Anyone recommend windproof jackets? for longer commute..

flybywire

I'm considering either Altura stream/Kinetic/Night Vision jackets OR Northwave profile windproof ..

My commute covers 28miles a day - 5 days a week either on road or off road (have 2 choices of route, usually ride the roadbike 8) by choice).

Looking for feedback from fellow commuters on suitability with appearance (especially visibility), performance fit & temperature control, warmth/wet weather repellant.. :idea:

Need 3 pockets and it has to be an improvement over the current Endura Laser/ALDI crane sports jackets that I currently wear. LBS don't stock Altura but they're on offer at Ribble & Merlin mailorder (Jan. sale!).

PLEASE ADVISE if you have long-term tested any of the above or recommend anything else [/i]

Ashley_R

I have an Altura Nightvision for my commuting in grey, wear at work and around town if I need to go shopping etc, very warm, windproof and waterproof IMO and looks OK off the bike

Bought the grey as I didn't fancy walking around work in a dayglo jacket, did wonder if the reflectivness would be any worse but peple who have seen me with it on at night reckon I'm lit up like some sort of alien!!

..or is that just their general opinion of me?!?!

A - W

I have a Gill windproof/waterproof jacket. Cant remember the name of it though.

Nicely fitted with all the vents to keep you cool.

http://www.gillbike.com/garment.php?cat=1&id=5

I really like it, the reflective bits don't stand out if your not on your bike and its very comfortable

acorn_user

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=21589
Gore Cross jacket.

I reall like mine. It is showerproof, but you will get wet if there is any persistent rain (over 10 min or more than a shower). As a lightweight jacket and windstopper, it is amazing. I ride with it a short jersey in 40F weather, but it works well when it is warmer too. I liked it so much, I got one for my wife, and I wear mine most days.

Chriscommuter

I bought one of these about 3 years ago and use it all through the winter for an average 20 mile commute per day.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=21593

It's expensive but brilliantly warm,windproof and showerproof. I've never regretted it.

jjojjas

my Gill is about 2 years old now, did about 2000 mile in it last year, it's great (a bit smelly!) wind proof breathable and water proof in all the down falls Iv'e been in.
Jas

graeme_s-2

I use an Altura Reflex Windproof. It's excellent, main down points are that it's quite expensive, and it's only really suitable for very cold weather. Anything over 5 degrees C and it would be too hot for me I think.

http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Altura ... index.aspx

flybywire

Thanks for your suggestions.. I'll consider the pros & cons on the fabric they're made from & type of fit etc. (the c+ feature Dec 06 190 was also useful but not able to make decision then).

In the spring/summer/ warmer Autumn I wear either a jersey with pockets (I travel without rucksack or panniers) or base layer with l/sleeve jersey & try to wear red or light colours to be noticed (commute is quite rural).. :shock:

With the jackets that are demonstrated that are worn by yourselves they're mainly darker colours, so when it's light (without reflection from car headlamps) Do you feel noticed? or does anyone wear a bright vest aswell? :idea:

I've worn a hi-viz vest before but find it irating as flaps about alot at speed..

I think I need an Altura Night Vision in yellow ! 8) - last question to Ashley R, What's the fit like?

t4tomo

I've acquired a Foska jacket over christmas, its excellent. WIndproof, waterproof breathable very snug and warm plus very noticeable - bright yellow on the back, yellow and white on the front plus reflective piping for night

http://www.foska.com/acatalog/MARMITE__Training_Jacket.html

Matteeboy

Been chuffed to bits with Altura Nightvision too - and had one for three years now (the first one died when I crashed and shredded it - oops!)

Best ever material is Nikwax Analogy though - just bought a jacket made from it and it's head and shoulders above any Gore-Tex or eVent.

Bike industry not really taken it up yet and this jacket is more for walking/post surfing but it will do soon - ultra waterproof, 5 times more breathable than Gore-Tex but super comfy.

I got the Storm Track (I surf a lot): Pricey but genuinely well worth it:

http://finisterreuk.com/sdcms/product.php?pid=70&cid=26

And more on the material:

http://www.directionalfabrics.com/

Watch this space!

flybywire

Some good ones there - the foska "marmite" jacket made me chuckle

Had forgotten about Nikwax - used it about 4years ago & lasted for about 4months .. just wash in - good product! I'll use it on my Endura jacket soon as has lost it's water resistance.

Otherwise, Night vision windproof in yellow (yes yellow) - Is the fit performance or loose? (to those that were the windproof version)

The other option is a dark coloured windproof jacket with a close fitting like runners hi-viz vest.

You take your choice with the weather forecast!

jedster

I 'd would recommend these very highly

http://wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx? ... s%20Jacket

Montane velo jacket. It's a lightweight pertex fabric which packs very small (stuffs into a sack the size of a small apple) and is very breathable. It's not waterproof but will deal with 30 mins in driving rain. Close fitting, quiet to wear, doesn't flap. Can get it in fluro yellow with reflective piping.

jedster

oh yeah and wiggle are doing it at £32 in the sale

Matteeboy

flybywire wrote:

Some good ones there - the foska "marmite" jacket made me chuckle

Had forgotten about Nikwax - used it about 4years ago & lasted for about 4months .. just wash in - good product! I'll use it on my Endura jacket soon as has lost it's water resistance.

Otherwise, Night vision windproof in yellow (yes yellow) - Is the fit performance or loose? (to those that were the windproof version)

The other option is a dark coloured windproof jacket with a close fitting like runners hi-viz vest.

You take your choice with the weather forecast!

They make several materials now (which is what I was talking about) which are very good indeed. You also use their wash in priducts to keep them clean/waterproof.

flybywire

I've ordered an Adidas CP sport wind jacket in red. (C.Reaction)

Will update on the performance of this - thanks again for your suggestions ..

Wooliferkins

My Gore Windstopper is a great water/wind proof top that I wear over either my Polaris Vortex (0 and below) windproof but black with piping or Polaris Niteride (0 plus) windproof but navy blue with piping. I feel safer in yellow. I think this is the current version http://www.windstopper.co.uk/remote/Satellite?c=fabrics_product_c&childpagename=windstopper_en_GB%2Ffabrics_product_c%2FDetail_Midi&cid=1193619230082&packedargs=activity1%3DCycling1%26activity2%3DCycling&pagename=SessionWrapper

flamingredgirl

How have people found the breathability of the artura night vision? I will be wearing it to bike up a large hill while wearing a rucksack, so I can get fairly hot.

redddraggon

Can't beat Assos jackets (expect for the price - they more than expensive). I picked up a new assos gilet off ebay for £50 - bargain!

Matteeboy

flamingredgirl wrote:

How have people found the breathability of the artura night vision? I will be wearing it to bike up a large hill while wearing a rucksack, so I can get fairly hot.

I get this - you are blocking the armpit and back vents when using a rucksack so it limits effectiveness.
Without a rucksack, they are pretty faultless.