This winter cycling jacket was tested by Sanjay Sharma, Cyclop Team. Sanjay has finished Ironman 70.3 Goa, 3 Full Marathons, 9 Half Marathons, and a couple of Triathlons and Trail Runs.
Finally, a winter jersey for cycling! The moment I slipped my arms into the jersey, the soft, silky, warm feel of fleece told me in an instant that it would be just right for winter rides.
So to test it, I wore it over a cycling base layer and a t-shirt and went for a ride in the 9 -10 °C Delhi cold. And it did just what it was meant to do – kept me warm and dry.
FABRIC, WARMTH & THERMAL SEALING
The jacket is made of 100% antimicrobial polyester. It is brushed with fleece inside that feels soft and silky while giving the required warmth; feels very nice.
The long sleeves and the tight elastic cuffs ensure that there is minimal air going in from the arm hems and that provides much required thermal sealing; kept the body warm while blocking wind. Also, it is lightweight.
The collar is high enough to get covered under the neck buff and provide the required thermal sealing; and low enough for me to open the zipper just a bit and ventilate easily on long rides stretching into the heat of the day. Also, the zipper does not interfere with the movement of my neck or pull a hair from my beard when zipping up. Beards have their own problems!
STRETCH, COVERAGE & MOBILITY
The raglan sleeves of jacket give more underarm area and so allow greater freedom of movement of the arms, even if worn with multiple warm layers underneath. The longer back and the shorter front is perfect for hunched riding positions and helps keep the cold breeze from hitting the lower back.
FIT & STORAGE
Thanks to the extra stretchable side-panels, the jersey gives a very snug fit once zipped up. No baggy bulges and no flapping during the ride. Also, the tight fit makes the three back pockets sit nice and square on the back. They were big enough to store my nutrition tubes, extra buffs, GU Gels and granola bars for long rides and deep enough to keep the phone from bouncing out.
VISIBILITY
The jersey has only one small 3-inch reflector strip on the back, right at the pocket. This I felt was less and there could have been a few more reflectors as winter rides are usually in the dark or fog.
The graphic design is however very striking and appealing.
All in all, I quite love the jacket and would certainly recommend a cyclist to make it a part of his winter wardrobe.
PROS
- Soft and silky inner fleece
- 3X back pockets with good space for storage
- Stretchable side-panels to give a snug fit
CONS
Only one small reflective strip on the back
Want the jacket? Get one for yourself.
| How to Wear | Over a base layer and/or T-Shirt. Best paired with Heini Bib Tights. |
| Testing conditions | 9 to 10 °C (Delhi Cold) |
| Benefits | Roomy Pockets, Thermal Insulation |
| Fabric | Silky fleece, nice to feel |
| Fit | Snug, with stretch, coverage at the back, no flapping or bulges |
| Collar | High enough to be covered by a neck warmer, low enough for ventilation if the zip is opened a bit |
| Visibility | 3-inch reflective strip at the back |
| Graphics | Striking, appealing (subjective) |
| Price | 3,250 (Subject to change) |
| Designs | Available in 2 designs. Check on cyclop.in – Shut Up Legs – Inspire/Identity (pink, black, blue, grey) |
