PEZ capo, Richard Pestes, previously led us on a tour of the ALÉ Bikewear factory in Italy to see first hand how they make a custom jersey and bibshorts. He explained the entire ALÉ Custom Kit process from design and ordering to following each production step from design to cutting fabric, to printing and sublimation, through each intricate stage of sewing to create Pro Tour level cycling kit – all in a custom design just for PEZ. Here’s the video in case you missed it the first time around:
While the video shows us all the process, I thought a review of this actual kit would be useful for any readers considering custom kit for their club or team.
A little bit about ALÉ
As Richard previously said, “We’ve been reviewing and wearing ALÉ kit here for years now, and have visited their Italian headquarters and factory a couple of times.” For PEZ readers not familiar with ALÉ (pronounced like the French allez), it’s an Italian company whose kit you might recognize in the pro peloton — currently worn at the World Tour level by Bahrain Victorious, Groupama FDJ, and Jayco AlUla — as well as the women’s Liv AlUla Jayco team. It’s also worn by the French national team, Les Bleus. In other words, their kit has pedigree.
ALÉ offers several different customizable lines:
- PRS 2.0 – Our most high-performance kit that we have created through collaboration with professional teams.
- PRR – Our most popular all-around race cut kit that uses innovative technologies and fabrics, attention to detail, lightness and breathability.
- Prime – A more traditional cut using breathable and light fabrics above standard. With an ergonomic fit but not tight, this line is a favorite for every type of amateur.
- Skinsuit – Available for time-trial, road racing and cyclocross, these skinsuits have what it takes to earn the top step of the podium.
- Triathlon – Designed and tested by professional triathletes to maximize race day performance and efficiency. These garments are suitable for the three disciplines: swim, bike, run.
- Off-Road – From gravel adventures to extreme enduro rides, these garments are durable, lightweight and breathable.
The PEZ custom kit is ALÉ’s PRS 2.0 jersey and bib shorts.
ALÉ PEZ Jersey
Construction-wise, the PRS 2.0 jersey consists of a multitude of panels:
- The front is two panels connected by a full-length YKK zipper (the gold standard) that are a “micro mesh” fabric
- Each of those panels has a separate raw cut section at the bottom that has a light silicone pattern on the inside for grip to keep the jersey in place
- There are two side panels that are a more open mesh fabric for venting/wicking
- The back panel is the same micro mesh fabric as the front with a silicone gripper strip at the hem
- The sleeves are set-in and have three sections: (1) the top is a more “solid” fabric that ALÉ calls “multiball” — a pattern intended to create leading edge turbulence and reduce drag #aero #marginalgains , (2) the bottom is the same open mesh as the side panels, and (3) the sleeve ends are raw cut with the same silicone pattern on the inside as at the bottom of the front panels
- A very low collar that’s essentially collar-less
1 – Micro mesh fabric, 2 – open mesh fabric, 3 – solid fabric, 4 – silicone panels, 5 – silicone gripper strip
Obligatory three rear jersey pockets plus a secure zipper pocket (the ALÉ-branded zipper pull makes it easier to find/zip/un-zip). Plus it wouldn’t be ALÉ without some fluo.
The raw cut sleeve ends use silicone dots to keep ’em from sliding up
All my other ALÉ kit is size small and that’s what I chose for the PEZ kit. On me (5’8″, 130 pound, ectomorph), the fit is what I would call a comfortable race fit. Which is to say it clings and is certainly form fitting, but not spray-on, second skin tight. Nonetheless, there won’t be hiding any extra pounds/kilos. One thing I really like is that the raw cut silicone bottom panels of the jersey create grip without digging in.
Low/no collar is both comfortable and #aero
Not spray on, skin suit tight but still race fit
Of course it’s full zip!
ALÉ’s doesn’t spec weight, but definitely race weight light
ALÉ PEZ Bib Shorts
The shorts part of the PRS 2.0 bib shorts has:
- Five main panels — the leg side panels are ALÉ’s multiball pattern fabric #aero
- Dart panels in each leg for #marginalgains fit
- Wide leg gripper sections with a silicone pattern on the inside to prevent leg creep
The multiball pattern fabric is apparent
Instead of the more common Y-back, the bib straps (raw cut) are in an X pattern in the back. So more like actual suspenders.
X marks the spot
ALÉ uses their own pads in their bib shorts – made in house as you’ll see in the video. In the PRS 2.0 custom, you can choose between their 8H or 4H shammy (in either men’s or women’s models). PEZ got the 4H shammy, which — as the name implies — is supposed to be good for up to 4 hours in the saddle. I can attest to it being up to snuff for rides a little longer than that but YMMV.
The 4H shammy is dimpled for air flow/circulation and different density/thickness padding in different parts to keep the “important bits” comfy
Size small fit me they way I expect a pair of bib shorts to fit. That is, firm enough compression around my thighs and waist for the shorts section to stay in place with bib straps that don’t dig in. The X-back design is subtle (perhaps even sublime) in that the bib straps don’t feel like they’re “pulling up” to keep the pad/chamois in place.
It’s worth noting what I said about the first pair of ALÉ bib shorts I reviewed: Honestly, these may be the most comfortable bib shorts I’ve ever worn. The PRS 2.0 bib shorts are more of the same.
Because inquiring minds want to know
Never gonna do it without the PEZ on
Although the ALÉ PRS 2.0 kit leans more warm weather, I’ve ridden in my ALÉ PEZ kit in everything from cool spring/fall days with a more substantial base layer underneath and arm warmers and knee warmers to the sweltering heat and humidity of Babylon on the Potomac and Lowcountry summer. In other words, the PRS 2.0 kit kit is up to snuff across a range of weather/temp conditions.
And I was more than comfortable on a wide variety of rides: shorter/easier weekday rides aka coffee rides, my Wednesday Night Hill Ride that’s essentially a combination of weight lifting and intervals, and longer/harder weekend rides trying to keep pace with riding pals who are mostly younger than me (keeping in mind that age and treachery will overcome youth and skill). The PRS 2.0 kit has enough compression to let you know it isn’t “recreational” kit without it feeling overly tight. As such, I don’t find the kit at all restrictive and it allows comfortable freedom of movement on the bike. It’s also comfortable lounging around sipping espresso at coffee stops.
And the ALÉ 4H shammy has kept my butt (and other important parts) happy in the saddle no matter the distance (my longest rides these days are metric century length).
In a nutshell: if you’re looking for real made in Italy custom kit to outfit your club or team and want pro fit, function, tech, and style, ALÉ can deliver the goods — as they do for Bahrain-Victorious, Groupama FDJ, and Jayco AlUla. Here’s their custom catalog.
And see the full ALÉ Custom kit program at their website here.
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
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