Gilets- be honest, are they any use?

Ronstanson

I like the idea of getting a windproof gilet for the days when it's too hot for long sleeves, but a bit too chilly on the wind for just a jersey.

Also like the idea of using it on night laps at 24s.

Are they any good, and do you honestly use them? I've got one but it doesn't fit and it's a bit crap, so I never wear it, but looking at an Endura one which i hope would be better.

clanton

I have two - a Pearl Isumi one which is slightly more bulky and a Campagnolo one which packs VERY small and is ideal for stuffing in a pocket.
I think they are simply brilliant and extremely versatile. I use mine loads on cooler rides and find they are good for a wide range of temperatures. I also combine them with arm warmers on occasion and on cold but dry days I wear it over a lightweight fleece (or base layer) which keeps me warm without causing the boil in the bag effect.
Quite simply I think my gilet is the best investment I've made in cycling gear!

ride_whenever

I use a godfrey elite gilet, that i had from rowing. I've found it very good and enjoyable on cold rides.

cee

i prefer wilkinson sword

sorry.....mines the green gore jacket two along from the end

forgotrafe

I've got an Endura Convert which is a long sleeve jacket where sleeves zip off to make a gilet. Actually I've got two, I bought a black one then was so pleased with it I bought a hi-viz one also.

Sleeves stuff into rear pocket. In fact the whole jacket will stuff into rear pocket to make a "jacket in a packet" and you're left with two velcro straps to attach packet to your frame out of the way.

Rafe

COVEC

forgotrafe wrote:

I've got an Endura Convert which is a long sleeve jacket where sleeves zip off to make a gilet. Actually I've got two, I bought a black one then was so pleased with it I bought a hi-viz one also.

Sleeves stuff into rear pocket. In fact the whole jacket will stuff into rear pocket to make a "jacket in a packet" and you're left with two velcro straps to attach packet to your frame out of the way.

Rafe

Hi,
Can you give an indication as to how small the jacket is when packed in its pocket? Maybe you could post a photo.

Cheers
COVEC

forgotrafe

COVEC wrote:

Can you give an indication as to how small the jacket is when packed in its pocket? Maybe you could post a photo.
COVEC

No problem & good timing as my hi-viz arrived from Wiggle today and I just opened the parcel. It's very very very bright - as bright as any hi-viz thing I've seen and brighter than the tabbard thing I use when marshaling.

It's around 9" x 6" x 4" when folded, excluding straps. The couple of times I've taken it off during a long ride, I packed it up hung it off my MTB handle bars - no doubt the no-mud-guards brigade would laugh, but it worked for me.

A couple of photos http://www.forgot.co.uk/photos/index.php?album=mtb.

Hope that helps.

Rafe
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COVEC

Cheers Forgotrafe,

I will be ordering one up asap, wiggle and CRC are both doing them at 44 quid

COVEC
Ps. that has to be the fastest and most helpful reply ever, simply brilliant

forgotrafe

No problem. Hope you like it.

One last thing... I've put mine in the wash once and it was fine. Did read a review from someone that said they'd washed theirs loads and it was okay.

Rafe