Life In The Saddle

Chapeau Cycling wins my personal award as the Best UK-Based Cycle Clothing Brand of 2020 . Their products continue to impress me with their exceptional quality, function, and design innovation. Yet, as a brand, Chapeau are still not that well-known in the world of cycling apparel. Hopefully, this review feature will introduce you to their latest winter range, and prompt you to also doff your top hat and shout " Chapeau! "... Review – Chapeau Cycling Club Thermal Bib Shorts Thermal bib shorts are a highly versatile and under-rated piece of cycling apparel. In the transition seasons of spring and autumn you are often too warm in bib tights, but a little too chilly in summer bib shorts. Thermal bib shorts use fleece-lined fabrics, a higher cut bib, and a longer leg length to deliver that extra bit of warmth and comfort. The Chapeau Club Thermal Bib Shorts are a fine example of 'early season bib shorts'; with features that make them unique and superior to ...

Cyclists can underestimate the power of a good base layer — it is the foundation of a layering system, and wicks sweat away from your body to leave you cool and dry. The Chapeau base layer is a great example of summer cycling base layer. A base layer is not a complicated piece of clothing: it is a single layer of fabric, which needs to fit like a second skin in order for it to perform its wicking function effectively. The key for any base layer is the fabric, which must be both moisture absorbing and super-fast drying, in order for it to transport sweat away from the skin's surface to the outside atmosphere. UK brand Chapeau Cycling is new to the base layer market, but their summer cycling base layers are a great first venture. The lightweight fabric fulfils the required attributes, and the short-sleeved layers fit well, even in the cycling position. It might not be summer as I write this review, but summer weight base layers are also ideal if you are into indoor training o...

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… 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 h...

Chapeau is a new arrival on Life In The Saddle, and the Chapeau Club Jersey has proven to be an impressive introduction to the UK brand. Lightweight, form-fitting, and with a great colour scheme, it certainly looks and feels the part. Chapeau cycling kit is designed by a small team in the south-west of England; they aren't as well known as lot of the brands, but their output is impressive... The Club jersey is the mid-range offering from Chapeau. Taking inspiration from a classic cycling jersey, but with a modern lightweight wicking fabric, it is both stylish and practical. The fit is slim and flattering, and the wide smooth arm grippers provide a great look and feel. The hem gripper is good quality, and keeps three full-size back pockets in check. Then stylish details like the reflective logo badge add a definite touch of class. For £69.99 RRP, the Chapeau Club Jersey seems like great value, with a higher quality fabric, zipper, and fit than you will find on many jerseys...