Winter jacket recommendations
Discussion
Can anyone recommend a jacket for UK winter riding?
I need something that keeps me warm and dry but doesnt turn into a mobile sauna when i hammer it. I have a fully waterproof outer layer for heavy rain but id like a jacket i can leave on for the whole ride.
Up to now Endura seem to get great reviews and the idea of a breathable softshell that is also waterproof looks awesome.
http://www.endura.co.uk/Dept.aspx?dept_id=123
Stealth looks perfect but a bit expensive
I need something that keeps me warm and dry but doesnt turn into a mobile sauna when i hammer it. I have a fully waterproof outer layer for heavy rain but id like a jacket i can leave on for the whole ride.
Up to now Endura seem to get great reviews and the idea of a breathable softshell that is also waterproof looks awesome.
http://www.endura.co.uk/Dept.aspx?dept_id=123
Stealth looks perfect but a bit expensive
I wonder at the logic of these super cold weather jackets for bike riders. If it is below 2-3dec C, what are you doing out anyway? You're more likely to fall on your arse than benefit from the ride.
There are plenty of kit available in layer form to suit down to that temperature.
I use a super weight Windtex top in club colours with a long sleeve jersey underneath. The base layer is a Nike long sleeve dri-max top. I add a gilet on top if windy.
I firmly believe the key to remaining warm is to protect the feet, hands, wrists and head.
There are plenty of kit available in layer form to suit down to that temperature.
I use a super weight Windtex top in club colours with a long sleeve jersey underneath. The base layer is a Nike long sleeve dri-max top. I add a gilet on top if windy.
I firmly believe the key to remaining warm is to protect the feet, hands, wrists and head.
I've been looking into the same things and have found these:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Reflex_Er...
And from looking in the shops, they seem well made and good fit.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Reflex_Er...
And from looking in the shops, they seem well made and good fit.
Goretex Paclite cycling specific shell jacket, base layer, thermal mid layer and a spare warm layer if you have a problem and have to stop. Gucci gloves, wool socks, seal skins, winter boots and a helmet liner too.
Kept me warm at -10.5 degrees at Penmachno / Marin Trail last winter. Insulated Camelbak hose would freeze if you did not blow back. Mechs froze too.
Icebreakers / Buffalo kit is really good too but very expensive!
Overheating is a real problem when cycling as it is so physical so I have never gone near a softshell as I think it would never get used.
Be bold, start cold!!
Edited to add another cheesy line:
No such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit. (Annoyingly true!)
Kept me warm at -10.5 degrees at Penmachno / Marin Trail last winter. Insulated Camelbak hose would freeze if you did not blow back. Mechs froze too.
Icebreakers / Buffalo kit is really good too but very expensive!
Overheating is a real problem when cycling as it is so physical so I have never gone near a softshell as I think it would never get used.
Be bold, start cold!!
Edited to add another cheesy line:
No such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit. (Annoyingly true!)
Edited by Master Mischief on Sunday 20th December 19:05
Gore Bike outer shell (from Evans), lightweight fleece and thermal shirt (both from Trespass)
Windproof, waterproof, extremely breathable.
Plus I can use the shell with less and less thermal layers under as it warms up.
In the summer the shell is rolled into a ball and goes in my pocket or saddlebag in case of showers.
Windproof, waterproof, extremely breathable.
Plus I can use the shell with less and less thermal layers under as it warms up.
In the summer the shell is rolled into a ball and goes in my pocket or saddlebag in case of showers.
I've just bought myself an Endura Stelth. Had it out for one ride and I kept it on for the full duration. I did have the vents open and the main zip halpway down on the climbs though.
I fear it may be too hot for most rides and it is not really a soft shell either, its sort of half way between a standard soft shell and a hard shell. Dificult to describe but you will know what I mean if you have a feel on one. I doubt I'd have spend that much of my own money on it but I got it as an early christmas present and it is nice to have these decadent things when the weather get minging.
I fear it may be too hot for most rides and it is not really a soft shell either, its sort of half way between a standard soft shell and a hard shell. Dificult to describe but you will know what I mean if you have a feel on one. I doubt I'd have spend that much of my own money on it but I got it as an early christmas present and it is nice to have these decadent things when the weather get minging.
I used to work in a shop that sold Altura. We never had excessive problems with zips going. it does sound like they have some problems from your experience though. Thay generaly make stuff that is a bit cheaper and a bit lower quality. You get what you pay for, still I always found their stuff to be generally good for the money.
FilthyFog said:
Avoid anything Atlura...
Total rubbish, the zips keep going and as a result had two replacements under warranty. Now out of warranty and guess what... both the pocket and main zip have gone again
I know what to look for in my next jacket...
I have had the same with everything Endura to be honest. I realise other people love the stuff but I had had gloves fall apart, zips fall apart and seams come un-stitched so will never go there again.Total rubbish, the zips keep going and as a result had two replacements under warranty. Now out of warranty and guess what... both the pocket and main zip have gone again
I know what to look for in my next jacket...
Master Mischief said:
Saddle bum said:
If it is below 2-3dec C, what are you doing out anyway?
Not being a girly weakling! 
Going onto roads that are liable to be icy is not my idea of fun, which is what cycling is about for me. Dangerous conditions of any sort are something to be avoided.
I was at the finish of the "Hell of the Ashdown Forest" a couple of years back, the state of some of the participants after 80 miles of almost sub-zero temps just confirmed my opinion.
If you want arctic fun, go sking.
GORE is good, but I had a windstopper gilet that the zip went south on after about 6 months...
Altura isn't hardy enough, their waterproof zips are a bit of a joke and won't stand up to washing machine cleaning.
I've just bought an Endura Windchill softshell jacket that I've worn once so far on a pretty cold ride along with a marino wool base layer and jersey. I was lovely and toasty on the ride, not excessively so on the climbs but had horrendous nipple rub, for a day or two after. The wife baulked slightly when I told her the only thing that would help would be her luscious lips...
Altura isn't hardy enough, their waterproof zips are a bit of a joke and won't stand up to washing machine cleaning.
I've just bought an Endura Windchill softshell jacket that I've worn once so far on a pretty cold ride along with a marino wool base layer and jersey. I was lovely and toasty on the ride, not excessively so on the climbs but had horrendous nipple rub, for a day or two after. The wife baulked slightly when I told her the only thing that would help would be her luscious lips...
angusc43 said:
Gore Bike outer shell (from Evans), lightweight fleece and thermal shirt (both from Trespass)
Windproof, waterproof, extremely breathable.
Plus I can use the shell with less and less thermal layers under as it warms up.
In the summer the shell is rolled into a ball and goes in my pocket or saddlebag in case of showers.
Oh yeah - and the other bits - Trespass waterpoof shoes, SealSkinz waterpoof (and windproof?) socks, and a thermal skull cap under my helmet. I've got some rubbish gloves - the only weakpointWindproof, waterproof, extremely breathable.
Plus I can use the shell with less and less thermal layers under as it warms up.
In the summer the shell is rolled into a ball and goes in my pocket or saddlebag in case of showers.
RickIV said:
Thanks for the input guys - really helpfull
I think i need to get to some shops and try a few on to make my mind up
Yeah, there's some great gear out there. I am very pleasantly surprised to be enjoying winter commuting on a bike. Only very heavy rain, snow and ice stop me now. It's all down to having decent gear.I think i need to get to some shops and try a few on to make my mind up
Edited by angusc43 on Wednesday 23 December 10:56
I've got the first jacket in Rick's link, an Endura softshell (Fusion ?).
I love this jacket, particularly in funeral black, it is so sleek thatI hate crashing in it or getting it muddy.
Seems quite water-resistant, with rain simply pearling up on it, but not getting through the fabric. Warm enough for autumn or spring, but I haven't tried it in the minus 15deg weather that we have had here the last few days.
I would recommend it.
I love this jacket, particularly in funeral black, it is so sleek thatI hate crashing in it or getting it muddy.
Seems quite water-resistant, with rain simply pearling up on it, but not getting through the fabric. Warm enough for autumn or spring, but I haven't tried it in the minus 15deg weather that we have had here the last few days.
I would recommend it.
firstly its the wrong time of year to be buying winter gear if you want the best value.
i use an Assos Fugu (red) jacket with just a long sleeve base layer &a short sleeve summer top, i've ridden down to -6c without feeling the cold (on my body).
Its got a neck sock, come balaclava built in if its really cold. double liner at the front, thats good for regulating the temp if it warms up after a cold start.
Expensive but as it only get used for 6-8 weeks year max, its will last for years.
Feet, hands & face tend to be the bits that suffer more.
sealskin socks (with summer sock underneath) are very impressive, will need old shoes that have stretched or buy some that are 1 size too big.
I've also got the Assos triple glove system and that's never let me down.
My Fugu was £150 in July...selling for circa 280-300 now
i use an Assos Fugu (red) jacket with just a long sleeve base layer &a short sleeve summer top, i've ridden down to -6c without feeling the cold (on my body).
Its got a neck sock, come balaclava built in if its really cold. double liner at the front, thats good for regulating the temp if it warms up after a cold start.
Expensive but as it only get used for 6-8 weeks year max, its will last for years.
Feet, hands & face tend to be the bits that suffer more.
sealskin socks (with summer sock underneath) are very impressive, will need old shoes that have stretched or buy some that are 1 size too big.
I've also got the Assos triple glove system and that's never let me down.
My Fugu was £150 in July...selling for circa 280-300 now
Hi Red355,
Where did you buy the Fugu in July? I've been after one for a while. I had an Airblock851 but tbh thought it wasn't very warm at all on a 2-3hr ride.
I do have the Assos triple glove and after 5 years of searching, think they are the warmest by far, shame they're not waterproof.
I purchased a Castelli Radiation and the Mavic Inferno, both with built in hoods. I kinda use a combination of the two when it's really really cold. I also have the Shimano RW80#s now and with Woolie Boolies, feet are nice and toasty.
Only part I can't sort out is my Bibtights. I have Gore Contest SO+ and they're pretty good, not super warm though.
I invested in the Castelli Fulmine and they are meant to be good down to 0C, but they're useless.
Anyone ever use the 2XU sub zero, meant to be good down to -10c?
Where did you buy the Fugu in July? I've been after one for a while. I had an Airblock851 but tbh thought it wasn't very warm at all on a 2-3hr ride.
I do have the Assos triple glove and after 5 years of searching, think they are the warmest by far, shame they're not waterproof.
I purchased a Castelli Radiation and the Mavic Inferno, both with built in hoods. I kinda use a combination of the two when it's really really cold. I also have the Shimano RW80#s now and with Woolie Boolies, feet are nice and toasty.
Only part I can't sort out is my Bibtights. I have Gore Contest SO+ and they're pretty good, not super warm though.
I invested in the Castelli Fulmine and they are meant to be good down to 0C, but they're useless.
Anyone ever use the 2XU sub zero, meant to be good down to -10c?
Edited by jodypress on Thursday 24th December 15:33
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