best commuter jacket

lurpak

I am looking for a year round jacket for commuting to work. Something that is going to be windproof, waterproof and when combined with layers keep me warm on those winter days. Currently have a DHB Amberley which has outgrown me....Any recommendations??

Jon8a

If you like that one then the hawkley is very good.

You should give more detail. DO you care about size/weight? Cost? Colour? Hi Vis? Toughness/Longevity?

Most of my commutes are done in a Montane Velo, it's only showerproof but I find that enough for my 5 miles. Packs up to the size and weight of an apple so I can always carry it.

womble88

I'm currently debating this too, but because of bikes2work restrictions I have to buy from Evans....have narrowed it down to Altura Reflex or Gore Cross...as both are available in luminous yellow for night visibility, and are waterproof windproof and lightweight....I figure it's best to have a lightweight jacket that's breathable, you can always wear more underneath in cold weather, plus I soon warm up on the bike anyway....

Anyone got any other suggestions, or recommendations/warnings about those two jackets?

markybhoy67

I have just bought an altura night vision jacket and it is great

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/p ... ts_id=7278

£49 delivered, I have seen it on other sites for as much as £65

N0bodyOfTheGoat

The Endura Convert will serve you well for three seasons a year, as it converts to a gillet. There's a "2" version that has come out since I got mine last year.

Its very visible in yellow, handy for these upcoming winter months. It is reasonable breathable and lightweight too.

alfablue

womble88 wrote:

I'm currently debating this too, but because of bikes2work restrictions I have to buy from Evans....have narrowed it down to Altura Reflex or Gore Cross...as both are available in luminous yellow for night visibility, and are waterproof windproof and lightweight....I figure it's best to have a lightweight jacket that's breathable, you can always wear more underneath in cold weather, plus I soon warm up on the bike anyway....

Anyone got any other suggestions, or recommendations/warnings about those two jackets?

I tried the Altura Reflex, and it was the best, lightest and most comfy jacket ever. Unfortunately it failed after about 8 months (de-laminated and leaked all over - which can happen to any jacket). It is very lightweight which is great, but the outer fabric is not going to be as tough as some, so it could tear if abused - maybe commuting is a bit heavy use for it, dunno, depends how careful you are. Because I bought it from Wiggle I got an immediate refund with no quibbling whatsoever. I then went back to a Gore Pac-Lite model because of their (genuine) lifetime guarantee. I am not saying don't get the Reflex, just get it from a shop that won't be a problem if it does fail, Evans may or may not fall into that category. You could buy elsewhere and get other items with your voucher.

With anything made of Gore Tex you are really safe, they do fail, but they genuinely honour their lifetime guarantee, I have had 4 gore-tex jackets in 10 years, yet only paid for the first one.

I still fancy giving the Reflex another go.

graeme_s-2

I have the Reflex Windproof which I used for commuting last year. I find waterproofs a bit too hot and sweaty, but the Reflex Windproof is a fantastic jacket, it's probably the best piece of cycle clothing I own.

lost_in_thought

I'm a fan of the good old altura night vision... Does exactly what it says on the tin.

Spiny

Paramo Cuzco (actually no longer made - the equivalent garment is now called the 'Vasco', I believe ). Single best item of clothing I've ever owned.