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My old club Windtex jacket isn't windproof anymore, so now the weather is starting to turn chilly on the morning commute I need a new one. Windproof, not waterproof.
Looking for a more casual commute/MTB fit rather than race-snake, bright colour for daytime visibility but maybe not full flouro, some reflectives would be a bonus. 0 to 10 degrees temp range, I don't run particularly hot or cold, and I'm willing to go decent money, but maybe not Castelli prices, (unless a sale item). I've had a look but there's bloody millions to choose from, so hoping someone can help me narrow the search with a good suggestion.
Ta.
Endura Singletrack? £52 at Cyclestore
I have one and it's decent enough - similar to their old Stealth jacket and good for the temp range you mentioned
*edit - they only have it in black
I’ve got the Giro Ambient jacket which is great, runs pretty warm though and is dark blue so not sure it fits the colour scheme requirements.
Have a look at Galibier if you want 'value for money'. Their Grand Tour or Roubaix jackets look pretty decent though you zero degrees requirement might be hard to meet without going for Primaloft or similar...
Aldi £11.99 this week. Gotta be worth a try at that price for what you need
https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/adventure-ridge-softshell-jacket-000000000646496015
I've been commuting in an Aldi soft shell for 6 years
A couple of the zips have needed a stitch.
I've got oil on it and can't get the small stain out of the cuff.
Other than that good with t shirt from 10C to 4C and good with a. T-shirt jumper down to just below freezing.
Not particularly waterproof anymore but I still chose to wear it October to march most days commuting.
I don't need a new jacket, but looking at that one I might just have to wander up to Aldi later this week and have a glance at this year's biking kit!
My Rab VR Alpine (basically the walking equivalent of a Cinder bike jacket) is the thing I reach for more often than not on a cool, cold or damp day. Super breathable, just warm enough without being hot, cut well, really well made, windproof and (keep a wee spray of DWR up) and surprisingly water resilient....
It's an old model now, but there's a few around.
There's actually a Rab outlet store a couple of miles from my house, so would definitely be worth checking that out. And for 12 quid, well I'll also swing by Aldi on Thursday, shame it's not a brighter color, that blue is going to blend into the background.
But some other interesting options that I've got open in tabs, I might think about a new waterproof too!
Thanks all.
I love my Fox soft shell. And it’s waterproof.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/19583824/fox-men-s-ranger-fire-jacket-19583824
The Prenda windtex jackets are nice.
Pretty versatile temperature range.
Various colours as well.
If you're OK buying from Evans they have some clearance bargains still, e.g. https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/dare-2b/unisex-illume-lightweight-wind-shell-jacket-325980#colcode=32598015 (although not sure I'd want a battery-powered jacket...). Otherwise there's quite a few options on Sports Pursuit
There's actually a Rab outlet store a couple of miles from my house, so would definitely be worth checking that out.
Rab Borealis seems to come up a lot on these sort of threads. I've just had one turn up (the Cinder bike version) and it's very nice. Definitely a more of a relaxed fit than my other soft-shells but that just means I can pick the base-layer for the conditions.
nothing shifts sweat quite as good as a paramo waterproof.
avoid their windproofs. Their waterproofs work waaay better for not much more bulk.
ebay?
Went to aldi last night but didn't see any cycling clobber. Did manage to pick up a tasty venison steak though, so wasn't a totally wasted journey.
I’ve a Stolen Goat soft shell. It’s one warm jacket.
Reflectives on the back, a coloured star pattern, so stands out without being garish.
I didn’t expect it to be waterproof, but it hasn’t leaked yet.
Got it in a sale, so wasn’t too ££
I just went and picked up one of the Aldi softshells. Seems like it might be a bit thick/hot for autumn but will probably be fine when it's a bit colder. For around a tenner I'm not that fussed if it turns out to be rubbish!
Just picked up a Lidl 'Crivit' packable job in 'M' for the £7.99.
Strangely while it's a bit baggier when worn than my DHB packable Jacket and will therefore fit slightly better over a couple of layers, it packs a little smaller. Both are Running jackets not cycling specific jobs.
I almost bought it in Large, but I'm glad I didn't, the fit is (as ever from Aldi/Lidl) a bit 'German' but it's not a bad emergency shell for eight quid...
I'm tempted to cut the hood off, but I'll see if it annoys me first.
I think I'll keep the DHB in use for Road/Gravel the little strap on it suits being hooked over the bars and it's a better fit with less baggy kit underneath, I'll use the Lidl Special more for the MTB I think.
So the Aldi one doesn't seem like it'll be great for riding, I had a quick ride wearing it today. The arms are a bit short and it seemed to get a bit tight around the back/shoulders when in a riding position. So it'll be relegated to dog walking duties instead I think.
“avoid their windproofs. Their waterproofs work waaay better for not much more bulk.”
The Paramo waterproofs are over twice the weight and three or four times as bulky as their windproofs - and a lot warmer too. Great jackets for when it’s cold enough that you leave them on and they’re not going to get covered in mud, so for my MTBing that that’s literally just for rare snow rides. Good for winter commutes though!
There's actually a Rab outlet store a couple of miles from my house, so would definitely be worth checking that out.
Rab Borealis seems to come up a lot on these sort of threads. I've just had one turn up (the Cinder bike version) and it's very nice. Definitely a more of a relaxed fit than my other soft-shells but that just means I can pick the base-layer for the conditions.
they’re great (I’ve got 2) for cool or cold dry weather but they’re not even slightly water resistant so if there’s any risk of rain you need to carry something else as well. But so great for a commute.
To update this thread, I ordered an Endura Windchill II in bright red. Nice jacket, but of course despite checking my measurements and consulting the size chart their random size generator means it's going back.
I note they've even started putting a returns envelope inside the shipping box automatically. 🙄 The search continues!
“they’re great (I’ve got 2) for cool or cold dry weather but they’re not even slightly water resistant so if there’s any risk of rain you need to carry something else as well.”
I think that depends on your activity level, how warm you run and how cold it is. I don’t care about getting wet when I’m MTBing, I just want to be about the right temperature - a Borealis in the rain is warmer than just wearing a base layer and cooler than wearing something more weatherproof.
It is always worth a look at the Montane outlet at Mountainkit.com. They specialise in fell running stuff but maybe something suitable with decent discounts and brilliant aftercare.
Note sure if this fits the brief, but I bought a https://www.gorewear.com/en-uk/r3-windstopper-jacket-mens-100624?variant=14092 from SP for £50. I already have a nice Gore waterproof cycling specific jacket but I don't really like stuffing that in my pack.
The cut on this (M for me) is great, not too baggy but not race fit. Decent enough tail drop even tho it's not cycling specific. Feels a lot warmer than a standard windproof, but not as warm as some of my older softshells. Feels really nicely made. No hood but I only ever want those on my rain jackets.
I think it'll be a perfect start/end of autumn day and pub jacket. Is also extremely orange so ideal for riding home from said pub.