THE CYCLING JACKETS GUIDE
You wake up to the pitter-patter of rain on the window. The thermometer has plunged to cold temperatures. You’ve been planning a big day on the bike. What now? Are you the type to bail and ride another day? Or do you relish the challenge of inclement elements?
Whether you are a hardened foul-weather cyclist or not, the right cycling jacket will make your day on the bike a lot better. Fortunately, cycling gear is more advanced than ever.
Here’s our guide to finding the right Sportful jacket for any conditions.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CYCLING JACKET:
Every seasoned rider has a go-to jacket in their cycling gear. It can be layered with other tops. It helps block the wind, insulate your body from the cold, and ward off raindrops. There are two key considerations when shopping for your go-to cycling jacket: Weather conditions, and riding style.
- WEATHER CONDITION: with a little local knowledge, you can anticipate what sort of weather conditions you’ll face on the average winter ride. If you live somewhere rainy, like the Pacific Northwest or New England, a waterproof cycling jacket will be valuable. In cold, dry places like Colorado, a heavily insulated winter cycling jacket will be best. As you’ll see, some jackets can do it all, while others are more specialized.
- RIDING STYLES: Consider what type of riding you normally do in the winter months. If you are keen for fast-paced group rides or intense training, you might want a jacket that’s more aerodynamic and breathable for harder efforts. If you explore gravel roads at a mellower pace, a more relaxed fit with better insulation and waterproofing could be best for adventure.
KEY FEATURES WHEN CHOOSING A CYCLING JACKET:
By now you have an idea of what sort of conditions you’ll face out on the road. You also can anticipate what type of rides you’ll do this winter. Now, let’s get granular and consider the features that your cycling jacket should have.
TOP FIVE CYCLING JACKETS FOR WINTER
There’s a wide variety of cycling clothing options on the market. But the leaves are turning, the temps are dropping, and you need a winter cycling jacket now. Okay, don’t stress. Here are our five picks for the upcoming season:
- Fiandre Jacket: for rainy conditions, this jacket is treated with a DWR coating to keep you dry, while the 218-gram Gore-Tex® Infinium® insulates against the cold. A breathable back panel makes this a great jacket for fast winter group rides or intense training in the cold.
- Super Jacket: a slightly more refined option for all-weather riding, this new jacket also relies on Gore-Tex® Infinium® for warmth. More pockets and an additional zipper flap for weather protection differentiate this from the Tempo Jacket.
- Supergiara Jacket: With a looser fit and Polartec Alpha torso insulation, this new addition is perfect for big adventures on unknown roads. A lighter 173-gram Gore-Tex® Infinium® exterior fabric helps keep the elements at bay. Two zippered chest pockets afford additional storage.
- Supergiara Puffy LS: for the new-school riders who like to stuff jackets in frame or handlebar bags, this puffy jacket is ready for a cold descent back to town after a long, hard gravel climb. The loft provided by the 40-gram Thermore ecodown is meant for winter weather. Zippered pockets enable secure storage or compact stowage.
- Tempo Jacket: this new offering is ideal for training all winter long, no matter how cold it gets. The 299-gram Gore-Tex® Infinium® fabric is insulated and windproof. A regular cut gives you some room to layer without feeling bulky.
JACKETS FOR ROAD CYCLING
JACKETS FOR GRAVEL
Choosing a winter cycling jacket comes down to personal preferences and your local conditions. Some riders like the simplicity of a base layer and one do-it-all jacket. Others like multiple layers, so they can adjust their kit throughout the day. See what your friends like to wear, consider your own preferences, and then gear up so that you’ll be ready to ride all winter long.
