Cycling jacket
Discussion
I'm after a jacket to keep the worst of the weather out over the next few months. Will be used on roads commuting mostly, moving fairly briskly and at a steady pace and I'm after something I can chuck on if the weather is bad or is likely to turn bad whilst I'm out. A 'chuck on and forget' shell. I do run cold but plan to layer appropriately underneath.
I don't expect to be able to keep all the rain out so whilst water resistance is important I'd rather have something that'll keep me warm when the water does get in, but will keep the wind out regardless. I want pockets and would like a snug fit too ideally.
Budget of £40-70.
So far after looking back and forth at a few options these two are both catching my eye:
Galibier Mistral Foul II Weather jacket:
http://galibier.cc/product/mistral-foul-weather-ja...
dhb ASV Windslam Roubaix jersey:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-asv-windslam-roubaix-l...
The dhb offering looks like it'll be a bit less weather resistant in exchange for a very slim fit (which appeals) and I suspect that with the right baselayering choices it could be a good choice. It's also £22 less than the Galibier. But the former has rave reviews on their website (and was well reviewed elsewhere) about how effective it was as a 'do everything' layer. With the sizing I suspect it'll come up a bit looser than the dhb though.
As a left field, below budget option Aldi softshells have been mentioned elsewhere and they'll be in stock next week. I've only got one Aldi cycling top (a SS jersey) and the material and features are great, but it hangs pretty loosely on me.
Anyone got any experience regarding the above, or can comment on the fit/quality of Galibier?
And do any other options jump to mind?
I don't expect to be able to keep all the rain out so whilst water resistance is important I'd rather have something that'll keep me warm when the water does get in, but will keep the wind out regardless. I want pockets and would like a snug fit too ideally.
Budget of £40-70.
So far after looking back and forth at a few options these two are both catching my eye:
Galibier Mistral Foul II Weather jacket:
http://galibier.cc/product/mistral-foul-weather-ja...
dhb ASV Windslam Roubaix jersey:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-asv-windslam-roubaix-l...
The dhb offering looks like it'll be a bit less weather resistant in exchange for a very slim fit (which appeals) and I suspect that with the right baselayering choices it could be a good choice. It's also £22 less than the Galibier. But the former has rave reviews on their website (and was well reviewed elsewhere) about how effective it was as a 'do everything' layer. With the sizing I suspect it'll come up a bit looser than the dhb though.
As a left field, below budget option Aldi softshells have been mentioned elsewhere and they'll be in stock next week. I've only got one Aldi cycling top (a SS jersey) and the material and features are great, but it hangs pretty loosely on me.
Anyone got any experience regarding the above, or can comment on the fit/quality of Galibier?
And do any other options jump to mind?
Have a look at www.provizsports.com I've had one of their 360 jackets for a few years, very comfy and the cars stay well away from you in the dark. I know now they are doing coloured ones which i might treat myself to.
Also take a look at Dare2B http://www.dare2b.com/activity/cycle-clothing/jack...
I have an old jacket of theirs, although I can't recall which model, and it still performs well for commuting duties.
I have an old jacket of theirs, although I can't recall which model, and it still performs well for commuting duties.
N8CYL said:
I have just bought the Galibier and it really is good value. Highly recommended, in fact best jacket I have bought...so far.
You been able to get any use out of it in current conditions?And how do you find the fit?
My gut is telling me to go for the Galibier. But my head is telling me the dhb ASV and an Aldi softshell can be layered - dhb (layered with a base) for dry cold, chuck the Aldi on top when it's wet and cold. And that dhb jersey tight fitting and very pretty...
But then the Galibier does look like the mutts nuts for properly gopping weather.
Gah. Decisions.
tenohfive said:
N8CYL said:
I have just bought the Galibier and it really is good value. Highly recommended, in fact best jacket I have bought...so far.
You been able to get any use out of it in current conditions?And how do you find the fit?
My gut is telling me to go for the Galibier. But my head is telling me the dhb ASV and an Aldi softshell can be layered - dhb (layered with a base) for dry cold, chuck the Aldi on top when it's wet and cold. And that dhb jersey tight fitting and very pretty...
But then the Galibier does look like the mutts nuts for properly gopping weather.
Gah. Decisions.
I used an Aldi one for commuting for a few years, OK but not very breathable. Bought a Proviz last winter and it's much better, lot closer fit too. Very good quality for the price but it's not a 'tuck it in a pocket' option.
The Gabba/Galiber-like ones are probably your best bet. I have a new GSG one in club colours for trying this winter which feels like it'll do a job, but I'm needing to try it in some proper nasty weather to be sure.
The Gabba/Galiber-like ones are probably your best bet. I have a new GSG one in club colours for trying this winter which feels like it'll do a job, but I'm needing to try it in some proper nasty weather to be sure.
Edited by loudlashadjuster on Thursday 22 September 23:51
Rampant budget creep but there's not much that gets close: Castelli Gabba in short sleeve (+ Nanoflex arm warmers) or long sleeve (in which case it's now know as the "Perfetto"). It's primarily a windproof, but fends of moderate levels of moisture whilst mostly avoiding the "boil in the bag" effect of anything touted as waterproof. Thin, but windproof, and a moderate effort will keep you warm enough (esp. with a base layer).
Most cycling gear is overpriced and overmarketed (Castello being amongst the worst offenders) and I've often said the durability of some Castelli gear is a bit w
k (it is!) but the Gabbas are worth every penny.
Most cycling gear is overpriced and overmarketed (Castello being amongst the worst offenders) and I've often said the durability of some Castelli gear is a bit w
k (it is!) but the Gabbas are worth every penny.Crap name, good reviews and half price as the reflective strips fall off:
https://www.showerspass.com/products/skyline-softs...
https://www.showerspass.com/products/skyline-softs...
No thread on this subject could avoid mentioning the Gabba, but the consensus I've seen elsewhere is that it's a layer for, 'will it, won't it, doesn't matter,' rather than, 'it will, big time, in buckets,' days. And I just can't reach that far budget wise - one day I'll justify it, but not this autumn/winter.
I swear by Gore shells.
I bought a black one when I started commuting in 2008 then quickly I realised that was a suicidal choice and got a yellow one.
The yellow one survived 7 winters of commuting before it began to wear out so I replaced it with a fluoro one.
The black one is still in perfect condition and I used it when I'm just doing local trips.
They're light, breathable, windproof and waterproof and they pack down into a tiny bundle. I can literally get it in my pocket (baggy Humvees) but usually I'll just stick it in my backpack as a precaution.
In the winter I just build up the layers underneath to stay warm.
I did briefly try an Aldi in really cold conditions but I just ended up drenched in sweat. And they don't pack down.
https://www.evanscycles.com/gore-bike-wear-element...
I bought a black one when I started commuting in 2008 then quickly I realised that was a suicidal choice and got a yellow one.
The yellow one survived 7 winters of commuting before it began to wear out so I replaced it with a fluoro one.
The black one is still in perfect condition and I used it when I'm just doing local trips.
They're light, breathable, windproof and waterproof and they pack down into a tiny bundle. I can literally get it in my pocket (baggy Humvees) but usually I'll just stick it in my backpack as a precaution.
In the winter I just build up the layers underneath to stay warm.
I did briefly try an Aldi in really cold conditions but I just ended up drenched in sweat. And they don't pack down.
https://www.evanscycles.com/gore-bike-wear-element...
Very true.
I decided to do the sensible thing in the end: buy both.
And I love both. Together I can see them being my 'worst case scenario weather' layering system. Individually they both have their place (with some overlap in roles), both fit brilliantly, look good, and make me feel like a cycling demi-god. Until I get overtaken.
I decided to do the sensible thing in the end: buy both.
And I love both. Together I can see them being my 'worst case scenario weather' layering system. Individually they both have their place (with some overlap in roles), both fit brilliantly, look good, and make me feel like a cycling demi-god. Until I get overtaken.
I have been impressed with the Aldi stuff I've seen - they seem to do the basics well, it's often just the fit that I've seen to be slightly off.
I'm starting to look for an extra layer now - something like the Windslam but thinner. Idea being that whilst the Windslam is perfect for the morning commute (temp/weather resistance wise) when it's 8-10c warmer in the evening it's just a bit too warm. So I want something thinner that I can wear with a base layer in the mornings, then chuck the base layer in the pocket and wear the new jersey against the skin on the return. Still want wind/weather resistance though.
Currently in budget are the Gore Oxygen Windstopper LS jersey:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-wind...
And the Galibier Le Coucher:
http://galibier.cc/product/le-coucher-wind-jersey/
Anything else worthy of consideration, or one I should go for over the other? I've got some Galibier and some Gore gear and rate both.
I'm starting to look for an extra layer now - something like the Windslam but thinner. Idea being that whilst the Windslam is perfect for the morning commute (temp/weather resistance wise) when it's 8-10c warmer in the evening it's just a bit too warm. So I want something thinner that I can wear with a base layer in the mornings, then chuck the base layer in the pocket and wear the new jersey against the skin on the return. Still want wind/weather resistance though.
Currently in budget are the Gore Oxygen Windstopper LS jersey:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-wind...
And the Galibier Le Coucher:
http://galibier.cc/product/le-coucher-wind-jersey/
Anything else worthy of consideration, or one I should go for over the other? I've got some Galibier and some Gore gear and rate both.
I have a GBW Windstopper jacket, removeable arms and vent panel in the back.
It's my go-to jacket for anything other than heavy rain (then I use a GBW PacLite shell)
Very breatheable, pretty good water resistance although the seams aren't taped.
It's really hardwearing, the cut is spot on, I would definitely recommend.
I layer with some cheap non-cotton 'tech' T-shirt and a slim Vaude fleece and am never cold.
It's my go-to jacket for anything other than heavy rain (then I use a GBW PacLite shell)
Very breatheable, pretty good water resistance although the seams aren't taped.
It's really hardwearing, the cut is spot on, I would definitely recommend.
I layer with some cheap non-cotton 'tech' T-shirt and a slim Vaude fleece and am never cold.
I've a fair few different items from Aldi - the Crane brand - which has lasted well regardless of the fact that it was pocket money cheap. I prefer the running 2nd layer jerseys to the cycling ones because they're a bit thicker but overall it's decent enough.
For flouro though, the Proviz kit is fabulous. I have some medium-warm gloves and I fancy one of those 360 jackets which catch car headlights and look supernatural in their light-wash.
For flouro though, the Proviz kit is fabulous. I have some medium-warm gloves and I fancy one of those 360 jackets which catch car headlights and look supernatural in their light-wash.
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