New Year... New you. This obviously means setting then smashing some cycling goals in 2018 and what better way to tackle this than with some new kit

Words - Katie Quinn Images - Mike Boudrie

Plus since you’ve got some left over Christmas cash from granny burning a hole in your jersey pocket, you’d do well to invest in the new Pedla Full Gas Aero / Linear jersey and the Long Haul G1 knicks.

ABOUT

The Pedla brand have been major players in the cycling kit game for some time. Established in the crazy cycling culture that has a strong hold on Melbourne, they wanted to come up with kit that was both stylish and comfortable. Their latest release doesn’t disappoint.

In a time where every cyclist we know seems to have cupboard drawers packed with kit, decisions have to be made at some point about when to invest in the next cycling ‘essential’ item. Even for the cyclist that has everything, there’s still plenty of room in a bursting lycra-filled wardrobe to include a kit from Pedla.

The Pedla clothing range extends from summer and winter cycling jerseys and knicks, socks, warmers and a vast range of accessories. Their “dot dot dot” design is reminiscent of waiting for your friend to reply to your text messages, and when you see the larger “o” shaped logo, images of high quality apparel spring to mind. Read on to find out why...

QUALITY / RIDE

There’s a lot of fine kit on the market these days, so I made sure that I rode a minimum of 300km in the kit before I could satisfactorily vouch for the quality. I know some seriously hardcore Pedla fans socially that vouch for their product, but personally it was my first Pedla experience...and I was pleasantly surprised. They have produced high-quality garments. Everything you would expect is included.

The jersey cut is spot on. It’s a race cut, so it’s snug and women specific – it feels firm but doesn’t bunch up as it’s held in place along the bottom of the jersey by a silicon gripper. The sleeve length sits mid-bicep and the bottom of the sleeve stitching doesn’t cut in.

The fabric feels soft to touch but firm against your skin and is rated SPF 50+ to protect you from the sun. I can vouch for this – even on long full-sun rides I didn’t burn.

The side panels are made of a breathable fabric for appropriate ventilation, making this jersey suitable for spring, summer and autumn riding. The full-length zipper is hidden within the fabric – all the top-end finishes are there.

The only fault I could find is that the rear middle pocket on the jersey is quite slim – you could comfortably slide your iPhone in, but not a Clif Bar.

I found the Long Haul G1 bib knicks were extremely comfortable and went the distance. The design is classic, not too showy and can be easily paired with any jersey. The real question is do they hurt your butt? Absolutely not.

The fabric on the knicks is firm and supportive. Your legs feel secure and there is no digging in from stitching or grippers. The leg length is perfect mid-thigh and they don’t ride up. The chamois is pink in colour, the first pink one I think I’ve seen, and very comfortable. The Pedla website explains that this is a CYTECH 3D Endurance chamois, but all you need to know is that it’s padded and does the job perfectly, without feeling like you’re carrying too much junk in your trunk.

The washing instructions are standard, and the kit has so far survived multiple “quick 30” cycles, with or without a delicate bag and the results – perfect every time. No pulled stitches or pilling, colours remain bright and no early signs of fading.

SIZE

I am 166cm tall and 59kgs so I went for a size “S” in both the jersey and the knicks. These fitted perfectly. The women’s sizes range from an “XS” to a “XL”. The sizing chart provided on the Pedla website was accurate and the ‘Returns & Exchange’ policy is generous in case you get it wrong.

PRICE

The jersey I reviewed currently retails for $187 and the knicks retail for $284. I’d consider these to be at the top end of the price point for cycling kit, but it’s an investment when the kit is built to last season after season.

You can head over to the Pedla website to purchase.

OVERALL

If you’re looking for a stylish addition to your cycling wardrobe, one that will be your go-to kit for season after season – you should seriously consider getting your hands on some sweet Pedla kit. Yes, it may be pricey but the gear is really, really good and you should consider it as an investment in your health and wellbeing.

Go on, you deserve it.

Disclosure statement: This kit was supplied by Pedla for review