Review: Pedal Mafia PMCC Bibs
(2021) Progression is an incremental movement where small improvements make all the difference. Rarely do big things come along and shake the cycling scene, but it happens. Think disc brakes or carbon frames. Usually, though, it’s tiny things such as a change in a saddle design, an alteration of a geometry, or even the tread pattern of a tire. For years we pulled on the same styled bibs thinking they were all the same. That is, until we started riding in Pedal Mafia’s PMCC Bibs and our rides have never been more comfortable.
Pedal Mafia, an Australian cycling apparel company, caught our eyes years ago with flashy photos involving sleek riders, flash bikes, and sultry cars. Think a McLaren with Seasucker racks delivering an equally remarkable bike to the group ride. At the start of the 2021 summer, a pair of the top-end Pedal Mafia bibs were received and we haven’t taken them off since. They were tapped for another outing today.
Pedal Mafia’s bibs come with tons of features. The compression is the most enjoyable part- used regularly they are still hugging the body as they did when new. The bold navy color is striking and attention grabbing. The French and Italian fabrics make their presence known in this garment. Across the back are the minimalist letters PMCC. One must be in the know to identify the acronym. The pro-length leg grippers verify the bibs aren’t going anywhere, and the tack isn’t overboard in its clinginess.
The comfort of Pedal Mafia’s PMCC bibs are evident during long days in the saddle. Designed for comfort, the high-end bibs feature comfortable chamois intended to keep the focus on the adventure at hand. The soft mesh around mid-region allows for cooling while not adding bulk. There is a reason these bibs are prioritized, they deliver foundation-strength reliability.
Finally there is the progressive piece to the bibs. Pedal Mafia has installed flat and nearly-rigid anti-chafe seamless straps that are the widest yet. These flat straps do exactly that. They don’t bunch up and become a deli slicer to the shoulders. Supportive, comfortable, and load-bearing, these straps are the favorite part of the garment. This progression had us flirting, “Where have you been all my life?”
Comfortable straps, light mesh, and compressive leg and pelvic regions demonstrate Pedal Mafia’s success at creating the ultimate all-day riding bib. We have used these in hot conditions and warm days alike. Each time they perform just as we hoped. Now if only we can get them to lend us a McLaren to roll up for the next group ride.
