Review: Pedal Ed Jary All-Mountain Riding Kit
Originally posted on January 24, 2020 at 4:20 amThe brainchild of Japanese fashion designer Hideto Suzuki, PedalEd was one man’s answer to a deficiency in cycling apparel that serviced both the rider and lifestyle. Searching for a way to offset the stress of living in bustling Tokyo, Suzuki was turned on to cycling as a way to manage that stress and bring balance to his life. As a fashion designer, he quickly saw a niche in the cycling apparel world within which to operate and began PedalEd in 2007.
A decade on, PedalEd continues to grow and produce an ever-expanding line of thoughtful cycling apparel. Now fabricated in Italy, PedalEd’s offerings skew towards form-fitted, road-style kits, with a sprinkling of more casual items for good measure.
The Jary All-Road line fills that “sport-casual” bucket quite well, featuring garments that are somewhat form-fitting, but loose enough to not feel race-driven. The All-Road Merino jerseys are both robust yet breathable; what you’d expect from Merino wool. They’re both cut from slightly thicker stock though, making them perfect for chillier days, yet breathable to prevent overheating. Both feature an accessory pocket on the back but are otherwise minimal with accoutrements.
The All-Road shorts are constructed of a nylon-like fabric and despite having too few pockets for my taste, are among the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever worn. A rear vent works as advertised, keeping air circulating through the garment to prevent overheating.
The things that set the Jary All-Road items apart from a lot of the other soft goods I’ve had the privilege of pulling on, is the attention to material and finish. Both the jerseys and shorts feel hearty, like you don’t need to treat them with kid-gloves. Quality goods often share that rich, robust feel. The snap closures on the Merino jerseys, while plastic, hold well and offer no noticeable abrasion. The double redundant drawstring/button closure on the shorts is a nice touch.
The other thing that stands out is the colors and branding. All of PedalEd’s color schemes are subtle, earth tones, evoking a sense of calm and the tags conveying the company’s branding are prominent without being garish.
When I think about PedalEd and what they’re trying to do in the cycling industry, I’m reminded of another niche outdoor outfitter, Best Made whose boutique axes started what is now a purveyor of fine clothing, tools, and accessories. While products like these tend to cost more on the front end, their beauty and longevity pay dividends well into the future.
I’m looking forward to many more seasons with the Jary All-Road items and feel confident they’re up for it as well.
Words by Stephen Haynes Photos by Brett Rothmeyer
Pedal Ed
Jary All-Road Shorts: $174
Jary All-Road Merino Jersey: $150
Jary All-Road Merino Jersey Long: $174
Online: pedaled.com
Dirt Rag’s creative director Stephen Haynes may move slowly, but he gets a lot done. When he’s not testing products, laying out pages or making illustrations for Dirt Rag, he’s out plein air painting bucolic fields somewhere. He’s also a father of two, a lover of comic books and consumer of vast amounts of black coffee. Check out more of Haynes’ work at stephenhaynes.com or follow him on Instagram @stephen_haynes_art