By Brandon Bilyeu
Cost: $160
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
Colors: Dark Turquoise, Bright Yellow, Navy, White, Dark Purple, Black, Earth Green, Dusty Purple, Check Brick, Check Olive Green, Check Dark Purple, Check Petroleum
Website: Essential Jersey
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Reviewer Measurements and Fit Comments: 5’10” (178cm), 150 lbs (68 kgs), 34″ (86cm) waist, 38” (96.5cm) hips, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 38″ (95cm) chest. Based on the size chart I am a size Medium and the fit was good.
Pas Normal Studios – Premium Kit and International Cycling Club
Pas Normal Studios (PNS) is a cycling clothing brand that serves up more than just technical and stylish clothing. Founded in 2014 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, they have since expanded with seven Flagship stores throughout Europe, Asia, and North America (San Francisco). The stores are not just commerce hubs, but have cafes and lead weekly rides to help build a cycling community.
PNS identifies as an International Cycling Club and prominently displays their name on their kit so it’s easy to find fellow PNS riders. To help build this community outside of the stores PNS also has Destination Everywhere Vans that travel to events and support riders all over the world.
PNS kit is available online, at their Flagship stores, and select retail partners throughout the world. The kit is available in 10+ collections that cater to different types of cycling. The core road and gravel collections include:
- Mechanism Collection – race-fit and technical fabrics for performance
- Essential Collection – premium everyday kit for long days in comfort
- Escapism Collection – rugged gravel kit with built in extra storage
Essential Jersey – A Solid Everyday Top
Hot!
- Available in a wide range of solid colors and ‘check’ patterns
- Close fit, but not second-skin
- Full zip in front
- Three pockets in the back + zippered pocket
- Men and Women versions available
Not!
- Solid fabric doesn’t breathe as well as mesh, not the best for super-hot days
True to its name, the Essential Jersey has all the essentials covered. The jersey uses multi-panel construction and is made from one fabric throughout. The solid fabric lacks mesh inserts on the sides so this jersey is not the best for the hottest rides, but this results in a robust top that should survive rough days and many washings. While not rated for sun protection, the solid fabric kept my pale skin from picking up any color.
Elbow length sleeves and a tall waistband with grippers keep the jersey securely in place while a full zip front (with top and bottom zipper garages) makes ingress, egress, and ventilation a breeze. The fabric has ample stretch to accommodate different body shapes and is cut in a relaxed fit that sits just off the skin for good aero properties without the sausage case feeling. Wicking and drying are excellent and the fabric feels soft on the skin. The large selection of colors and patterns means there is something for everyone’s style.
Out back three pockets and a fourth zippered pocket stretch to hold all your ride goodies. The solid waistband supports the pockets for a very secure and bounce-free ride. A small PNS logo on the front chest is dwarfed by a large PNS logo across the upper back, announcing to all your membership in the International Cycling Club.
On the bike the Essential jersey fits perfectly with a long tail and high cut waist to match well to the road bike position without any bunching. The slightly loose cut feels light and non-restrictive for all day comfort that still cuts through the wind without flapping. Bright color options and the eye-catching check pattern are appreciated for visibility.
Bottom line – A high quality, durable jersey that has all the features one expects. The fit and fabric provide excellent comfort. Lots of colors to choose from.
Quick Review – Essential Light Bibs
The Essential Light Bibs are made with a thin fabric that is great for hot weather. I can’t do a full review as the fit did not work well for me, but from a couple of ~1-hour short rides I found them to be quite good. The legs and torso fit perfectly, but the problem was in the waist. Bent over the bike the fit was too loose in the waist which was quite uncomfortable for my manly bits. The Essential collection uses a more generous fit to accommodate a wide range of bodies which is great for the majority of rides who don’t look like stick figure pros. In my case the Mechanism collection would likely have provided a better fit for my slim body.
The current trend with many brands seems to be a thick chamois, and while comfortable, it can feel a bit bulky. The PNS chamois is relatively thin with medium density padding and was very comfortable on my short rides. The low bulk design disappears under you and a perineum cutout keeps pressure away from the soft tissues.
The light fabric feels great in hot weather and has enough strength to provide some compression. A pocket on the right leg provides a little extra storage and comfortable bib straps and leg grippers keep everything in place. My hot take from a couple short rides is that if the fit were right these would be very comfortable bibs.
Quick Review – Mid Sleeveless Base Layer
Previously I reviewed Polartec’s Power Wool in PNS’ Thermal Base Layer with praise for its highly effective warmth and breathability (Power Wool). The Mid uses a lightweight version of Power Wool for warmer days. My first thought when receiving the Mid Sleeveless Base Layer was “my arms will be cold and my core overheating,” but I was wrong. On cool, overcast days between 50-70 F (10-21 C) this base layer was perfect for temperature regulation and meant I could keep my gilet in my back pocket.
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.