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review

Mavic Sprint Thermo Jacket

9
£155.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Stylish, warm, and weather resistant; an excellent winter riding jacket
Weight: 
467g
Contact: 

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Offering a good mix of heat retention, weather resistance and good looks, the Mavic Sprint Thermo Jacket has become my winter-riding jacket of choice.

I've been riding the jacket for a couple of months now, always hoping for the weather to chill down further to test it limits of comfort each time and now that we've finally had a few minus figures on the Garmin's temperature display I feel happy to write about it.

In autumnal weather it's a solid outer layer, keeping the rider snug and cosy inside, so much so that the vents on the lower sleeves (complete with fly filters to stop ingress) will be opened and the arms ventilated. Cold weather is where the jacket really shines however.

I've taken to reaching for the Sprint Thermo Jacket on the early mornings at the moment where I know it will keep me in good comfort levels despite the sub-zero temps. The front of the jacket features a wind-proof shell keeping the worst of the chill off of the chest - I've been wearing the jacket with a summer base layer just to test it, and it's done a grand job at keeping me feeling comfortable.

On the leading edge (that's the bit facing into the wind) the only real negative I've experienced has come from the underside of the sleeves. The outer material is windproof and does a great job, but if the sleeve twists the under side can come into direct contact with the wind. This can be negated simply by wearing a long sleeved jersey underneath; I imagine the jacket wasn't envisaged to be worn with just a sleeveless base layer.

Out and about in riding, the jacket is both comfortable and practical. There are three pockets and a zipped key pocket to the rear, with touches of reflectivity to aid visibility, plus a zipped chest pocket (I love zipped chest pockets). That all ensures the gel, tube and pump carrying capabilities are taken care of. The neck features a softer elastic material, rising higher than usual and this does a great job at keeping the snug-level high, without feeling over-bearing.

When the weather turns for the worst the jacket fends off the drizzle and road spray admirably. It's by no means waterproof, but will keep the wearer dry for a good amount of time if a covering isn't available. I wore it out for a couple of hours in heavy mist/drizzle and was both warm and dry inside, with the exterior of the jacket holding the wet at bay.

The cuffs are baggy/ergonomic. This will work for some although they aren't my preference, in practise they worked well with winter gloves and were comfortable.

An off-centre zip ensures that your beards doesn't get caught or your neck doesn't get chaffed, and keeps the look very smart and 'fast'.

I've really enjoyed my riding with the Mavic Sprint Thermo Jacket. it's been picked up more often than not, and despite the abuse it's taken it has washed up really well, shrugging off the worst of the road mank with ease.

Now that the weather has changed, if you find yourself getting caught out with the cold and wet then this should be at the top of your list.

Verdict

Stylish, warm, and weather resistant; an excellent winter riding jacket

road.cc test report

Make and model: Mavic Sprint Thermo Jacket

Size tested: Medium

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?

Aimed at those who want to ride with no mind to the weather, it does an excellent job at insulating you from the very worst conditions.

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

A shell front, elasticated (but relaxed fit) cuffs, wind-resistance in the relevant places and a good level of breathability - an excellent item.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

No issues at all in the two months of use.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

An excellent item, does exactly what it's intended for. It's not a rain jacket, but holds the worst at bay.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No issues.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

It's a solid jacket, reassuringly so.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

I've enjoyed our time together and the jacket has consistently been an asset.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

£150 is a good whack to lay out on a jacket, but it's by no means at the very top end. Its comfort and performance will see its value for money rise.

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

Great. It's the first jacket I reach for when it's cold and grotty outside.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The comfort and performance of the jacket is very good indeed. From chilly autumn days to sub zero december mornings the Sprint Thermo jacket has been a great performer.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'm not a fan of that style of cuff, preferring a velcro tab - but really that's pretty minor and the rest of jacket far outweighs that niggle.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Very much so.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

An excellent winter jacket to keep you riding in comfort, the materials, construction, and styling are top-notch indeed.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 176cm  Weight:

I usually ride: Rapide RC4, Raleigh SP Race, Hoffman BMX  My best bike is: Rapide RC4

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Adventure-packing, crossing-countries

 

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3 comments

Avatar
themartincox | 9 years ago
0 likes

We are indeed different people, it fits me nicer  3

Avatar
The _Kaner | 9 years ago
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Quite possibly the tester and the model are different people...hence the 'ill fitting' size in the pictures...as has been seen recently (re: the 'wrong way round' ladies bibs......) they are not always one and the same person...

Avatar
Curly | 9 years ago
0 likes

For me that jacket looks a tad baggy on the tester, not sure how it was awarded a 9 out of 10

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