About to take the plunge, waterproof jacket recommendations

davegore2005
davegore2005 Posts: 87
edited October 2011 in Commuting general
As the title says, I have always cycled, but not cycled to work for a few years but we have decided to get rid of the second car and I am going to take the plunge and commute the three miles to work.
I have all the gear but my jacket is getting on a bit and have decided to get myself a new one as winter is getting closer by the day.
Seen some Endura jackets on the Evans Cycles web sites which seem to have good reviews, do any of you guys use them or do you have any recommendations for me?.
Any advice or help gratefully received.
Thanks
Dave

Comments

  • Headhuunter
    Headhuunter Posts: 6,494
    There are a few jackets on sale here...

    http://www.fieldandtrek.com/activity/cy ... g-clothing

    I have ordered one of the £18 Muddy Fox ones. I have more expensive fancy jobs for weekend club rides but for the 6 miles to work I really don't need anything fantastic
    Do not write below this line. Office use only.
  • Mr Plum
    Mr Plum Posts: 1,097
    How much you looking to spend? I've got one of these - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POLARIS-MENS- ... 130wt_1195 - and they're great value for money. Completely waterproof and it'll keep you warm through winter. It also has very effective underarm vents for when it gets a bit too 'boil in the bag'.
    FCN 2 to 8
  • Mark Bom
    Mark Bom Posts: 184
    How much do you want to spend?

    For a three mile commute I wouldn't be spending much...if at all.

    For the amount of time you'd be exposed to rain it would hardly warrant worrying about, so long as I'm warm I wouldn't worry about getting wet!
  • I suppose there is some logic to being warm over a 10 to 15 minute ride in the rain than keeping dry, but the jacket Mr Plum linked to looks like it will do the job, as to my spend??, probably up to £75 max, but I do love a bargain.

    Dave
  • essjaydee
    essjaydee Posts: 917
    Couple of hardcore commuters in my work swear by the Altura night vision jackets, so I've just gone for one too. Was using a cheap waterproof jacket (bikehut) but way too sweaty for my liking :!:

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-night-vision-waterproof-cycling-jacket-aw10/
  • Initialised
    Initialised Posts: 3,047
    I just ditched the second car, no need for it just rusting in the drive. Between what I got for it and what I'll save in insurance I can easily afford a decent roadie next spring. I use a SPEG Avert mk 3. It is more soft shell than full water proof. It was fine in today's deluge, if anything I was a little too warm but I'm pretty tolerant to the cold.
    I used to just ride my bike to work but now I find myself going out looking for bigger and bigger hills.
  • All last winter I was using the Boris Bikes between Waterloo and work (2 miles each way). I got a night vision and then just layered up underneath and it was fine all the way through, incl snow and ice.

    Now also doing a proper bike commute once per week (32 miles round trip) and the night vision will be coming out again from this week....
    Black Specialised Sirrus Sport, red Nightvision jacket, orange Hump backpack FCN - 7
    Red and black Specialized Rockhopper Expert MTB
  • litwardle
    litwardle Posts: 259
    essjaydee wrote:
    Couple of hardcore commuters in my work swear by the Altura night vision jackets, so I've just gone for one too. Was using a cheap waterproof jacket (bikehut) but way too sweaty for my liking :!:

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-night-vision-waterproof-cycling-jacket-aw10/

    +1 for the night vision Jacket - Keeps you warm & dry, it's breathable and looks smart! Winner!
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,462
    + another for the Night Vision. Commuter yellow is nice and bright in daylight and the reflective stuff on it lights you up well after dark whilst providing a fairly weatherproof and breathable jacket.
  • The altura night vision seems like the one to go for, lots around for good prices too, seems like a good balance for wet and for cold riding too.
    Thanks for the replies, but of course any more opinions appreciated

    Dave
  • Yes - the Night Vision is excellent, but not sure you need such a specialist jacket for the distance you'll be riding. You could buy a £10 waterproof from Decathlon and spend the saving on something else. But it's up to you.
  • jopari
    jopari Posts: 84
    I've got a nightvision, but don't wear it anymore due to sweatyness. Softshell is much better (aldi ones are brill if still available), or decathlon as you don't want to spend much for 3 mile commute.
    That said, if it's an easy 3 miles, then the nightvision would probably be fine.
    Cannondale R800 - Dry
    Kona Honky Tonk - Wet
    '96 GT Outpost - Kids on back
    Genesis Core 120 - Mud
    Raleigh Pro Race - Shop
  • Tusher
    Tusher Posts: 2,762
    http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?de ... rod_id=128

    It was pricey, but for daily use in the winter and rainy days, worth every penny.