for the strap to go through.
Maybe best not go into a bank, but nice and warm
There is the small Pas Normal Studios logo and Road to Nowhere’ down the back. the ‘build quality’ is again top class. Many of the seems are quadruple stitched. The Polartec material is so soft and comfortable, I’ve been wearing the base layer round the house. For a cold day a base layer is a must and this one has to be the best one. It nearly makes me want more cold weather….
Pity no one sees the base layer under your jersey
What Pas Normal Studios sez: Our warmest and most protective base layer. Suited for deep winter rides, the Thermal Windproof Base Layer integrates a hood and a windproof front panel for extra protection. The Polartec® Power Wool
main fabric with wool grid backing is highly breathable while still providing superior insulation.
Hood, face scarf and wind-proof
Product details:
- Tight fitting hood with elastic for optimal hold
- Openings for helmet straps integrated into the hood
- Covers mouth and nose if needed
- Polartec® Power Wool
main fabric with wool grid backing - Superior wicking action, fast drying, highly breathable and naturally odour resistant
- Windproof front panel with a waterproof coating
- 54% Polyester, 38% Wool, 8% Spandex
- Made in Lithuania.
The hood is out of the way when not in use
Mechanism Thermal Socks — Dark Stone
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Nothing worse than cold feet, but with the Merino wool mix Mechanism thermal sock, that shouldn’t be a problem. Double thickness at the toe and heel and with enough elasticity that the sock will stay up, these fit well and stay that way. Comfortable and warm – what more do you want?
Warm feet
What Pas Normal Studios sez: A simple, understated thermal sock. The Mechanism Thermal Socks is made with Merino Wool for added insulation in the colder months. Merino keeps its insulating properties even when wet, and the long cut adds extra warmth and temperature control. This sock features subtle Pas Normal Studios and Mechanism branded logos. Double knit heels and toes ensure extra durability.
Product details:
- Double knit heels and toes
- Long cut for extra warmth
- High wicking performance
- Unisex
- PNS and Mechanism branding
- Composition: 67% Merino Wool, 28% Polyamide, 3% Polypropylene, 2% Elastane
- Available seasonal colour options
- 36-39 (S)
- 40-43 (M)
- 44-47 (L)
- More details at: pasnormalstudios.com.
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