ALTITUDE, the collection for reaching for the peaks

On a bike, and in sports in general, we're often searching for our limits. Otherwise, ultra-distance races wouldn't be so popular… Before we delve into your physical and mental limits, let's talk a little more about your gear. Because it can sometimes be the first obstacle to achieving your goals. And also because, beyond any performance objective, it's simply nice to feel good in your clothes. Rest assured, we're not going to tell you that you need a €12,000 bike to reach your goals, or even to buy cycling shorts costing over €300.

Because at Matchy, we have created a high-performing brand, but above all one committed to diversity, proximity and simplicity.

Today, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the Altitude range. Created in 2016, Matchy has grown significantly over the past few seasons, allowing you to find the products best suited to your needs. To achieve this, we have created several product lines. The ALTITUDE line, as its name suggests, refers to the summit and our desire to reach further, higher. For this, we need the most advanced products.

Recognizable by its double A of the Matchy logo representing a summit, this range has convinced the most demanding cyclists, particularly thanks to the summer bib shorts and the summer jersey. Our signature range, renowned for its quality and elegance, has been expanded, and we have decided to give you more information to help you make an informed choice about the work behind these products.

Enough with the introductions, let's get down to business:

Altitude tights

The first signature piece in our ALTITUDE collection was the summer cycling shorts. Because it's often very difficult to find the right fit for this essential piece of cycling gear.

From its launch, the choice of a soft, compressive French fabric was a winning one. This was also due to the choice of chamois leather, the seamless straps (removable for women), and the overall cut. So much so that we offered a "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" policy right from the start.

So, obviously, a winter adaptation was essential for us. In March 2024, while in discussions with Yves from PAYEN at the Performance Days trade show in Munich, we discovered a new fabric… Its quality and price place it squarely in the high-end, very high-end category. For comparison, the price per meter is seven times higher than a standard Italian fabric. But it sticks in our minds. Why?

1. Weaving

The warp and weft, a unique feature of PAYEN products, allows for a fabric that is 7 times more resistant to abrasion. But that's not all.

2. The interior

Lined with merino wool, this innovative material offers unparalleled thermoregulation, unlike anything ever seen before in winter tights. Antibacterial, warm, soft, and hydrophobic, merino wool will keep you warm while wicking away perspiration. Not to mention the incredible comfort of this natural fiber.

3. The exterior

This is the Drytech membrane, which is water-repellent. It provides both windproof protection and good rain protection. This high-density woven outer layer offers excellent abrasion resistance and therefore durability. Multidirectional elasticity ensures optimal muscle support without restricting freedom of movement.

But the tights don't stop there. The high-density chamois leather (140kg/m3) It features memory foam. In short, you can ride for more than 8 hours without any seating problems. The seamless straps offer optimal comfort and support. Note that on the women's version, the straps are removable at the back for easy bathroom use. A welcome relief (no pun intended) when we're all bundled up in winter.

The Altitude jacket

Just as tights are a one-of-a-kind item, it's incredibly satisfying to have the ultimate winter jacket in your wardrobe. The one that lets you head out without hesitation, even when conditions aren't ideal.

The idea was simple, we wanted to propose:

• A warm jacket that doesn't make you sweat.

• Technique for withstanding winter conditions

• Lightweight for freedom of movement

• Visible for safety in winter or when light levels are low
  

2. The exterior
Consisting of a resistant membrane up to 20,000 schmerber (the equivalent of a high-end ski jacket) to protect you against wind and rain.

You'll only need one base layer in winter, which reduces the number of layers and therefore improves breathability. Layering is often a mistake that accelerates perspiration and thus increases the risk of getting cold. Fewer, but technical layers that work together to allow the jacket to do its job is the best choice.
Sourced entirely in Italy, and recycled for the inner part, the jacket travels less than 800km between the production of materials, the making and our shop/storage in Annecy.

The Altitude windbreaker

The goal of the ALTITUDE range is to allow you to go further. So naturally, we look for products that allow us to keep going. The windbreaker is therefore the number one item for combating the elements (wind, rain, cold) in any season.

Who hasn't ever been cold at the top of a mountain pass (or on the descent), caught in a downpour 15km from home, or simply regretted not having brought that windbreaker 500m after leaving the house (plus it's too late to turn back, we're already late for the appointment)? Yes, we've all been there. And that's how we can create products that make sense and meet a need (or needs).

- Technique
- Compact and breathable
- No PFAS

A quick reminder: PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemical compounds used in textiles to impart water, stain, and grease resistance properties.Present in many fabrics These techniques are concerning because of their persistence in the environment and the human body, raising health and safety issues. It is therefore important that our tissues do not contain them.

The jacket incorporates many of specific features. Its membrane, resistant up to 10,000 Schmerber, will protect you against rain and wind. Enough to keep you dry for more than an hour in heavy rain.

A lining in the collar allows for a soft interior, often appreciated when putting on a windbreaker in search of warmth and protection.

The zip offers a long cord to make it easier to grip when putting it on or taking it off on the bike whether you have gloves or cold hands.

Finally, a stretch fabric under the arms provides a better fit and breathability. This detail hides a special feature: it's the same fabric we use on the sleeves of the ALTITUDE long-sleeved jersey.

Nothing is lost, everything is transformed, and this is also an important sourcing choice: using a material across several products or ranges. Optimizing our material consumption is an integral part of our thinking, and it was with this in mind that we notably offered upcycled versions of the ALTITUDE summer jersey.

The Altitude vest

Once the sourcing and design of the windproof jacket were finalized, it was quite simple to offer a vest version. The vest uses the same design since we use the same material.

This allows it to be compact while offering real protection against the elements for uncertain days or bike trips.

The only difference is that we offer a double zip for easy access to the rear pockets, and also to allow ventilation on a mountain pass or descent without having to fully unzip the vest. This also eliminates the need to stop and zip it up.

To summarize

As you've probably gathered, the goal with the ALTITUDE range is to offer you the very best. Working closely with leading material manufacturers, we aimed to prove that even a young brand could shake up the market, provided the right questions were asked. Note that all products in the ALTITUDE range are available in dyed colors. Dyeing provides not only a deeper, more elegant color but, above all, greater durability. The colors won't fade due to sun exposure or other elements. And a product that lasts longer is a more sustainable product.

Making a beautiful product is not just about a trendy color, and our desire to establish ourselves in the wardrobe of French cyclists pushes us to shake things up.

To complete the look, we recommend:

• The Merino base layer
• The Merino neck warmer
• Merino socks

Excellence, exclusivity, and performance are now second nature to you. Whether in summer or winter, ride in style and without limits.