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review
Jerseys - short sleeve
Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey
Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey

Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey

9
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 13, 2013

0
£117.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Good looking jersey that combines off the bike style with on the bike poise and practicality
Weight: 
176g
Contact: 
www.cafeducycliste.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey is comfortable, classy and whiff-resistant.

When the weather permits there is nothing better than heading off for a ride decked out in good looking, decent fitting jersey. You feel like a pro before you've turned a pedal. The new Lucienne jersey from Cafe du Cycliste is aimed squarely at the upper echelons of the market.

The first thing that strikes you about the Lucienne is the quality of the finish. The mix of 20 percent Merino, 73% polyester and 7% Nylon mix lends itself to completing a lightweight, durable jersey. The materials combine well to allow the jersey to offer durability but with Merino's qualities of being breathable and moisture wicking it's perfect for keeping your temperature under control. To aid this the main section of the back of the jersey and under the arms is a thinner mesh.

Then there is the social benefit of keeping odours at bay so you can ride hard but still keep your friends when you climb off the bike. The outer layer deals with transferring the moisture away from the skin and ensuring everything stays dry.

The jersey has a mix of features you come to expect from a high quality garment and some thoughtful additions. For starters you have the standard three pockets on the rear. There is a nicely embroidered logo on the outside of the pockets too. On the right rear pocket there is a zipped key pocket for added security of those valuable items. There is a silicone gripper on the rear hem to keep everything in place.

There are a couple of extra features, a headphone cable hole on the inside of the pocket that exits by the shoulder for hassle free cable routing. On the inside of one of the rear pockets there is a loop to ensure your pump stays in place.

To complete the rear setup you have a couple of reflective elements on each side. On the front you have a full length zip for when the riding gets tough.

Verdict

A good looking jersey that combines off the bike style with on the bike poise and practicality.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Cafe du Cyclist Lucienne jersey is aimed squarely at those wanting a top that will perform in the toughest of warm conditions.

Their description states:

Lucienne is made of Italian fabrics selected for their unique moisture transfer and thermoregulation properties. It is so light and soft on the skin that you will forget you are wearing Lucienne and concentrate fully on your effort. The perfect jersey for long rides in hot weather.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The 20% merino, 73% polyester and 7% Nylon mix combine well to create a jersey that holds it's shape but performs well in extreme conditions. It has a few additional technical features that you won't get on every jersey even on one in this price bracket.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The Lucienne is not only stylish but well made. The seams are strong but not intrusive, the material is robust but stretches to allow a good fit.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

In warm conditions the jersey holds its own, allowing you to keep ventilated, helped by the full length zip. It has breathable sections on the back and under the arms which combine well to keep the air flowing and the moisture away from the skin.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The Lucienne has well made seams and the material allows for movement when you're riding so it's doesn't bunch up or feel pinched.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

It is light and comfortable; you could almost forget you are wearing it.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

As I've mentioned the combination of materials make for a very comfortable top that performs well in any conditions. Even on chilly mornings it has worn well and has been great to wear once the temperature rises.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Some may consider the Lucienne on the more expensive side but you get quality, performance and innovation.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Cafe du Cycliste have produced something pretty close to perfection with the Lucienne on a number of levels.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Given the number of cycling jerseys on the market, it is always a surprise when you are presented with something new and innovative no matter how small.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The colour may not be to everyone's taste but given the price tag you would hope the range may well be expanded. It may be a minor point but then this highlights how good the Lucienne really is.

Did you enjoy using the product? This is a jersey I have enjoyed using and will continue to enjoy.

Would you consider buying the product? I would.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Given how much I enjoyed this jersey I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to others.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Can't wait for summer to really hit home so I can have more excuses to wear it.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Cafe du cycliste
Merino
Cafe Du Cycliste Lucienne jersey

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