Bike jackets

Cycling jackets for training, commuting and riding in changeable weather

Cycling jackets allow you to adapt torso protection to temperature, wind, precipitation and exercise intensity. A proper cycling jacket should work with a bent-over riding position, provide freedom of shoulder movement and not ride up excessively when holding the handlebars. A cycling jacket can be a lightweight wind layer, a rainproof model or an insulated construction intended for colder months. Cycling jackets from the POC brand are worth comparing in terms of cut, ventilation and level of weather protection. A POC cycling jacket may suit different conditions than a thicker winter cycling jacket, so before buying you should determine the dominant season and riding pace. Important features include a longer back, shaped sleeves, adjustable cuffs, zip guard, material breathability and the ability to pack the garment into a small bag. Women's and men's cycling jackets should leave room for a properly chosen base layer but must not form loose folds that catch air at higher speeds. Completing the outfit are cycling gloves, adapted to temperature and grip type. Well-chosen cycling jackets provide thermal comfort, protection from cooling and comfort on the road, so it's worth matching them to the actual conditions posed by cycling and cycling jackets.

Cycling rain jackets – membrane, ventilation and wind protection

Jackets designed for rain should limit water penetration while allowing moisture generated during effort to escape. A cycling rain jacket can use a membrane, laminate or a material with a hydrophobic finish, but the overall level of protection is determined by the whole construction, including seams, zippers and hood. A rain jacket for cycling should have sealed critical areas, a extended rear panel and sleeves that provide coverage even in a bent-over position. Cycling jackets from the ASSOS brand can be assessed in terms of intended use, cut and solutions that support comfort when riding in adverse weather. A lightweight cycling jacket can work as an emergency layer carried in a jersey pocket, while a more developed cycling rain jacket is intended for prolonged exposure to precipitation. Important aspects are material waterproofness, breathability, protection of the main zipper, adjustment of the hem, elastic sleeve endings and proper collar fit.

Rain jackets should not protect from rain at the expense of completely restricting air exchange. During climbs and high-intensity riding the body produces a lot of heat, so a cycling rain jacket may have ventilation openings, zippers that allow adjustment of airflow or materials with increased vapor permeability. A cycling rain jacket should also be selected according to temperature – a very lightweight model that mainly protects against precipitation will not provide the same insulation as a winter cycling jacket. Riders in colder days can supplement their kit with cycling underwear that forms a layer directly against the body. A POC cycling jacket and models from other manufacturers should be judged by the parameters of the specific construction, not solely by the brand. Another POC cycling jacket may have a completely different purpose, for example focusing primarily on wind protection rather than prolonged rain. Important features are small packed volume, no stiff elements at the neck, free shoulder movement and elements improving visibility. A well-chosen cycling rain jacket helps respond to sudden weather deterioration, and a functional cycling rain jacket allows maintaining comfort even on longer rides. Water protection, ventilation and proper fit should form a coherent whole if cycling jackets are to perform in variable conditions.

Winter cycling jackets for women and men – insulation without overheating

Winter cycling jackets used in the winter season should provide protection against wind and cooling while also supporting the removal of excess heat during intense effort. A winter cycling jacket differs from a classic city jacket mainly by its cut adapted to the riding position, shaped sleeves and solutions that reduce draft on the back. A men's winter cycling jacket may have a different shoulder and torso line than a women's winter cycling jacket, but the basis for choice remains the actual measurements of the user and the number of layers worn underneath. Cycling jackets from the Endura brand are worth comparing in terms of level of insulation, wind resistance and construction intended for a specific kind of riding. An Endura cycling jacket can be lightweight and aimed at high intensity or more enclosing if it's to be used for more relaxed rides in low temperatures. For the latter choice an Endura cycling jacket should be judged for wind-protective panels, breathable zones, torso insulation and cuff adjustment.

Winter cycling jackets should not be chosen solely based on the lowest temperature the manufacturer anticipates for use. Riding pace, route length, wind and individual cold tolerance matter. A men's winter cycling jacket for intense training may have less insulation than a model intended for relaxed commuting. Similarly a women's winter cycling jacket should allow layering without pressure on the shoulders and chest. Women's cycling jackets must provide a free reach to the handlebars, and men's cycling jackets should not pull between the shoulder blades when riding in the drops. Useful features are a high collar, lower back protection, pockets accessible in the cycling position and visibility-enhancing elements. The head and ears can be additionally protected with a cycling hat fitted to the helmet.

Winter cycling jackets should also work with layers worn on the legs and torso. Too many bulky elements can restrict movement and lead to excessive sweating, so a better solution is a considered system consisting of a base layer, an insulating layer and an outer layer. A women's and men's winter cycling jacket should allow temperature regulation by opening the zipper or using ventilation zones. On colder but dry days an alternative to full arm protection can be cycling vests if riding intensity is high and mainly torso protection is needed. A women's cycling jacket and a men's cycling jacket should remain stable during leaning, torso twists and reaching for a bottle. Elastic panels, anatomic cut, proper sleeve length and no excess material affect comfort during long hours of riding. A well-fitted winter cycling jacket helps maintain the balance between insulation and ventilation, so appropriately chosen winter cycling jackets are the basis of an outfit for cold months. Layering, the correct size and wind protection ensure that cycling jackets retain their functionality.

Fox and Endura cycling jackets – fit for MTB, road and touring

Cycling jackets should match the nature of the discipline, since a road cyclist needs a different cut than someone riding MTB on technical trails. A cycling jacket intended for fast road riding usually has a more fitted cut that reduces fabric flapping and helps maintain an aerodynamic silhouette. In MTB a looser construction providing greater freedom of movement and the ability to wear pads can be practical. Cycling jackets from the Fox brand are worth comparing in terms of cut, material durability and suitability for specific disciplines of mountain biking. A Fox cycling jacket can perform well during trail riding, enduro or everyday training, depending on the model's parameters. Another Fox cycling jacket may instead emphasize rain protection, reinforcements in exposed areas or breathability. An Endura cycling jacket should also be chosen according to surface type and riding intensity, not only on stylistic grounds. For touring a greater number of functional pockets and a cut that allows comfortable wearing for many hours are useful.

Cycling jackets should keep the right position when changing positions on the bike. A men's cycling jacket with a sporty cut may be shorter in front and noticeably longer at the back, while a women's cycling jacket may account for different torso and hip proportions. Regardless of style, a cycling jacket should not crease under backpack straps or cause neck pressure. In MTB resistance to contact with branches and dirt is also important, while in road cycling low weight, compactness and a close fit matter more. For eye protection during fast riding you can choose cycling glasses and goggles appropriate for light conditions. A POC cycling jacket can be considered in a set aimed at technical riding or road training, depending on the specific model, while an Endura cycling jacket can perform well in touring, MTB or daily commuting. Each variant, however, requires checking the temperature range, level of water protection, cut and adjustment options.

Cycling jackets retain functionality longer when properly cared for. A cycling rain jacket may require periodic renewing of hydrophobic properties, but only methods suitable for the material and the manufacturer's recommendations should be used. Rain jackets for cycling should not be washed with random detergents or fabric softeners if the manufacturer does not allow them, as they can affect the fabric's technical properties. A winter cycling jacket also requires proper drying and storage without permanently crushing the insulating layer. After riding in mud you should remove dirt from zippers, cuffs and the lower back area and then check the condition of seams, operation of sliders, flexibility of finishes and the fabric surface. Winter cycling jackets should be stored in a dry place, and lightweight rain models folded without sharp creases. A properly cared-for Fox, POC or Endura cycling jacket can retain its properties for seasons if the cleaning method matches the materials used. A well-chosen cut, weather protection, ventilation and proper care allow the jacket to be used on the road, MTB and touring, which is why cycling jackets remain a versatile element of cycling apparel.