Review: Belgian Boys Club Koppenberg Jersey
““Black... (“Very black... I like black”) always a good choice”
”It’s like space without the stars, isn’t it?”
”Oh, that’s beautiful, it’s poetry, that is”
”Very restful, isn’t it?”
”Yeah, restful on the eyes. It’s like a pastel black.””
(2017) I’ve always wanted a classy black kit. Until recently I had as close to an assemblage of one as possible save for one essential piece: the jersey. When it came close enough to rolling out the door with the entire collection of Belgian Boys Club cycling gear, I went for it. I enjoyed every moment.
There is nothing flashy about the Koppenberg jersey, which is why I think this is the perfect addition for anyone who likes sleeper style. There are no neon jagged lines. There are no edgy patterns. As a matter of fact, the entire jersey is black with small white accents. The right sleeve proudly identifies Belgian Boys Club. The base of the neck on the back of the jersey restates the company outlined by a box. The Lion of Flanders shows up on the middle pocket above a bold reflective vertical stripe to educate those behind you that style is just your thing. The sewn on Belgian Boys Club rubber stamp on the front gives the stylish hint of attention to detail. There are no pressed names here.
Today's ride was an ode to Belgian Boys Club attire. The Koppenberg jersey, the Tommeke bibs, the BBC neck warmer, and the Eddy arm and leg warmers.
The list of stylish features unfurls as the jersey is slipped on for the first time. The zipper is more robust than any BBC jersey in our closet. The sleeves come even farther down the upper arm; the sleeves are remarkably tight to stay put. The pockets on the back are nice and high to make sure all stowed gear stays in place. The lower back of the jersey is higher up than most making it figuratively snap in place with a pair of Belgian Boys Club Tommeke bib shorts. The black makes us feel like a daisy out on the road, lacking a second guess to riding through melting snow or standing water. The fit continues to be race fit, as identified on the side panel for any wheel sucker to read when s/he fakes trying to come around and take a pull.
One could say it’s simply a black jersey, what’s the big deal? But that’s the point. The cycling world’s style doesn’t care for zebra striped kits. If a cyclist sports a Castorama kit from the nineties that were fashioned to look like overalls, it would be a tongue-in-cheek maneuver. Simple is better. But this jersey (and matching kit) goes beyond that. Once the whole thing is assembled, once the jersey has been zipped up, and the bike has rolled down the street, it becomes extremely easy to imagine this jersey fitting in a foggy landscape, flat fields, and a cobbled path down the middle. It is at that moment one feels a sense of belonging in nasty conditions that is so romanticized when mentioning the Spring Classics.
It’s more than just a black jersey; it’s a frame of mind. With the spring cycling season coming swiftly, what better way to get into that mindset than with the Belgian Boys Club Koppenberg jersey? You may start looking forward to foreboding spring weather to one up your teammates.
The Belgian Boys Club Koppenberg jersey is available on belgianboysclub.cc for €99.00. The fit is race cut. Use the size chart and plan accordingly depending on fit preference.
