The Marvel of Mavic

For those of you who keep up to date with the latest news in the world of cycling apparel (just me probably), will know that a recent surprise entry into the multitudinous assemblage of bike clothing manufacturing, was the French company, Mavic. This continental concern is probably more known for wheels than hats but being previously responsible for the Adidas cycle line (as it happens, my first jersey and bib shorts were Adidas), Mavic had decided not to renew this license agreement and have decided to go it alone this year, with a range of self-branded soft goods for the discerning bike stylist.

Now, I apply many different criteria to my cycle clothing of choice but mainly, if it's black, then I will be reaching deep into my recession-hit wallet. Black may not be the wisest choice of apparel out on the tarmac though. I have seen many fellow road rollers, resplendent in a dizzying array of sensible, luminous tunics and my stealth bomber routine just attracts automobiles to zip past my right arm with an alarming intimacy.

However, on the lookout for some decent togs, to accompany my recent foray onto the road, Mavic with their limited, almost Teutonic selection of black, white and the occasional splash of colour, seemed to fit the bill. Similarly, the designers have also borrowed colour inspiration from the back catalogue of Kraftwerk, where even the humdrum grey is now called ‘autobahn’. Germanic names from a French company are unusual but at least they are manly.

The only fly in the ointment was quickly discovered when I realised that Mavic offerings were pricey if not downright expensive. However, not one to admit to vanity on the saddle, it seems churlish not to splash out on the uniform when I have just committed large amounts of cash on a new road bike.

So it was onto the usual internet retailer from Ballyclare, since my LBS offerings are Gore or Specialized and nothing else! As a primary incursion, I ordered an Espoir Jersey, Pro Rain Shoe Covers and Avenir Shoes. There is certainly a more Gallic flavour to these names, and the Avenir treads are a tad futuristic for my tastes. Mavic humbly describe them as ‘high end performance for the neo pro’; so I am there in the fashion stakes, if not the fitness ones. I have to admit though, the shoes do fit like a pair of winged slippers and when I took them for a spin, I felt I had to go fast for the sake of appearances. These shoes are going to land me in all sorts of trouble as I overtook a shocked, speed-restricted Sunday driver in his Rover.


Alas, not everything was rosy in the wonderfully monotone planet Mavic. The large size Espoir Jersey had to be sent back for being too short. Disappointing to have a large that only went half way down my chest. This is not a boast, but is a common complaint (by me) often flung at jersey producers. I infer from this that most cyclists must be wide, muscled midgets. Well, there is Mark Cavendish…

I am very happen to fly against the vivid day-glow attire that cohabits the A78; I just have to stay out of the shadows and avoid dawn or dusk.