Jackets

Winter gear can take some of the joy from riding with bulky layers required to stay warm. Sportful's Fiandre No-Rain Light Jacket aims to alleviate this with a jersey-like fit but jacket-like protection.

The Storck Windbreaker Jacket is a very high quality windproof jacket that is surprisingly breathable and keeps a good amount of rain out when you get caught short.

I'd argue that all road cyclists need a good lightweight windproof shell that can easily be stowed away, and this is the time of year when such a jacket comes into its own. The temperature, hell the weather, is all over the place at the moment and knowing what to wear can be a nightmare. Even for more experienced cyclists.

The Solo Rain Coat isn't the most waterproof option you can buy but it's a good-looking top that can be stowed in a rear pocket and brought out in a shower or for extra windproofing in cold weather.

Rapha are known for their classic clothing lines with subtle colour schemes. The Rapha Hardshell Jacket breaks from this with a new fabric and cut like no other winter jacket I've used, and offers it up in an almost commuter grade 'Chartreuse' yellow. The price is still very Rapha, which will keep some away from what is the best jacket our there for the weather on our fair island (in my opinion).

The Purna ProteKt Windproof shell jacket is so thin you'd expect it to tear at the first brush with a prickly bush but it has proved me quite wrong. Weighing 99g including carry sack, it's designed to be donned in a flash, protecting against wind chill whether screaming along a mountain pass or dribbling through Drabsville.

My daughter's reaction to me trying on the Polaris RBS Grid jacket was simply, 'WOW'. There really isn't an excuse for, 'sorry mate, I didn't see you,' if you're wearing this. To say the jacket is bright is an understatement.

The Gore Bike Wear Oxygen GT AS Jacket is Gore's lightweight sleek waterproof and breathable jacket for proper riding in the proper rain.

Performance outerwear has long been losing its nerdy neon persona in favour of something much sleeker. Purna Mens ProteKt Windproof Technical Jacket has a timeless appeal.

Regal shades of blue or green are the alternatives should the satin black prove too staid, but be aware of the lack of reflectives.

It's a hard-shell design with a surprisingly tactile texture more commonly associated with gloves and overshoes.

The Tornado jacket from Polaris is a garment for cold weather cycling. To keep you comfortable on those long winter rides, the panelling on the chest and sleeves is fully windproof.

In fact the Tornado is so good at keeping the elements at bay, when the temperature does rise it becomes something of hinderance.

The Kezzia is the new coat from Water off a Duck's Back, an independent company who specialize in designing cycle specific women's outerwear that doesn't scream out TECH!

Their garments are intended to be high performance and well featured, but still look like the sort of coat you'd grab if you were off out to the shops, rather than a club ride.