£265 Bibs 10,000km Later // Long-Term Cafe Du Cycliste Kit Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 чер 2023
- I've ridden between between 5-10,000km in the Mathilde Audax bibs from Cafe Du Cycliste.
They retail at £265: www.cafeducycliste.com/en_uk/...
Here's a long term review of them and other kit... are they worth YOUR money?
This is NOT sponsored!
I did work with Cafe Du Cycliste about two years ago and the kit was gifted. (I had tried it out for a free months to make sure I liked the kit and was happy to work with them).
That was for a one-off video back then, and there was absolutely NO agreement to do a long term review. Just so you know :)
// Cycling eBook: www.ilikemountains.cc/s-h-o-p
// Instagram: / katiekookaburra1
// Strava: / strava
// My Zwift Club: tinyurl.com/4wusdwxp
// Patreon: / katiekookaburra
Well chuffed to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)
www.ribblecycles.co.uk/
www.garmin.com/
www.zwift.com/uk
exposurelights.com/
Shokz headphones: shokz.cc/3Sq4IXJ
Great idea with the extra pocket - ideal for a gilet or emergency rain jacket. That collar would annoy the hell out of me though.
For shorts, I still stand by the Le Col pro series for longer rides. They have always suited me as a taller rider, and the comfort is spot on.
Thank you for this. I am looking for a good chamois for long rides. Always good to hear your thoughts on all things bike related ☺
Massively useful review as to whether buying this bran or not. So far I have been a fan of their design and have even got a couple of their jerseys, though have always been tempted to get one of their bibs. I think will now.
After riding over 10,000 miles on Zwift since Lockdown, I couldn't agree more. We're worth the price of a quality bib! My fave is Velocio Ultralights. If CdC were a bit more size inclusive, I'd be happy to try them.
I have been using Cafe du Cycliste kits since 2019 and pretty much use them exclusively now. I love the Audax collection. The mesh pocket on the jerseys is an excellent idea and I am not sure why other manufacturers do not add that. The Mathilde bibs are the best, but I also use the Augustine in the summer. My oldest pair of Mathilde bibs are starting to show some wear on the mesh top, but there are 4 years of hard riding on them, including a trip across Spain. My newest Audax kit just got me through Unbound 100 with no issues at all. My only complaints about Cafe du Cycliste is they do not make knee warmers and I am not feeling the newest styles as much.
thank you Katie much appreciated
You are so lovely! So fun watching your videos! Wish you'd come to the US again soon! Come to Utah next!
Katie I love your content and have been following you on my personal account for years. I have to say though I have used the darevie seamless bibs for a couple of years now and they are very similar to the Cafe du cyclist ones and only £22. Darevie aren't counterfeit, they are a legit manufacturer in China. I came across them when I was searching for seamless bibs, honestly they are worth checking out. @1:53 this is exactly what IO say to my mates about the Darevie bibs the fabric is class and the pad is ace. I'm 98kgs so give them a battering :) I won't leave a link to them cause that ain't right but people should check them out - anyway off my soapbox now !
Hi Katie, I just wanted to let you know how much I admire and respect how you take the time to respond to your community in the comments. So often, when UA-camrs "become rich and famous" with gobs of subscribers, they stop engaging with folks and IMO something really important is lost. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your hard work and efforts and not lost on us.👏👏👏
Awwww 🥺 thank you!!! That’s really sweet of you to say. Ay I started this to try and help other people so always want to be able to do that. That really does mean a lot to me to so thank you for taking the time to notice and to tell me 🥰 Hope you’re having a great week x
@@KatieKookaburra 😊
I was lucky to win vouchers from Phil, Bike Racing without Mercy, for CduC and the bibs I bought are amazing, even for a big guy. I would definitely invest in them again.
Helpful review, especially your summing up comments. And perhaps that’s the crux of the matter what kind of cyclist you are and how far do you plan to go each ride. I’m still under £100 for bibs. They do seem to get slightly better the higher up the ‘food chain’ you go. Would be great to see a review on Ale as these are the best I have tried so far.
Thanks for sharing, good informative video. Tinkle stops...haven't heard that one for a while:)
I enjoy long days on the saddle so quality bib shorts are critical! I've been a Giordana fan for years and most recently Assos. I'm not familiar with Cafe Du Cycliste as I don't know of any US stores that carry it but now you definitely have me interested! CduC seems to be pretty competitively priced with other high-end brands.
I'm with you on the Giordana bibs. I have some FRS PRO ones that I paid $325 CAD for and they are stellar!!! My only complaint as a woman is that I do have to take off my jersey first to remove these bibs for a tinkle stop. But I still love them!!!! They make me feel like I'm wearing nothing at all!LOL
Cafe du Cycliste really do make the best kit out there, especially their bibs. It's expensive but so well made. And let's be honest, their gear looks cool as well.
The Jersey really looks good on you.
Got Assos bibs myself - expensive but wonderland to ride with.First bibs that did not make my privates sleep. Whatever allows me to ride more is worth it. Got a costly saddle for the same reason.
Katie,
I like the top and I like the number and size of pockets and it looks good , maybe not in white for me but ...
I had a near death experience with a full length zip top 2 summers ago..Happily riding along about an hour in then I hear a noise sort of a zip opening noise , the bottom of the top was and had come undone and was undoing as I rode .. lovely this is a super story I can tell everyone I thought maybe I need to carry 20 safety pins to repair tops that give up , nothing weird in that ..
The bib does seem expensive, I think they should put a pocket in the back of bibs that would then allow you to ride in any top you wanted ..
Never really thought of the time it takes to get out of stuff for toilet stops, thank God its not a frequent event but if its time its time..
I would have just tied it in a knot ‘Britney’ style haha!
Really liked this review thanks. I'd like to see a like vs like test if poss, say this kit vs the Rapha equivalent. That way we'd be better informed into which we'd invest our hard earned. Might be tricky with your sponsors, maybe? 👍🏼
No clothing sponsor here so all good on that front :)
You got me sold i have a 24 hr event coming up and i need all the help i can get in the rear department 😅
I have a pair of La Passione bibs and they are amazing feel but I love more my Castelli bibs padding.
Well Katie, cheap or expensive, you make all bibs look great! Happy and safe riding!
Awww thanks Alan!! :) you only see the hood bits I filmed - there were so DEFO scrap shots. I looked liked bloody Michelin Man 🤣🤣🤣
@@KatieKookaburra Ha! He wishes he looked as good as you!
Hi Katie good video l have my jersey the zip up more not too loose even when it's hot you must be comfortable all-time have a good weekend
Oh man. Thanks 4 the share, I love my nice bibs
Oooh which ones do you use? Share - we all need good bibs! :)
Please review Le Col bibs and jerseys 😊 Loving your reviews, keep them coming.
Thank yoooou! I actually don’t have any Le Col so might have to get some ordered!
Cheers Katie been looking at these bibs and wondered if they were worth the cost.
I'd be interested to hear your opinion on Lusso kit. I've got a couple of their products and love them, plus it's always nice to support local manufacturers, they are based in Manchester.
Have done 200km+ in Castelli endurance and Rapha classic, recommend both when on sale...
Years ago I was in the mindset that "spending that much money for something you can get for more than half that price is ridiculous!" I remember the first pair of bibs I purchased was from Nashbar here in the US. They felt awful to begin with and as they were my first intro to "spandex" I hated it. If you didn't...ummm...."manscape" those bibs would do it for you in the fashion of an old school Epilady that rippped the hairs out. Then I finally got a taste of "high end" bibs (not $265 high end, about $100 cheaper) and oh boy are they amazing. I joined a cycling team and the race kits were up there and boy I wouldn't wear anything else. Also, as a bigger guy, who just might have bigger boobs, a quality chamois is a freaking must!
They really do make a difference don’t they?!
Yeah, I wish expensive clothing _didn't_ make a difference, but it does. Now have a bunch of cheaper shorts and jerseys that I just can't use anymore after I got higher quality stuff. Buy cheap, buy twice is right.
Im a big fam of Assos kit, their top tier model bibs have fantastic pads and build quality. Ive just putchased the assos GTC Kiespanzer that are gravel specific, first ride will be later today....
Glad you found something that works for you :)
For the past couple of years, I've bought only from Cafe Du Cycliste for my cycling kits. They fit me well but my only complaint are their bibs as they are not taylored for shorter riders. Any one who is 165 cm tall or with 82 cm inseam and shorter will probably not like these bibs. I've tried several bib designs from them and these legs grippers goes over my knees and ends at the bottom of my knee caps. Only exception was the Albane. For such premium high end bibs, you would expect for them to offer more taylored bib options with shorter inseams for the people who are height challenged.
I don't really know why, but reviews on bibs are always my favourite
Haha ay you want to see if it’s worth your dollaaaaarrr!!
My wife discovered C Du C in Mallorca. That put paid to the kids inheritance! 😂 She absolutely loves the kit, its very stylish and a little different.
Hahaha yeahhh they have a shop in Palma. So glad she likes it. Yeah it’s definitely unique kit looks wise. Some really nice and classic and some.. well just a bit too out there for me 😋😋
I’d rather pay £200 for high quality bib shorts that last 10 years than spend £50 on ones that start to deteriorate after a year. It is environmentally friendlier and I just like stuff that’s made to last and is dependable.
Don‘t forget that it might be a privilege to be able tomspend 200£ ;)
I was wondering if you had LeCol kit to compare. I've enjoyed the Strava discounts after completing some of their challenges..
My only issue with CdC is that all of their jerseys have those high collars. I think their hottest kit is the only one that has a normal style collar. I guess I’m just sensitive to it, so it’s not a style I go for very often.
I have been to their flagship store in Nice though, and it’s an awesome shop with super nice people. Definitely enjoyed being there on my last trip! Good coffee, too.
I would like to see a review of Pas Normal Studio's bib's. Thank you!
There's a Philippine loop challenge that happens all year round here in the Philippines. It's about 5000 kms long. Maybe you'd wanna give it a go? Hahahaha. You get to see a lot of the islands, try out the food, meet a lot of locals that are friendly. Not to mention all the white sand beaches.......
Katie ❤️
Castelli bibs on sale from sports pursuit are clearly the best deal ever on bibs. Highest end ones from £80, decent midrange ones from £40. The pad is fantastic, madness to go anywhere else imo.
I'm not a big fan of Castellit - had the Nanoflex years ago and felt the chamois wasn't great. We all like different things :)
I love the top Castelli bibs.
Give @NeoPro a shot KK. Did Triple Bypass in Colorado in them and they were better than bib at 3X price. Luzzie at NeoPro is very responsive to comments.
Thanks as always for content.
Yep I picked up the Castelli Unlimited bibs for £60 off SP. They are the gravel ones with big integrated side pockets, really good.
Also Rapha Pro Team are immense, did a 180k ride at weekend in those. No chaffing or discomfort at all.
@@neilfox9540 The Castelli Unlimited bibs have a seam that runs up the inner thigh. Chews up my undercarriage on long rides. Glad to hear they work for you. Also just got a pair of Rapha Core Cargo bibs which ride much better for me. I love the side pockets on each for stashing loads of Shot Bloks.
Are you going to ride PBP this august?
I purchased 2 pair of Pearl Izumi shorts, the bike shop told me they were the best of the best that they carried., One pair was $70, the other $140 Out of these 2 I keep going back to my $50 black bibs, I mean they are nice and all but don't seem to be sized correctly and lets be honest, they don't feel like $100 shorts.
Wow you look so fit and healthy..you have a proper glow ..What ever you are doing keep at it 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼
Thank you Darren!!!! 🥰
Agree with you about collars on summer jersey’s- very annoying, unnecessary and surely adds manufacturing costs.
End of the day, you get what you pay for ! Only the best for our Katie.
Here's to the next 110,000 kms !
🎵 Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world 🎵
☀️ 🦅
🐑🐐 🚴♀️
Another ace video Katie 😁😁
Recommend any men’s stuff 😂 I currently wear Canyon and LeCol. Oh and recommend any good protein bars…
Pearl Izumi Pro women’s bibs, no seams, luxurious, one piece (you don’t notice the leg grippers and no sausage leg), comfy chamois and, for the win, you just pull ‘em down for the loo, sooo quick! My all time faves, great for Audaxes!
What did you wear when you first started cycling? I’m a big girl and finding a kit to fit my size is rare. Pearl Izumi so far has been the go to place. I would like another place to look at in near future. 5’10 220 lb
Since Strava tracks annual distance, I noticed some wear and "pilling" just under the sit bones on the back of my Assos bibs. I bought two pairs for around 400 pounds almost two years ago and rotate them, but I can conclude from my Strava history that there's 12,000 km in each set of bibs. I'm thinking I might see 15k per pair, but I am wondering if 15km is about as much as you can expect from a set of bibs. Anything you've heard of lasting longer?
I think it totally depends on the fabric and whether or not you wash them with say mitts / gloves with Velcro. That will affect the fabric for sure and have pulls on this exact jersey from my velcro from the mitt pulling the jersey when I was taking it off to go the loo. Also, it will depends how hot you wash them bibs - hotter will wear down fibres and fabrics quicker than cool washes. So so much goes into how long a pair will last. Also, if you ride them in bad weather again it will wear them down faster. I think 15,000km is great to get out of a pair.
I’d like to see the Gore long distance bibs reviewed. The fabric is the best in any set I’ve tried.
I didn't even know of this! Thanks!!
Had a couple pairs of gore and neither lasted a year before the material frayed. Never again.
Bibs are money well spent 😊
I use to only buy Rapha kit until I found Cafe du Cycliste Musca superior and way better styling as well.
How about a video comparing these items to Rapha equivalents?
It's a nice-looking kit on you. The collar needs work and even when zipped up, the neck opening is too large. Yes, an extra saddle in the pocket will come in handy on those mega-distance rides.
You never know...
@@KatieKookaburra Maybe when you need a place to sit for tinkle stop, just make sure you have a proper saddle with cut-out
Question for you about fit. All my shorts are mediums, They seem to fit well but several of them feel loose around the leg grippers, I fear if I go to a small they will be to small, For the most part the leg grippers hold them on my legs still but a couple pair they actually go up my legs when I ride, should I go to the next size down or am I over examining things to much?
I think order both sizes and see which you prefer. App brands have different sizing so defo important to try on. But generally the legs of all bibs loosen slightly over time. But equally you don’t want them too tight it hurts to actually pedal ahah. Try on (with pants on obvs) and see which fit best :)
@@KatieKookaburra I will give that a shot, it's worth noting some of them are brand new so I am guessing they didn't loosen over time in my case.
I cant afford this … but still watching, listening and wishing hahha😂✌️
Katie, what is your opinion on Pedal Mafia bibs? Thanks.
I will try some abs let you know :)
Hey Katie! I know others have also asked for a comparison between these and other big brands but I am curious if you've tried the Rapha Brevet bibs and if you could compare them with these. I know for one the Rapha bibs have more seams than others which is why I still prefer Assos over them but I have yet to try the Brevet bibs and the price is up there with the one you just reviewed here from CduC so I was curious if had any feedback on the differences between the 2. Ride on!
I don’t think Rapha make the brevet bibs anymore :( pretty sure they don’t but a comparison between brands would be good and defo a video I will do
Tinkle stop. Love it. Like a blokes wazz
Wazz!!! 🤣😅🤣😂 not heard that in a while 😂
Nice review, but it seems alot of money for bibs, tbf I'm not into doing long rides, I'm not fit enough yet. I would like you to review Madison bibs or some sort of commuting shorts.
These are specifically for long rides. I have done a fair few bib reviews if you have a look at my playlists :) Madison Bibs? I haven't heard of them but will have a look.
Just try X-bionic from Switzerland, about the same price range, sometimes well below 200 Sterlings. There is all science behind X-bionic products. Not just polyester, and elastics.
Enjoying your UA-cam content. Still waiting for my Canyon Grail to arrive, another 4 weeks or so. I notice you like to wear Rapha and MAAP. Could you possibly give your opinion on their products? I know I will have to spend a few Euros on a decent bib, still not sure which make.
Absolutely!!! Enjoy new bike day wooop woop!! The Grails look mega bikes 💕💕
I'd be very curious your thoughts if you end up trying the Marinette model. The Mathildes are very nice, but my usual rides are 50-80km, so I don't know if I need to have the very top of the line. I like to invest in things that last, but I don't want overspend on something I won't use to its full potential.
I don’t think you need to spend that amount for 50-80km rides. There are more affordable options for sure. Watch my DHB review… it’s on my playlists for kit reviews x
@@KatieKookaburra I watched that the other day! They're definitely on my shopping list. Those DHB bib shorts are $26 in the US, so even if they don't work out, I'm not out much. I'm going to pass on the jersey though. I already have another brand with the two pocket design, and it annoys me to death for the same reasons you mentioned.
😂 thought you got a tattoo on your right arm , looked closely it's a mark on my screen 😂😂
😆
Great review. The blue bibs looked a bit see through though (or was that bad eyesight on my part?)
I lke the Endura bibs (snug fit) and have one bad experience with expensiv ASOS bibs (multiple seams and the fabric fell apart within a year)
How did people feel about Assos? I believe they’re rated highly buy most? I’ve been losing weight so not quite ready to drop 300 on shorts… having said that I’m paying 150-200
My first ever expensive pair were Assos and I liked them a lot. I wasn’t a fan of the more recent kit. But those in around 2015 were amazing.
Brands to review: Endura, Assos, Rapha, Gore
Tell me when they have a 70% off sale then i might be interested. But at £265, holly hell! 😳😮
Yep they are expensive but worth it if you are doing seriously long rides!
I am not a bag guy. I think they ruin the classic asthetic of the road bike. So practical pockets are the first thing I look at. Also seamless fit and high quality fabrics for longevity. I will have to seriously consider these Cafe kits.
You are a beautiful model for Café Du Cycliste.
Ahhhh thank you!!! :)
Assos. No doubt about it
I wonder if an astronaut tight-fitting Bib with low profile zips would be a 'thing'
A few months ago I went to see Bro in law. I was wearing the cheapest jogging bottoms going & he was wearing some Brand N, which I have at home, he said "I cant imagine anyone wearing cheep stuff". That peaked my interest, looking wear the cheepo joggers are made & the N brand, low and behold, yes both are made in another Asian country. Are bike stuff the same ? Are you just paying for the Kudos ? Is everyone one brain washer, like oooohhhh the new bikes are out, i'll have to sell a kidney for £12000 to buy a bike that's heavier bike, heavier than my 10 year old stead. Rant over, back to my £15000 bike, as I suffer up hills, bloody disc brakes.
I totally hear you Paul. I look at the actual product and is it a good product. That's why you will still see me riding rim brake bikes :) But I am all about VALUE. And I don't think all expensive kit is good - some of it is garbage and no better than the cheaper brands. Those brands just have better marketing. Will do some reviews on expensive kit I don't think it worth the money. These bibs though... Well see what you think :)
@@KatieKookaburra Thanks Katie for your honest input. Keep spinning those pins, you look pro er every time.
Love your content! I would love you to review a brand at the other end that needs some attention! Lusso, based in Radcliffe Manchester, Jake and Jodie are fabulous and super attentive. Locally made with sustainable materials at a very decent price, would be interested to hear your views! I wish I could afford £265! Keep up the content and ride safe!
I understand and, actually, agree with you. BUT, if you don’t have it, you can’t spend it.
For that amount the bibs should offer pedal assist.
Castelli Premio bibs are amazing, like you are not wearing anything.
Put a “she wee” in your pocket, massive help for having a wee whilst wearing bib shorts, saves being naked in a field.
Really?!!!!! Ok will have a look :)
I did a 213mile bike ride with £30 shorts and a Chinese £16 top. 😂
Ass of steel!!!
👏🏼👏🏼
If you want your bibs & jersey to last longer - say *no* to *velcro* !!
(i.e. don't buy anything with velcro - it will eat your kit!)
That’s nearly as expensive as my wheel set… I’ve yet to find comfy bibs or padded shorts.
Personally I don’t buy ultra expensive clothing as they don’t last if you go off road and I use 1 jersey per ride, even a back pack makes martial bobble… that Wouk’s annoy me if I just spent £400 on the tops… it annoyed me bubbling up my £50 altura jersey
You said you haven’t found anything comfy and also you don’t spend money on bibs…. Not saying you have to spend loads to get good bibs but I defo think bibs are worth investing over a jersey / socks / gilet
@@KatieKookaburra’s also size. I’ve looked at gore Rapha. Most, if not all cycle clothing is only catered for a certain slim body… if you got muscles… or a gut.. as a man… it’s not fitting. Most of the time, it just doesn’t fit right for road clothing … mtb is marginally better… and if you looking to spend a lot, it better fit
For me the comfort is due to me not liking the shoulder straps… and sizing always incorrect for me.
Probably great kit but they're taking the piss with price
I paid less for my first bicycle 😄
Katie for me your video didn't really answer the question. You've got your, almost 800euros entire kit, for free. Just notice that for 100 euros or so you can get Rapha Core bibs on sale without problems (almost 3 Rapha bibs for one of these you tested). Now, if you'd pay with your own money, how much that price difference is worth their real improvement in quality? Compared to "cheaper" bibs. Are they really three times better? Hmmm.
I'm very sorry, but I cannot believe it's really worth it. At the same time I cannot say it for sure because I'm not able to afford this kind of fancy stuff.
It wasn’t a comparison video. The title stated what this video was. So I can of course review the Core bibs for sure but that’s not what this video was. It was a review of CDC bibs after 10,000km. And I did this EXACTLY for the reason of I don’t think a lot of cyclists would spend that so I’m showing what you get for your money. Also NOTHING is ever for free. I worked ridiculously hard to build my channel to what it is - and a by product of that is brands do send items sometimes. But know nothing is ever free Marco.
I'm sorry, but I don't get it.. I could purchase a suit (a real one with 400 Dollars/317.04 Pound). And maybe it's because I don't own any that I'm willing to say nope.
Yeah without doubt it is expensive kit. But as I explained in the video if you’re doing really long disntances then cheaper kit well none I’ve found really comes close. But if you have something that works for you then defo no need to spend this on a pair of bibs :)
@@KatieKookaburra not kicking you for it, I just look and think Nuuurrrp!!!
However, I will spend $11,000 on a camera lens and not think anything about it.
I guess it's all in what you like!!!
Hello 😘😘
I don't consider them to be that expensive for what they are, how they perform and their durability.
I'm male and have spent nearly double (£499) on bib shorts that didn't last as long as yours have, less than 1,200 miles.
You are beautiful. 😍
Thanks Bill :)
There are 2 types of cyclists, those who stops evolving and stay 50km per week casuals and bibs fetishists.
That butchering of the French pronunciation 😂😂
I'm practically French what you on about? 🙃
noice, please show more undressing videos.
Sorry Katie you’ve sold out look where I am look what I’m doing look what I’m promoting it’s sad to see
If I had sold out I would have accepted A LOT of cash to be sponsored by a well known cycling kit brand. But I didn’t love the items and so couldn’t promote them. You don’t see half the things I turn down. So if you feel that way feel free not to watch my videos. People know me and what I stand for so feel free to watch another channel x
I would've love to smell those :)