The need-to-know cycling brands that score 10/10 on spec, comfort and style.
If you’ve just bought a bike, or you’re about to, getting geared up is your essential next step.
There’s a bewildering amount of cycling brands to choose from. To help you cut through the confusion, we’ve rounded up 8 brands you should know about, to enjoy shopping for your new cycling kit stress-free. We’ve included the high-end labels on every cyclists’ wish list and some lesser-known boutique brands, all offering cutting-edge clothing you can count on.
Velocio
Famous for their industry-changing women’s bib short allowing for easy mid-ride loo breaks, global brand Velocio today caters for both sexes. The brand sells a specialist-crafted, head-turning range of clothing and accessories. Velocio sweats the small stuff.
Every stitch is considered and the brand sources its fabrics from Italian mills. Their LUXE Bib Short certainly lives up to its name. It provides amazing levels of comfort over long rides – you’ve got the Premium Italian Lycra to thank for that – and padding that feels just right.
The compression fit feels snug and the bib’s mesh front handily acts as a base layer. We love the minimalist branding and detailing too.
Jersey-wise, the Aerial Dot is probably the thinnest, most breathable jersey we’ve tested. It’s super grippy and doesn’t ride up at the sleeves or waist. There’s a dazzling range of jersey colours so you won’t blend in with the pack and there’s plenty of accessories to match whatever colour you go for.
www.velocio.cc
Café Du Cyclist
Beautiful looking kit is a sure-fire way to make riding even more fun. And Cafe du Cyliste’s apparel is enough to make non-cyclists want to join the fun. This French cycling brand put style and performance at the core of everything they produce. Perfect for recreational riders or commuters who aren’t a fan of the ‘pro’ look; their trendy coloured and patterned jerseys definitely look different. Good different. Attention to detail is a priority, as the brand chooses to work with smaller factories who use premium fabrics. Everything’s handcrafted and highly functional, like the wicking, ventilated panels, reflective detailing and secure pockets for your stuff.
Their summer range, such as the Francine jersey (£127), available in men’s and women’s styles, tested extremely well when we tried it on one of the hottest days of the year. The mesh panels on the back and under the arms gave airflow where we needed it most. The reflective strips came in handy too, especially as the sun began to set.
www.cafeducycliste.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.