Windproof for winter

[mike-L]

Hi all.

First winter since returning to the fold (and non-fold!) and I need a windproof for commuting and fast day rides (50-100 miles).
There's a huge and confusing range of stuff out there, so advice appreciated!
Here's a range I've found (not gonna spend more than about £70)
It would be worn over a base layer and over 2 layers when it gets cold - I don't want it really tight but at the same time I don't want it flapping about.
Not bothered about pockets but am bothered about breathability.

So here's what I've found. Any horror stories or recommendations? Any +1s for any of these? What about Aldi/Lidl?

Right now I think the Ron Hill (though really a running jacket) or the Featherlite Velo look best VFM.

• Sportful Reflex 2 - 30
• Altura Cropton - 32
• Featherlite Velo - 39 (Pertex)
• Pearl Izumi - 39
• Altura Etape - 50
• Ronhill Men's Advance Windlite - 50
• Polaris Vortex - 56
• Northwave Vertigo - 57
• dhb Windslam Soft Shell 2011 - 70
• Altura Reflex - 70
• Castelli Leggero - 75
• Gore Bike Wear Oxygen II SO - 84

 

[scouserinlondon]

I have a range of clothes which i tend to mix and match for colder weather. As a coat I have the montaine featherlite and also and Altura windproof jacket. I run quite hot so once I get going I need to take off a layer. I've also given up on trying to get a waterproof which I won't sweat in. This morning I had a base layer, cycling t shirt and the featherlite and tbh has too hot. Would have been better with the Tshirt and Altura Windproof (but I'm delaying getting that out until it's proper cold.

If it rains I use the featherlite, it's not 100% waterproof and you do get a bit wet, but no wetter than sweating in a boil in the bag goretex for me.

 

[mr Mag00]

my view, having tried a number of fabrics, i too get very warm. Windstopper fabric is amazing so buy a coat which is made of this the only i have found which works. there you go!

 

[mike-L]

So any idea which of the above has Windstopper?

my view, having tried a number of fabrics, i too get very warm. Windstopper fabric is amazing so buy a coat which is made of this the only i have found which works. there you go!

 

[Crankarm]

I have the Ronhill Advance Windlite. It is excellent for cycling although really a running jacket which I use it for as well, pretty much everyday. You can just about feel a Fen gale through it when cycling into a head wind battling to reach 8mph. But as I say it is really a running windproof jacket so it does amazingly well. For running it's brilliant, very light and waterproof. It has a very slightly more generous cut than a cycling specific jacket. No windproof or waterproof jacket will stop you sweating thus becoming wet inside if you are going for it although the Ronhill does a pretty good job it is by no means a boil in the bag experience.

I also have a Montane Featherlight cycling windproof jacket I think. I say I think as the LBS that sold it me (Ben Haywards) at a very reduced price did not include the small stuff sack that ALL Montane jackets are supplied with or any of the manufacturers tags that come with a new jacket, hence the knock down price so may be some one bought it, didn't like it, then returned it minus the little stuff sack and tags. Anyhow the few times I've worn it, it seems very competent at keeping the wind and water out. It is breathable, but you still get a little sweaty when wearing it if you are going for it, but like the Ronhill it is not a boil in the bag affair, so it's breathable properties must work! It has a more pronounced longer back specifically for cyclists than the Ronhill Windlite although I have not noticed any probs with the Ronhill in this department.

Of the two I prefer the Ronhill as it feels and looks better made and will therefore last longer. Plus I do a lot of running for which it is perfect. I still have Ronhill running clothes I bought 15 years ago which are still going strong.

Both jacket sleeves around the elasticated wrists seem to become a little saturated due to the accumulation of sweat despite wearing a base layer or two beneath, but nothing that is too serious.

I have a much older Altura Sympatex jacket which is supposed to be breathable and waterproof but on the occasions I do wear it, it can feel like a boil in the bag experience so you weigh up if the rain is light whether it is better to do without it. But now I have the Ronhill and Montane jackets which are both far superieur IME I don't have this problem any more as I wear either of them in preference to the Altura.

HTH.

 

[mike-L]

In the end I got a Lusso WindTex.

I already had some Lusso tights which are solid quality without paying for the flash, and the jacket is the same.

Slightly clammy in the early parts of a ride in the cold, by the time you've warmed up its wonderful. No boil in the bag here.
Wicks well but on an intensive ride it can get quite wet at the back - not that you feel it at the time - but the pockets aren't waterproof. Fine for gels and a zip pocket for phone, but that is best kept in a baggie. Very effective reflective stripe on the back (starting to get home in the dark now).
I keep a cheapo Castelli shell in the seatpost bag for downpours (none yet luckily).

So, thumbs up for Lusso.

 

[Dags11]

Hi

Bought this last month from PBK, it was reduced to £32, stonking value considering Wiggle sell it for £110.

Well chuffed with it, used in a couple of downpours (no leaks), wind & more recently cold.

In fact, for my 05.00 commute, I wear a cycle top, rugby vest & arm warmers under this jacket with no chill or boilinthebag effects - so all in all a resounding +1 for Craft.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/craft-elite-winter-jacket/

• As an aside, do any of you guys use Craft, never really heard of them until I made this purchase.