Transparent Waterproof Jacket Needed

[lejogger]

Hi Folks

I'm in the market for a new waterproof. Needs to fit in a jersey pocket, be clear so that my club jersey is visible, perform well in the rain and preferably have a bit of breathability.
I've got a heavy duty winter waterproof that's fine, this is to replace the shower jacket I currently have (Endura Rebound) that now lets in a huge amount of water through the arms in almost anything but a drizzle. (Probably because I've washed it too many times)
I've seen two contenders so far:

Altura Ergofit Race Cape for about £55
Sugoi HydroLite for about £65


Just wondering if:
a) Anyone has any experience of these
b) There are any others I should consider.

Cheers

 

[fossyant]

Try and find something cheaper for a race cape - does it have to be see through ? Decathlon do race capes for £10 and come in a variety of colours - fine one that matches.

I wouldn't pay £50 for a race cape. They end up wrecked pretty quick with all the road crud if you don't have guards. Oh they are a bit boil in the bag, but you can unzip them. They need to keep you warm and dry ish.

 

[lejogger]

Try and find something cheaper for a race cape - does it have to be see through ? Decathlon do race capes for £10 and come in a variety of colours - fine one that matches.

I wouldn't pay £50 for a race cape. They end up wrecked pretty quick with all the road crud if you don't have guards. Oh they are a bit boil in the bag, but you can unzip them. They need to keep you warm and dry ish.

Thanks for your reply. I know you can get cheaper ones, and I also know you can pay through the nose for some that are all seeing and all dancing.
I was just after something middle of the road that will be a summer emergency cape, while at the same time being useful all year for good rain protection when it's not cold enough for my very waterproof winter jacket.
See through is my preference for club riding and may become essential for any club races or tts in bad weather as your jersey and number need to be visible. I didn't really want to have to buy two for different occasions.
I appreciate at this price there will be some compromise with the breath ability and waterproofness but I was hoping less compromise than there would be at the lower end of the market

 

[Mike!]

No experience with either but have always found Altura Jackets pretty good in General, I've had a light one for years and it's still going strong and still waterproof (no idea of the model though!!)

 

[fossyant]

For racing, you don't wear waterproofs - certainly not TT's !

 

[lejogger]

For racing, you don't wear waterproofs - certainly not TT's !

haha it's a fair point if 'you're a real man' you don't . I'm not really sure how much racing I'll be doing this season. Some but not a lot... I did just fancy a transparent one because of club kit being visible when out on rides... I think it looks good. The racing element was more 'just in case'.
I think the montane ones are supposed to be pretty good aren't they if not looking for transparent?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I think the Ergofit is the successor model to the Strada which I have.

What size are you? It's for sale.

 

[black'n'yellow]

For race capes, a £10 one will do exactly the same job as a £50 one. The only way your number will be visible through even a 'transparent' race cape is if you hitch up the back above the number. The comm will usually tell you to do this in the pre-race briefing if it's wet.

 

[montage]

For racing, you don't wear waterproofs - certainly not TT's !

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/409749_343408839038640_1747675436_n.jpg

First race of the season - those without waterproofs did not survive so well, me included!

 

[Piemaster]

I've got a DHB one. performed surprisingly well at keeping the top half dry(ish) initially on Sunday.
I still ended up very wet overall as it was lashing down for about 1/2 an hour and the rain ended up trickling down the back of my neck. Think more of shower type protection, but then I probably wouldn't bother to put it on for just a shower anyway

 

[yello]

I can recommend the Craft Performance Rain jacket in white. Shop around though as the wiggle price is £20 more than I paid.

I'm not sure it's as transparent as you're looking for (more translucent) but you should see race numbers and club colours okay though maybe not the name of every sponsor!

It is a excellent quality jacket, waterproof and pretty good breathability for the price point (and I run hot).

 

[lejogger]

I think the Ergofit is the successor model to the Strada which I have.

What size are you? It's for sale.

Hi Scilly Suffolk - Many thanks for the offer but I'm a 38" chest and about 75kgs so probably the size bigger than I'd need.
Cheers anyway

 

[lejogger]

I can recommend the Craft Performance Rain jacket in white. Shop around though as the wiggle price is £20 more than I paid.

I'm not sure it's as transparent as you're looking for (more translucent) but you should see race numbers and club colours okay though maybe not the name of every sponsor!

It is a excellent quality jacket, waterproof and pretty good breathability for the price point (and I run hot).

Sounds like a good option... thanks for the recommendation.

I actually bit the bullet and opted for the Sugoi for about £60. It's got some good reviews and I was intrigued by the claims about the fancy material it's made out of. Should be arriving today or tomorrow so I'll check it over and let you know if it's any good. If not I'll return and probably check out the Craft.

Thanks everyone.