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PEdAL ED Okabe Jersey

9
£99.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Expensive but stylish and comfortable; one of the best jerseys tested in a while
Weight: 
280g
Contact: 

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The PEdAL ED Okabe jersey is a traditional style jersey which feels soft and fits very well. The jersey has been designed for comfort on long journeys and it works a treat. It isn't cheap coming in at £99 but you do get a lot for your money, style, fit and something a little different.

PEdAL ED was founded in 2007 by Hideto Suzuki, with the aim of making stylish yet functional clothing for people who love cycling. In less than eight years they have created quite a range, from racing clothing to more urban garments, boots and accessories.

What sets the PEdAL ED Okabe apart is the detail. It is one of the most comfortable jerseys I have tried in a long time.

The jersey frontage is quite normal. The half zip has a snug feel and closes into a recess in the collar to keep it tucked out of the way. The collar itself is about an inch tall. There is a small chest pocket to keep valuables close to hand.

On the rear is where things get a little more interesting. Down the middle of the back is a mesh strip that adds style but has the useful function of providing ventilation. Despite this strip the jersey does give you thermo regulation and a sun protection factor of 50+.

The pocket setup is also on the unusual side. The pocket is full width but it isn't divided into three as you might expect, rather there is one normal sized pocket and the other side is double width. They're only separated at the top of the pocket, whereas on most jerseys the pockets are split into compartments from top to bottom. On the Okabe it is only at the top so if you want to fit something in that requires more space it can be slotted in quite easily. Your pump can easily be swallowed without protruding over the top.

On the outside of the jersey is a full-width zipped pocket which is more than deep enough for today's large mobiles. There's a waterproof layer between the inside and outside pockets and keeping all this in place is a wide hem. The neat finishing touches include a styled badge on the rear at the bottom.

The sleeves are not overly long with a fitted opening that sits well on the upper arm. From a performance point of view the Okabe jersey is just what you would ask for if you were sat down by a designer and told to give them your key factors.

It is sleek but fits really well as the mix of polyamide and elastane allows the jersey to move with you, but at the bottom the gripper prevents the jersey from riding up. The pockets are useful and the chest pocket a bonus.

The materials allow the PEdAL ED Okabe jersey to breathe and even if you do work it harder than it is able to deal with the feel is still sleek and smooth. The seams are flat and don't cause any irritation. From a durability perspective, the Okabe continues to look as if it has come straight from the packaging, with all the Italian style you would expect.

Verdict

Expensive but stylish and comfortable; one of the best jerseys tested in a while

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road.cc test report

Make and model: PEdAL ED Okabe Jersey

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Pedal ED says:

Designed for comfort on long journeys, the fine tech fibers of this cycling jersey perfectly combine the softest textile with advanced technical features, regulating temperature efficiently on longer or shorter distance rides. Fit adjusts to the rider through the flexible black textile rear application to offer a snug, yet relaxed fit shaped for riding and sleek appearance.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Pedal ED says:

- Large rear pocket with additional zip pocket

- Front zip pocket for valuables

- Thermo Regulation and 50+ UV protection

- Made in Italy

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

There appear to be no flaws in the jersey's make-up. Even the zips have a firm plastic pull to make life easier. If there is going to be a gripe it would be with the larger internal pocket. Yes it's great to be able to fit your pump in without it peaking over the top but it also means everything can get jumbled up with no clear divide internally.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

The fit is sleek, comfortable and stylish which is a hard package to combine. The Okabe copes with moderate workloads well and even if you put it thoroughly through it's paces it will still offer a decent feel without getting all soggy and losing it's shape.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It has been used many times over several weeks and continues to look box fresh. No snares or wears have appeared and the stitching is holding up to plenty of use.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

This won't compare to the summer jerseys or some of the newer climbing jerseys but this is missing the point. The Okabe is more than that, it is a for long journeys offering comfort, style and practicality even in warm weather. The mix of polyamide and elastane are never going to be the lightest blend but you do get a very good feel.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

As stated the above, the mix of materials allow the Okabe to come into it's own in the comfort stakes.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Some may baulk at the price tag but £99 compares favourably with some of the marquee brands that offer equivalents with much larger prices.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It breathes well, wears well and performs well and all with a touch of class.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The feel and fit and unusually good from a relative new comer. Plenty of thought and attention to detail has gone into producing a quality garment.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

If I'm being really picky, perhaps some lighter colour options would give some of the other brands a real run for their money.

Did you enjoy using the product? I certainly did.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A real surprise as I didn't know a great deal about the brand or the range. I look forward to seeing in what direction they go and what they do next.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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3 comments

Avatar
Tin Pony | 9 years ago
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Looks to be a nice cut and fit. With lovely detailing front and back. Unusual colours but I like that. Napoleon pocket is a cool and different feature
http://www.tinpony.co.uk/news/

Avatar
Yorky-M | 9 years ago
0 likes

I like short sleeves to show off my guns!

Avatar
crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes

£99 should buy a lot more thought and a lot better design.

1. The sleeves are too short.
They are too short from a fashion perspective; most jerseys these days have moved to a sleeve that sits at the lower end of the bicep. They are too short from a functional perspective; when adopting a cycling position as in the photo, the sleeves are being pulled upwards.
2. The jersey is not well cut on the body.
There is bunching occurring at the lower edge, which suggests the jersey is too long at the front. There is bunching occurring behind the neck which suggests there is too much material in this area.
3. The pockets.
Pockets that sit low down on the back encourage the jersey to sag over the buttocks when loaded. This in turn allows the loaded pockets to flop from side to side when standing on the bike. Higher and tighter would be better.
4. The zip.
The zip on any high performance jersey should really be full length so it can be opened to suit the conditions rather than dropped half way.

I'm being deliberately harsh because I resent the idea that high price equals high quality. Much more thought should go into a jersey that costs £100; much, much more.

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