WhyFi

One of the reasons that I like even non-cycling apparel from cycling apparel companies is the slimmer cut - I'm certainly not rail thin, but it's still hard to find stuff that doesn't cater to the two-Big-Macs-for-lunch crowd. And, as previously noted, I really like road cycling rear pockets - they're just handy. But yeah - these particular examples are too expensive for me to justify (but I am going to try to check in on that hoodie to see if I can catch it on sale).

Kapusta

Hey, I totally support you buying this stuff. Post pics when you do.

WhyFi

My IG following is going to love it, but the hoodie is the only item of realistic interest within this collection. They do have a few other pieces that I really like, though.

Rides4Beer

For comparison's sake, I was riding next to a guy on a SystemSix with aero helmet (EvadeII). Tour magazine tested the SystemSix at 203w (dummy legs only, so it doesn't account for position, we'll assume that everyone at the front of the pack had a good, low position). They don't test gravel bikes, but the Giant TCR tested at 227w. I would have to think that my Giant Revolt is a bit less aero than the TCR, but even if it were the same, that's 24w, but it's def more, given the shape of the fork and considering my road wheels are a shallow wheelset with 32mm tires. Then my Mojito vs EvadeII, most data shows the Evade to be about 10w faster than a standard road helmet. So, minimum 34w just on bikes/helmets, I wear a pretty tight kit, so not much improvement to be had there, short of a skin suit and shoe covers, but he was wearing a regular well fitting road kit also.

I'm not complaining, just pointing out that I am leaving a decent amount of speed on the table with my gravel bike, just thankful that I have the power to make up for it. lol

WhyFi

And these were tested at speeds sustainable by solo, mere mortal riders? 'Cause I'm still not buying it. I would *love* if I could save 30-40w with a new (road) bike and helmet, but I think that's pipe dream stuff.

downtube42

Quit beating around the bushes and say what you mean.

Everyone should earn exactly as much money as I earn, wear what I wear, be my age, be my BMI, live where I live, be born where I was born to parents of my parents' heritage, enjoy the same hobbies in exactly the same way as I, and have the perfect balance of humility and pride, just like me.

Exceptions granted for people to have less, if they get out of my way, don't expect more than a 12% tip, and understand when I belittle them I'm just joking.

Rides4Beer

Tested at 45kph, which is about what we averaged for several laps last night. Solo would be less, but still noticeable. My fastest solo laps on that segment with the gravel bike are almost 2.5kph slower than previous laps on an aero bike with aero helmet and shoe covers, despite my fitness having improved, so should be even faster now on an aero setup.

WhyFi

So 28mph for 'Mercans. Yeah, no - not a real world 30-40w savings.

Kapusta

The mythical personas which the target audience of this gravel line desperately wishes to emulate don’t care about watts.

Do you think either of these characters -were they real - would have a power meter?

Rides4Beer

Real world for me, since as I mentioned, that's about what we averaged last night (26.7mph to be exact, so maybe a few watts less at that speed, but still significant, even in a group, still have time up front and breakaways/sprints). Like everything, it may or may not be worth it to some people, just depends on your riding. For me, just helps me decide that my next bike will be full aero, while keeping the gravel bike for easy road rides, and of course gravel.

Happy Feet

Why so serious?

Srly it's just a French cycling co branching into the gravel market. If you know anything about the French approach to outdoor gear design in general it's a non issue. They are comfortable being fashionable and athletic at the same time.

About as desperately reaching as the weekend warriors who dress up in pro roadie kit advertising teams they don't belong to.

There's enough room in cycling for multiple expressions of fashion. Liking what you like doesn't mean having to ridicule others.

WhyFi

Yeah, you averaged that in a pack, which is a different ballgame. In the draft, you're not seeing anything like those savings. Time up front pulling is just going to be moderated by exertion level and rotating off a little sooner. If you're the lead-out or sprinter of your outfit, sure save all the watts you can. For that matter, don't worry about justifying anything - just buy what you want. That said, I understand to the desire to pat oneself on the back for hanging with guys while at a 30-40w disadvantage, but that's feel-good fantasy.

unterhausen

Voler introduced some gravel clothes last year and it looked pretty much like their regular clothes with maybe an inappropriate pocket or two. Only thing I know about clothing is that it's best not to wear wool jerseys while mountain biking. Otherwise wear what you want. Within reason.

Kapusta

I am actually not all that serious. I don't think “lumbersexual” and “serious” really go together. I find this pretty amusing, actually.

FWIW I am all for being fashionable while cycling, I enjoy looking fabulous.

But why are they specifying this as the “gravel” collection? How is lumbersexual or awkward 70’s teenager any more Gravel than is is road, urban, or MTB?

Happy Feet

Rest assured, someone, somewhere, can't understand your fashion choices either. Does it matter?

WhyFi

Having the kvetchers post photos of themselves in their full cycling regalia would make for some interesting entertainment. And by that, I mean that it would prolly just be sad.

Kapusta

No, it doesn’t.

But then again I am not trying to sell $220 jerseys, $105 deerskin gloves, and $200 baggies.

Happy Feet

An American complaining about French capitalism. As a year to remember, 2020 does not fail to deliver

Kapusta

I am not complaining, I am laughing.

But I’m not laughing at Cafe du Cycliste. No, they played this one well. This line of clothing is absurd, but folks may still buy it.

I am laughing at the people who would spend $500 in order to look like they are wearing $75 worth of workman’s clothes.

Not as silly as the hundreds of dollars some folks spend on torn jeans with simulated oil stains.... but along the same lines.

Happy Feet

That's a pretty good comparison. I have a teenage daughter and can't understand half of what she does. But... I also know that my parents did not get my bell bottom jeans, headband and aviator glasses either. "What's wrong with a good crew cut"!!!

Kapusta

I am sorry if I have offended all those folks in this thread who are planning to buy that $222 faux flannel jersey, the $105 deerskin gloves, $200 baggies, or the $108 1970s 3/4 tee shirt.

There are folks here planning to buy this stuff, right?

I-Like-To-Bike

Possibly anybody who rejoices at the possibility of drooling over high priced European bicycling exotica.

Hiro11

TBH, I kinda like a lot of their stuff. Seriously considering this jacket:
https://www.cafeducycliste.com/en_us...olid-navy.html

mstateglfr 

Interesting that they dont have their models using helmets. The jaunty and at times ill fitting wool cycling caps are definitely on brand, but its still noticeable when a brand says 17 it to riders wearing helmets for pics.

Germany_chris

Maybe French folks aren't helmet nazis?