Cycling jackets...

notxalckram

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting a new waterproof cycling jacket, my first choice was the dhb EQ2.5 jacket, I had it on order for over 8 weeks and the delivery date keeps getting pushed back so i've cancelled my order.

Any advice on others? I'm looking for a jacket that has mesh lining because I wear short sleeved t-shirts underneath and do not want the jacket sticking to my arms like some do. (which is why the EQ2.5 was my first choice).

Does anyone know if this jacket has mesh lining? The description of it on Decathlon website doesn't fully describe it.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mtb-jacket-7 ... 83483.html

Another is the Endura Gridlock - http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Gridlock ... _15114.htm

passout

I have a 3yr old gridlock. It does have mesh on the arms. However it's a bit weighty & not breathable enough to be used for MTB'ing unless its really cold IMO. I use mine for winter commmuting - its good for that.

chrisrobs

Go for a softshell and spend as much as you can. I just bought an altura mayhem and it sweats like a pig.

notxalckram

I doubt thats good for commuting too. I commute 9 miles a day too and from work. The soft-shell type do look really nice though, but I can see myself getting to work dripping in sweat.

chrisrobs

Yeah that's not good for you at work, how much are you looking to spend.

notxalckram

£70 max. I've seen some nice 'shell only' jackets but my current windproof cycling jacket is getting a bit tatty and I want to replace it with a fully waterproof jacket so I can stop wearing the windproof jacket.

I've had a look at the dhb Sync waterproof jacket http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-sync-waterproof-jacket/ which cyclists have recommened for the daily commute, but like I said before, does look like I could get a little sweaty in it.

notxalckram

I've had a look at softshell jackets and decided to go with one of them. I have 3 to choose from...


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-attack-3 ... ell-hoody/
This has a removeable hood, pockets, but is only shower-proof and has no ventilation.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-sync-waterproof-jacket/
Wiggles own, this has the vents with additional pockets but no removeable hood. Plus its a 3-layer making it fully waterproof.

http://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Men ... black.html
This isn't in the 'cycling' section but I reckon it will do, hood folds into collar, and its waterproof.

Any advice on which to get? The Altura looks the best, but the Sync has the ventilation.

kevinharley

TBH, I think that most outer layers are going to make you a bit sweaty at this price point ...

I have an Altura Mayhem: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-mayhem-w ... 5360516579

Its pretty good - warm and waterproof enough; has a mesh liner, and under arm zippers for ventilation - but I do find it a bit heavy for weather other than cold wintry conditions, and its a bit bulky to carry as a 'waterproof in case it rains'. I'm glad I've got it, but think I need something lighter and more packable for warmer weather.

Montane stuff seems to be light, packable and well-rated - something like the Montane LITE-SPEED H20 Waterproof: or the Minimus ... I looked last year, but couldn't find any stock of anything I liked in my size at a price I could afford, but probably would have gone down that route instead if I could have done.

I also have a softshell - its not a bike specific one (its a cragghoppers one) - which I use more often, but again, it lacks ventilation and can get a bit warm.

Unless you can spend a couple of £100 or more and get something all goretexy, probably the best bet is a medium weight softshell (with ventilation) and a light and small cheapish waterproof to carry around 'in case'.

notxalckram

Ah decisions decisions hah. I thought I had it sorted with the EQ2.5 from Wiggle but the constant delays caused me to cancel it.

My budget is £70-80 maximum so i'm limited in what I can get and with the colder weather just around the corner I think a softshell like the ones I posted are the best I can do. But it's whether I go for design and a removeable hood or a jacket with ventilation but stuck with a hood.

kevinharley

Just come across this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Montane-FEATH ... 982wt_1170
Lightness, packability, breathability, all for £40. (Was going to say waterproofability too, but its described as water-repellant, which isn't quite the same thing ...

Leaves you with another £40 towards a softshell, variety of baselayers or whatever ...

sofaboy73

kevinharley wrote:

Just come across this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Montane-FEATH ... 982wt_1170
Lightness, packability, breathability, all for £40. (Was going to say waterproofability too, but its described as water-repellant, which isn't quite the same thing ...

Leaves you with another £40 towards a softshell, variety of baselayers or whatever ...

I tend to favour this approach of seporating the waterproof element from the warmth element. majority of time i'll ride with a soft shell for warmth and light rain resistance as they breth better. when it really starts hammering down i have a very thin montane jacket i wear on top, breaths ok and is loose fitting to circulate some air. I just find riding in a full waterproof all the time too hot & sweaty, so just add the waterprood bit when really needed

omegas

sofaboy73 wrote:

montane jacket

I have the same jacket and its with me 10 months of the year. Packs down small enough to go in your pocket, keeps about an hour of rain off .

passout

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLNANEJA/n ... olo-jacket Think this is a rodie one but I can't see it matters, if it fits. Sometimes need you go up a size with Italian brands.