Waterproof jacket

joedoyle
joedoyle Posts: 5
edited October 2009 in Road beginners
1st post so be forgiving : - )

i 've just bought a new bike for a short commute to work plus the odd longer ride at weekends. given the crappy weather, i'll also need a new jacket. so...

firstly, is it necessary to get a cycling-specific jacket? what are the differences/benefits of doing so? (i've noticed that none of them have hoods, and i might miss this when not on the bike)

secondly: which jacket would you recommend for £60 ish or under (cycling jacket or otherwise)?

cheers,
joe

Comments

  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    The Altura Night Vision Waterproof Jacket should fit the bill - plenty of reflectives on it (what you need for dark mornings/evenings on your commute) and pretty good at shaking off the rain. Available in Black or Yellow.

    The main reasons to get "cycle-specific" jackets are:
    less baggy = less wind resistance
    lower tail = covers your lower back while reaching forward
    no hood = this would either blow-down or get in the way of your vision :wink:

    00002522-1.jpg

    Avaiable here:
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/cycle-clothing/cycling-outer-jackets/altura-night-vision-waterproof-jacket.html :D
    Cycling weakly
  • Tonymufc
    Tonymufc Posts: 1,016
    In my experience mate waterproof jackets aren't as good as the marketing people want you to believe. Sure they will keep you dry from the rain, but you end up getting piss wet through from sweat. If you don't sweat then your not pedaling fast enough. I just accept that either way Im going to get wet. I prefer to wear something that offers good wind protection. Just my opinion though.
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Tonymufc wrote:
    In my experience mate waterproof jackets aren't as good as the marketing people want you to believe. Sure they will keep you dry from the rain, but you end up getting wee-wee wet through from sweat. If you don't sweat then your not pedaling fast enough. I just accept that either way Im going to get wet. I prefer to wear something that offers good wind protection. Just my opinion though.

    Agreed to some degree. However, as the OP is wanting the jacket primarily for commuting and (presumably gentle-ish) weekend rides, building-up a sweat won't be a great issue (plus the Altura has vents). But it will keep him dry from the rain when "pootling" and waiting at lights.
    Cycling weakly
  • lol i would of needed one if i stayed out any longer before on my ride! i was getting about half a mile from my house and it started pounding down heavy as hell!

    how much would this be?
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • sirlylos
    sirlylos Posts: 234
    I agree with the fact that your going to get wet one way or another, from either the rain or the sweat you generate from the non-breathable fabric the waterproof jackets are made from. I opted for this which isn't the most fantastically made garment in the world but it's cheap, offers you wind resistance / slightly waterproof and is hi-vizibility:

    Hi Viz Jacket
    1993 - Ridgeback 301 G3
    1995 - Ridgeback 601 GS
    1997 - Specialized Hardrock
    2003 - Specialized FSR XC
    2008 - Specialized Epic FSR Comp
    2009 - Giant Defy 3
    2010 - Voodoo Wanga
    2012 - Cannondale Supersix 105
  • I've just got an Endura Gridlock. £50 and I'm well happy with it
  • eyebee
    eyebee Posts: 257
    Endura windchill...I can highly recommend this. Check out the reviews.
  • thanks for the advice all. i like the look of the altura and the endura but i also saw this:

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_A ... 360037015/

    is dhb ok in general?
  • eyebee
    eyebee Posts: 257
    Hey Joe,
    I've purchased several dhb products in the past, mainly shorts and baselayers. I can honestly say they are well priced and good quality. Can't speak for the jacket but if its anything like the other gear I don't think you'll go to far wrong.