Life should be celebrated by riding a bike.
For some people, riding a bike is their way of escaping something, to feel free, to celebrate a moment in life where nothing else but you, the wind and your machine matters.
I like to think that there is a lot of beauty in the way you can express yourself on a bike. Your pedal stroke, the way you lean in a corner or goof around popping wheelies when you get to the coffee stop.
Cycling is a simple sport. Although a huge part of cycling is about gear, wether it’s the bike, the components, whatever electronic device you need to ride and of course clothing; I still think it can be a simple sport. Sometimes it’s not. Because we live in an era where everything has to be modern, connected, aero, fast, and as soon as you get the latest thing, it’s already outdated by a new emerging trend.
Maybe it is time for all of us to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy the simple things of life.
Simplicity with a little touch of ”je ne sais quoi”
Le Braquet is a Montreal based cycling apparel brand. Their philosophy is inline with that: simplicity and admiring the beauty of nature and of all the beautiful things humans can make and create. Well at least it is the way I perceive their approach to what they do.
Their offer is simple: they design good quality apparel, here in Montreal*, with love. Their collection includes a mix of colourful monochromes and more sober elements. Plus, they will have, from time to time, unique and limited editions to offer, often created in collaborations with local artists.
And this is where Le Braquet stands out from the big brands of high end cycling apparel. Not only can you feel their implication in the work they do, but you can also see it, in a tangible way: Le Braquet is involved in our cycling community by providing club rides and by supporting many causes, charities and projects.
If you ever meet the Le Braquet people out on the road, you will feel that genuine intention behind what they do.
The Monochrome life of colours
From a deep black bib short to warm tangerine coloured jerseys, earthy tones to pastel blues, daring forest green bibs and soothing pinks, Le Braquet’s collection seems to have been made so that all the pieces can be mixed and matched. Think of it as a painter’s palette, where colours mean nothing until the moment they are applied to the canvas. Something like that…
Of course colours, styles, and whatever characterizes a piece of clothing becomes a way to express your personality. Maybe there is something in their collection that fits with yours. Beside colours, you will also find different fits and quality levels ranging from high quality clothing to what I would call luxurious.
I have always been compelled by a strong non tangible aspect of Le Braquet, kind of like a personality trait, which I would say is best described by the french word ”tendresse” (tenderness). And again this is my perception of that brand, which could not be yours of course.
If you are looking for an inspiring apparel brand to shop from and fill your wardrobe, take a look at their website. You might find something for you!
#levelocestlavie
Look out for reviews of their products in the review section.
Spoiler alert: their Podium bib short is the best, most comfortable, bib I ever owned.
*Le Braquet designs all their products here in Montreal Canada. The manufacturing is outsourced in foreign countries.
all pictures are from @payette
Le Braquet has authorized me to use them for this blog
Boards and Peaks - Von Westfalen 