Customize Normal Studios Mechanism roadkit and new Fizik collab
Pas Normal has updated its range of Mechanism cycling sets.
The range has been expanded to include jackets, long-sleeved jerseys and body warmers, in addition to bib shorts and short-sleeved jerseys for men and women.
The range now also includes a Mechanism Pro variant, which is said to offer an even tighter fit than the already snappy standard Mechanism kit. This uses lighter and more elastic fabrics, with improved UV protection, and where possible laser-cut edges and glued seams.
Not being a racer, I opted for the standard Mechanism range and the stylish, understated look is certainly appealing – as is the quality of materials and fit.
The sleeveless base layer (£60 / $75 / €65) comes in six colours, men’s and women’s fits, and is made from ultra-lightweight mesh with plenty of stretch.
The jersey is available in a wide range of colors (13 in total) and has an aerodynamic fit with elbow sleeves. It is made from a lightweight fabric that PAS Normal claims is suitable for temperatures up to 30ºC.
Three pockets, a full length zip with a garage and a high neckline mean it also has the practical features I’d like to see.
The jumper costs £160 / $200 / €185 in both men’s and women’s fits.
The bib shorts are available in men’s and women’s versions and feature a diamond-patterned lycra on the legs, which is said to provide a compressive fit. Deep elastic grippers keep the shorts in place.
It is said that the chamois was built for the rigors of long days in the saddle. The low-profile suspender straps are wide and designed to sit flat on the shoulders, while the back panel is mesh for ventilation.
The Mechanism bib shorts are available in five colors and cost £225 / $280 / €255.
The Stow Away Gilet (£125 / $155 / €140) is designed to fold away and comes in 11 color options.
It has a two-way zipper, stretch mesh panels on the flanks and a slightly dropped tail. Pas Normal says it uses a lightweight nylon fabric made by Japanese brand Toray (the same company that makes carbon fiber for bicycle and wheelset brands) and features a non-perfluorinated DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
The Stow Away jacket is available in 14 colors and is made from the same nylon material and DWR treatment as the vest. This also has a two-way zip and a close-fitting collar and is positioned as an emergency jacket with a back pocket for light rain showers. It costs £175 / $220 / €200.
For more protection against rain, there is the Mechanism Rain jacket, available in five colors.
It is made from a Pertex Shield Air 3-layer construction with bonded seams and internal taping.
It also features a two-way zipper, a drop back with full-circle grippers and a soft lining at the collar. The material feels noticeably soft and the jacket has a snappy fit. It costs £250 / $310 / €280.
For the record, my 188cm, 92kg frame carries an XL kit throughout.
Finally, PAS Normal has teamed up with Fizik to release the Mechanism racing shoe. This is based on the Fizik Vento.
The Mechanism shoe features dual Boa dials, a TPU upper and Fizik’s R2 carbon sole. A muted silver laminate finish makes the shoe stand out, with lasered patterns.
The Mechanism racing shoe costs £390 / $490 / €450, and my set weighs 564.2g (size EU45).
- Sleeveless base layer mechanism: £60 / $75 / €65
- Stainless steel jersey mechanism: £160 / $200 / €185
- Mechanism bib shorts: £225 / $280 / €255
- Mechanism Storage Vest: £125 / $155 / €140
- Mechanism Stow Away Jacket: £175 / $220 / €200
- Raincoat mechanism: £250 / $310 / €280
- Racing shoe mechanism: £390 / $490 / €450