Tag: fashion

With the weather warming up, temperatures are already hitting late-spring highs in the low 70s. While that is an unusual anomaly, it’s almost time to put away winter riding apparel until next year. There may still be a few cool days ahead, though, especially in the morning before the sun infiltrates the day with its heat.

When you go out for a ride this early in the spring, chances are a base layer under your jersey with arm warmers and leg warmers may give you all you need to be comfortable on the bike. For cool mornings and colder days of riding, a riding jacket may be a better alternative.

What’s the Purpose of a Cycling Jacket?

The purpose of a cycling jacket is to keep you warm but allow full mobility. It is usually worn on cool to cold days when a long-sleeve jersey with a base layer isn’t enough.

A cycling jacket is made to fit and to wear like a long-sleeve jersey but is a little thicker. In most cases, it has a full zipper and three back pockets just like a jersey.

With my jacket (pictured above), it gives me the option to zip off the sleeves and wear it more like a vest on days. That makes for a versatile garment that works on cold and just cool rides.

What Makes a Good Cycling Jacket?

A cycling jacket is thick enough that you could wear it over a long-sleeve base layer and stay pretty warm. Jackets are sometimes ventilated better and offer better wind protection than a jersey and vest option, which are just a few of the elements a good jacket should have.

If you’re unsure about what makes a good riding jacket, here are some additional things to look for you should keep in mind as you shop around. A well-made jacket should check all the boxes mentioned below. Just keep in mind you may have to pay a little more for a garment that covers all these elements.

• Waterproof
• Windproof
• High neck
• Reflective details
• Lightweight

Where to Find a Cycling Jacket?

While you can buy a cycling jacket from online retailers, a local bike shop, or sporting goods store, what’s important is that you find a well-made jacket that can hold up to the rigors of riding and is comfortable.

For such a technical garment as a cycling jacket, I would recommend a visit to a bike shop or sporting goods store. There you can try them on and judge the comfort level. Cycling jackets are a sized garment. But if you wear a large in a cycling jersey, chances are a large in a cycling jacket should work fine.

Typical Cost of a Riding Jacket

If you can’t go to a cycling-specific store or you just can’t find what you want, internet retailers will definitely offer you a wider selection. While all the major cycling clothing manufacturers make cycling jackets, all are not equal.

For a name brand, you can’t go wrong with Gorewear. Their claim to fame is creating waterproof and wind-resistant products. I’ve had mine for years and it has held up well.

Cycling jackets can be very expensive. They can start around $160 and go all the way to $300. I know I paid over $200 for mine. This Gorewear jacket is marked as $180. I would say watch for sales at your favorite cycling clothing distributors.

Last Thoughts

A cycling jacket is an excellent piece to add to your riding arsenal. However, it may not be as essential if you live in a region where cold winters aren’t as prevalent. But a good cycling/ riding jacket is very versatile and can be used in a variety of cold weather conditions.

Since a riding jacket can be quite expensive, it’s good to know that it is something you won’t have to buy season after season. So shop smart and get the jacket that works best for you and matches the kind of cool-weather rider you are.