Peter Walker and Matthew Taylor roadtest five cycling jackets that will keep you warm and dry in wintry weatherIf there's one more or less absolute essential in any cyclists' wardrobe, whether you occasionally trundle half a mile to the shops or routinely traverse mountain ranges, it's the rain jacket.This is all the more important once the winter weather closes in. You can get away with getting soaked on a brief spin when the air is warm, but try that in December and you'll be shivering within minutes.There is also an argument that while cycling in ordinary clothes is all very well much of the time, jackets are the one area where it's perhaps worth investing in something more specialist.The broad rule of thumb with
bike jackets is that of three desirable attributes – waterproofing, breathability and affordability – you rarely get more than two for your money. So to help you make the decision, we've tested out five jackets costing from just under £50 to a shade under £140. You can also listen to our impressions on the bike podcast.The jackets were provided by Condor Cycles, and are available from them or via the distributors listed below.Mavic Sprint – £89.99A racy little number from a French firm. It's nicely slim-fitting and, with a muted lime green finish, slightly less garish then the norm. You wouldn't necessarily choose to wear it down the pub, but nor would you stick out too much if you did. More importantly, it's very effective: I rode home in it several times in pouring rain, and stayed largely dry while avoiding that sticky boil-in-a-bag feeling.Mavic
UK distributorsEndura Luminite – £74.99Now if there's one thing this jacket is, it's bright, and that's even before you switch on the nifty LED light hidden within its rear flap. To me, it looks more like the sort of thing you'd wear while digging up the M6, and also feels a bit that way, and it would get pretty sweaty on a long ride. But it would certainly keep you warm – and vis ...
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