Windproof Jacket Recommendations

burger1979 · 28-02-2013 1:42pm #1

Hi folks,

Well since it is pay day I have decided to splash out on some cycling clothing. I am looking to get a windproof jacket for spring/autumn and winter. In winter if I combined it with one/two base layers for colder days so that I could basically wear it all year round. I have been looking at the Gore jackets as I can take the sleeves off and use that all year round, but I am looking/open to some suggestions and looking for opinions on people with the jackets that they use. Budget is in and around €120-150 (which from my initial look on websites rules out the likes of Rapha and Assos)

Thanks Burger

Fan · 28-02-2013 2:09pm

I picked up one of these on ebay at the start of the winter. It's a great, versatile jacket.
There's one listed at the moment which might suit you depending on size. I'm 5 feet 7 inches, sub 9 stone and the size small fits perfectly.

Not too sure about the seller though, doesn't have a great rating.

FrankGrimes · 28-02-2013 6:14pm

Meant to post when I got this a while back: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-goretex-active-shell-jacket/ - expensive, but a truly brilliant bit of kit. Was out on Sunday in the freezing weather and combined with Wiggle's DHB Merino baselayer (also utterly brilliant), I literally didn't feel a thing on the torso. It hasn't let any rain in to-date and is pretty much 100% windproof yet still manages to be breathable so I don't overheat. It's left me a little baffled at how it works, but work it certainly does and though I was guilty when forking out for it I'm now glad I did.

I also love that it's very tight fitting so it doesn't flap around much in the wind. Rather than be in two minds, or have to stop along the way, I'd be more inclined to just throw this on at the start if it looks in any way like it might get windy or rain during my spin. Easily fits within a jersey pocket too which is a big plus. Wiggle have what seems to be an identical model just in green, for 40 euro less which would work for your budget.

Konkers · 28-02-2013 9:35pm

I bought a ZOOT spring jacket (packs into itself) and is also rain resistant in cyclesuperstore 2/3 years ago. Once washed with tech wash has maintained its performance. I use it all year round with extra baselayers. It cost me 40 or 50 quid at the time.

Its not water proof though.

This might be it the newer version.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=48427

aFlabbyPanda · 28-02-2013 9:49pm

I used the Altura Night Vision Evo since Sept last year. Its warm enough that I only wear a single layer of skins underneath. I'm actually worried it may be too warm as the temp rises.

Brian? · 01-03-2013 2:34am

I love anything made by Castelli to be honest, this might be a bit out of budget:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009SRYAMU/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1362105062&sr=1-2&pi=SL75

burger1979 · 01-03-2013 9:14am

Thanks for the recommendations folks. Brian? that Castelli jacket is nice, I was actually looking at this one on wiggle:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-mortirolo-due-jacket/

The temp range given on it is 8-15 Deg but reading some of the comments on the reviews some have had it on closer to zero degrees with a base layers on underneath it.

Konkers - I went to cycle superstore last week when they had their jacket sale on and there was a Zoot jacket there that was perfect but they didn't have my size in it. They had large but when I tried it on it fitted well but if I had put anything in the pockets or put on a thicker base layer it would have been to tight on me.

Brian? · 01-03-2013 8:46pm

burger1979 wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendations folks. Brian? that Castelli jacket is nice, I was actually looking at this one on wiggle:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-mortirolo-due-jacket/

The temp range given on it is 8-15 Deg but reading some of the comments on the reviews some have had it on closer to zero degrees with a base layers on underneath it.

Hah, I have that exact jacket. Don't get much of a chance to wear it here in Arizona. It'll come in handy when I get home though. Wore it last week when it was 12, with a jersey underneath and I was roasting. Will be perfect for an Irish winter with some layers underneath and a rain cape parked away in the pocket.

burger1979 · 02-03-2013 7:18pm

Brian? - thanks for the reply. Do you think that the jacket would be too warm to wear in April/May? Or do you think that at that time of year a jersey with a base layer be ok? I think I will get the jacket if you have it and think it will be a good buy for the winter period in Ireland. I can layer up underneath if its really too cold out. Just on the fit what size do you have? I am 6 ft 3 and 42 inch chest, so by their own sizing guide a XXL should do but I know they can still be tight fitting.

feck sake lads · 02-03-2013 7:56pm

if you wanna keep the wind at bay stick a newspaper under your jesey.;)

Brian? · 02-03-2013 10:51pm

burger1979 wrote: »

Brian? - thanks for the reply. Do you think that the jacket would be too warm to wear in April/May? Or do you think that at that time of year a jersey with a base layer be ok? I think I will get the jacket if you have it and think it will be a good buy for the winter period in Ireland. I can layer up underneath if its really too cold out. Just on the fit what size do you have? I am 6 ft 3 and 42 inch chest, so by their own sizing guide a XXL should do but I know they can still be tight fitting.

I seriously doubt it'll be too warm for April to be honest. I'd say you'll even get a wear out of the odd "summer" day in Ireland.

As for size, xxl fits me a little snug and I've a 44in chest so I'd say it would be perfect for you.

Gatica · 08-07-2013 1:07pm

for the sake of not starting a new thread, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a women's high-viz windproof jacket (I'll start a new thread if this is a dead end.).

A friend has the Polaris one from here:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/polaris-rbs-commuter-windproof-jacket/

It's really light, partially water proof, covers your behind when cycling and very very visible. Unfortunately it's a men's and has a looser fit. I'd like to get something similar in a women's size.

petethedrummer · 08-07-2013 2:57pm

For wind protection, I think a gilet is a better option than a full jacket. The most important thing is to keep your core warm. I find a full jacket creates too much heat. With a gilet excess heat can dissipate out your arms. They are easier to store also.

This has good reviews: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-reflex-2-windproof-cycling-gilet/

Even when its raining the most important thing to do is keep your core warm.

Gatica · 08-07-2013 3:11pm

thanks for the recommendation, but I'd rather have sleeves for my first cycle jacket.
It's going to double up as splash-proof protection for me until the winter, and also for the cooler evenings (hence high vis). My budget won't stretch far for the next couple of months, so I really need it to tick a couple of boxes. I generally would wear a long-sleeve base layer and a light jacket in normal weather. If it's hot, I'll get something else in future but other than this week, it would not be typical use. Ideally I'll probably be adding another light layer under the jacket for the cooler months and still be able to use the jacket. Proper waterproof gear is on the radar further down the line.

pelevin · 08-07-2013 3:24pm

As a general recommendation the Castelli Gabba Convertible is a great piece, windproof, waterproof, breatheable, & covers a large temperature range. Certainly not cheap but got mine much cheaper than the general prices listed from this US seller:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHIPS-IN-24HRS-2013-GENUINE-CASTELLI-GABBA-CONVERTIBLE-JERSEY-JACKET-CYCLING-/171027090823?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item27d2024d87

Limited sizes available though from that seller; also the convertible only comes in black. The non-convert versions in yellow also. The convertible aspect of it I think works well.

Windproof Jacket Recommendations

Comments