Review - Chapeau Etape Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey and Chapeau Club Bib Shorts
Earlier in the season I reviewed the Club Jersey from UK brand Chapeau; it was an impressive introduction to the cycle clothing brand. The Club Bib Shorts and Etape SS Jersey are the range-topping offering from the brand, and they are exceptional in more ways than one…
I selected the same size in the Etape kit as I had in the Club jersey (Small), but it is far more form fitting and race-orientated in its cut and design. The jersey has a close cut profile, with a deeper rear hem and longer sleeves to accommodate a more aggressive position on the bike. The bib shorts are a great length in the thigh, but still have a good compression feel, and the bib straps are comfortable and stretchy enough to accommodate different rider heights.
The fit of both the Club Bib Shorts and the Etape jersey is enhanced by the fabric choices that Chapeau have made. The shorts are a Topazio compression fabric, which feels robust and secure. The jersey features additions such as mesh panels under the arms for improved ventilation, and wide sleeve grippers to keep the garment in place when you are pushing hard.
If there is one slight criticism I would make of the shorts, it is that I miss a similarly large leg gripper to that found on the arm bands; it would help reduce the compression of the band a little. This isn't a big issue though, but it might be preferable for some riders.
The Etape jersey and Club bibs are race-specification kit both in terms of fit and feel. The combination of a great cut, coupled with high-end fabrics make them both real winners.
You get three standard sized pockets, and then two additional small pockets - one on each side. The selection provides enough space for long ride nutrition and clothing, and also allows you to separate your gilet from those sticky empty gel wrappers.
There is then also a water-resistant zippered central pocket, which is perfect for your phone or wallet. A neat set-up, which is ideal for longer rides and over-enthusiastic pocket organisers.
The Etape Jersey I selected has a smart black colour scheme, with subtle patterns on the sleeves, and a classic logo badge on the rear.
The Club Bib Shorts are a rare and very classy deep navy blue. I don't own many pairs of navy shorts, and these are a really nice addition to my wardrobe. The logos are also quirky, with a black subtle logo on one side and a loud white logo the other. A great looking pair of bib shorts.
They are comfortable, superbly fitted, and distinctly different in their designs. An exceptional pairing from the British brand.
>> View the Chapeau range at Chapeau.cc <<
Race Specification Fit
The race fit is the thing you will immediately recognise when pulling on the Etape Jersey and Club Bib Shorts for the first time. These are some of the best fitting and most comfortable pieces of cycling kit that I have tried to date.I selected the same size in the Etape kit as I had in the Club jersey (Small), but it is far more form fitting and race-orientated in its cut and design. The jersey has a close cut profile, with a deeper rear hem and longer sleeves to accommodate a more aggressive position on the bike. The bib shorts are a great length in the thigh, but still have a good compression feel, and the bib straps are comfortable and stretchy enough to accommodate different rider heights.
The fit of both the Club Bib Shorts and the Etape jersey is enhanced by the fabric choices that Chapeau have made. The shorts are a Topazio compression fabric, which feels robust and secure. The jersey features additions such as mesh panels under the arms for improved ventilation, and wide sleeve grippers to keep the garment in place when you are pushing hard.
If there is one slight criticism I would make of the shorts, it is that I miss a similarly large leg gripper to that found on the arm bands; it would help reduce the compression of the band a little. This isn't a big issue though, but it might be preferable for some riders.
The Etape jersey and Club bibs are race-specification kit both in terms of fit and feel. The combination of a great cut, coupled with high-end fabrics make them both real winners.
Clever Pocketing
I am a bit of a pocket enthusiast. The Chapeau Etape jersey immediately caught my attention with its six-pocket set-up…You get three standard sized pockets, and then two additional small pockets - one on each side. The selection provides enough space for long ride nutrition and clothing, and also allows you to separate your gilet from those sticky empty gel wrappers.
There is then also a water-resistant zippered central pocket, which is perfect for your phone or wallet. A neat set-up, which is ideal for longer rides and over-enthusiastic pocket organisers.
Distance Comfort
The Chapeau Club Bib Shorts feature a 'middle-distance' chamois, with moderate support and padding. It has kept me in comfort on rides up to five hours in length.Classic Colours and Design
The final thing that really stands out for me with the Etape and Club kit from Chapeau is the classic colour choices and logo designs.The Etape Jersey I selected has a smart black colour scheme, with subtle patterns on the sleeves, and a classic logo badge on the rear.
The Club Bib Shorts are a rare and very classy deep navy blue. I don't own many pairs of navy shorts, and these are a really nice addition to my wardrobe. The logos are also quirky, with a black subtle logo on one side and a loud white logo the other. A great looking pair of bib shorts.
Summary
To sum up, both the Chapeau Etape Jersey and Chapeau Club Bib Shorts are well-made and great looking garments.They are comfortable, superbly fitted, and distinctly different in their designs. An exceptional pairing from the British brand.
>> View the Chapeau range at Chapeau.cc <<
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