![]() It’s the only softshell here that will stand up to proper rain – although, given the stitched seams, it’s not impermeable. Like that, it’s made in Britain from Windtex Storm Shield Fabric, a laminate with a waterproof (to 10,000mm) membrane in the middle. This is essentially a colder-weather version of the Lusso Aqua Repel. That’s primarily road cycling, including club riding, audax events and training, but they’re also good for mountain biking. Softshells are best for cycling that involves pushing on rather than pottering, and where a hardshell waterproof would be too flappy or too hot. As such, it doesn’t matter that they’re designed to keep you comfortable rather than completely dry. You wear one over a base layer, with bike kit. Unlike hardshell waterproof jackets, which function fine off the bike and can be worn over normal clothing, softshells are cycling specific. But like a jersey, they’re stretchy and tight fitting rather than loose and crinkly they also have elasticated pockets in the back. They have a full front zip, a high neck, and reflective detailing. They’re windproof, or at least wind resistant, and either showerproof or rainproof, thanks to water-repellent fabric and/or a microporous membrane. Like a jacket, they’ll keep out the worst of the weather. Join our Pumped Up Crew of micro volunteers!.Safe roads, traffic offences and the law.What to do if you have a cycling crash?.Getting sponsorship to cycle for Cycling UK.Winter softshells blur the line between jacket and jersey. Winter softshells blur the line between jacket and jersey. But like a jersey, they’re stretchy and tight-fitting rather than loose and crinkly, with elasticated pockets in the back. You wear one over a baselayer, with bike kit. That’s primarily road cycling, including club riding, audax events, and training, but they’re also good for mountain biking. It’s heavier than the non-Extreme version, having a thermal lining, so it’s warmer. It’s so cosy that I wouldn’t expect to get much non-winter use from it. The size S fitted me (37in chest) perfectly. The orange colour is loud and the long dropped-tail rear highly reflective. ![]() More jersey than jacket, as the name says, it’s a thinner and lighter top. Cycling at a decent tempo, I found it warm enough with a base layer for higher single digit temperatures. But I always took, and often wore, a gilet as well. ![]() The thermal fabric is treated for water repellency but it’s better at wicking sweat out than stopping rain coming in. There’s subtle (in daylight) reflectivity across the chest and upper arms, and more at the rear hem. It’s very stretchy and the fit is good, close, and accurate, other than the overlong arms. Madison's Roadrace Apex is a good choice for rides that are cold but not especially wet. There are water-resistant panels on the front, sides, and shoulders, but they’re not enough if it starts tipping down. There’s no microporous membrane it’s a mix of polyester and elastane. Those water-resistant panels are equally good at keeping out windchill, while the jersey-style rear panel allows excess heat to escape better there. Sizing is tighter than average I only just fitted the Small. There are reflective accents on the arms and dropped rear tail. ![]() The Gore C5 Gore Windstopper: so good they named it twice? It is an excellent windproof. As well as having plenty of polyester bulk, there’s a Gore Windstopper membrane sandwiched between fleecy inner and brushed outer. Only the Lusso, which is more rainproof, did as good a job in the winter chill. ![]()
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