Gear Break: Pas Normal Studios SS24 Essential Line, Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven socks, JetBlack launches their latest Smart Trainer – they call it a VICTORY for all, valve revolution: New Schwalbe CLIK VALVE makes inflating child’s play, Muc-Off’s latest weapon in the war on punctures and Bravur celebrates the Tour de France by adding la Grande Boucle IV to its popular Grand Tour chronograph collection.
Pas Normal Studios SS24 Essential Line
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.
Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven Socks – $19.99
ASPIRE™ features firm compression that hugs the contours of your feet supporting your arch and helping to decrease fatigue, every step, every mile. The compression in higher cuff heights stabilizes leg muscles and boosts circulation, reducing fatigue during extended activity. The thin, breathable design provides maximum ventilation and a barely there feeling, while moisture-wicking Olefin keeps your feet dry and blister-free, so you stay comfortable longer.
Chuck Peña PEZ sez: Socks are a lot like saddles in that they are a very personal choice based on anatomy and feel. Everyone has their own preferences for what they want in a pair of cycling socks. For me, the Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven socks tick all the right boxes:
- Thin enough to fit easily into race-level cycling shoes that aren’t designed to give your feet much of anything in the way of extra room
- A modicum of padding in the heel and toe for comfort pedaling for hours on end
- Firm enough compression for me to feel the socks “gripping” my feet and calves, which also means not having to worry about them slipping/falling down — plus the added benefit of helping to increase blood flow/circulation
And, of course, the fact that the ASPIRE Seven socks are tall — much to the chagrin of my PEZ compatriot, Ed Hood. Speaking of Ed …
It’s now been some 15 months since he suffered his stroke. I know all of us at PEZ miss him and his wit. I miss our banter about socks and everything else cycling. We don’t expect Ed will make it back into our bunch, so we’ve started a GoFundMe page to help Ed with his future. Read the full post here – and please consider donating. Thank you!
** Click this link to donate to the GoFundMe page to help Ed **
PEZ readers will know that I love to make statements with my socks and that I usually go colorful, but PEZ got the Swiftwick ASPIRE Sevens in classic white and basic black because those are socks every rider should have in their sock drawer. That plus they only come in three colors: white, black, and hi-viz yellow.
JetBlack Launches their Latest Smart Trainer – They Call it a VICTORY for All
Building on the success of the JetBlack VOLT, which was heralded as the “smartest smart trainer” by cycling tech critics in 2022, JetBlack now introduce VICTORY.
JetBlack VICTORY Smart Trainer from JetBlack Cycling on Vimeo.
Today at Eurobike we get the first glimpse of the new JetBlack VICTORY Smart Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click. Reviewers, who have already had a sneak peek are excited.
Tony Simmonds, CEO and JetBlack Founder says that the VICTORY is perfectly named. On their website – JetBlack Cycling claim VICTORY is more accurate, more innovative, more integrated with Zwift, certified ‘Zwift Ready’, ensuring an excellent experience on Zwift, and more affordable at $399 US, $749 AUD, €449 and £399, with Zwift Cog and Click pre-installed.
They say it performs as sweetly if not better than the JetBlack VOLT, with super responsive ride feel and accuracy.
“The VICTORY is launched alongside a bench of brilliantly designed indoor training accessories including our innovative indoor training fan, front wheel block for freedom of movement and steering, heart rate monitor with LED connectivity indicator, and storage solutions for your devices with the trainer table and tray. All these are designed to make indoor riding more ergonomic, convenient and enjoyable” says Tony.
“Riders are going to love some of the new features of the VICTORY, like the portability with the handle, its super sleek looks, wi-fi and USB-C connectivity. Its features and performance are next level, and it rides like a dream”. Adds Tony.
VICTORY is among the first ‘Zwift Ready’ trainers, making it easier than ever to use the trainer out of the box on Zwift. The JetBlack Victory comes with Zwift Cog pre-installed & includes Zwift Click controller, providing the premium experience of virtual shifting with quiet and smooth gear changes, compatible with almost any type of bike.
“I’m super proud of being among the first Zwift Ready indoor trainers in the world”. Tony reports.
“Zwift is the global premium indoor cycling platform and having their Zwift Cog on our hardware is the perfect combination. I’m excited about the experience that Zwifters will have on our trainer when riding on Zwift. The VICTORY delivers everything you should expect from this category of trainers PLUS so much more. It has BEST IN CLASS features too”, he adds.
At JetBlack they promise accessible performance from their products and in today’s economy, they wanted to make indoor cycling more affordable, but without skipping on the quality.
All this stacks up to provide the BEST performance and MOST COMPLETE feature set of ANY trainer on the market today.
Also compatible with other indoor trainer apps by simply removing Zwift Cog and replacing with your cassette of choice.
Features in Detail:
More Integrated:
- Zwift Ready and more integrated with Zwift
- Among the first Zwift Ready trainers certified to deliver an excellent experience on Zwift
- Zwift Cog pre-installed will work with almost any 8-12 speed bike out of the box
- VICTORY optimised for virtual shifting on Zwift
More Accurate:
- Wi-Fi enabled – less Bluetooth drop outs NEW FEATURE
- Auto-spin down calibration –- maintains power accuracy during each ride – NEW
- 2% power accuracy (more accurate than VOLT) NEW
More Responsive:
- 10Hz Race Mode – responsive, real-time resistance – great for racing
More Power:
- 1800W (more powerful – Volt was 1600W
- 16% Gradient
More Real:
- IN REAL LIFE RIDE DYNAMIC (IRLRD – responsive momentum to simulate riding outdoors)
- Quiet Operation – especially with Zwift Cog and Click – no gear change noise
More Convenient:
- Bluetooth Bridge – multiple device connectivity (Best in class)
- Odometer – track how many KM’s your trainer has done via the JetBlack App (NEW)
- USB-C connectivity – for hardwired connection to PC or Mac
- Handle for portability
- Disc brake block – insert device to prevent disk break jamming (Best in class)
- FTMS / ANT+FE-C / Zwift Protocol connectivity
More Innovation
- Proprietary Electromagnetic Motor System
More Affordable
- Getting more for less with the lowest cost, fully featured trainer on the market
Where to Get Victory:
VICTORY and accessories will be available online from October in USA, EU and UK through www.jetblackcycling.com, Amazon, and in some big box retailers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Selected JetBlack accessories are also currently available on www.zwift.com
In Australia, VICTORY and accessories will be available from August through cycling retail and online direct through www.jetblackcycling.com.au
Notify to Buy – get in early and JetBlack will let you know when and where VICTORY & Accessories will be available near you.
About Zwift Ready:
The Zwift Ready program denotes smart trainers which support virtual shifting on Zwift and come with Zwift Cog pre-installed and Zwift Click controllers. Thanks to Zwift Cog, Zwift Ready trainers are compatible with almost any 8-12 speed bike.
Valve Revolution: New Schwalbe CLIK VALVE Makes Inflating Child’s Play
New SCV valve to become the new industry standard in the medium term
There have always been new pump heads, but nobody has dared to tackle the root of many problems for over a hundred years: Schwalbe is now presenting a revolution for bicycle valves with the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE (SCV). In contrast to Presta, Dunlop or Schrader valves, inflating bicycle tires is finally child‘s play thanks to an intuitive click system. And in the truest sense of the word, because John Quintana‘s aim when he invented the system was for his children to be able to inflate their own bicycle tires. He was annoyed by the fact that it was simply too complicated for them with the “old” valves (both technically and for reasons of space on the children‘s bike).
Quintana tried out prototypes of the click system with his children, who became enthusiastic testers. The new Schwalbe CLIK VALVE is set to become the new industry standard in the medium term. The associated pump head can be clicked onto the valve with little force and removed again very easily after successful inflating – handling couldn‘t be easier. The entire operation is possible with just two fingers.
There is no longer any risk of air loss, and signs of wear on the pump head are a thing of the past. This is because the function of the pump head remains constant (with other pumps it deteriorates with time/use). For tubeless use, the Schwalbe CLIK VALVE offers another huge additional advantage, as the air flow rate is 50% higher compared to the previously used SV valve.
As a first step, Schwalbe offers conversion kits for all existing valves and most pumps. All you have to do is replace the valve insert (Sclaverand, Dunlop, tubeless valve) and there is an adapter for car type valves. This must be screwed over the valve and can also be unscrewed again – so it is still possible to fill the tire with air at petrol stations.
The pump head adapter can be integrated into the pump head of current pumps (by clamping or screwing it in), which also applies to hand pumps. The SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can also be inflated with normal SV pumps – so thanks to this reverse compatibility, you are never at a loss in any situation. The conversion kit includes the pump head adapter or pump head (depending on your choice) as well as a newly designed dust cap. As a leading manufacturer of bicycle accessories, SKS will already be offering its own pump at Eurobike. Other pump manufacturers will follow.
Schwalbe will soon be producing its first tubes with the new SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE.
How exactly does the conversion work?
At the valve:
SV+DV: Simply unscrew the current valve insert (tool for SV is included) and screw in the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE by hand, and the valve is ready.
AV: The adapter for the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can simply be screwed onto the car valve.
On the pump:
Simply integrate the adapter into the AV pump head (clamp or screw in). The pump is then ready to “CLIK”.
Muc-Off’s Latest Weapon In The War On Punctures!
Our lab boffins have been busy creating the latest weapon in our war on punctures: Introducing new Road & Gravel Tubeless Sealant.
This high-tech formula containing bamboo fibres and natural mineral flakes effortlessly seals punctures up to 7mm while handling tyre pressures up to 110psi, so you can keep it pinned no matter what the ride throws at you.
Tested by our pro teams INEOS Grenadiers and EF Education EasyPost and developed specifically for road and gravel riders, this beast of a blend delivers the highest level of performance whilst being non-toxic and allergen free.
Tough on punctures, not the environment!
Available in five different sizes: 80ml / 140ml / 500ml / 1L / 5L, our new Road & Gravel Tubeless Sealant is fully compatible with our Tubeless Valves, C02 Inflator Kits, and BAM!.
This is the ultimate ‘F**K Punctures’ weapon!
Bravur Celebrates the Tour de France by Adding La Grande Boucle IV to its Popular Grand Tour Chronograph Collection
Paying homage to the legendary race, the latest addition brings together style and functionality for any ride
As cycling fans tick down the days to the Tour de France, Bravur pays homage to the legendary race with the launch of its latest timepiece, the La Grande Boucle IV. The new iteration takes inspiration from the Tour combining exceptional craftsmanship with a contemporary design that captures the true essence of the iconic Grand Tour.
The latest watch boasts a versatile case diameter of 38.2mm, crafted from premium 316L stainless steel. The case features a stunning blend of brushed and polished surfaces, delivering a balanced and elegant aesthetic that is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Designed with cyclists in mind, it also includes three sub-dials for precise timekeeping: a 15-minute counter for tracking intervals, a 12-hour counter for longer rides and a running seconds sub-dial. At the centre, the main second-hand functions as a 60-second chronograph, ensuring accurate time measurement.
Powered by a Swiss movement with automatic winding, the La Grande Boucle IV guarantees reliable performance and enduring quality.
The watch features four strap options – perforated leather, black FKM rubber, yellow FKM rubber and stainless steel Milanese mesh – combining sportiness with elegance, enhanced by a vintage-inspired design. Each timepiece is meticulously hand-built to order in Båstad, Sweden.
Commenting on the new La Grande Boucle IV watch, Magnus Äppelryd, Co-founder of Bravur, said: “We are excited to add La Grande Boucle IV to our Grand Tour Chronograph collection. It is a watch that embodies the spirit of the Tour de France and the meticulous craftsmanship of Bravur. This model is a testament to our commitment to creating timepieces that are both functional and stylish.”
Key Features:
- Swiss-made automatic movement (calibre SW511b from Sellita)
- 62 h power reserve, 27 jewels
- Chronograph start/stop function
- Hand-built in Sweden
- 10 ATM water resistance38.2mm diameter
- Lume on hands and indices
- Available in Stainless Steel casing
- Sapphire crystal (on front and back)
Pricing and Availability:
- La Grande Boucle IV is made to order and is available in a Stainless Steel casing with prices from USD 2550 (excl VAT) / GBP 2460 (incl VAT) / EUR 2550 (incl VAT)
- All orders include free shipping worldwide and the watches are available to purchase online from: bravurwatches.com
- For more information about Bravur and the ‘Grand Tour Chronograph’ series, please visit: bravurwatches.com/collections/grand-tour
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
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