Pas Normal Studios: Escapism Light Gravel Kit Review
- James Ion
- Sep 4, 2025
- 6 min read
Words and Photography by James Ion (additional photography provided by Pas Normal Studios)
Pas Normal Studios has built its reputation on blending performance with a distinct sense of style, and the Escapism line takes that ethos onto rougher, more adventurous terrain. Designed for long days in the saddle and made from robust, carefully chosen fabrics, the Escapism Light bibs and jersey promise comfort, durability, and a refined aesthetic. But with a price tag firmly in the premium bracket, the question is whether they deliver enough to justify the investment.
In Part Three of our Pas Normal Studios series, after several rides and a few unplanned encounters with branches and gravel, we look at how they stack up.
[As with most of our reviews, these products were sent to us for free. However, as always, we maintain their unbiased nature and freedom from brand influence—no one has paid us to promote these products. With kit testing, we follow the same protocols (see below) and give our honest opinions based on the subjective perspective of the reviewer.]
I really wanted to like this kit. The brand has much more behind it than just flashy marketing, and I wanted it to live up to the hype. Was I disappointed or pleasantly surprised?
Pas Normal Studios: Comfort
Comfort is paramount for any cycling kit, and I put this jersey and bib short combo through long gravel rides to see how they performed.
The Jersey: Straight out of the bag, the jersey’s fabric felt soft and premium—almost too soft. It seemed flimsy, even weak. But let’s not forget, this is the “Light” version designed for hot summer days. Still, it was surprising at first—until I put it on.
On the bike, it proved impressively comfortable, even on all-day rides. The jersey moulds itself to your body; you don’t feel like you’re wearing anything. The material strikes a balance between lightweight breathability and light compressive support. On hot gravel grinds, the moisture management was excellent—sweat evaporated quickly, keeping me dry and avoiding that clammy feeling. The soft texture meant no irritation; even the stitching and seams are thoughtfully placed, so there was no chafing on the shoulders or arms. The collar sat flat and didn’t rub, while the sleeve cuffs used a gentle gripper that stayed in place without squeezing. On long climbs, nothing pinched or pulled awkwardly.
The Bib Shorts: Equally—if not more—important for comfort are the bib shorts and their chamois. The chamois padding has a medium-firm density that provides excellent support over rough terrain. On a 4-hour mixed-terrain ride, I never found myself squirming or seeking relief. The anatomic shape fit my profile well, cushioning the sit bones without feeling bulky or diaper-like.
The shoulder straps were stretchy and seamless, lying flat and staying invisible in use—no digging into the shoulders, even when climbing out of the saddle. Ventilation is decent: the main fabric is lightweight and breathable, keeping my thighs cool in direct sun. Overall, this is a kit I’d confidently grab for an all-day gravel event.
Style
Pas Normal Studios clearly puts thought into aesthetics.
Design and Aesthetics: The jersey design is modern and eye-catching without being garish. Mine came in a deep red with subtle, abstract patterns across the chest and sleeves—enough flair to stand out, while still classy and refined. The branding is minimal, just a small emblem on the chest and a wordmark on the back pocket. I appreciate that approach; it shows confidence in design rather than relying on oversized logos.
The bib shorts were in “Thyme” green. I didn’t expect to like the combination, but once on, it worked surprisingly well—subtle yet stylish.
Out on gravel roads, I even got a couple of compliments from fellow riders. The kit blends the sharp “pro” look with gravel pragmatism: stylish but not loud, premium but not pretentious. Compared with other Pas Normal lines, it’s more understated—no big PNS lettering, just subtle Escapism detailing that feels intentional.
In short, it looks as good in Instagram photos as it performs in the wild.
Fit
Fit is always subjective, but it matters. I’m an average build, typically a Medium in most cycling apparel—not exactly the lean model-type bodies often shown in marketing.
The Jersey Fit: This is what I’d call a “tailored race fit.” Out of the bag it looked small, but it stretched to hug the body closely without restricting movement. If you’re used to club-fit jerseys, note that this runs snug. For me, the Medium was close-fitting but comfortable. Broad-chested riders may want to size up.
The length is spot-on for riding—the back is slightly elongated to cover the lower back, while the front doesn’t bunch thanks to a shorter hem. Pockets are high enough not to sag, even when loaded with food, tools, or a phone. I even rode MTB with a bottle in the pocket, which was still easy to access one-handed.
The Bib Shorts Fit: The Small I was sent fit like the size chart said it would, but the legs were shorter than I prefer. On reflection, my usual Medium might have been better. Still, the bibs stayed locked in place and were never uncomfortable.
The thigh compression is firm but not restrictive, with grippers that held securely without bulging. The rise is medium-high, offering good core coverage. Riders with very long torsos might find the straps short, but for me, they stretched comfortably without pulling. A nice detail: the straps are cut to avoid chest irritation—a small but important touch.
On the bike the kit stayed put—no riding up, no constant adjustments. If you’re between sizes, size up, but otherwise the fit is dialled. Racy, contoured, but still comfortable for long days.
Durability
Materials and Construction: Although the jersey felt flimsy at first, that impression didn’t last. I’ve logged around 300 km across tarmac, fire roads, and singletrack. After brushes with branches and thorns, I expected snags—there were none. The anti-abrasion ripstop fabric seems to work. Even with a hydration pack, the shoulders didn’t pill. Stitching is tight, seams are intact, and no fraying after multiple washes.
The bib shorts use a tougher nano-brushed fabric—essentially a softening treatment that doesn’t compromise durability. They feel gentle on the skin yet robust. Logos and reflective details have held up perfectly after repeated washes.
Longevity and Care: I washed cold and hang-dried. Colours stayed vibrant, with no fading. Dust and mud rinsed out easily, and a minor slide-out left no damage beyond surface dirt. Overall: this is not a one-season showpiece—it’s built for real-world gravel use.
Price
Let’s be honest: quality craftsmanship is expensive, and Pas Normal Studios makes no secret of positioning itself as premium. Their pieces are crafted from high-quality Italian fabrics and assembled in Italy and Portugal, but you’re also paying for marketing, development, and brand identity. It’s not just a kit—it’s a lifestyle choice.
Pricing
Jersey: ~€180
Bib shorts: ~€255
Total: ~€435 (as of this review)
That’s premium pricing, on par with Rapha, MAAP, and other boutique brands.
Value for Money: Do you get what you pay for? In terms of quality, fit, and performance—yes. The comfort, construction, and durability are top-tier. You’re also buying into a brand and aesthetic, which matters to some riders more than others. If you ride long and often, the investment feels justified. If you’re casual or budget-conscious, it may feel out of reach.
Overall Assessment
I went in ´hoping it would stand up to its high claims, and this kit delivered. The comfort is outstanding, the fit dialled, and the styling subtle yet premium. After long gravel rides, I wasn’t thinking about my kit—I was just enjoying the ride, which is the ultimate compliment.
High Points: Comfort over long hours, build quality, and thoughtful details.
Caveats: Aggressive fit won’t suit everyone, and the price will be prohibitive for many.
Final Verdict: Pas Normal Studios proved it’s more than marketing glitz—the Escapism Light kit backs up its image with real performance. If you can justify the price, you’ll get a kit that looks good, feels better, and will last the distance.
PRO.Gravel Ratings
Comfort: 5/5 – All-day comfort, felt like wearing nothing.
Style: 5/5 – Subtle, stylish, premium.
Fit: 5/5 – Bibs stay locked in, jersey pockets accessible.
Durability: 4/5 – Excellent so far, but only ~300 km tested.
Price: 2/5 – Very expensive; justified for some, unreachable for many.
Overall: 4.2/5
To find out more about Pas Normal Studios, visit their website here
Our Testing Protocol
At PRO.Gravel Magazine, every product is tested across three ride types: a 100 km endurance ride, an interval session, and a gentle spin. Reviews are conducted by real riders under real conditions. While we strive for fairness and fact-based observations, reviews are ultimately subjective and should be treated as a guide, not a verdict.
Our Scale
Exceptional: 5/5
Very Good: 4/5
Good: 3/5
Average: 2/5
Poor: 1/5
Appalling: 0/5
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