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review

swrve windbreaker

8
£46.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Stylish, lightweight windproof you can wear on and off the bike
Weight: 
150g
Contact: 
www.swrve.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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This understated lightweight windbreaker from Swrve is the ideal garment to have stowed away in your saddle pack for when the weather inevitably changes or you decide to stop off at the pub on the return leg of extended bike ride.

It's polyester construction does a good job of defending you from the wind and will keep you warm on your bike as long as you are putting the effort in. The material isn't too breathable but there are small mesh vents under the arm pits and one at the neck to help let some body vapour escape but they are more of a token effort - if you are really pushing it things can get a little 'boil in the bag'. Mind you the likelihood is that you'll have used the full length double zip at the front, which can be opened from the top or the bottom, to help regulate your heat well before things get uncomfortable. That double zip also helps reduce zip malfunctions which often happens when single zips snag on the zip cover. The 2 zippered pockets are mesh lined so could be used for extra ventilation if you open them up.

This is a packable windproof, not a waterproof, its resistance to water is what you might expect from a company coming from LA, it can handle a light shower that a good British summer day will throw at you but anything heavy or prolonged will make this jacket look like it is made of cling film. The fit is fashionably slim but not figure hugging and there is plenty of free arm movement that you don't actually notice wearing it plus the sleeves are long enough not to ride up your arm when your hands are on the bars.

The cycling cut extends to the back of the jacket which is a little lower to stop the spray from your rear wheel filling up your bum cleft [thanks for that - ed] plus it will keep that part covered when you are wearing your low slung jeans, you will be wearing low slung jeans won't you? The asymmetrical front zip goes up at a slight diagonal which is a great idea for those with a hairy chin so your beard doesn't get caught up in the zipper. Only a small label below the right pocket gives away its identity.

Available in gold, charcoal grey and cobalt blue. Sizes S, M and L.

Verdict

A stylish, lightweight, windbreaker that you can wear on and off the bike in fair weather and can easily be stuffed into a saddle bag.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: swrve wind breaker

Size tested: l

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

People who are after something more stylish than out and out functionality. Urban riders who use their bikes to travel everywhere like to the pub or the shop… all right that isn't quite everywhere, but you catch my drift.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

It's a windbreaker, it breaks wind, er, I mean block the wind from chilling you.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

It would benefit from being more water resistant and breathable but hey, it is only £46.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It seems to be holding up with no loose threads or busted zips. But, it wouldn't fair well on a mountain bike brushing though brambles or survive a tumble on tarmac without putting a hole it it.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

It weighs 150grams

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

The wicking mesh-lined collar add extra comfort. It is so light you barely know that you are wearing it plus it is slim fitting enough not to flap about too much.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It works well as a windbreaker and as a fair weather jacket.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

No logos, subtle and understated styling, slim fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It could be more water resistant.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 78  Weight: 178

I usually ride: Sparton, brakeless fixed  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

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