The Café du Cycliste Madeleine Women Gilet is pricy, but well spec'd. It's small and light enough to fit in a back pocket when not in use.

The Madeline Gilet whispers quietly about its French provenance. Its subtle grey check with a slight pink thread running through it is stylish and unobtrusive. It is designed for women who want high performance features without looking like a Team Sky wannabe.

The primary purpose of the Madeline is as a wind-cheater, and it does this very well very well. The high zipped neck and lycra hems to the sleeves and waist worked in harmony to keep the chill off. The gilet is billed as water resistant, and while I wouldn't want to be out in a downpour wearing it, the December drizzle posed no problems. The reflective elements were very unobtrusive, but added a little visibility when riding at dusk or at night.

The back section of the gilet is extremely well designed. It has a wide mesh panel, which worked really well to keep me cool at speed. It has no pockets of its own, but there's a hidden access slot, so it's easy to reach into my jersey pockets underneath.

The extremely lightweight and thin fabric meant that when I warmed up, I could stash the jacket easily into a back pocket and barely notice it was there, thanks to the astonishingly tiny 100g it weighs.

The gilet is described as 'race fit' and is available in sizes 8-16. I found the 16 fairly true to size, which reminded me that racing more would eliminate the wibbly bits that the gilet emphasised. If your figure is more racer than Rubenesque then I think that the gilet would be extremely flattering to wear. There is elasticated cinching at the waist which both flatters the figure and eliminates any bulking up of material as you lean low on the bars.

The Madeline gilet lives up to its marketing as it has many uses from keeping off the morning chill to allowing effective layering when climbing and descending, all with a subtle French je ne sais quoi.

Verdict

Very good windproofing for something so light. And not garish at all. Win.

The Cafe du Cycliste brand produces a range of clothing with subtly stylish identity, including these Martine winter tights. They certainly kept my legs warm in cold weather, but I found some design features uncomfortable.

The Martine tights are made from two types of stretchy fabric which are windproof on the outside and fleecy on the inside, a style best known as 'Roubaix'. On these tights, they're called Thermo-tech and Artic. Whatever the name, the idea works well; I tested the tights on some long rides in chilly conditions, with temperatures around 5°C, and my legs were nice and warm. When the temperature dropped to nearer 2°C (with a mean wind making it colder still), I could certainly feel the cold air against the fabric, but I remained fairly warm around the legs.

As is usual with winter tights, these Martines are made from fabric panels stitched together to give the garment its shape and fit, with windproof panels over the knees on the front of the tights. More unusually, though, these panels go around the whole leg at knee level, meaning two seams behind the knee, which I could feel chafing my skin slightly at every pedal stroke.

In addition, the knee panels are attached diagonally, so they go around the knee area in a kind of spiral, meaning it's impossible to adjust the position of seams to make the tights more comfortable in this area.

To make matters worse, although the seams are sewn flat against the fabric on the upper part of the tights (so you don't feel them against your skin), they stand proud on the leg areas (so you do), which seems an odd way round.

These slightly chafing seams may not be an issue for some cyclists, but if it's the type of thing that annoys you, it's well worth trying on these tights before you buy.

The Cafe du Cycliste website does not specify if the Martines are for male or female customers, although the Shop area is divided into 'Urban', 'Performance' and 'Women', and these Martine tights aren't listed under the latter category, so I assume they're for men, despite them having a nom feminin.

The tights do not have a pad, aka chamois, as they're designed to be worn over shorts. For some cyclists, this option allows for extra warmth (if it's cold enough for three or four layers on the upper half of your body, the thinking goes, you need two layers on the lower half), while for other cyclists this double layer of clothing around the backside and nether regions may be uncomfortable.

The bib section is made from the same fabric as the rest of the tights, rather than mesh or lighter fabric, as on tights for warmer conditions. Across the upper back, there's an extra strip of fabric to keep the straps in place over your shoulders.

The front of the bib is cut low compared to most other brands of bib-tight lurking in my wardrobe. On the plus side, this means there's less fabric to ruck up against the stomach when leaning forward on the bike, although it also means there's less windproofing across this area.

The low cut bib front is also handy for male pee stops; it's very easy to get the, er, necessary apparatus over the top and pointing in the right direction. Despite this handy access, there's also a zipped fly in the front of the bib, which is unnecessary for the pee stop and seems to have no other advantage. In fact it's disadvantageous: the zip rucks up against the stomach when leaning forward, countering any benefits provided by the low cut bib. And because there's no protective tab over the top of the zip, as on some other brands of cycling tight and jacket, the sharp metal top of the zipper itself has the potential to dig into the skin. What's more, having a green zip on black tights seems an odd decision, making the whole thing look even more unfinished. All in all, it's a design feature that doesn't seem to have been thought through.

As well as the zip in the bib-front, other features of the tights include elasticated loops or 'stirrups' under the insteps (there are no zips in the lower leg) and some reflective piping in the seam on each calf.

On sizing, I tested a Medium, which the Cafe Du Cycliste website says is suitable for inside leg of 80 to 83cm. I measure 80cm and found these tights slightly too long in the leg, with a touch of bagginess around the ankles, although they fitted very well around the thighs and across the hips. On this basis, if you're borderline on sizing it's probably worth going for the smaller option.

And finally, we come to cost. The full retail price of these tights on the Cafe Du Cycliste website is 179 Euros, which converts to about £150. Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, this is not especially good value, especially if you're likely to get discomfort from the bib-zip and stitching behind the knees. If you've got this kind of money, you're probably better spending it (or a bit less) on comparable kit from the likes of Castelli and Altura, or adding a bit more cash and trading up to a brand like Assos.

Verdict

Winter tights from stylish French brand that keep legs warm in cold weather, but some quirky features mean they won't suit everyone, and make the price poor value.

The Lucienne lightweight merino jersey from Cafe du Cycliste offers great materials & features but it isn't cheap.

The mix of materials combine well to provide a jersey that feels light and soft to the touch; ideal for summer rides when you can forgo a base layer and just get away with a jersey. Using 73% polyester, 20% merino wool and 7% polyamide allows the jersey to feel good next to the skin but retain merino's moisture wicking properties.

This is essential if you don't have another layer to assist. If the temperature climbs you want to ensure that if you're working hard then the jersey will regulate your temperature.

The Lucienne is billed as Cafe du Cycliste's summer jersey and you can see why. With these properties it does a good job of allowing the body to breathe and expel sweat without feeling as if the jersey is soaked in water. The other advantage with this is the lack of odour retention.

The back of the jersey is split into three panels with the middle one having a thinner construction to allow you to breathe better. This lightweight paneling is also used under the arms. The sleeves are finished with a stretchy cuff that gives enough grip to keep it in place.

On the rear you have your standard three pockets although it has to be said they are a little narrower than on others. You also get a zipped security pocket which is big enough for a phone, money or card. On the extreme edge of the band of pockets you get a a reflective strip on each side. On the left hand pocket as you look at the Lucienne there is a small eyelet on the inside of the jersey which allows you to run a headphone lead to the shoulder on the same side where there is a second exit point. Another little feature that is included with no fuss. A small embroidered Trois Cols badge on the rear is a nice touch.

On the front you get a full length zip with a decent size collar to keep out early morning chill should you need it.

The final thing to mention is the colour. Described as Dusty Green it is offset by the black bands on the sleeve cuffs and the zip. There is another colour variant on offer, last year's version which is available in grey. To be honest the dusty green is much more in keeping with today's cafe culture look.

When you put the jersey on it does feel soft and is a good snug fit. The medium was fine for me and I normally take a large when it comes to Italian brands so the Lucienne is more in keeping with everyday sizes.

Even on particularly warm days the jersey has been a rewarding wear. Keeping its shape and style it did a good job of letting the heat and moisture out so I didn't over heat. After several washes it still retains the same feel. Having reviewed last year's version of this jersey it is good to see the good work continue although very little has changed.

The only point of contention is the cost, you're paying £117 for this jersey and while it is very good some will baulk at the price.

Verdict

Good-looking jersey that performs well in hot weather but the price may cause you to overheat

The Café du Cycliste Heidi Winter Jacket looks unlike any other piece of cycling kit I've ever seen. There's a hint of Star Trek about it, but nonetheless it looks smart and a bit different.

Cote d'Azur-based Café du Cycliste have gone right back to basics rather than tweaking a standard jersey design, and the result is the Heidi. It's designed to be a performance jacket for winter riding, and despite its casual looks, it's certainly fully featured.

Made from a super technical Italian fabric, it has windproof panels on the torso, shoulders and fronts of the sleeves, while the inside face of the fabric is brushed for comfort and insulation as well as assisting in moisture transfer away from the skin.

Zipped vents in the shoulders aim to give extra ventilation options if things warm up. The front zip is offset for comfort and ease of single-handed use, there's a hem gripper, two pouch pockets at the rear and a generous zipped pocket.

The fit of the Heidi is on the small side, and even taking into account the fact that it's a performance garment and therefore intended to be snug, it's worth considering going up a size if you're borderline on stated sizing. There's excellent length in the arms, but taller women may find it a little short in the body.

The fabric is extremely comfortable, either next to skin or with a thin base layer. This jacket is sufficiently warm that I really only needed a thin baselayer beneath it, if that.

It's worth bearing in mind that the windproof panels in the sleeves make synthetic baselayers a better performing option than merino, from a moisture wicking point of view. Things got a touch clammy with a merino baselayer, but were much improved with synthetic.

It's super warm to wear, and the shoulder vents are a nice touch to give extra flexibility, but it's strictly a cold, dry day garment as it's fundamentally not designed to be worn in the wet. A lightweight shell jacket would pop into the rear pocket nicely though for just those emergencies.

It has fast become a real 'go to' jacket for deep winter wear, but if there was one thing I'd change it would be the colour. Despite the fact that the grey and black combo keeps things smart, stylish and attractive to everyone, it's just not a good colour for dreary, grey, winter roads. Perhaps a higher-vis alternative might be something to consider in the future, or even just brighter coloured accents here and there.

Verdict

Really well-designed, superbly comfortable winter jacket/jersey but unfortunately road-coloured

Lightweight short-sleeved jerseys are the mainstay of summer cycling, but surely they are much of a muchness as far as performance goes? With the Francine jersey, Cote d'Azur cycling specialists Café du Cycliste have taken the concept of the summer jersey and, as well as loading it with technical details, they've injected it with a bit of French je ne sais quoi into the bargain. C'est merveilleux!

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It's hard not to admire the attention to detail that Café du Cycliste put into designing their cycling garments. Right from the word go, they've been hitting a sweet spot with their Gallic flair. The Francine is no exception. Presented in the stripes that Café du Cycliste have become known for, the Francine is available in both white or red and pink.

Beyond the colours and stripes, the jersey also uses some rather striking fabrics as both a design and functional element. The trio of rear pockets are made from a bold stretch mesh fabric, with the central one also providing a water resistant lined zipped pocket and a cable port to facilitate use of a race radio/iPod.

The mesh fabric element continues up the centre of the back and under the arms, to give optimal ventilation at the body's hot spots. As a design element it's also picked up at the sleeves and collar.

Other features include hem gripper tape, reflective tabs at the rear and an anti-chafe full-length front zip. The main body fabric itself is a mid-weight super-soft and stretchy Italian polyester.

Check out our buyer's guide to summer jerseys, from £4.99, here

The cut of the Francine is described as 'race fit', but although it was sleek and snug with no bagginess to flap in the wind, it wasn't over tight and was true to size. The length of the body might not please taller women, but for my average height frame it was spot on.

Performance was excellent, with the incredibly soft and pleasant to wear fabric wicking moisture away quickly and effectively and drying out fast. The mesh panels definitely helped with ventilation on really hot days and overall comfort levels were good.

The rear mesh pockets were slightly on the small side, a common problem on women's jerseys, I find, and though the two outside pockets did stretch enough to accommodate a gilet or similar, they started to show signs of a more permanent overstretched bagginess quite quickly. The rear zipped pocket happily took an iPhone 5S but struggled with larger smartphones.

It's a gorgeous looking jersey that really delivers on its performance promises, but could just do with having the rear pockets tweaked a little to be more useful.

Verdict

A magnifique summer jersey that looks good and performs well, let down slightly by the rear mesh pockets

The Cafe du Cycliste Georgette jersey brings together some strong performance elements with great ventilation and breathability. The look won't be for everyone, but personally I like it; just make sure you sun screen all the way up.

The British summer may not have been the hottest (so far), but there have still been some incredible days to fully test the Georgette jersey. It is very much a warmer weather top, and I wouldn't want to be wearing it in a standard British summer downpour.

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This is because it is one of the best ventilated jerseys I have used, simply on account of how much mesh is used throughout. Not only the arms, but there is also a strip of mesh running up the back. This has been designed to allow heat to escape quickly and easily, and it works. Opinion will no doubt be divided on the look – I'd have to agree it is a bit of a strange one and takes a bit of getting used to, but I like it.

Cafe du Cycliste Georgette SS Jersey - sleeve.jpg

One slight downside of the amount of mesh used is that you do need to make sure you are fully sun lotioned up, or you end up with Chris Froome skinsuit-esque sunburn, as I found out. However, the ventilation it provides is worth the effort. (Check out the road.cc guide on how to avoid sunburn while cycling, here.)

Cafe du Cycliste Georgette SS Jersey - back.jpg

Away from the mesh, the jersey is made from a merino wool blend; merino, as many people know, is fantastic for wicking (the fabric details list 32% merino, 63% polyester, 5% polyamide). I used it a couple of times without a baselayer and it moved sweat away from the body quickly and easily. I was worried that with the grey colour, I would end up with classic V sweat marks, but this was not the case, even after several hours of riding in the heat. Cafe du Cycliste claims it's a mid-weight technical merino blend, but it was more than adequate for the warmer conditions I used it in, and certainly worked well around 28°C.

Cafe du Cycliste Georgette SS Jersey - riding.jpg

The jersey has a full zipper at the front, which also helps with ventilation. The YKK zipper is well made, seems robust and adjusts easily on the move. At the top there is a zipper garage to stop any chafing when it's fully closed, which is always a nice touch.

Cafe du Cycliste Georgette SS Jersey - collar.jpg

At the back the jersey has three regular pockets and a valuables pocket. The left and right pockets are both a thick mesh material, which seems like an aesthetic choice as I couldn't find any technical reason for this. The valuables pocket has a decent zip and was easily big enough for my iPhone 6, so would likely fit all but the largest phones. Each pocket is a good size and there is also an elasticated band across the top which means the jersey keeps its shape even if the pockets are fully loaded.

Cafe du Cycliste Georgette SS Jersey - pocket.jpg

The medium that I wore seemed about standard in terms of sizing and the fit is close, giving it a classy look. Helping with this is the strong silicone gripper running along the bottom of the jersey, which kept everything nicely in place throughout test rides.

The jersey comes with an RRP of £118, which seems a fair price to pay for a well-vented merino blend jersey. It's up alongside some elite offerings in terms of price, but I would say it deserves its place there.

> Check out our guide to the best summer cycling jerseys

Overall, I really like this jersey. Performance-wise, it has great ventilation thanks to the mesh combined with the merino blend fabric, as well as a close cut that helps with aerodynamics. The amount of mesh used won't be to everyone's taste, but personally I think it looks great, even if you need to apply a bit more sunblock.

Verdict

A strong performing, innovative jersey that's great for warmer weather

The Cafe du Cycliste Blandine bib shorts perform well, with a superb chamois and great ventilation. They could do with being a bit higher at the front, though.

When I was first given the Blandine bibs, I looked at them, looked out the window, and thought 'I am never going to be able to test these properly'. When you look at them they seem to be 90 per cent ventilation (okay, some above the hem and up the side) and a typical British summer wouldn't normally provide effective testing. However, I got lucky and had a few 25-degree-plus days, so I took full advantage.

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As the ventilation is a big part of the shorts, this seems like an obvious place to start. The ventilation consists of perforations above the hem and running up the entirety of the outside of both legs. This means breathability is really strong, and compared with others I have used they are really comfortable even when pushing hard in relatively high temperatures.

Cafe du Cycliste has used two types of lightweight Lycra to create the shorts, and the material choice is good. It has a decent amount of flex that allows for a full range of movement and no crinkling or folding at all in use. It is also breathable, and moisture is quickly moved away so there is no irritation at all, even on longer rides.

At the business end of the shorts, Cafe du Cycliste has used a Cytech chamois, the same used by Rapha (maker of my favourite shorts). It's easily one of the best pads I've used. It moves nicely with you while providing a decent level of padding, but without taking away too much feeling on the saddle.

Cafe du Cycliste Blandine bib shorts - back.jpg

The fit of the shorts around the legs is good and the medium size suited me nicely. They have a slight degree of compression, which is good for longer rides and kept my legs feeling supple. At the hem there's a line of silicone gripper which worked well, and throughout the review period I never found them moving too much.

At the top end, the straps are made from a perforated Lycra material and the back also has a perforated Lycra panel. Unlike many other bib shorts I have used, the straps don't connect to the legs through a gradual curve, but instead are sewn directly to the the hem at the top of the legs. They are also slightly wider set than many I have used, and had a propensity to twist and were slightly awkward to put on.

Cafe du Cycliste Blandine bib shorts - straps back.jpg

My only real gripe was with the waistline, which could do with being a couple of inches higher; it just felt a bit low, and if I was sitting up on the bike I would sometimes be able to see my baselayer – not a good look. It could also be a bit uncomfortable for the first few minutes on the bike, though fine once everything had shifted into place properly. However, it is worth mentioning that this won't be the case for everyone, and I know that proportionally I have a longer body than many, so well worth trying before you buy.

Cafe du Cycliste Blandine bib shorts - straps front.jpg

The bibs' RRP of £146, although not cheap, is acceptable given their quality, especially with the excellent pad and how well the ventilation has been thought out. That Cytech pad puts it alongside some of the more established brands at this price point.

> Read our buyer's guide to bib shorts here

Overall, I liked them, even if I had a little issue with the straps twisting and the height of the waistline. The pad is excellent, the material choice is very good, and I was particularly impressed with the ventilation.

Verdict

Really good pair of bib shorts with a great pad, though cut a bit low at the front for me

If you're looking to add some luxury to your cool-weather cycling wardrobe, then Cafe du Cycliste's Yolande merino jersey is just the ticket – warm, comfortable and well fitting. It's a signature performance piece from CdC, with the styling, features and technical performance (plus high price tag) to match. It's versatile too – the soft handle of the fabric on the inside means you can wear it with or without a baselayer, while its slim cut allows you to wear a gilet or jacket on top if needed – so it will serve you virtually throughout the year in the British climate.

The Yolande is made from a proprietary Italian fabric that is in fact only 24% merino (and 72% polyester/4% polyamide). However, it has more the appearance (and odour resistance) of wool, alongside the benefits of manmade fibres, which include good wicking properties and better durability. As such, the medium to heavyweight material is fast-drying if you get caught in a shower, and it does a fine job of keeping you dry when you're pushing the pace. Of course, this breathability is aided by the lack of windproofing, and on chilly spring days I've needed to team the Yolande with a long-sleeve baselayer and gilet.

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I like the figure-hugging cut (it's not me in the photos, by the way) and the decent length in both body and sleeves. Silicone gripper in the hem keeps the drop tail in place, while the sleeve loops – integrated Lycra half gloves – extend right down over your knuckles. I'm not sure if I'm sold on these as they're superfluous when it's warmer and a bit bulky when pushed up at the wrist, and when it's cold you'd be wearing gloves anyway... But they are comfy in use because they don't dig in at the palm.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Yolande Merino Jersey - cuff.jpg

Another quibble is with the collar – I'd prefer it to be taller and snugger, and the button-down flap might be a style point but prevents you easily unzipping to regulate your temperature.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Yolande Merino Jersey - collar.jpg

As you'd expect with high-end attire, attention to detail is exemplary. The sturdy zip is backed by a broad storm flap to keep out draughts, and the cam-lock zipper is easy to grab with gloved fingers.

> Buyer's Guide: Spring cycling clothing

The three rear pockets incorporate a mini-pump sleeve and extra zipped pocket for keys/cash, and the side ones are slanted for easier access. They're not overly generous in capacity though – you can only stuff a very lightweight waterproof in. The right-hand pocket has a cable port with a corresponding exit hole at the base of the collar, to keep cables tucked away. (Unlike the men's Yolande, there is no chest pocket.) Scotchlite reflective strips on the rear, neck and sleeves enhance your visibility.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Yolande Merino Jersey - poackets.jpg

The Yolande's appearance is a matter of opinion. CdC calls it 'elegant', while my partner observed, "You look like an extra from Star Trek." Then, on spotting the elbow patches, added, "Crossed with a geography teacher." I corrected him, "It's Euro chic, don't you know!"

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Yolande Merino Jersey - back.jpg

The stitched shoulder panels are slightly padded, handy should you ever need to shoulder your bike. It also comes in black or deep blue (the latter colour is currently discounted to £105).

Verdict

Premium quality, warm and distinctively stylish wool-mix jersey for near-year-round wear

It's worth spending money on a decent pair of shorts as they can make or break a ride. These Café du Cycliste Marinette bibs prove that and go a long way to justifying their £159.99 price tag with a great pad, excellent fit and an understated, cool, classic look.

Rather than just picking a jersey and a different pair of bibs, the whole outfit thing is big when it comes to cycling fashion at the moment, and this is where brands like Café du Cycliste come into their own.

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The Marinette shorts come in two colours – the Navy here and Marengo Slate, though stocks are running low in some sizes, so if you like them you might need to get in quick – and are paired up with various tops and socks throughout the range. This, to me at least, makes the whole getting ready for a bike ride more of an event, planning everything down to your shoes and helmet.

Cafe du Cycliste Marinette Marengo Slate bibshorts.jpg

The kit has to perform, though, otherwise that whole feel-good factor is wasted – thankfully, the Marinettes don't disappoint.

At the forefront is the chamois from CyTech, whose Elastic Interface Technology pads are used by a large number of brands including Rapha, Assos and dhb, to name just a few. It's actually quite simple to look at: a saddle shape of various densities with a central channel for pressure relief. It has quite an extended front section, which kind of folds up around higher than most to provide a little more in the way of comfort as your parts aren't rubbing against Lycra.

Cafe du Cycliste Marinette Marengo Slate bibshorts - pad.jpg

On a recent ride I tapped out a steady tempo as I was testing a sportive style bike, where I spent the majority of the five and a half hours sat in the saddle in the same position, something that can often cause me numbness or irritation if I'm not moving about much. With these Marinettes, though, I never noticed a thing, no discomfort at all. In fact I didn't even notice the shorts, full stop.

Cafe du Cycliste Marinette Marengo Slate bibshorts - front full.jpg

The fabric has a near compressive feel to it, which feels very supportive to your muscles as you ride, plus it has a sort of matt finish to it, which stops them sliding around on the saddle like some shiny shorts can.

Cafe du Cycliste Marinette Marengo Slate bibshorts - back.jpg

The Lycra hems have a textured silicone backing that keeps them in place and spreads the pressure over a larger area than a silicone strip – comfort that shows up on a really long ride.

Cafe du Cycliste Marinette Marengo Slate bibshorts - gripper.jpg

Made up primarily of mesh, the bibs are cool and comfortable as well as being so light weight. I'm a big fan of the pattern too, and I like the way it's kept hidden under a jersey – discreet, like a fancy lining inside a suit jacket.

The shorts are made in Italy and the quality is absolutely top notch. I couldn't find a fault anywhere, even in the places where you normally wouldn't bother to look. The stitching is neat and stands up well to as much pulling and tugging as I could muster.

> Buyer's Guide: 18 of the best cycling bib shorts

At nearly 160 quid the Café du Cycliste shorts are pricey, but if you look at a lot of the shorts we've been sent to test recently you'll see they aren't alone. Also, Café du Cycliste is quite a small brand, and lower production runs are always going to cost more. Much as I like them, I think they are right at the upper limit of what I would pay; the Huez Starman shorts that I tested last summer are still £130 for a very similar setup.

If you like the style, though, and have the cash (and your size is still available!), the Marinette bib shorts are very good in every aspect, so if you do splash out you won't be disappointed.

Verdict

Understated style from a pair of bibs that deliver across the board

To say that the Cafe du Cycliste Zahira Diamant jersey is a statement in 'fashion' underplays the impact somewhat. Whatever you think of the looks, though, it's a great quality jersey that doesn't assume everyone is whippet-thin.

Let's get that design out the way early doors: put simply, it's a case of loving it or not wanting to be seen dead in it. It was the latter for me initially, although strangely I slowly came to embrace it... 

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Still, I know people who loved the design, so I'm putting this down to personal preference, and will now review it as if the design is something much more neutral – because as a practical jersey, it's very good. (It's also available in a 'Fleur' design, also likely to divide opinion…) 

What I like about it is that even in a medium the cut is generous (I normally fit a large jersey), allowing space for people with a more rounded profile than myself. On me, that means the jersey feels relaxed rather than my usual tighter fare, with plenty of space around the mid-section.

Cafe du Cycliste Zahira Diamont Cycling Jersey - riding.jpg

The overall fabric is incredibly breathable and lightweight, while there's lots of stretch in the silicone band around the waist to suit thinner wearers like myself and more substantial riders too. That give extends to the rear, where the pockets also benefit not only from an elasticated top cuff, but from the general elasticity of the fabric too.

As a result, you can fully load your pockets to almost uncomfortable levels without running out of secure space. Plus, if security is important, there's a zipped pocket for valuables, though it's not waterproof.

Cafe du Cycliste Zahira Diamont Cycling Jersey - pockets.jpg

The neckline is a little bulkier than the rest of the fabric, but that's a good thing as it doesn't collapse or roll down, in turn protecting your neck from the beating sun a little. In warm weather I find silicone grippers against the skin can cause chafing when combined with sweat and sun cream, so I'm pleased that the Zahira jersey doesn't use them at all, instead relying upon the natural elasticity and slim-but-not-tight cut of the arms for retention.

Cafe du Cycliste Zahira Diamont Cycling Jersey - chest.jpg

It means the jersey is comfortable all-round, while being practical and spacious too. On the quality front, I have no complaints either. The zip is lightweight but pulls easily with one hand, and features a tidy sprung YKK zipper too. Throw in the reflective upper arm bands and you've got a well-featured jersey for when the light fades on long days in the saddle.

Cafe du Cycliste Zahira Diamont Cycling Jersey - sleeve detail.jpg

At £114 there's no getting away from the fact that this is an expensive jersey, but it does perform well in the heat. Can that justify the price? I'm not convinced, but if you like the design and can afford it, it certainly does the job.

> Buyer's Guide: Summer cycling jerseys for less than £35

Leaving the love-it-or-hate-it design aside, as well as the very high asking price, it's a great quality summer jersey that caters for not only the slightly built among us, but those who appreciate a little breathing room too. And on that front, it's hard to fault.

Verdict

Expensive and stylish/garish – but a great jersey in terms of performance

Cafe du Cycliste's Cycling Cap Sardine is a hybrid of classic style and modern practicality. I found ours absolutely perfect for my head shape and generous shock of hair, which is pretty good going for a single one-size-fits-all.

Made in Italy, the Sardine is part of CduC's animal range, influenced, we're told, by local nature and landscape. When it comes to caps, I'm generally a merino man, with a leaning towards bold but simple retro styling. With that in mind, I really liked the bold navy blue backdrop and to my surprise, the quirky graphics were also a hit.

> Buy this online here

It's a four-panel design made from a blend of polyester and cotton. This promises to keep the wearer temperate, whether its 37 degrees or slipping into single figures.

Standards of construction are high, although no less than I'd expect from this end of the market. Stitching is neat and uniform throughout, seams flat and the elasticated back snug, without becoming intrusive or branding your head after a few hours riding.

Inside the rim sits an anti-bacterial strip to prevent, or at least discourage, nasty niffs, and up front the porch-like peak is designed to defend against torrential rain and brutal sun. I'm pleased to report this is easily flipped up and doesn't hinder folding, should you want to whip it off and stuff it in a jersey pocket.

Cafe du Cycliste Cycling Cap Sardine 2.jpg

Staying with the peak a moment, it's aggressive, almost beak-like, and I'm used to shallower, rounded profiles. Worn beneath several road helmets, I found it restricted my field of vision, though some gentle manipulation corrected this without impairing protection. That done, it's offered decent defence against dust, sun and short but very intense downpours.

Wicking prowess

The poly/cotton blend is a world away from the cotton trade caps I remember from my late teens and early twenties. Cruising along at 20-23mph in glorious sunshine and temperatures hitting the mid 20s, that familiar glow creeps in after 30 minutes or so. From then on, fibres awaken and temperature regulation is pretty consistent. Blessed with a thick shock of hair (it's not me in the photos), I wasn't surprised to find it matted and sweaty after several hours, though it didn't reach the stage where I was worrying about catching a chill on late evening meanders.

Cafe du Cycliste Cycling Cap Sardine 3.jpg

Persistent, showery rain needed 30 minutes or so before making its presence known, but given 20 minutes with a stiff breeze and decent pace, materials are 70% dry – faster without a lid on top.

Sans helmet and in blustery conditions, the elastic keeps everything in place – no sensation of lift or incremental creep, even when haring along 1-in-4s at 30-odd.

> Find more road.cc reviews of cycling caps here

Remembering those trade caps of my 20s and their funkiness given a few hot-day rides, I resisted any urge to wash it, just to see how effective the anti-bacterial strip was. Credit where it's due, three weeks later things were still socially acceptable. Thirty-degree machine washes with minimal detergent is the cure, when it does. As with merino, avoid the tumble drier and bargain on 35 minutes line-drying time.

Overall, I've been impressed by the balance of comfort, style and performance. Admittedly, the peak wasn't my ideal shape, though it did everything I'd need it to – brilliant on those occasions when I'd left my shades at home.

The £25 price tag is pretty much my upper limit for a cap of this sort, and there are waterproof designs around for less. That said, I would much sooner a shower resistant design that dries quickly over something impervious, especially during the warmer months.

Verdict

Rugged, comfortable and generally practical cap, but the peak shape might not suit everyone

The Cafe du Cycliste Colour Socks are well made, high wicking and comfortable, but the price is higher than most.

High? Low? Trainer cut? As the (almost totally inane) debate on sock length rages across the sock partisans, I tested out the Cafe du Cycliste Colour Socks Navy to see if they could bridge what seems like an insurmountable gap that could possibly have destroyed families, livelihoods, and patience.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

The socks are certainly in the higher cuff category, giving them a more traditional look. They are accented by a Cafe du Cycliste logo on the rear, but aside from that are a simple block colour that looks classy and helps them work with a variety of kit styles.

They are made from a high wicking and fast drying material that seems to do the job well. Like most modern cycling-specific socks they also have more of a mesh material across the bulk of the foot, with a thicker and more elasticated cuff that means they stay in place well even when the heat cranks up and you're into the fifth hour of a long ride. This arrangements also allows for strong ventilation, keeping your feet nice and cool.

The material used is soft against the skin and holds its shape nicely. Cafe du Cycliste has also put in some nice features within the fabric, including an anti-blister yarn and increased material thickness around the shoe opening, which again prevents irritation. However, unlike many modern socks there is no compression band around the centre of the sock, and although there is additional padding at the bottom of the foot, it is not quite as effective as offerings from other companies.

> Cycling shoes: The secret to comfy feet

Washing is simple and I put them through multiple cycles at the recommended 30 degrees, with no kind of softening of the elastic and no colour running. Which is nice.

The high price is the only real downer. To put it into perspective, Rapha's Pro Team socks come in at £15, and Assos'Équipesock_Evo7s are £14. These CduC ones may be around the same kind of quality, but it is still hard to justify spending that kind of money on one pair of socks.

All in, these are good pair of socks and they have some nice design features. Material choice is good and there has clearly been some thought put into the design, but the price is high.

Verdict

Well made and strong performing socks, but they are expensive

French cycling clothing brand Café du Cycliste is opening a store in London’s Spitalfields in October.

It will be the first standalone store the business has opened outside its home city of Nice, where it has a shop on the Vieux-Port.

Launched online in 2009, the brand’s clothing is currently available in the UK online and through Mr Porter, Matchesfashion, and via outlets including Torque Bikes in Sudbury, Suffolk and the iconic London bike shop, Condor Cycles.

While its heritage is firmly from the Côte d'Azur, the brand has enjoyed success in the UK, which it says “made London the natural choice for the next stage” of its expansion,

The Nice flagship store includes a café and also hires out bikes from top brands, features that won’t be replicated in London.

However, the company promises that the store “will actively set out to inspire customers to plan a visit to the South of France,” something that will be reflected in the design.

Co-founder and creative director Remi Clermont – a former world class kayaker – said: “My father was really into road cycling, so I grew up in a family watching the Tour de France around 20 years ago when it wasn’t cool – even in France,

“I saw an opportunity to create a brand that was serious about technical excellence but also relaxed enough in approach to capture the pleasure of riding for riding’s sake”

He added: “Our clothing is designed as much to be worn 2,500 metres up, in some beautiful remote places where Le Tour has never been, as on the more familiar strips of kempt tarmac.”

If you're wanting to treat yourself to a distinctively stylish and high quality baselayer this Christmas, then Cafe du Cycliste's Cosette is well worth considering. Made from a 50/50 merino/synthetic blend, it is superbly warm yet breathable and has a close, flattering fit emphasised by its two-tone design.

• Pros: Performance fabric keeps you warm and dry, very comfortable, looks
• Cons: Sleeves a bit short on me

Its feminine looks are complemented by its luxurious feel – the front panel is slightly thicker than the back and sleeves, for added insulation where you need it, with a super-soft fleecy handle.

> Buy this online here

This is where the high-tech 'bio-ceramic fibres' come in. Cafe du Cycliste says 'the cutting-edge bio-ceramic technology means that heat absorbed by the yarn itself can be returned to the body to improve microcirculation'– which explains why it keeps you so warm. In case you're wondering, like I was, bio-ceramic is created by mixing over 20 types of ceramic together, along with mineral oxides. This chemical cocktail is transformed into a liquid state and fused onto polypropylene fibres.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Cosette Baselayer - label.jpg

The fabric of the Cosette's back and sleeves is designed to maximise its wicking properties, and I found it wicked very well, transporting sweat away from my back – plus the bodyhugging fit increases its effectiveness. The synthetic fibres enhance the material's wicking ability as well as helping it retain its shape better than pure merino. Other benefits of adding manmade fibres to wool are that the blend is more durable and faster-drying.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Cosette Baselayer - back.jpg

As for cut and construction, these are of the quality you'd expect from a high-end brand like Cafe du Cycliste. All seams are flatlocked and the rear hem is dropped so it's long enough to keep you well covered in the riding position. The crossover design of the high neck is a nice touch, and it's super-snug.

Cafe du Cycliste Womens Cosette Baselayer - collar.jpg

My only criticism is that the sleeves could be an inch or so longer, but then I do have long arms. The garment weighs a scant 117g – it is more lightweight than it looks in the website photos.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best cycling baselayers

While £77 isn't exactly a bargain for a baselayer, the Cosette measures up pretty well against other high-end designs, especially when you consider the technology within it. For example, Rapha's Women's Winter Base Layer is £80, while Findra's Marin Cowl Neck Stripe Base Layer is £95 – though Rapha's is 95% merino and Findra's 100% (and made in the UK). Of course, you can buy cheaper – the dhb Aeron Women's Merino Base Layer is £35, and the women's version of the Rivelo Hathersage (the Ashdown) we reviewed last year is currently £24.99 (RRP £55).

Verdict

A cosy, stylish and high-tech baselayer perfect for cold winter rides