Waterproof or wind proof

beefcake2

Hello

I am looking to buy a jacket for a coast to coast bike ride next month. I don't know whether to bet a wind proof or waterproof jacket. I have heard that waterproof jackets can get a lot of condensation inside. I wanted to know your thoughts and if anyone has used the following jacket:

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/a ... acket.html

Cheers

Beefcake

jairaj

This is a classic debate, which I don't think modern fabrics have fully laid to rest yet.

If you don't sweat a lot when riding a bike then the expensive jackets with the more advanced fabrics should be OK. The one you linked to has a very good breath-ability rating and is probably about has high as they get currently.

If like me you sweat bucket loads at the slightest effort then no fancy pants material is going to cope with that. So I tend go more affordable windproof jacket. I have tried an expensive Goretex jacket once and I was sweating so much on the inside it just couldn't cope and I was getting just as wet.

TommyEss

Or the third path - soft shell!

I've got a pack away waterproof thing from Assos - great for emergency use if you're caught out mid-ride, but if it's grim when I set off, it's the soft shell for me. Not 100% waterproof by any stretch, but keeps out everything bar torrential rain - and when that happens, it insulates you so you don't get cold with it, so a good compromise. Windproof-ness - again, pretty bloody good.

Mine's a Gore Falcon I think, from a few years back now - it looks a lot like a long sleeve jersey - got the back pockets like on a jersey too.

jairaj

Does that work differently to just layering up under a thin windproof jacket?

prawny

Gore Phantom FTW

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear- ... ll-jacket/

beefcake2

I did notice that endura do the convert in a softshell. Does anyone know if the fit of these is close as I am by no means a racing snake!

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/end ... t-ec029746

winter_zombie

hi

i have the endura convert softshell, and im very very happy.

the sizing i found to be a bit odd, on the endura sizing chart it says a large is a 42" cheat but i had to go for the XXL

i tryed the size xl on and it was so tight i couldn't even bend over to reach the handle bars, their was no room at all
but the XXL size was perfect. im not a roadie or have a skinny build, im 5ft 10" 42" chest and 36 waist


so my advise would be if you can try it on before you buy, or buy the next size up. but the quality of the jacket is brilliant and worth the money

stubs

I use a Berghaus windproof, its showerproof but a couple of hours steady rain means I get damp where the seams are. If it absolutely buckets down I have a Montane waterproof packable top which I wear over a jersey. I sweat a lot so any waterproof after a couple of hours and I feel like I am wearing a bin bag, also a lot of waterproofs rustle and the noise drives me mental.

Personally I would rather be slightly damp but comfortable than hot and sweaty.

swod1

Are these latest waterproof jackets any good with the 2/3 layer fabrics ?

I have a polaris waterproof, i bought for 40 pound and i get rather warm wearing it.

Just looking for something better to wear on rides to work and back, keeping the other jacket for weekend stuff where it doesn't matter getting too warm as much.

YeehaaMcgee

jairaj wrote:

If like me you sweat bucket loads at the slightest effort then no fancy pants material is going to cope with that. So I tend go more affordable windproof jacket.

Ditto.
I sweat a hell of a lot when I'm doing something physical, so I've pretty much given up on waterproofs for sports, and instead go for clothes that will still keep you warm (if necessary), even when you're soaked. Have a look at icebreakers merino T-shirts, that kind of thing.

welshkev

just make sure that if you do get wet whatever you're wearing is going to be comfortable. you don't want to be soaked through and freezing cold on a long ride like a coast to coast as it'll be hell.

stubs

welshkev wrote:

just make sure that if you do get wet whatever you're wearing is going to be comfortable. you don't want to be soaked through and freezing cold on a long ride like a coast to coast as it'll be hell.

Did the Transpennine way in showery weather. The hem stitching of my shorts when they were wet rubbed on my legs, by the time I got home my thighs looked like I had an accident with a cheese grater