Cycling Jackets
Discussion
Thinking about getting a decent cycling jacket for the colder, wetter months so I can continue riding in comfort. Can anybody recommend one? Not too bothered by budget if it's going to do the job properly, have been looking at the Altura Nightvision. As a side question, is it worth getting a fluro jacket? I have a fluro bag cover so being seen from behind shouldn't be an issue but I'm not overly keen on riding with the fluro jacket the rest of the time being a poncey roadie (
) unless people think it's a worthwhile addition...?
) unless people think it's a worthwhile addition...?night vision stuff is really bright, they are cut well and very visible. when you see one whilst driving you think thats how visible i look like on a bike wearing it.
normally i wear cheap as chips hi vis jackets during the later start/early finishes when its not as dark as they are a bit lighter and i dont mind if they get mucky.
normally i wear cheap as chips hi vis jackets during the later start/early finishes when its not as dark as they are a bit lighter and i dont mind if they get mucky.
I too had been pondering jackets, and I'm still not sure I'm going to need one so have held off. I think I run particularly hot or something, because I'm still in shorts and s/s jersey at the moment, and a gillet is enough to keep a bit of heat in for me. The full jackets do seem like you're going sweat a whole lot underneath.
This wasn't a very useful post, sorry
This wasn't a very useful post, sorry

Uriel said:
Bloomin messer-uppers. Someone's been messing around with the decimal point on their website!! 
Those chancers!
(edit, though I take the mick, some of their stuff looks bloomin nice!)
Edited by TonyHetherington on Monday 3rd October 15:21
If you have a decent budget, then the Mavic Inferno works a treat for cold winter riding.
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/mavic-inferno-jacke...
I used it last winter with just a merino l/s baa baa underneath down to -10C or so.
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/mavic-inferno-jacke...
I used it last winter with just a merino l/s baa baa underneath down to -10C or so.
paulshears said:
I was pretty happy with the Night Vision jacket I had
Did you get the fluro one? I'm tempted by this since it seems to get rave reviews (especially with regard to cooling since I run quite hot anyway
) but I'm not sure I want the fluro, and yet, I still want to be seen 
TonyHetherington said:
I too had been pondering jackets, and I'm still not sure I'm going to need one so have held off. I think I run particularly hot or something, because I'm still in shorts and s/s jersey at the moment, and a gillet is enough to keep a bit of heat in for me. The full jackets do seem like you're going sweat a whole lot underneath.
I also run hot as Tony says. Every "breathable" jacket - cheaper ones - I've ever had have ended up soaking wet on the inside if I do any more than stand still.Would the £240 Rapha have the same problem, or is the expensive option REALLY an option??
I may take them up on the 30 day trial........
TonyHetherington said:
Bloomin messer-uppers. Someone's been messing around with the decimal point on their website!! 
Those chancers!
(edit, though I take the mick, some of their stuff looks bloomin nice!)
Yeah, they're steep compared to what you can pick up, but not really that bad when compared like for like with other higher end brands. eg. Assos iJ.bonKa.6 
Those chancers!
(edit, though I take the mick, some of their stuff looks bloomin nice!)
Edited by TonyHetherington on Monday 3rd October 15:21
The thing with Rapha though, and why I keep recommending them here whenever anyone asks for clothing recommendations, is out of everything I've tried, they generally have a product that is perfectly suited to the purpose at hand and one that works as well or better than anyone elses And the thing that sways me when it comes to Rapha is that everything I've bought from them has lasted and lasted and still looks/functions like new. When I take that into account and the fact they offer a lifetime free repair service for any items that either just wear away (outside of warranty) or are damaged through crashes or accidents, you really can say "Yes, £240 is a lot for a cycling jacket, but it's the last cycling jacket I'm ever going to have to buy".
Plus, if you plan a season ahead, there are two sample sales each year where they get rid of their current line of kit. At the last one all jackets were £50, jerseys/gilets £35, gloves £30, base layers £15, warmers £10, socks £5. Don't think they ever have the softshell at the sample sales though.
I've used Altura jackets for 10 years now, in fact I've only gone through 3 in that time. I find them ideal. The thing about breatheable jackets is you really need a good wicking layer under them. Merino woll top is great. I do find that the jacket gets wet if I just have a cotton t-shirt underneath, but with a proper base layer they work very well.
Uriel said:
Plus, if you plan a season ahead, there are two sample sales each year where they get rid of their current line of kit. At the last one all jackets were £50, jerseys/gilets £35, gloves £30, base layers £15, warmers £10, socks £5. Don't think they ever have the softshell at the sample sales though.

Sounds like I need to know when this might be...
Uriel said:
Yeah, they're steep compared to what you can pick up, but not really that bad when compared like for like with other higher end brands. eg. Assos iJ.bonKa.6
The thing with Rapha though, and why I keep recommending them here whenever anyone asks for clothing recommendations, is out of everything I've tried, they generally have a product that is perfectly suited to the purpose at hand and one that works as well or better than anyone elses And the thing that sways me when it comes to Rapha is that everything I've bought from them has lasted and lasted and still looks/functions like new. When I take that into account and the fact they offer a lifetime free repair service for any items that either just wear away (outside of warranty) or are damaged through crashes or accidents, you really can say "Yes, £240 is a lot for a cycling jacket, but it's the last cycling jacket I'm ever going to have to buy".
Plus, if you plan a season ahead, there are two sample sales each year where they get rid of their current line of kit. At the last one all jackets were £50, jerseys/gilets £35, gloves £30, base layers £15, warmers £10, socks £5. Don't think they ever have the softshell at the sample sales though.
Dam you. That is the exact sort of sensible, reasoned approach that I happily apply to many other things in my life - justifying on the long term for quality, rather than just instant value etc. And now you're going to make me do it here too The thing with Rapha though, and why I keep recommending them here whenever anyone asks for clothing recommendations, is out of everything I've tried, they generally have a product that is perfectly suited to the purpose at hand and one that works as well or better than anyone elses And the thing that sways me when it comes to Rapha is that everything I've bought from them has lasted and lasted and still looks/functions like new. When I take that into account and the fact they offer a lifetime free repair service for any items that either just wear away (outside of warranty) or are damaged through crashes or accidents, you really can say "Yes, £240 is a lot for a cycling jacket, but it's the last cycling jacket I'm ever going to have to buy".
Plus, if you plan a season ahead, there are two sample sales each year where they get rid of their current line of kit. At the last one all jackets were £50, jerseys/gilets £35, gloves £30, base layers £15, warmers £10, socks £5. Don't think they ever have the softshell at the sample sales though.

Seriously - what you say makes perfect sense, annoyingly. However, your talk of end of season sales - now THAT interests me even more!
WeirdNeville said:
I've used Altura jackets for 10 years now, in fact I've only gone through 3 in that time. I find them ideal. The thing about breatheable jackets is you really need a good wicking layer under them. Merino woll top is great. I do find that the jacket gets wet if I just have a cotton t-shirt underneath, but with a proper base layer they work very well.
I went for an Altura jacket in the end so we shall see how I get on - it had a lot of good reviews so fingers crossed!AyBee said:
Did you get the fluro one? I'm tempted by this since it seems to get rave reviews (especially with regard to cooling since I run quite hot anyway
) but I'm not sure I want the fluro, and yet, I still want to be seen 
Yes, a fluro one
) but I'm not sure I want the fluro, and yet, I still want to be seen 
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/night-v...
The zip has fell off .. but I've had it at least 2 years
TonyHetherington said:
However, your talk of end of season sales - now THAT interests me even more!
Unfortunately you've just missed it. Was back in August. Next one will be January/Feb time. To get the cheap cheap prices you also have to queue for hours outside the store in London, or wait until the web sale starts a week or so later, when things are still cheap but not anywhere near as cheap as the store prices.I got an Endura Stealth jacket last year and it has been great. Plenty of warmth, fully waterproof and with lots of zips to vary the ventilation.
Mine is bright yellow, which they don't seem to be selling this year. Not cheap but not silly money either.
Mine is bright yellow, which they don't seem to be selling this year. Not cheap but not silly money either.
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