waterproof jackets
sharm1969ca
Posts: 136
Hi guys! and girls, first post so please be gentle. I am wanting to start to cycle to work once or twice a week to start. From leeds to Halifax, around 30 miles round trip and in need of a good cycle jacket, preferably rain proof and wind proof. Ive done this ride once or twice in the past but i want to make it a bit more permanent now. Do i go for a dayglow colour or go for black with reflective strips like the altura jackets ive seen. Any help would be great. Thanks. 
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You will be far too hot in a full waterproof at this time of year on that sort of distance. when I started off I did the same and bought a full waterproof and you end up just as wet with sweat as you would with rain, the "boil in the bag" effect.
So
Much better to just get a good windproof/shower proof jacket that will breathe more. I and many others like the montane featherlite velo.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Montane-Feather ... t_8892.htm
Its very good, I've riden with it in proper biblical downpoors and it does come in a bit but keeps you warm. They also do a full waterproof if you really must.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Montane-Feather ... t_8897.htm
Bet you'll be too hot though.
Winter is different, worth being more waterproof then, for light rain days I use a softshell, this one from rapha is what I wear and is amazing, honestly worth the money if you are still riding regularly then.
http://www.rapha.cc/lightweight-softshell-jacket
If it is really grim in winter I'd recommend an eVent jacket which is the most breathable of the true waterproof fabrics (better than gore-tex) eg
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_W ... 360037016/
Dont make the mistake I did and buy some £30 waterproof, if you ride the distance you are talking about it will be unwearable, you'll be so hot and sweaty.
As for colours, all of these have some reflective features, essential for winter, less of a big deal now.0 -
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I have been using a Goretex wind/waterproof for a few years. As Aguila you don't want to be wearing them when it's not really raining. However you do get what you pay for. The Goretex breathes and the sleeves zip off to allow its use as a gilet on those coco days. I baulked a bit at the £100 price tag but I had the money and it has paid for itself many times over. They don't seem to have the removable sleeve version now but this is close.Neil
Help I'm Being Oppressed0 -
+1 for the Montane Featherlight jacket. As it folds down to the size of a cricket ball you don't even have to wear it if you are in the dry.
It amazed me how warm i am in the cold when cycling. With plenty of thin layers only the extremities (hands and feet) get cold so a lightweight jacket will serve you for most of the year. I have a heavier jacket that spends nearly all the time in the wardrobe. £50 wasted TBH :oops:The older I get the faster I was0 -
Rapha does some great jackets, although at a price. Quite expensive but windproof, completely waterproof, packs down small and not too hot is the Gore Xemon race. I find it is good for all but very cold or very hot weather. Has reflective stripes so visible at night without going for the hi-viz look, although dayglow does have an appeal for some.0
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Hey everyone thanks so much for all replys, so much info out there, gave me a lot to think about i.e boil in the bag lmao at that one but i see where your coming from, probably saved me a stash of cash there. So thanks again everyone.0
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Another +1 for the Montane Featherlite shells.
They are cheap, lightweight and keep out the elements. I use mine for cycling and fell running and it never ceases to amaze me how well the perform.
As others have said use a jacket with eVent in the depths of winter.
Alot of people I know have gone for the fluro coloured Montane's but I just went for the blue coloured one and teamed with with a reflective bib vest for use in winter.0 -
Cheers mike, yeah the montane featherlite looks like the best bet.0
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The only gore-tex i use all year round are my gore-tex shoes, they just keep my feet the right temperature, and dry no matter how yucky it gets. Generally for rain I'll only ever wear a gilet with a waterproof back, keeping your work clothes off when riding is always a good plan!
Another excellent thing are the travel towels, great for quickly drying yourself off at work or wherever...0 -
The Montane Featherlite is water proof and breatheable, it packs to the size of a large apple and it's cheap (less than 40 quid). It can be reproofed by washing in non bio and spraying with tx direct.
But it has the following drawbacks
1) it is single layer pertex ( or a similar fabric ) this is like the fly sheet on a tent. On tents, if you touch the sheet on the inside when it is wet, the water comes through. The same happens with this garment. If you have bare arms then they will get wet
2) it isn't durable. It is made of thin fabric that rips easily. For a "pack but don't use" coat for weekend rides that's fine. But for commuting I am dubious how long it would last
3) it isn't warm. If it turns cold sure, it's an extra layer of sorts but compared to a dual layer coat it's not much cop.
I think it's a great coat but for all year round riding something like a paramo velez is more suitable0 -
Paramo Velez! :shock:
Are you having a laugh? They might be alright for Scottish winter climbing but not for year round commuting!
The Featherlite is more than adequate for most situations, I've commuted in sub zero temperatures with a featherlite and a fleece gillet underneath.
If you're cold pedal harder!0 -
Mike Howarth wrote:Paramo Velez! :shock:
Are you having a laugh? They might be alright for Scottish winter climbing but not for year round commuting!
I live in Devon where it is wet and warm most of the year. It doesn't get really really cold in the winter. The Paramo Velez might be made by a company that specialises in mountain rescue equipment but that particular garment is designed for "high energy activity". I have used it this week (July) in heavy rain. It is perfectly usable. I would guess that it is better than you might think because a) the fabric is very breathable, better than gortex XCR b) it has "Buffalo" style side vent zips
I think you are made of sterner stuff than meThe Featherlite is more than adequate for most situations, I've commuted in sub zero temperatures with a featherlite and a fleece gillet underneath.
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