CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE TICHKA JERSEY & MARINETTE BIB SHORTS £131/£184
Café du Cycliste produces some effortlessly cool-looking cycling gear without much fanfare. Their unique style has a boutique feel and blends functionality with sharp aesthetics.
Jersey
The fabrics used are lightweight yet robust with most of the jersey using a perforated mesh material, while the white side panels are lighter still with additional stretch to aid cooling.
The collar is reinforced with limited stretch and reasonable height. Even when fully zipped it sits comfortably away from the skin without being tight, allowing a little ventilation and great comfort without needing to unzip. The sleeves have folded, non-elasticated hems and are very comfortable.
Three reinforced rear drop pockets are narrower than some, but deep, and there’s a separate zipped valuables pocket. A silicone hem gripper keeps the jersey perfectly placed, for the sort of flattering fit that’s close but not figure hugging for the rider who hasn’t quite reached race weight.
Bib shorts
The Marinette bib shorts have an extremely protective and comfortable elastic Cytech pad, with inverted contours that help air circulation and seated security. The only seams are on the inner thigh and the front and rear of the short, giving an unfussy look and a cossetting, supportive feel thanks to the lycra as well as a smooth, soft texture. The shorts are a little longer than average and 55mm wide siliconeprinted leg grippers provide just the right level of hold without squeezing too tight. The bibs have a closed mesh central back panel and tough, stretchy open mesh straps. A breathable, extremely comfortable fit completes a seriously impressive, if expensive, pair of shorts.
HIGHS Unique patterns, great detailing, superb fit and ride comfort LOWS With great quality sadly comes high prices