For decades Hideto Suzuki worked as a fashion designer in Tokyo. In time the constant deadlines and daily pressures drove him to find an outlet—a mental and physical escape. Suzuki found it in cycling. What he didn’t find though was cycling apparel that matched his aesthetic taste. So in 2007 he founded PEdAL ED, a performance cycling apparel brand driven by “balance and harmony.” In other words: A balance of highly-functional, beautifully-designed garments can strengthen the harmonious connection between man and bicycle.

Performance is tied at the top of PEdAL ED’s design requirements, alongside heightened aesthetics, whether the garment is meant for slogging through hill climbs or city commuting. And while we’d love to highlight the kit components, it’s the newly released urban-minded pieces that obviously have us thumbing our credit cards.

As with all PEdAL ED products, “natural” colors are featured exclusively (something you rarely see in cycling), and each piece is made in Italy, or Japan. The Longsleeve Tokyo Riding Polo is an easy standout—a fine cotton iteration on the heritage-inspired retro wool polo jersey we’ve featured in the past—along with the Tagi Merino Pullover and more substantial Attakai Wool Jacket.

The Tagi is made of 100% pure merino and styled after classic cycling sweaters, whereas the Attakai is made with a wool and Lycra blend and designed like a cross between a classic The North Face fleece and your everyday zip hoodie, with abrasion resistant houlder panels to protect again backpack strap rub.

Though perhaps the most striking, and applaudable, introduction is the Mido Riding Boot in suede, a weather-resistant, breathable hiker with a thinned down profile and heavy duty toe cap designed for use with pedals with toe cages. Made in Italy by Diemme, the handsome boots also feature a thick Vibram outsole and reflective heel for further functionality.

Simple, functional, and unique. We’ll take it every time.