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Cucu Hautacam and Tourmalet jerseys

6
£55.65

VERDICT:

6
10
Great style and looks but doesn't deliver in terms of performance
Weight: 
145g
Contact: 

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CuCu is a new cycling brand from Barcelona, Spain. They have a range of cycling clothing, shirts and sweatshirts, including these jerseys, the Tourmalet and Hautacam. Not all of it is pure cycling gear some is more recreational with a nod to cycling's heritage.

The two jerseys I had to test were emblazoned with two of the most iconic peaks in Grand Tour history, the Tourmalet and the Hautacam. They are well made from lightweight polyester. They have a three quarter length zip which when pulled up has a small housing or zip guard at the top of the jersey to stop it rubbing on your neck.

The colour schemes are quite striking, the Tourmalet version has a light blue base with a red band with the mountain's name highlighted across the chest and a white upper. As a nod to its status the height of this Tour beast is added for effect. You get a small collar to add a little extra protection and style.

The Hautacam is predominantly orange with some black bands on the lower half and a thicker black band on the chest where the name is inscribed.

On the reverse you get three pockets. The outer two are the same size but the middle one is slightly wider. None of them are particularly deep which does limit the amount you can stuff into them. The seams on the inside have been flatlocked to prevent irritation but on the outside there were quite a few loose threads: not what you'd expect on a jersey in this price bracket.

At the base of the jersey is a rubberised gripper to stop it riding up. The sleeve cuffs are quite narrow with a little give which allows them to be fitted in position without too much stretching required.

When wearing the jerseys from CuCu they are comfortable and a good length. They stay in place on both the arms and torso. The polyester is quite thin so on cooler days you will need a base layer.

There is plenty of style about both the Tourmalet and Hautacam jerseys unfortunately this is not backed up by their performance. The polyester whilst lightweight does not wick sweat away particularly well. This makes for a sweaty, heavy jersey if you are wearing it under a gilet or rain cape. In all other aspects there is a lot to like about the styling and the nod to major Tour history. The polyester is also prone to rub if you use a rucksack, after only being used half a dozen times, the rear pocket is showing some fade already.

A shame but the CuCu jerseys need to offer more if they are going to compete with other brands in this price range.

Verdict

Great style and looks but doesn't deliver in terms of performance

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Cucu Hautacam and Tourmalet jersey

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Anyone who cycles regularly likes a bit of style and class in their wardrobe and the CuCu jerseys deliver on that front, in abundance. 

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Made from 100% polyester the Tourmalet and Hautacam jerseys look the part, offering style. However the polyester isn't able to wick away sweat effectively which makes the jersey heavy, wet and potentially a bit smelly on hot days or if you have to don a rain cape. Overall not a pleasant experience.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The seams are well sealed so you don't get any irritation and the zip functions easily, it also can be housed under the guard which prevents its rubbing on your neck. The pockets are attached well with different widths between the outer two and the middle but none are very deep. There were a few loose threads on the exterior of jersey.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

Until the point of riding for a lengthy time, the CuCu jerseys wear well and feel comfortable, that is until start to heat up. The polyester is not really able to cope with the wicking of sweat.

Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10

Having already mentioned the inability of the polyester to cope with the sweat it doesn't respond well to close contact with a rucksack or backpack either. After several wears it is showing signs of rubbing on the rear pocket which I haven't had with other jerseys.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

At 145g the jerseys are light.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Despite the problems with the wicking capabilities of the CuCu jerseys it does feel comfortable on until you start to up the pace.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

With the problems already listed the jersey does not warrant the price tag.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Until the point of being put to the test the jerseys look good and have plenty of style. They don't however carry that on when you use it on the bike.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The nod to the Grand Tour heritage and styling are great but let down by the performance which is really why you'd buy one.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The feeling like a 'boil in the bag' job when I was wearing it under my rain jacket or on a couple of occasions when it was warmer, they cannot get rid of the sweat very well.

Did you enjoy using the product? Partially.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not in its current guise.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Great styling and looks let down by performance.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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2 comments

Avatar
notfastenough | 9 years ago
0 likes

A shame, the Tourmalet jersey looks really good. Need someone like Morvelo to do that look.

Avatar
thesaladdays | 9 years ago
0 likes

Those pockets look rubbish, way too shallow and no elastic. You can get much better at that price without looking far.

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