By Brandon Bilyeu
Cost:
Mechanism Jersey $205
Mechanism Bibs $285
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
Colors:
| 2024 Jersey | 2025 Jersey | 2024 Bibs | 2025 Bibs |
| Sky Blue | Light Indigo | Navy | White |
| Brick | Dusty Brown | Black | Navy |
| Earth | Burgundy | Dusty Brown | |
| Navy | Khaki Green | Khaki Green | |
| Petroleum | Dusty Yellow | Light Indigo | |
| Black | Black | ||
| Dusty Teal | White | ||
| White | Navy | ||
| Medium Grey | |||
| Deep Green |
There are 15 Jersey colors and 6 Bib colors. Note that not all colors are the updated 2025 versions. The 2024 versions are listed as such on the website and the differences are explained in the review below.
Website: Mechanism Jersey , Mechanism Bibs
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Reviewer Measurements: 5’10” (178cm), 145 lbs (66 kgs), 33″ (84cm) waist, 38” (96.5cm) hips, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 38″ (96.5cm) chest. Please see the reviews below for specific fit comments.
Pas Normal Studios – Mechanism Collection
The Mechanism Collection from Pas Normal Studios is skintight kit designed for performance in fast training rides and racing. Mechanism sits below Mechanism Pro, which is a no-holds-barred race focused kit that uses all the latest fabric and technologies. Below Mechanism in the Pas Normal Studios hierarchy is the Essential Collection that is a premium everyday kit for long rides in comfort. Both the Mechanism Jersey and Bibs are made in Italy.
Mechanism’s styling is subtle and makes for a classic look. The Jersey is available in 15 colors and the Bibs in 6 colors, so you can mix-and-match to suit your style. The solid colors are tastefully broken-up on most colors by large, contrast-colored seams. The leg, waist, and arm openings are matched color elastic cuffs that offer a material change for visual variety and an additional contrast seam that would typically be absent with laser cut openings. The Jersey’s micro-perforation gives a textured look, and the Bibs have an open weave pattern (image above). Large PNS and Mechanism logos sit prominently on the back of the Jersey and Bibs. Overall, I think the aesthetics are low key and I like the look.
Mechanism Jersey – Light and Fast
Hot!
- Available in 15 solid colors with contrast stitching
- Skintight fit
- Strong and grippy elastic cuffs at waist and arms
- Full zip in front with zipper garages
- Three pockets in the back + zippered pocket
- Men and Women versions available
Not!
- Race-cut puts the pockets high up on the back
The Mechanism Jersey is constructed of a thin micro-perforated fabric, except for the solid fabric front panel. This makes for a very lightweight and breathable top with a tiny bit of wind protection in the front. The skintight fit makes for great sweat wicking and the full-length front zipper helps with temperature control. I tested the Dusty Yellow color, and the fabric is so light and thin that you can clearly see everything underneath.
Out back three pockets and a fourth zippered pocket have ample stretch to hold all your ride goodies. The zippered pocket is good sized, but not big enough to hold modern smartphones. The solid waistband supports the pockets for a very secure and bounce-free ride. The race-fit cut means a high waist to avoid bunching, but this results in the pocket placement being quite high up on the back. If you have shoulder mobility issues this may not work well for you.
Following the PNS size chart I went with a medium Jersey and the fit was snug in the main body. The waist and arm band fit was also good, but not as snug as the rest of the jersey. In an aggressive riding position, I did get some slight waist band flutter in the wind, suggesting I could have sized down, but I am happy with the overall fit and didn’t want the main body any tighter. If you are between sizes on the size chart, I would recommend sizing down unless you prefer a looser fit.
The differences between the 2024 and 2025 models are minor. The updated 2025 model has a slightly shorter collar and a modified zippered pocket design. They are improvements, but not ones that would be highly noticeable after you put on the jersey. I would put picking the color you want above getting the updated jersey.
On the bike the Mechanism Jersey fits snugly, and the sleeves and waist stay locked in place thanks to the elastic cuffs and grippers. There is plenty of stretch to move with you and accommodate different positions while keeping an aero and flap-free profile tight against your skin. Its lightweight materials are great in hot weather, and it just disappears when you put in on.
Bottom Line
A stylish race-fit jersey that is lightweight and has plenty of storage. Consider sizing down if you want a truly snug fit.
Mechanism Bibs – Supremely Comfortable Bottoms
Hot!
- Available in 6 solid colors
- Moderate thickness, high density chamois is excellent
- Good fit and compression
- High waist for belly comfort
- Men and Women versions available
Not!
- High waist makes comfort breaks a little difficult
The Mechanism Bibs saw upgrades for 2025 that do have a significant impact on comfort and durability. The front waist was raised for better belly comfort and support. The previous version had a much lower cut (left image below), which I have not tested, but having worn low cut bibs before I know it tends to dig under even the smallest amount of belly fat for a fit that is not super comfortable. The new Bibs’ higher waist sits on top of your belly for compressive support and does not dig in (right image below). This means nature breaks require a little more effort to pull up or unzip the jersey, and then pull down the Bibs’ tall front, but still possible.
On the durability side, a new zigzag chamois stitching was implemented to improve wear resistance of the threads. I have a riding buddy who quickly wore through the chamois stitching on several pairs of the 2024 Mechanism Bibs before giving up and switching to another brand, so it’s good to see PNS address this issue. I am also tough on chamois stitching and it’s not rare for me to eventually wear through the threads and abrade the bib material. I can say that after 20+ hours of intense and hot riding the new Mechanism Bibs still look like new. Based on these improvements I would recommend the updated 2025 Bibs over the 2024 Bibs.
Based on the PNS size chart I originally tried on size Medium, but I felt it might be a little on the loose side. PNS was kind enough to send me size Small so I could compare the two and I ended up going with the Small. When it comes to Bibs, tighter is better to keep the chamois locked in place and avoid any chaffing from bunching material. Size Small was the right choice as when I got out on the bike, I loved the fit and compression level. Based on this experience I would recommend sizing down if you are between sizes and consider sizing down if you want a tighter fit. Trying on Bibs is always the best option, either in store or ordering two sizes online.
The PNS chamois is a real highlight and is used across all PNS Bibs. The chamois thickness is more conservative that the super thick chamois’ I have seen the last few years. A thinner chamois allows you to sit on top of the pad instead of sinking into it, which improves stability and reduces pressure on soft tissues. The four layers of padding in the chamois provide good sit bone comfort and a center channel helps keep pressure off the perineum. The cover is very soft but also robust for a stable ride that keeps you planted.
Bottom Line
The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Bibs (updated 2025 version) are one of the most comfortable I have even worn. There are no crazy technical tricks going on, just well-made bibs with a killer chamois.
Quick Review – PNS Sleeveless Base Layer
The PNS Sleeveless Baselayer is lightweight, breathes well, and wicks sweat well. It comes in 4 colors: White, Black, Navy, and Camel. I’m still not sure I believe the summer baselayer hype that it keeps you cooler in hot temperatures. But I do wear baselayers for the majority of the year, just not on the hottest summer rides. In spring and early summer, riding with an unzipped jersey to cool off, using a baselayer provides an extra benefit as a shield between your skin and the copious bug swarms.
Quick Review – Mechanism Socks
The Mechanism socks are quality summer weight socks with silver imbedded in the yarn for antimicrobial properties. The socks are soft on the skin and come in seven colors: Medium Grey, Celeste, Dusty Brown, Black, White, Navy, and Matte Blue. PNS describes the fit as ‘tight’. I got size Medium based on the size chart and ‘tight’ is not the word I would use to describe the fit. The upper portion was just snug enough to stay up, but the foot was too loose, causing my foot to slide around in my cycling shoes. They are nice socks but definitely size down for a proper tight fit.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.