B E N D E R's non sweary review site, roubaixcycling.cc (and general kit discussion)
Comments
-
Heads up. The Aeron Softshell Gilet is £39.99 now. Fiver cheaper than the less warm version.
You are the Devil incarnate I swear !!
LalalalaLala *not listening* lalalalalala0 -
Just a couple of quick notes on the dhb Aeron Full Protection Softshell jacket - I've worn it a few times on some leisure rides and it is quite warm. All I had on underneath was a merino base layer. I reckon with a couple of layers underneath it'll be great for really cold UK temperatures.
The tail is really long BTW! You could end up actually sitting on the tail, so I just pull the tail up an inch or two when I'm on the hybrid.
On the right hand side at the rear is a really useful zipped pocket that has the zip at the side. This makes it really easy to get access to cash and credit cards and store them securely.
The centre and left rear pockets are quite deep and I have my iPhone in the centre pocket and it has never dropped out or even felt like it was going to drop out.
Really loving this jacket and it's made winter cycling a lot more enjoyable.0 -
Was fine today at 2 degrees with just a base layer.
Later on it was about 4 degrees and raining and I had a LS base on and it was still nice. Just that it was a bloody miserable day....
The orange almost burns my retinas. Awesome.0 -
This Aeron Jacket really is the dogz, and quite easily see how it rivals the Alpha, particularly for warmth.
I wore it last night, with a LS Merino base, for a 20 mile jaunt early evening, and it wasnt quite as cold as I thought, perhaps 8/9*, but damp & misty.
Didnt overheat at all, but did unzip it slightly in parts, felt uber comfy and protective, absolutely wind-proof, and very very nice to wear.
The bright lime is really good viz, so good for dark riding.
Not worn in rain as yet, but I'm sure it'l perform.
Definite keeper.0 -
Anybody know which of the DHB offerings is closest (warmth-wise) to the Rapha Pro Team Jacket?0
-
Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........0
-
Thanks, how do you think the softshell will compare to a Sportful Fiandre Light No Rain jacket? I love my fiandre jacket but its black and I was looking for something brighter for the winter
Just noticed the above from some weeks ago, and as I have both now, thought i'd say that with just a Base Layer, I'm certain the Fiandre Light No Rain jacket will leave you cold for sure, its purely a summer shower/rain jacket, when warmth isnt a priority.
Its good, I love it, but you'd have to layer up underneath it, which rather leaves you feeling too bulked perhaps.
The DHB Aeron Softshell is uber warm, even with a short sleeve base. Ok, I'm yet to test it in 0-2*, but I simply cant see how you'd ever need more than a merino underneath it.
Hope that helps.0 -
The bright lime is really good viz, so good for dark riding.
Fluo colours aren't much use at night - there's only streetlamps and headlight and the fluo colours don't show up that well in those conditions. What you do need is reflective stuff. Theres' a nice strip on the back of the top - but I'd like a bit more on the shoulders or arms on the next incarnation.
Fluo is brilliant for day time riding.
Reflective is what you need for night.
http://bikeportland.org/2013/05/20/youre-not-as-visible-on-a-bike-at-night-as-you-think-new-study-shows-870440 -
The bright lime is really good viz, so good for dark riding.
Fluo colours aren't much use at night - there's only streetlamps and headlight and the fluo colours don't show up that well in those conditions. What you do need is reflective stuff. Theres' a nice strip on the back of the top - but I'd like a bit more on the shoulders or arms on the next incarnation.
Fluo is brilliant for day time riding.
Reflective is what you need for night.
http://bikeportland.org/2013/05/20/youre-not-as-visible-on-a-bike-at-night-as-you-think-new-study-shows-87044
This ones been done to death on these forums. I agree that reflectives are the best at night, but bright colours like those on the aeron jacket also help in dull conditions - of which we have lots of!
I'll take the bright colours every time over the ridiculous amount of black gear I see out on the roads - next to invisible in my opinion when passing riders. Seems absolutely crazy to me and I refuse to wear it.0 -
The bright lime is really good viz, so good for dark riding.
Fluo colours aren't much use at night - there's only streetlamps and headlight and the fluo colours don't show up that well in those conditions. What you do need is reflective stuff. Theres' a nice strip on the back of the top - but I'd like a bit more on the shoulders or arms on the next incarnation.
Fluo is brilliant for day time riding.
Reflective is what you need for night.
http://bikeportland.org/2013/05/20/youre-not-as-visible-on-a-bike-at-night-as-you-think-new-study-shows-87044
Sorry, thats just rubbish - taking even their own photo, can you seriously tell me that the lady is not more visible in yellow than in a darker colour?
Relectives need light shone on them to work too. They may work BETTER than bright colours at night in some conditions but that doesnt mean bright colours dont work, and if there isnt much light around they wont work either - thats why lights is the most important thing, before either of those. Reflectives are also somewhat directional, meaning that if you are off axis and not close to the light source they are reflecting then they may not light up much at all.0 -
I did say 'not much use in darkness' - not completely useless.
How far is that jacket away - what 10 - 12 feet ?
What shows up better - those reflectives at the back 30 feet away or her jacket ?
If I'm riding at night give me a black jacket with reflectives over a fluo jacket with none.
The best solution is going to be a jacket thats fluo with reflectors. I'd argue that the areon isn't that - there's precious little down the front. I think Zak's confidence in it is misplaced.
Obviously no jacket is a subsititute for decent lights though. Lets not get off the subject.0 -
Is that a blacked in photoshop? I'm doing a piece on this at the moment for my blog. I'm going to take some real life photos and post them up. But that photo above, how was that achieved?My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
that's the one I'm basing mine on. I suspect there's some jiggery pokery there as well. Which is why I'll be doing my own My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Let's not derail this topic and argue about the Aerons 'effectiveness' at night.....it's a great jacket. Period.0
-
Is that a blacked in photoshop? I'm doing a piece on this at the moment for my blog. I'm going to take some real life photos and post them up. But that photo above, how was that achieved?
Yes - I just blackened it in photoshop and not very well either, just a quick and dirty.
I have to say that the photo in question is staged very deliberately to exaggerate the usefulness of reflectives and play down anything else - with the bright lights shining in your eyes creating a haze over the whole picture and washing everything out with reduced contrast and obviously direct light shining at the reflectors from the person taking the picture - so that it bounces straight back on the same axis.
But still, quite clearly a light colour jacket even slightly lit up against a dark background less well lit up is going to be better than a dark jacket.0 -
Let's not derail this topic and argue about the Aerons 'effectiveness' at night.....it's a great jacket. Period.
Indeed.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Is that a blacked in photoshop? I'm doing a piece on this at the moment for my blog. I'm going to take some real life photos and post them up. But that photo above, how was that achieved?
Yes - I just blackened it in photoshop and not very well either, just a quick and dirty.
I have to say that the photo in question is staged very deliberately to exaggerate the usefulness of reflectives and play down anything else - with the bright lights shining in your eyes creating a haze over the whole picture and washing everything out with reduced contrast and obviously direct light shining at the reflectors from the person taking the picture - so that it bounces straight back on the same axis.
But still, quite clearly a light colour jacket even slightly lit up against a dark background less well lit up is going to be better than a dark jacket.
Yeah. That's something I'll be dealing with with any luck. Let's move away from it but suffice to say my view is likely to be that light colours can't harm but that fluro evangelism isn't all it's made out to be (in the dark at least).My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Already did, but could only find references to the Rapha Softshell,which is a different jacket.Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........0 -
Already did, but could only find references to the Rapha Softshell,which is a different jacket.Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........
There's no direct equivalent. What pace will you be riding at?My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Already did, but could only find references to the Rapha Softshell,which is a different jacket.Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........
There's no direct equivalent. What pace will you be riding at?
Actually, Bender's your man - I dont have any experience iof the Rapha's in all honesty, was just basing my comment on the fact that this DHB Aeron Full Protection softshell is so snug, I cant imagine anything else being any warmer !0 -
Already did, but could only find references to the Rapha Softshell,which is a different jacket.Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........
There's no direct equivalent. What pace will you be riding at?
It varies; from fast club rides to 40 mile a day commutes.
I find the Rapha pro Team jacket almost perfect for all types of winter riding, so was looking for something similar, but cheaper. Used to have an Assos 851, but found it too warm. I suspect that the full aeron softshell will also be too warm.0 -
Already did, but could only find references to the Rapha Softshell,which is a different jacket.Garry, if you read this whole thread, I think you'll get the answer.........
There's no direct equivalent. What pace will you be riding at?
It varies; from fast club rides to 40 mile a day commutes.
I find the Rapha pro Team jacket almost perfect for all types of winter riding, so was looking for something similar, but cheaper. Used to have an Assos 851, but found it too warm. I suspect that the full aeron softshell will also be too warm.
Yeah, I suspect it will be as well. It's good for the really cold days. The Aeron jersey is just a jersey and that will be too cold.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Sorry to pi$$ on the parade but after some proper testing of the Aeron Softshell (I’ve been using it solidly since 3rd Nov) in the mixed up weather we’ve been getting of late I’m starting to fall out of love with it. Yes it’s a good race cut fit and the tight fitting bottom section and tight, higher placed pockets are great touches. The acid orange on the arms and shoulders really stands out too – but the fabric just isn’t cutting it.
I’ve never ‘run hot’ (I hate that term) but anything above 5C or there about and I’m soaking in sweat – and that’s on a flattish steady ride with just a mid-weight merino base! The front, shoulder and arm fabric shrugs off a bit of light precipitation but it’s a bit pointless because I’m wet on the inside. Saturday’s ride never got above 1C and had the added bonus of half an hour of sleet. The sweaty back and wet fabric that had given up the ghost was akin to riding about with a wet towel covering me!
Compare this to the Rapha Pro Team Jacket and it’s night and day. The PT can be worn for three UK season, from fast balls out rides to a Sunday bimble and although it’s not a waterproof jacket it can take the worst of the weather and end up acting a bit like a neoprene where it’s soaked but the fabric manages heat – the Gabba does the too of course. The Aeron cannot manage heat properly like a higher end softshell.
Sorry, but the Aeron is not the messiah (for me) it’s just a nice looking jacket without the high end fabric.0 -
I did see this 'review' in the comic online yesterday about winter jackets -
The Le Col Winter jacket - suitable from 5 degrees to 18 degrees -
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/jackets/le-col-sport-winter-jacket
Who wears a winter jacket at 18 degrees ?
I do wish the weather would make its mind up. Was 2 degrees on Sunday morning. And this morning it was 13 degrees. I need all my kit out to decide.0 -
Sorry to pi$$ on the parade but after some proper testing of the Aeron Softshell (I’ve been using it solidly since 3rd Nov) in the mixed up weather we’ve been getting of late I’m starting to fall out of love with it. Yes it’s a good race cut fit and the tight fitting bottom section and tight, higher placed pockets are great touches. The acid orange on the arms and shoulders really stands out too – but the fabric just isn’t cutting it.
I’ve never ‘run hot’ (I hate that term) but anything above 5C or there about and I’m soaking in sweat – and that’s on a flattish steady ride with just a mid-weight merino base! The front, shoulder and arm fabric shrugs off a bit of light precipitation but it’s a bit pointless because I’m wet on the inside. Saturday’s ride never got above 1C and had the added bonus of half an hour of sleet. The sweaty back and wet fabric that had given up the ghost was akin to riding about with a wet towel covering me!
Compare this to the Rapha Pro Team Jacket and it’s night and day. The PT can be worn for three UK season, from fast balls out rides to a Sunday bimble and although it’s not a waterproof jacket it can take the worst of the weather and end up acting a bit like a neoprene where it’s soaked but the fabric manages heat – the Gabba does the too of course. The Aeron cannot manage heat properly like a higher end softshell.
Sorry, but the Aeron is not the messiah (for me) it’s just a nice looking jacket without the high end fabric.
You say the RPT is perhaps better, but sounds like you are still wet but warm, - was this not the case with the Aeron too ?
I think this 'Holy Grail' we all crave, ie a Jacket that Breathes totally, but is also warm still and waterproof, in all temperatures, is a virtual impossibility perhaps ?
I've not had any experience of the Rapha gear, maybe it is wayyyy better, maybe not, but as Bender rates the Aeron up there with the Castelli Alpha in most respects, apart from fractions, I'd be amazed if Rapha was that much better than either ?
I'm heading out soon for a ride, and its 13* out there ffs !
Cue a jersey and Sportful Light NO Rain Jacket, - I doubt i'll need more !
Tis crazy......0 -
I think the Rapha is a compromise, and a great piece of kit. I was never really warm in it at really cold temperatures preferring it for anything from say 5-10. The thing is, I can happily wear the Aeron jersey and gilet combo now at 6 degrees plus (or Alpha jersey) and save the Aeron soft-shell for the low figures. All for less than the Rapha rrp overall.
It's all horses for courses mind and very much personal preference. There is definitely no one size fits/suits all in relation to this stuff.
Tell you what mind, I've a Mossa on the way. And possibly a Mossa.2 in due course. That will be an interesting test. I have very high hopes.
Bear in mind that the Aeron is Windtex, quite an established material being used in many garments.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Looking forward to the Mossa review - going to buy a short sleeve mossa and k-dry arm warmers once I get a chance to try a friends on for size, but at the current rate you'll probably have a review done before then. I've only read good things about them though. The fact that it's water repellent after washing with normal detergent is a massive bonus/money saver.0
-
I ordered the softshell the other day. Overall it's a really nice jacket although I'm wondering if it'll ever get cold enough to use it with how the weather has been lately. I really like the yellow/blue, I don't think it clashes with black as someone mentioned in this thread. It would be nice if it had a bit more yellow on the back for people driving behind.
I'm 6'4, 73kg. I ordered a Large and a Medium. I'm right between the two so having a hard time deciding. With a baselayer on the large is more comfortable in the shoulders and forearms, medium fits my body better and the length is also better.0 -
Bear in mind that the Aeron is Windtex, quite an established material being used in many garments.
I dont think it is made on Windtex. there is no mention of the fabric on product description.0 -
Bear in mind that the Aeron is Windtex, quite an established material being used in many garments.
I dont think it is made on Windtex. there is no mention of the fabric on product description.
There isn't in the description, which is strange, but the softshell has a windtex tag on it.0
