ride in a rain jacket like the pros

[yello]

I thought the pros had more-or-less the same kind of kit as availble to us mere mortals, but maybe I'm mistaken...

http://www.cyclingne...ent-rain-jacket

"The combination of patterns, materials, and construction makes it a very unique piece," he said. "As far as I know (from the factory), this construction and pattern is only available for the Pro Tour teams. They are making a special run for us with that same team spec. The factory has many patterns that are not sold at all, and they've agreed to let Curve use them for some special order items."

"Probably a fairly small market will be interested, but a lot of the pro team stuff really is quite different than what's sold to the general public," Nejezchleb continued. "So we are trying to offer some true pro level items. I don't know if we'll sell that many but it's super cool gear so that's mainly why we're doing it."

You'd think from the above descriptions that this jacket would be mind boggling expensive but it's US$200. You'd pay more for Assos or Rapha.

 

[Jezston]

Hmm, sizing looks like it'll be too short for my long torso.

Also, whatever would a 'pro' need in a jacket that wouldn't be useful for anyone else?

Presumably this means it doesn't have any pockets?

 

[Norm]

You'd think from the above descriptions that this jacket would be mind boggling expensive but it's US$200. You'd pay more for Assos or Rapha.

I was thinking that. There are plenty of walking jackets for a lot more than $200, with a lot less work having gone into them than that.

 

[Fiona N]

I guess a big part will be the quality of the material. The construction itself is pretty simple e.g. doing away with the zip removes about 20% of the operations in the sewing process and 2 long strips of velcro is a lot quicker to sew than half a dozen short sections on the storm flaps that you usually need with a zipped jacket (unless it's a waterproof zip), no hood or pockets - so there are manufacturing savings to be gained here. So I'd say if the fabric is top notch then the jacket's a bargain. if the fabric's so-so, not so much of a bargain.

 

[amaferanga]

Presumably the cut of the jacket is designed for quite an aggressive position on the bike? The velcro closure is a good thing if you're in a race and you need to put it on or take it off, but for everyday riding I'd rather have a zip with a storm flap.

However, having seen how flappy the rain jackets of Pros often are I'm not at all convinced that many of them use special jackets.

 

[yello]

However, having seen how flappy the rain jackets of Pros often are I'm not at all convinced that many of them use special jackets.

I know what you mean.

Their kit generally looks nothing out of the ordinary. I suspect some of them still have their mum's to launder it.

That's a thought innit? Do you suppose it's just like when you were a kid in the local football team? That is, mum's took turns in washing the entire kit,

Can you imagine the conversations at Team Sky?

Who is on kit duty?
I think it's Bradley.
Nah, not me. I did it last time.

...I wonder who washes whiter!

oh, there's a doping gag there if you want one!

 

[jimboalee]

The old boys on here will call it a "Race cape".
I had a 'see through' one.

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/reviews/clothing/jackets/bicycle-line-clear-race-cape/23055.html

 

[jimboalee]

PS

BLACK is not the ideal colour to ride round in, IN THE RAIN....

 

[fossyant]

Less of the old..... you can get race capes for about £20, not $200.

 

[gavintc]

Less of the old..... you can get race capes for about £20, not $200.

I think more of a boil in the bag version for 20 GBP than a race quality waterproof. It will be interesting to see what the development of the product is. If it was sold in white, I would be interested.