As Tour de Zwift 2023 comes to a close, I wanted to test and review this year’s TdZ cycling kit for anyone pondering a purchase. I know there are many people who put in the work to finish all 8 stages so they could unlock the virtual kit, but something really cool about wearing a kit IRL that matches your avatar!
Designed by Zwift and produced by Pedal Mafia, the Tour de Zwift 2023 kit is an eye-catching ensemble for sure. Based on Pedal Mafia’s workhorse “pro” line, it’s a high-quality, pro-level kit that works outdoors and in.
Shop the Pedal Mafia TdZ 2023 kit >
Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Zwift sent me this kit free of charge. Also: sizing can be tricky with cycling kit. I put my actual measurements in the text below where appropriate.
Pedal Mafia Pro TdZ 2023 Bib Shorts
Priced at $199USD, the Tour de Zwift bibs are based on Pedal Mafia’s “pro” bib line, which they describe as their “trusted staple”. In Pedal Mafia’s bib lineup, the pro bibs are only bested by the much more expensive PMCC line.
It’s worth noting that the base color of the bibs is a much darker grey than you’ll see on the virtual kit in Zwift.
Pedal Mafia’s TdZ bibs aren’t indoor-specific, so they don’t include some of the extra-breathable features indoor kits often have like mesh panels and super lightweight strapping. That said, the brace paneling is nicely perforated (Pedal Mafia calls it “pro-ventilated”), even though the straps are not.
As Pedal Mafia states, these bibs are “suitable for all-day wear in all climates & conditions.”
I haven’t been able to run these bibs through the wringer as much as I’d like, given that they’re tied to TdZ and I wanted to get the review out in a timely manner. That said, after several washings and a close examination, they seem to be holding up quite nicely with no fraying or loose ends.
Chamois fit is a very personal thing, but I prefer thinner pads, especially for indoor riding. The TdZ kit’s chamois is neither remarkably thin or thick.
I ordered the medium bibs, and the leg length was longer than many of my large bibs. This isn’t an objectively good or bad thing, of course. It’s more of a stylistic preference unless you’re a person with remarkably short or long legs.
If you look close, you’ll see some nice finishing touches on Pedal Mafia’s pro bibs. Stylish internal labels, a logo on the chamois, seamless straps, extra-wide leg grippers, plus the feel-good factor of 65% recycled nylon composition… these aren’t just basic bibs.
Pedal Mafia Pro TdZ 2023 Jersey
The TdZ jersey, like the bibs, is based on Pedal Mafia’s “pro” line. Priced at $139USD, this is a well-made, nicely-fitting jersey with lots of finishing touches. It’s also got an eye-popping design which, while not being everyone’s cup of tea, will certainly grab drivers’ eyes if you’re riding outdoors!
I ordered the medium jersey based on the numbers I put into Pedal Mafia’s size finder (5′ 11″, 185 pounds, 36-45 years old). Sizing was excellent, with nothing to complain about. I appreciated that the neck opening was slightly larger than many jerseys I’ve worn, giving me plenty of space without feeling like I needed to unzip a bit to breathe.
This isn’t an indoor-specific jersey, so it doesn’t boast the breathability of an all-mesh kit. That said, the sleeves are a lightweight almost-mesh weave, and the main panels of the jersey use a material that wicks nicely, even if it’s not as breathable as a pure mesh material.
Like the bib shorts, I haven’t been able to wear this jersey enough to give it a full long-term durability test over several months and many washes. With that said, the jersey seems very well-made, with stitching reinforced in all the right spots, and no fraying or loose ends seen after several washings.
Lots of finishing touches on this jersey, including a PM-branded waist gripper, a tag with spaces to write your emergency details, and my favorite: that little pouch to cover your zipper when fully zipped.
Pedal Mafia TdZ 2023 Socks
Like most cyclists, I love a good pair of socks. It’s always fun to get a new pair in the mail and take them for a spin!
There are two striking things about Pedal Mafia’s $20USD TdZ socks: the design, and the fit. Design-wise, you’ve got two different-colored socks with completely different graphics on each. This works nicely with the overall kit, although it may not be what you’re looking for if you prefer a more muted look.
In terms of fit, these socks are longer than almost any of the cycling socks I own – and I own a lot!
If you’re looking for “pro-length”, these are your socks. They rest quite a bit higher up the leg than most of the socks in my drawer. This isn’t necessarily good or bad – it’s a question of what look and feel you prefer.
These are very lightweight socks, making them great for riding indoors or in warmer weather. They seem to wick sweat nicely and have the thinner feel I prefer in riding socks.
Final Notes
Overall, I’d describe this year’s TdZ kit as being of top-notch quality, with a design that stands out from the crowd. And while I’d like to see more indoor-specific features on some of the kits Zwift sells directly or chooses for their events, I can also see the appeal of choosing a more general-purpose kit that works in a variety of settings.
I should also note that there’s a tech t-shirt (for runners, etc) and towel included in Pedal Mafia’s TdZ line, which I didn’t review.
Shop for your TdZ 2023 kit on Pedal Mafia’s site at pedalmafia.cc/collections/tour-de-zwift. They ship worldwide, and orders over $99 receive free shipping to many popular locations.
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