Le Col has launched its first full gravel range in what founder Yanto Barker describes as “a bold new step for a brand that has spent the past decade pursuing speed and performance.” Le Col’s ARC collection – which stands for ‘adaptable, reliable, capable’ – is crafted using “premium materials and advanced fabric technology” for durability and long-lasting comfort, according to the British brand. Merino is the favoured fabric for the jersey, base layer, T-shirt arm and leg warmers while the ARC rain jacket is made from PFC-free Pertex Shield. Cargo shorts and overshorts feature “innovative storage solutions”.
The range was designed by an all-female product development team led by Jen Choi. Le Col points out that this is a rarity in the industry and with this in mind ARC represents the road less travelled in more ways than one.
Le Col says ARC provides “quality you can see and feel… a cut above the rest” and calls the range “premium”. The highest priced item is the Pertex Shield rain jacket at £280, which Le Col describes as lightweight and packable. The fabric is PFC free, waterproof and breathable with a weight of 83gsm. The jacket has taped seams, an adjustable hood, two side pockets and a chest pocket. It has a relaxed fit that makes it ideal for both on and off-bike wear, according to Le Col. It’s available in two colours and seven sizes for the mens version; five sizes for the women’s.
The ARC Merino Jersey comes in long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions priced at £160 and £180 respectively. The fabric is made from 67% Italian merino, 15% polyamide and 18% elastane. Again, it has a more relaxed fit to “optimise freedom of movement over extended distances”. There are the standard road jersey-style three rear pockets plus one zipped compartment. There are men’s and women’s versions with two colour options for the short-sleeved jersey and three for long sleeved.
ARC sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved base layers are made from a slightly different mix of 65% merino, 30% polyamide and 5% elastane at £65, £70 and £75 respectively.
The range includes ARC Cargo Bib Shorts at £210 with rear and side storage pockets and a “multi-terrain chamois” that Le Col says has been tested by WorldTour riders.
In the ARC Lifestyle category is the Merino T-Shirt which comes with short sleeves at £70 or long sleeves at £80, while ARC Accessories include merino leg and arm warmers, a snood and a cap.
Le Col is relatively late to the gravel party: before ARC it only had cargo bib and waist shorts with mesh side pockets as part of its Sport collection, but this first full foray beyond the road looks to be stylish, well considered and consistent in pricing with its premium road cycling lines. Meanwhile, fellow British clothing brand Rapha has attempted to break out of cycling altogether with its Performance Sportswear range, leisurewear for simply “moving through the modern world” on two feet as well as on two wheels. Currently we’re seeing similar trends not only in clothing but also in cycling equipment – this month Wattbike launched two new smart bikes aimed at a broader fitness market. In these continuing tough times for the industry it simply doesn’t pay to be too niche.
Check out Le Col's website for all the pricing, details and information.
