Review: Belgian Crew Brussel Gilet

(2020) The following is a tale of two different rides with two very different outcomes. Last weekend, with moments of daylight to spare, we geared up for a ride and hammered some local roads. Today we wound the same route. With similar temperatures, one ride was frosty while today’s ride was toasty. There were subtle differences, sure, but one big difference had us rejoicing.

The cycling gilet is an odd accessory. We have been cursed by this piece of gear for years. Some vests are paper thin and serve only as a flapping soundtrack while doing nothing to keep the cold wind out. Some didn’t fit right in either a couple places or every place, like a floating bag of uselessness. For years we pined after a gilet that would be our go-to in frosty situations forecasted to warm up or even those rides between warm and cold. Could the Belgian Crew Brussel Gilet be just the garment?

Last week’s ride was variable. The low light left little in terms of warmth. Any descent was cold enough to make the kit choice drafty. It was early into the ride I regretted my decision to forego the gilet. I thought I knew better. I was wrong. No matter what I did on the short ride I could not warm up. 

Today, using nearly the same kit, I headed out mid-day in the same temperature. The Belgian Crew Brussel Gilet was pulled over the Boom Pro Thermal Jersey for extra shielding from cool weather. Immediately a difference was felt. One thing was noticeable: not a breath of wind was entering the layers.

A gilet is an accessory that can make or break a ride. Belgian Crew’s Brussel Gilet makes the ride complete. We found Belgian Crew’s fully windproof claim verified by the windy ride today. We would feel confident getting caught out in spring precipitation armed with Belgian Crew’s 100% waterproof gilet. Should the ride move out of the stormy area, the gilet can be packed down to pocket size, making it the perfect companion. And should the wind pick up while the temperature drops, the Brussel gilet features a fleece-lined collar to encourage a full zip to keep body heat in and weather out.

Our two rides did differ in a couple of small ways. While temperatures were nearly identical, riding at mid-day certainly had a warmer feel to it as opposed to sunset. We opted for the Belgian Crew Thermal Long Sleeve baselayer instead of a lighter one the week before. Aside from that, the same kit was used. Had we used the gilet the week before, we may have kept on going well past twilight. Today we would not have opposed an extended ride with the breathable gilet. 

This is the piece of kit for the varied cyclist. The Brussel gilet is perfect for those who vacation low, ride high, and descend fast to the pub at the base of the mountain. A screaming descent calls for windproofing. The gilet is also perfect for the morning commuter who is lucky to ride to work in cooler conditions while returning in mid-day sunbeams when the garment is stowed away smartly. Even in bare arm times the gilet has its place at the ready.

With spring classic rides approaching fast, a gilet that does it all is an important acquisition. Many spring riders search for the perfect gilet to help with a tough day out. This is the accessory we have been in search of for years. With its quintessential Belgian Crew styling, it is without flash but has the tailored look of quality. This Sunday the first spring classic takes place. Instead of wearing a fleece-lined long sleeve jersey, perhaps pairing the Brussel gilet with arm warmers is a realistic option. We are minimizing already.  This little garment can do big things.