Summer is here. Blue skies and warm breezes, and all you need to worry about is your tan lines and looking good.
Well, this would be the case if we lived in the Southern Hemisphere and more specifically Australia, but instead we are reduced to layering up, un-clogging mudguards and using so much GT85 to keep the rust off your chain that your garage now smells of nothing else. If we were in Australia we would be enjoying watching Andy Murray work his way through the Australian Open, the England cricket team struggle to build up any type of form ahead of the cricket World Cup, and more importantly watching the new breed of Australian cyclist dominate the Tour Down Under; Rohan Dennis is definitely one for the future.
So, to enter in the spirit of all things antipodean, I received for review some "off the bike" kit from those "insane dreamers of a wheel revolution" at Après Vélo.
Après Vélo hail from Alexandria, New South Wales with the excellently titled head office, "Land of the Devoted - Home of the Insane". They have been knocking out cycling kit and cycling inspired casual wear since 2006 and describe their ethos as follows:
"Live The Ride - Stylish, confident and witty, Après Vélo stands out from the pack through its genuine fashion roots. Our innovative fabrics, manufacturing, designs and styling are all borne from decades in the fashion industry. Cycling is our medium for storytelling. Fashion is our heritage."
So they talk a good game, but it's equally clear that the guys at Après Vélo are passionate about their cycling - their collaboration with the Sufferfest is proof of that. I got in touch and they were kind enough to send me through a Classic Jacket and 'Le Polo' top for review. I've now tried out both garments, so, how do they stack up?
Classic Jacket
The Classic Jacket is a lightweight little black number with a padded gilet style front and shoulder section. It has wool knit arms and backing, and features a double ended front zip, two side zip pockets and the always essential elbow pads.
In the collar hides a hood and embossed on the left sleeve is a very stylish Après Vélo badge. The website proclaims that the jacket has: "understated detail combined with superior workmanship, which makes this an essential and fashionable item for all cyclists who wish to look good and comfortable whilst off the bike." And do you know what, I have to agree.
The jacket is a great fit and keeps you relatively warm, whilst being breathable. It is obviously not best suited to the near zero temperatures we have been experiencing in January, but with a good jumper underneath it does the job.
I can however see where I will wear and use this jacket a lot, and that is to and from races where they either start early, e.g. a sportive, or finish late, e.g. an evening criterium. Why run up in layers of cycling kit when you can arrive in style in your custom designed team jacket? Psyche out your opposition before you even turn a pedal!
Le Polo
On to Le Polo. As you might guess this is a polo shirt. It is another black number, 100% cotton, and stone-washed for a retro look and feel. It has a woven collar and pocket with striped ribbon edging on the pocket/hem giving it that slight accent - a subtle detail that's just enough to set it apart from other polo shirts.
Le Polo also features a small embroidered bike image which lets any unsure member of the public know that you are in no uncertain terms a roadie and not to be trifled with. Again, this is a really versatile and quality piece of casual "off the bike kit". It would be perfect for pre- and post-ride wear, ensuring a cool and stylish image. No matter what the result in your race, you can style it out with this jacket.
Après Vélo offer a wide range of both on and off the bike apparel and it all looks good. Don't let the distance put you off either, as I received my kit with 48 hours of the initial contact, putting to shame many UK-based cycle stores.
A final bit of good news is that Après Vélo are currently offering £12.50 off your next order when you sign up to their newsletter. So put a little bit of sunshine back in your life and check out their website, it will get you through the next few months.
Classic Jacket, £89.95 and Le Polo, £24.95 from uk.apresvelo.com
0 Comments