Pas Normal Studios calls their latest Thermal Long Sleeve Windproof Base Layer their ‘warmest and most protective’ starting point for braving winter weather on the bike. And while a single baselayer doesn’t often warrant a tech story, this looks like one to nerd out on for riders either struggling to stay cozy on colder winter rides, or for cyclists looking to brave even harsher weather than normal.
Outside of keeping fingers & toes cozy, In my own experience, braving cold weather on the bike comfortably is a balance of several sometimes competing factors: obviously insulating to keep heat in but also limiting overheating, managing the sweat that invariably occurs, blocking wind at higher speeds, and also keeping wind from creeping in around the edges, especially at the head and neck.
Quick warning: I am very familiar with Power Wool (which I love), yet I haven’t tried this actual baselayer out. But it looks like it ticks a lot of really good cold-weather riding boxes!
What do I think is so great about it? Tech details
Starting with the core fabric, this base layer is made primarily of Polartec Power Wool, a fabric I do know and love. It’s a unique knit that buts a merino wool grid next to your body for great insulation and wicking, and a separate synthetic polyester outer layer that make it durable and helps it dry quickly. It’s a relatively thin & light fabric that lets air flow through, yet really keeps me warm with a windproof layer over top. So on the chest, Pas Normal adds a fully windproof panel to keep wind away from your core, even when you unzip any outer layer, plus it gets a waterproofing treatment to keep winter weather off your chest too.
Then of course there’s the hood. Call it a built-in balaclava or buff, this baselayer’s hood is close-fitting from the same stretchy Power Wool and features an overlapping fabric layout that allows you to wear either the hood or face-covering alone, or both together. It also means you get doubled-up covering over the ears in the most covered setup, while remaining thin to fit comfortably under your helmet.
The hood features helmet strap openings next to the cheeks so you can raise & lower the face covering as your ride, and long-haired riders also can pull a ponytail out of another opening in the back.
The baselayer does not include thumb loops (which can be problematic with some gloves anyway) but looks to feature extra long sleeves for good coverage, and slightly elongated tail so it stays tucked in under your bibs.
Pas Normal Thermal Windproof Base Layer – options & pricing
That’s all quite a bit of tech for a merino mix baselayer, so it comes with an unsurprising 140€ price tag. It’s offered for the same price in both men’s and women’s cuts in 7 sizes each (XXS-XXL) in gray/blue, while guys also get an olive green option. Layer it with a vest, a lightweight shell, or a warmer thermal jacket depending on how extreme the weather is going to get.
Pas Normal has also added a new set of 320€ insulated Mechanism Deep Winter Long Bib tights with 2- & 3-Layer Schoeller fabric protection to keep your lower half warm and cozy, as well.