Even before the world was confronted with the current medical crisis and the eventual new normal of post-COVID-19, there was always a group that weren’t interested in primes, KOM’s, or podiums. For some, it is all about the adventure and challenge of long distance and adventure riding. Whether you call it Audax, gravel, bike packing, adventure riding, or something different, the French brand Café du Cycliste is embracing the spirit with their AX line and their Ultimate Guide to Bike Packing and Adventure Cycling.
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here is no real term to cover the full breadth of this kind of riding, which is fine by me because there really shouldn’t be. It is what you make of it, and has its own meaning to you. I’ve began to embrace more of this type of riding, even before the current crisis began. I still enjoy the speed of riding the road and lust over the latest go fast bits, but the challenge of going farther, or conquering the gravel adventure is where my cycling future lies.
Café du Cycliste is also embracing this path. They have created a range of articles and content to help get you started on your next adventure. Whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned brevet rider, there is content to help you learn the basics or get inspired for your next adventure.
As with everything in the cycling industry, brands are finding ways to innovate your gear to help you enjoy the ride, where ever your bike may take you. With the AX range, Café du Cycliste has created a line of clothing that will help keep you comfortable, while being functional for the needs of adventure riding. This includes kit like the Mona jersey, which features additional pockets to keep more items accessible to you while riding. The Mathilde bibs offer all-day comfort through the lates Cytech bib, legs cut from a single piece of cloth to reduce possible chaffing, and grippers woven into that single piece. Each piece, including the Suzette rain jacket and the Jacqueline vest all feature reflective touches to make sure that you are seen while riding, especially in lower light conditions.
If all of this is peaking your interest, and you are looking for more, check out their Ultimate Guide to Bike Packing and Adventure Cycling to help you learn more about bike set up, what to pack, and creating routes. There are also features on adventures that their sponsored riders have undertaken with great photography and interesting written pieces.
https://www.cafeducycliste.com
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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