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Some decisions go far beyond simply choosing gear. At 3bikes.fr, a jersey isn’t just a collection of fabrics, seams, and logos. It’s an identity. It’s the first impression we make. It accompanies us for thousands of kilometers, whether under the July sun or in the November fog. So, naturally, choosing it can’t be left to chance. After several seasons wearing Castelli, then Hiru, we wanted to start a new chapter. Not simply by changing our apparel partner, but by choosing a company whose history, values, and vision for cycling mirror those of 3bikes. Because we’re convinced that the best products are almost always created by women and men who have a story to tell. This year, our choice naturally fell on DMTEX and its premium brand, Grimpeur Cycling. This decision goes far beyond simply choosing a jersey. Above all, it’s an encounter with a man, a journey, and a philosophy that have inspired us for many years.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: © Jeff Tatard
An encounter that went far beyond clothing
We’ve known Daniel Miskiewicz for nearly twenty-five years. Those who’ve met him know he’s not the type to hog the conversation. He prefers to let his products speak for him. Behind this reserve, however, lies an extraordinary personality, forged by a life in which nothing was handed to him on a silver platter.
When Daniel arrived in France in the early 2000s, he was barely over twenty years old. He had no network, no fortune, and no business. Just an incredible work ethic and an unshakable conviction: one day, he would make it. We still remember those days when he slept in a small truck, living on very little, accepting every hardship as another step toward his goal.
Nothing seems to discourage a man like him. Obstacles are never reasons to give up, but simply challenges to be overcome. Always with a smile, always convinced that today’s efforts will build tomorrow’s successes. We have always admired this strength of character in him.
Year after year, he built DMTEX, transforming a small operation into one of the major players in custom cycling apparel in France—and likely well beyond our borders. This success owes nothing to chance, but everything to an impressive combination of hard work, perseverance, and high standards.
This journey commands respect. Because it reminds us that there are still entrepreneurs who build their success without taking shortcuts, simply through their hard work and their ability to never stop believing in themselves.
An entrepreneur who remains, above all, a cyclist
What probably sets Daniel apart is that he’s never gotten off the saddle. Many entrepreneurs end up observing their market from behind a desk. He continues to live it day in and day out.
Even today, you might still run into him on the roads of Val-d’Oise after dark, in the pouring rain, in the fog, or when the thermometer reads -5 °C. While many find a good reason to postpone their ride, he always finds a reason to get out and ride. Hard work is in his DNA.
And it’s no coincidence that he’s also an excellent cyclist. Cycling is a sport that never lies. It rewards hard work, consistency, and the ability to endure pain when the road climbs. Ultimately, we find exactly the same qualities in the entrepreneur he has become.
That’s undoubtedly why Grimpeur products exude such consistency. They weren’t conceived by a marketing department. They were designed by someone who knows all about long winter rides, endless climbs, training in the rain, and those days when comfort can make all the difference.
At Grimpeur, we don’t design clothing for cyclists. We design clothing by cyclists. And that distinction changes everything.
A jersey that feels like a second skin from the very first kilometers
For this new season, we’ve decided to produce two versions of our official jersey: a short-sleeve model designed for summer rides and races, and a long-sleeve version for cooler days.
When we received the first jerseys at the office, we were obviously eager to try them out. After several seasons with Castelli and then Hiru, our expectations were high. Yet just a few rides were enough to convince us that we’d made the right choice.
The first observation is actually the simplest: you completely forget you’re wearing the jersey. That’s probably the greatest compliment you can pay to a technical garment. From there, you start to notice the details… and there are plenty of them.
The moment you touch it, you can immediately tell this isn’t an entry-level jersey. The fabric is thin, supple, exceptionally breathable, and dries surprisingly quickly. After several summer rides, sometimes in intense heat, one thing stood out above all else: the jersey makes you forget you’re even wearing it. And that’s exactly what you expect from a high-end product.
The mesh sleeves play a major role in this feeling of comfort. They effectively promote airflow and wick away sweat, especially when the intensity picks up. Whether during a long climb, a strenuous interval, or a ride lasting several hours, ventilation remains excellent, and the jersey retains that pleasant feeling of lightness.
Technical SpecificationsShort-Sleeve Jersey
Long-Sleeve Jersey
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We forgot we were even wearing a new jersey.
That’s probably the best compliment you can give a technical garment.
The high-end polyester fabric is exceptionally lightweight, breathable, and dries very quickly. Even when temperatures rise, it effectively wicks away sweat and maintains a particularly pleasant, cool feel.
The mesh sleeves do their job perfectly by promoting airflow. During the most intense efforts, you immediately feel how effective they are, especially on long climbs or during repeated sprints.
Details That Make All the Difference
The more we used this outfit, the more we discovered details that demonstrate a true understanding of cyclists’ needs.
The three large rear pockets provide easy access to snacks, while a fourth zippered pocket securely holds your phone, keys, or credit card.
The YKK zipper, a global industry standard, operates with exemplary smoothness while immediately inspiring confidence.
Finally, the silicone-coated elastic band at the waist keeps the jersey perfectly in place. Even after several hours in the saddle or when standing up to pedal, nothing rides up, nothing sags, and nothing shifts.
It’s precisely these small details that distinguish a very good jersey from an excellent one.
A long-sleeve version worthy of a premium product
The long-sleeve version follows exactly the same philosophy.
The front of the jersey is made of Lycra, offering excellent freedom of movement, while the back uses a perforated fabric that allows the skin to breathe effectively while quickly wicking away sweat.
The cuffs provide a perfect fit without excessive compression, and the large, concealed YKK zipper adds to the overall elegance of the design. The elastic gel band keeps the jersey securely in place during long fall or winter rides. Ultimately, it feels like a true second skin.
A philosophy that resonates with us
We didn’t choose Grimpeur just because their products are excellent. We chose the people behind the brand before we chose the jersey.
At 3bikes.fr, we’ve always believed that cycling is, above all, a human adventure. Behind every enduring company are men and women capable of believing in their vision when no one else does yet. Daniel Miskiewicz is one such entrepreneur.
Through DMTEX and Grimpeur, he has built a renowned company without ever compromising his values: hard work, humility, high standards, and a passion for cycling.
Thank you, Daniel
As we wrap up this article, we simply wanted to say thank you. Thank you to Daniel Miskiewicz for his trust. Thank you for our always passionate conversations about cycling. Thank you for continuing to show that it’s still possible to build a company while staying true to one’s values.
From now on, whenever we wear Grimpeur’s colors on the roads of France or Europe, we won’t just be thinking about the quality of the fabric on our shoulders. Above all, we’ll be thinking about the journey of a man who arrived in France with almost nothing, but with immense determination and an unshakable belief in hard work.
This story resonates with us. Because it reminds us that there is no success without sacrifice, that no summit is reached without effort, and that the greatest victories are often those built behind the scenes, far from the spotlight. Welcome to the 3bikes adventure, Grimpeur. We’re proud to wear your colors.
The Grimpeur x 3bikes kit at a glance…
Pros: Exceptional comfort, lightweight and highly breathable fabric, excellent moisture-wicking, particularly effective mesh sleeves, perfect fit thanks to the silicone-coated elastic band, high-end finishes (YKK zipper, discreet zippered pocket), a fitted cut that’s never restrictive, and a particularly compelling value for the price. Cons: A performance-oriented cut that may surprise those who prefer a more relaxed fit; availability is sometimes limited depending on the collection and edition. Contact: DMTEX / Grimpeur Cycling |
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