Jackets

Cycling jackets: wind, water and the breathability trade

On a bike you produce a lot of heat and you sit in a lot of apparent wind, which puts every jacket in a bind. A fabric that keeps all the rain out also slows the sweat vapour trying to get from you to the air. Choosing a jacket is choosing which of those two you would rather live with on the rides you actually do.

Windproof shells

A windproof shell with a treated front panel and a breathable back covers roughly 8 to 16 degrees and handles the majority of Australian riding. Wind chill is what makes you cold on a bike, so blocking wind at the chest does most of the work of a much heavier garment. These pack into a jersey pocket, which is the whole point.

Thermal winter jackets

A thermal jacket adds a brushed or fleece-backed lining and covers roughly 0 to 10 degrees. It is the right answer for Adelaide hills dawn starts through June to August, worn over a base layer and a long sleeve jersey.

Waterproof shells

A fully waterproof shell earns its place when you commit to riding in sustained rain. It trades breathability for that protection, so you get wet from the inside on a hard effort. Owning one and reaching for it deliberately works better than trying to make it your everyday jacket.

For most riders here the honest split is a windproof shell for nine months of the year, a thermal jacket for winter mornings, and a waterproof kept for the days the forecast is unambiguous. A gilet covers the gap when only your chest needs protecting.

Fit

Cycling jackets are cut for the riding position, which is why they look short at the front and long at the back on a hanger. Sleeves run long so your wrists stay covered when you reach the bars. Check the fit with a jersey underneath, since a jacket that fits over a t-shirt will be tight over a loaded jersey.

Keeping the water repellency working

The DWR finish on a jacket wears off with dirt and detergent. Wash with a technical wash, then reactivate the finish with 20 minutes in a warm dryer or a low iron through a cloth. A jacket that has stopped beading water is usually just dirty.

We stock Castelli, Santini, MAAP, Pearl Izumi and Isadore. See the full winter cycling range, or visit our Adelaide showroom for a fitting.