Review: Pedal Mafia Cycling Club Pro Jersey

(2021) Think of all the shortcomings of cycling jerseys over the years. There have been subtle issues with the upper portion of the cycling kit, and there have been ghosts of past jersey designs. Now imagine those ghost exorcised. You may have just thought of the Pedal Mafia Cycling Club’s Pro Jersey. We set out to determine whether the famiglia would invite us into their jersey club.

Looking back at old team kits there were strong construction issues. Cycling tops of the early 2000s struggled to prevent sleeves riding up to the armpits. There were zipper issues, always zipper issues. Load up one pocket too much and the midsection would rotate. Reach into the pockets too many times and the seams would start ripping down the back of the jersey. High collars and thick material made hot rides hotter. Solving one of these issues would have been welcomed, but a jersey that managed to solve all? Now we’re listening.

Pedal Mafia Cycling Club, a company based out of Perth, Australia, has made a contender for the must-buy jersey of the year. The company caught our attention last year with wild posts involving chop shop cars sporting SeaSucker racks and the occasional touring car appearance. Their company jived with our likes and we pursued a PMCC kit. While we hardly have a Colin McRae paint scheme for our team car, we can snag a Pedal Mafia kit. That should mean something.

Pedal Mafia’s pocket construction is definitely a feature and benefit of the Pro Jersey. The water-resistant right pocket can come in handy at just the right time.

Straight out of the packaging the Pro Jersey feels different. It sounds different, too, which is an odd observation. Made of 85% nylon and 15% elastane, the fabric slips onto the body and conforms quickly in place. One issue of the old jerseys was resolved immediately - Pedal Mafia’s zipper is stout and trustworthy. This zipper, holding a tight fit, feels dependable. It’s easy to operate, not getting stuck on fabric or splitting open mid-ride. 

Slipping in place with the rest of the fabric, the Pro Jersey’s sleeves are satisfyingly long. This is where the fabric is different, featuring woven sleeves for an aerodynamic advantage. But we liked the length and retention of the sleeves that did not bunch up. Plus it felt comfortable with a bit of compression along the upper arm. 

The pockets have had some notable upgrades, too. Boasting a water-resistant pocket, riders can ride easily knowing a little extra protection for electronics are on board in case of a freak thundercloud. Hidden away there are pocket gussets holding the whole jersey in place to strengthen the seams. So long pocket rips from regular usage and heavy-handed stashes. The tight fit prevents the whole thing from twisting.

Pedal Mafia’s woven aero sleeves on the Pro Jersey.

What appears to be an industry standard, Pedal Mafia has cooled the jersey using wicking fabric. With the white jersey there is the satisfaction of riding comfortably in sizzling conditions. Another move by Pedal Mafia on the Pro Jersey is the removal of the collar. No more will a cyclist have to decide to either zip the jersey up to the throat or cope with flappy collars. Comfort is the name of the game.

Several years ago, World Rally racers sported their blood type next to their name decal. This was viewed as niche as well as concerning. Why does one need my blood type if I don’t intend to crash? So one of the neat little features of the Pedal Mafia Pro Jersey is the name tag that provides a space for blood type. Sure. We all know you won’t crash, but this might get one to the doctor to find out which blood type you are.

With the northern hemisphere summer approaching, the Pedal Mafia CC Pro Jersey will be in heavy use. It’s cooling features, secure pockets, and oh-so-comfortable fit has us contemplating a second jersey purchase. If you’re in the market for a boutique top to your summer cycling kit, this is definitely one to consider.