Buff

It is.

Way back when, when lycra was fuzzy, socks were white and the Tour de France was the property of the Spanish, there was Buff.

Being a company that focuses on one product is traditionally a case of all your eggs… Fortunately there’s nothing traditional about the thinking of Buff. That is, until now, Buff have just released a new range of Tour de France branded kit, multi-functional headwear, this is where Buff meets tradition and the ultimate acceptance of the cycling world.

It takes vision to perceive a future market, to see a change in lifestyle and culture, but this is what Buff did. When Buff came on the scene in 1992 cycling clothing was far from technical, far from comfortable and fundamentally unsuited to purpose. Buff braved the elements and produced something extremely simple, and more importantly effective.

Over the years Buff has appeared in many guises, personalised for multiple organisations, and the website catalogues a variety of ranges, including charity ranges - the number of choices and styles is frankly unbelievable! There is something for everyone, and every occasion. It doesn’t stop there are technical clothes, reflective Buffs, protective Buffs and Buffs for dogs, yes really!

Despite all of this, it was not until Buff sent through the Buffs that we had any experience of riding with them, and they were a revelation!

The fabric of the neck Buff is deceptively flimsy, and this is where its attraction lies. The fabric doesn’t choke or restrict you, it’s light, flexible and extremely warm. In the distance between the front door and the road it has already disappeared in all but the fact that you are comfortingly cosy. The complete lack of restriction makes for a new level of warmth in a cold riding experience. The ruffling of the tube means that it is both snug with the neck and chin, and at the other end with the jacket, as well as forming multiple layers as it creases in on itself. Warm genius!

If you’re not starting out with it on then it folds extremely small into a pocket and can come in extremely handy when the temperature drops. Pull it on at a coffee stop to keep the heat in and make sure that you both relax in warmth and stay warm to prevent a shivering restart.

The head band is equally handy. Keeping warmth in and absorbing sweat. It folds even smaller.

The new Tour de France line has a wide variety of options, covering the more traditional styles, such as the polka dot climbers’ jersey, and a more esoteric design paying tribute to the history of Le Tour.

It’s spring now in the UK, but for all that the chilly temperatures are ideal for a Buff to keep things warm, without being cumbersome and without requiring multiple layers.

The Tour de France Buff range.