Galibier make a few bold claims about their cycling apparel. They state that buyers should “feel confident they are purchasing garments that stand tall beside ANY brand, at ANY price.”
They say that they “want our customers, fellow bikers, to come back and buy more, so we ONLY sell fine, durable cycle clothing. We ship same day or next morning and again in the afternoon. Only then, will we go for a spin.”
And by selling direct, they believe they can sell their garments cheaper than comparable items.
Of course, I was curious to find out more about the brand, especially as I like designs that look a bit different and I like a company that finds inspiration in the mountains.
The Col du Galibier: The company takes their name from the mountain pass in the southern region of the French Dauphiné Alps. At 2645m, it is often the highest point of the Tour de France.
Galibier Roubaix Vision IV Gloves
The most useful item so far this season has been the gloves. I was surprised because I have many pairs of gloves and number of favourites but the Galibier Roubaix Vision IV Gloves quickly became my number one choice.
To start with they fit beautifully. I have large and slim hands but the gloves fit, well, like a glove. The fingers are long enough yet the gloves are not too wide. To find gloves that fit so well is very rare for me.
They are also brilliant for cycling. The fabric offers warmth but without being bulky. The cuff is long enough, so you do not feel a gap with cold air at the wrist. And the silicon pattern is genius. It looks fantastic and offers great grip on the bike handlebars.
I have worn these gloves when cycling on chilly spring mornings and evenings, riding downhill in the mountains of Mallorca (that can get pretty chilly in April) and also for numerous runs.
The gloves do not move around or wrinkle up. They feel smooth and totally non irritating on my skin. They offer excellent grip
These updated Galibier gloves have a cuff that is now 6mm longer after customers asked for this. The rear silicone design is new for 2016. The reflective knuckle detail is a great extra.
So many people have asked me about these gloves because they look different and I have been delighted to tell them why I like them. It’s surprising that a pair of gloves could have such an effect!
My only gripe is that despite the silicon design I still could not operate my touch screen iphone with them on.
The Galibier Roubaix Vision IV gloves cost £16.
La Bonette windproof jacket
Galibier have created a female specific range for 2016 and it includes the windproof jacket.
The features include:
- Windproof front panels
- Windproof anti-stick zip
- A zip garage to protect the neck from irritation
- Three stretchy rear pockets
- A zipped security pocket
- Silicone inside waistband
- Double cuff to keep the wind off your wrists
- High neck to keep the wind off your skin
- Double stitching throughout
- 3M reflective strip at the rear
- Price: £44.
Size guide:
Small: Size UK8-10
Medium: Size 10-12
Large: Size 12-14
XL: Size 14-16
Galibier state that the design pattern, inspired by “the passing of a 100 riders in the peloton”. I am not sure how they get to this but it’s quite a funky look, all the same.
The name La Bonette comes from the 2,802m Cime de la Bonette, which is the highest paved road in France.
I have the size medium (for UK10 to 12) and although I am usually a UK10 I think the size small may be a better fit in the body. The length of the arms and torso is perfect but the jacket feels a bit loose fit around the chest and stomach areas.
I like that the front of the jacket is nicely windproof, while the back is the regular cycling jersey fabric. This helps to keep the wind out but also allows for sweat to evaporate at the back.
The details are really good. The long, double cuffs are excellent. The lightweight long-styled cuff reaches right over my hands and fits really neatly. This means you can keep the wind and cold off your wrists.
The high neck is also a nice touch although many other cycling jackets also have this.
The jacket stays in place thanks to the generous internal hem silicon. This is vital because without that the jacket would be too baggy feeling and would ride up my back.
I also like the rear pockets. Three deep open-top pockets and an additional zipped pocket mean that I had enough space to store everything I could need including spar inner tube, emergency tyre patches, tyre levers and tool, arm warmers, leg warmers, gels, mobile phone and money.
But what is most impressive about this jacket is the price. £44 is a good price for a lightweight windproof (front) jacket that can be used all year round.
Galibier Barrier headband II
Lightweight and easy to wear under a helmet, the Barrier headband keeps the wind off your ears. I usually wear a buff but for times when I want something fit for purpose I out this on. It’s useful and a good price at £8.54
See Galibier CC for more products and information.