Warmth provides a sense of security: Cafe du Cycliste / Alphonsine & Albertine

　
January, February, and March—the harsh season for riding continues.
However, while the cold can be severe, winter rides offer clear air and scenery that is arguably the most beautiful of any season. Furthermore, once you start turning the pedals and your body warms up, even the cold air feels pleasant and truly appealing.
For such winter rides, having apparel suited to the temperature makes things comfortable, of course; but that sense of security in knowing you have that warmth is often what drives you to hop out of a warm bed and start pedaling.

As for me, I have been loving my favorite Café du Cycliste Heidi jacket, now in its third season. It’s still going strong, but lately, my desire for something new has reached a peak. Today, I’d like to introduce two items that I can’t stop thinking about, both of which offer excellent thermal insulation.
　

【Cafe du Cycliste】 Alphonsine ¥25,000 (excl. tax)

　
The Alphonsine by Café du Cycliste is inspired by fleece jackets used in outdoor wear. With a look that makes you want to pair it with denim or climbing pants, it feels like something you could wear for a casual outing. However, its tight silhouette is that of a cycling jersey, fitting perfectly with bib tights. It is a quintessential Café du Cycliste item that combines a casual aesthetic with high-level performance.
The fleece used offers high thermal retention as well as excellent moisture-wicking properties. By using a fabric blended with merino wool, its functionality really shines during rides where you break a sweat.
　

Additionally, the densely knitted fabric is highly stretchy, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable fit despite the tight silhouette. The double-zip design is useful for when you want to relax or regulate your body temperature during a ride.
　

　
For mid-winter rides, pairing it with a winter base layer like the Cosette Base Layer is ideal. If you carry a Madeleine Jacket for wind protection, you can handle a wide variety of situations. If you need even more warmth, you can switch to a thicker jacket or add an extra base layer, and you’ll be able to ride anywhere around Aichi Prefecture with peace of mind.
　
Actually, the first order of these Alphonsine jerseys sold out in the fall. This current stock comes from an additional order we placed for the production run at the end of last year.
By the way, I am wearing a size S; while XS would be my true size, unfortunately, it is already sold out. I’m thinking that sizing up and wearing it with a slightly more casual style might be nice too.
　
　
　

【Cafe du Cycliste】 Albertine ¥33,500 (excl. tax)

　
Conversely, this is the Albertine Jacket, of which we have only one size XS left.
It is a model with exceptional thermal insulation, using PrimaLoft® insulation, which is rare for a cycling jacket. However, to allow for temperature regulation during a ride, the back of the jacket uses the same merino wool-blend fleece fabric found in the Alphonsine. This ensures sufficient ventilation and moisture management when your body heat rises, keeping the inside of the garment comfortable. It also features a welcome double-zip design.
　

　
Even in mid-winter, you can enjoy a comfortable ride with just a base layer and this jacket. Depending on the conditions, it might even provide too much warmth. This level of insulation will be a strong ally for leisurely-paced rides where it’s harder to keep your body warm.

The flapped chest pocket, which is also on the Alphonsine, is convenient for storing small items and also gives the garment a richer aesthetic.
　
　
And along with these two items, here is one more thing I’d like to introduce.
　

【Cafe du Cycliste】 Loulou Stripe Neck Warmer ¥5,000 (excl. tax)

　
A neck warmer is something I absolutely cannot do without for winter rides.
It is vital for protecting your neck without leaving gaps and keeping it warm. The neck is a critical area where major arteries pass; the skin is thin and easily exposed to the outside air. By warming the neck, a large volume of blood, warmed by those arteries, circulates throughout your body, efficiently warming you from the inside out.
　

　
This Loulou neck warmer is blended with merino wool, so it’s not just warm—it absorbs a lot of sweat and is odor-resistant. The addition of silk gives it a fine, soft texture and the right amount of resilience, so it won’t get stretched out and limp even if you pull it up over your mouth or wear it for long periods.

Its moderate thinness and casual striped look match not only cycling gear but casual wear as well.