Pas Normal Studios SS24 Essential Line: Our PEZ-man in Spain, Alastair Hamilton, has been trying out some new selections of bike clothing this summer and one of his favourites was the Essential Line by Pas Normal Studios. We have to encourage him to get on his bike and the best way is some new kit… Take it away Al.
Not too bright on a sunny day
Essential is the premium collection from Pas Normal Studios, lending effortless style to all rides. With premium fabrics and a focus on comfort and layering in mind the Essential Collection is a representation of seasonal colour palettes set on structured fabrics.
Jersey, bibs, base layer and socks
Comfortable fit
The Essential Collection is created with a fit with comfort and layering in mind. Soft and fully dyed fabrics merged with gilets and jackets with ample space for layering, the collection combines seamlessly across seasons.
Key Pieces
The collection includes four new colourways of the Essential Jerseys (men’s and women’s) and a seasonal take on the recently developed Essential Long Sleeve Jersey, ideally suited for spring riding. Complemented by the Essential Insulated Gilet and Essential Insulated Jacket for both men and women.
Maybe too warm for the base layer, so show it off!
Men’s Essential Jersey — Check Olive Green
Other colours are available in the same pattern
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I like bright colours, maybe it’s because of where I live, but Pas sent me a Check Olive Green design. At first I didn’t like it, but it has grown on me, plus when you look at how well it has been made and the small details, you can appreciate the quality. Personally I would have gone for the Check Brick or the Check Dark Purple, but that’s all about choice.
The green is growing on me
Full zip (obviously) with little zip pouches top and bottom and a ‘proper’ collar. Three rear pockets and a little zipped pocket on the right-hand side, made separately from the other pockets in a special ‘protection’ material. The stitching is particularly strong at the pockets, actually looking at all the needlework, the jersey has been made very robustly with double stitching on main seems and single where it isn’t as important. There are side panels for the body shape and the shoulders and sleeves are well proportioned.
Small zip pocket for cards and change
Inside pocket made separately from the other pockets
The sleeves are fairly long, but there are no silicone grippers, so you can suit yourself to length – adjustable tan lines. There is a gripper band round the waist which stops any riding up or down, everything stays in place. As I said before; the Essential jersey is very well made and has all the little things you want for a pleasurable ride.
No gripper on the sleeves for comfort
Pas info: The easy-care, wrinkle-free, and quick-drying properties of the Essential jersey’s fabric make this an ideal addition to your rotation of kit for both leisure rides and sportives. With a relaxed but not loose fit, this piece remains equally adept on short training rides, social rides and longer days in the saddle. This piece is developed for all-day comfort.
Zip pouch top and bottom
Product details
High-wicking and quick-drying fabrics
Fully-dyed fabric
Guarded zip ends
Extended sleeve lengths
Relaxed fit
Zippered side pocket with protected insert
Robust YKK zipper with semi-auto-lock puller
Abrasion-resistant to eliminate fabric pilling
Durable and resistant to corrosive agents in sun creams
Fabric: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
Classy look – The clothing not so much the rider
Men’s Essential Bibs — Black
Broad straps
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Bib shorts all depend on the pad – if the pad is good, the shorts are good. The pad in the Pas Essential bibs are a luxury for your nether regions. The padding starts quite thin at the edges and becomes thicker at the points where you need it. The padded area seems quite short, but then most saddles are becoming shorter and once have the bibs on they won’t move away from the important area. As with many pads these days, the front part has no padding, just the material against the ‘family jewels’. A top class pad.
One of the best pads for me
The Pas Essential bibs are made up of many panels and you can feel the shape fits. The back is high and there is a large rear panel (in white) between the straps. This holds them at shoulder width, the straps are quite broad and sit comfortably. the front area is low enough for a ‘comfort’ stop. There is ‘PAS NORMAL STUDIOS’ on one leg and ‘ESSENTIAL’ on the rear panel, but both are black on black, so, very subtle. The silicone gripper is made up of a criss-cross pattern. It works well without annoying the skin. There is a leg cargo pocket, which easily takes an iPhone Max, if you are brave enough, but is useful for many things, if that’s what you like. Personally it’s not for me: It’s on your leg and I found it annoying, but many people love them. With nothing in the pocket you forget it’s there, so no big problem. Yes, very nice bibs.
One leg pocket
Pas info: The Essential Bibs is created to suit both short training efforts and long days in the saddle. With fully-dyed fabric and the same four-layer ultralight foam chamois used in our other bib shorts, the Essential Bibs are our most versatile offering. The micro-perforated straps are comfortable and soft while keeping the bibs in place. The main fabric is durable and stretchable yet still compressive. Finished with a wide elastic gripper on the leg.
A secure and comfortable gripper
Product details
Four-layer ultralight foam chamois
Micro-perforated straps
Resilient to elastic degradation
UPF 40 low-profile shoulder straps
Fully-dyed fabrics
Fabric: 82% Polyester 18% Elastane
The straps are held wide on the shoulders by the large white patch in the middle
Essential Socks — White
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Wool socks! I’d forgotten how nice they feel. 75% Merino Wool, but they have the stretchiness from the Polyamide and Elastane, so they stay neat on your legs and don’t fall down. They would please Chuck Peña as they come up a little higher than I like, but the main thing is they are comfortable. No over heating in 30ºC and I’m sure they would be warm in cold conditions, but I don’t do cold anymore. Nicely shaped at the heel and toe, with just the Pas name on the back and ‘Essential’ on the toe. Very nice in Classic white.
Classic white
Pas info: Complete your kit with the new Essential Socks. The socks give you the best natural abilities of Merino Wool, constructed in a classic and lightweight sock. Merging the thermal and temperature regulating properties from Merino Wool in a cycling-specific sock for spring and summer. Bridging the gap between high-summer minimalism and the colder months.
Top comfort
Product details
Unisex
Material: 75% Merino Wool, 23% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
Essential and Pas Normal Studios branding
Lightweight merino wool sock
Temperature regulation
Socks and vest
Mid Sleeveless Base Layer — Off White
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Last week when I tried the Pas Essential collection it was 30ºC, so I probably didn’t need a base layer, but anyway it was nice to wear. In the hot weather, the under vest does take the sweat away from the skin and you do feel more comfortable. The Pas base layer is lightweight, so didn’t feel bulky and is figure hugging (I need to lose that 5kg), so stays in place with no riding up. Very soft, a real pleasure to wear.
Nice on a hot day too
Pas info: The ability to effectively layer is an absolute necessity when cycling throughout the winter. As an alternative to our innovative Heavy Base Layer, the Mid Base Layer offers all the benefits of the Polartec® Power Wool fabric, only for warmer days. The Mid Sleeveless Base Layer provides the ideal foundation for your winter layers. This sleeveless version is extremely versatile and is easily incorporated into your summer and your winter apparel wardrobe.
This base layer has been constructed using the innovative Polartec® Power Wool fabric. With a merino wool interior and a synthetic fibre exterior, we have developed a hybrid base layer with a distinct surface, created to optimise moisture control, breathability, and durability. The premium merino wool makes this piece naturally odour resistant while a high-efficiency grid backer traps warm air and aids in moisture transfer for quick drying.
Are we on the?
Product details
Polartec® Power Wool
Superior wicking action
Fast drying
Highly breathable
Naturally odour resistant
Top quality kit
So what is my final thoughts? I had seen Pas kit on riders, but didn’t really know anything about it. I’d say the quality of manufacture is probably one of the best I’ve seen and the little things make a difference. The materials used must be the best, you can feel it. The colours and designs are also different from other cycle clothing brands, maybe not all are to your liking, but there will be something for you as they do have a big range, including some very subtle pastel shades. I like Pas Normal Studios.
The collection is available online, at Pas Normal Studios Flagship Stores and with retailers.
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