As the UK was hit with relentless rain and flooding, making cycling almost impossible, we decided it was time to escape to sunnier, more rideable roads. Nice, France - the perfect spot for a quick getaway.
Why Nice?
A mix of city, sea, and mountains with a close-by airport that lets you go from airplane to saddle in a few hours. Plus, the city’s vibe and food scene is perfect for winding down after a long day in the saddle. We’d been to Nice earlier in the year to shoot our spring/summer kit, but this time, it was all about the riding!
Day 1: A Big Day of Climbing and Getting a Little Lost
Our plan for the first day was ambitious: an 80-mile route with 7,000 feet of climbing over Col des Ferres. But with some terrible mapping skills we ended up clocking 100 miles with nearly 9,000 feet of elevation. Let’s just say, my lack of recent training made it a very big day.
The ride itself, though, was stunning. Climbing through charming little towns, weaving our way up into the mountains, and then...the views at the top of Les Ferres. It was one of the most beautiful routes I’ve done. If we had more time, I’d have stopped at every little café along the way for a coffee and pastry. And of course, the miles of descents.
Day 2: Coastal Roads and Col d’Eze
After the leg-pounding first day, we dialed it back a bit for day two. We mapped out a shorter ride along the coast with a climb up to Col d’Eze. If you’ve never done this route, put it on your list—it’s the perfect mix of scenic coastlines and a manageable, but satisfying climb. We also had the chance to test out our wet-weather gear as the temperature dropped and the rain belted down. But more on that later!
The Kit: How Did It Perform?
Handling the Changing Conditions
As anyone who’s cycled in the mountains knows, the weather can change in an instant. Although it wasn’t as cold as I’d anticipated, it was definitely chilly up top, classic autumn temperatures really. But no worries, we came prepared. At what I thought was the top I put on the Shield Jacket over my jersey, it turns ou James promised me we were finished with the climb 2 miles too early so I pushed on before descending at speed, it kept me at a comfortable temperature. No overheating, no shivering, just right.
James, a pro mechanic and much faster than me on a bike, agreed to come out and test some of the kit and was rocking the Insulated Gilet. After a day of riding, he was already set on buying one when it’s released, which, as a first-time Attacus wearer, is high praise!
The Rain Test
Day two gave us the perfect opportunity to test out our wet-weather kit. James swapped the gilet for the Shield Jacket, while I tried out our new Waterproof Jacket paired with the Adventure Bib Tights. Climbing the Col d’Eze in the rain meant a little sweat, but nothing overwhelming, and the jacket handled the conditions like a champ. James was seriously impressed with how comfortable he felt while pushing 300 watts up the climb. Neither of us overheated climbing or felt the cold after a soaking wet decent, and that’s a win in my book.
The Adventure Bib Tights? I completely forgot I was wearing them, which is probably the best compliment you can give cycling gear. Plus, the additional pockets for snacks and my GoPro were a real bonus on tights.
Kit Highlights
The Insulated Gilet
This was the MVP of the trip. James practically lived in it throughout the mountains on day 1, climbing, descending, the gilet stayed on. It’s versatile enough for all conditions and looked really sharp too, which is always a plus.
The Shield Jacket
The second standout piece. Windproof, water-resistant, and just the right amount of breathability. Even when pushing watts, it never held us back. It was warm enough for the descents but breathable enough for the climbs—a perfect combo for autumn temperature riding.
The Details
One thing missing from our pre-release samples were the reflective details that will be included in the final product. Trust me, they’re going to make a huge difference, especially when riding in low-light autumn and winter conditions. Safety first!
How the Kit Compares
Having struggled in the past with finding gear that can handle the ever-changing mountain weather, I can honestly say this collection hit the mark. In the past, I’ve worn jackets that left me either freezing on descents or drenched in sweat on climbs, not fun. But this new range strikes that perfect balance between protection and comfort. It's versatile, adaptable, and pieces can be layered depending on the conditions.
Whether you're battling cold winds, surprise rain, or climbing at 10 degrees, this kit has your back, and your front. And for James, a first-time Attacus wearer, the gear more than impressed.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning your own cycling adventure, whether it’s in the mountains of Nice or your local hills, our new autumn/winter range has something for everyone. From insulated gilets to waterproof jackets, the gear is designed to handle unpredictable conditions so you can focus on what matters, enjoying the ride.
Sign up to be the first to know when the kit drops in the next week or so, and I guarantee you’ll want these pieces in your wardrobe for those colder months ahead.
Until next time, keep pedaling!
