Review: Pedal Mafia Pro Vapour Bib

(2024) I have always been a sucker for white stitching on dark garments. It was the first thing that got my attention when Melbourne-based Pedal Mafia announced their new bibs for the 2024 season. Looks are one thing; function matters too. We took the Pro Vapour bibs out for several spins. There was a lot to be said for the top-of-the-line bibs from Pedal Mafia.

The Pedal Mafia Pro Vapour bibs feel different. They sound different, too, but the tactile experience of pulling them out of the bag is unique. The polyester/ elastane blend has become a trademark of Pedal Mafia fabrics. Pulling on the bibs and the difference continues to stand apart. There is compression, but not too much, like we had ordered the wrong size. The Italian woven fabric and construction Pedal Mafia is known for is carried through in the Pro Vapour bibs. The difference in feel from other bibs on the market was a positive attribute.

While the Pro Vapour bibs were trialed on unusually warm spring days, the upper level heat performance is yet to be tested. Meanwhile there is confidence that this is the bib of choice when summer arrives. The unique fabric promotes moisture wicking, making these bibs ready for any hard effort. Suddenly hot deep summer rides are a thing of excitement instead of concern. 

Fresh out of the bag and these bibs feel unlike any other in the industry.

The bibs received high praise for comfort. Initially met with skepticism, the Pro Vapour PRO Eco Pad felt minimalist. Skepticism turned to optimism which became canonist. Though the PRO Eco Pad had a profile, it created an absolutely comforting ride. It could be that Pedal Mafia focused on the PRO Eco Pad since they claim it reduces vibration resonating up through the bike from the road. Plus the PRO Eco Pad is made from polyester filament yarns woven from spent plastic bottles. This review keeps trending in the right direction.

The construction of the bibs are much like other Pedal Mafia offerings. The waistline features the standard ventilated stretch fabric. The shoulder straps feel like they are the widest in the industry. Further, the bibs are not a victim to copious amounts of silicone grippers. There’s just enough to carry the burden. Should the Pedal Mafia Pro Vapours succumb to a crash, Pedal Mafia offers a crash replacement program. 

The PRO Eco Pad is made of recycled plastic bottles and is claimed by Pedal Mafia to reduce road vibration.

Then there are the aesthetics. As mentioned, these bibs stood out because of their white stitching. Pedal Mafia makes some of the best-looking gear in cycling. An all black construction for the traditionalist, a simple PM logo on both thighs. Meanwhile the white stitching stretches across the bottom of the legs to add a splash of contemporary. The Pro Vapours look good, feel good, and are quality made.

These bibs are worth the splurge. If there was one area the Pro Vapours confused me was length. These are seriously long bibs. The first couple minutes on the bike are spent adjusting the leg openings to prevent them from sliding along the top of the knee cap. This does not bother me, but I could see it being a dealbreaker for some. If the bibs were an inch/ two centimeters shorter, they would be absolutely perfect.

These are the go-to bibs for 2024. These are for the long rides and long events. They are for races and hot days. On top of all that, they are the bibs that look great and ventilate well. Though they are on the expensive side, the difference will be felt from the moment they are pulled out of the bag all the way to the time the bike is stopped after a long outing.