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review

Showers Pass Metro Jacket

6
£130.00

VERDICT:

6
10
Subdued styling limits the versatility of this pricey but effective waterproof
Weight: 
310g

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The Showers Pass Metro jacket is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. It's a performance rainproof that looks like sombre street-wear. It doesn't stand out too much when worn with normal clothes, but then again it doesn't really stand out in the road environment either.

Just to be clear: I don't think cyclists should have to wear day-glow colours. That argument gets too close to victim blaming, and it implies that you can't can't cycle in normal-looking clothes. Having said that, if I'm going to buy a dark jacket specifically to cycle in, I want it to be plenty reflective so that it stands out in any conditions when cars have their headlights on. The Metro has a reflective band across the hem at the back; I wanted the kind of reflectivity you get on the Endura Luminite and Altura Night Vision, both of which come in black as well as bright colours.

For an on-and-off the bike jacket, it's not quite as practical as I'd like when you're on foot. I missed handwarmer pockets at the front. They're useful. They also make a jacket look more like a normal garment, rather than some kind of smock.

On the bike, however, there's little to find fault with, aside from the aforementioned visibility and the steep price. The taped-seam 2.5 layer polyester/nylon fabric - called Artex, oddly, like what you put on ceilings - offers effective rain protection. I rode for 40 minutes through persistent heavy rain at one point and it kept me dry. Some jackets 'wet out' at the shoulders in these conditions. Possibly the shoulder patches, designed for reinforcement for cyclists who carry things on their back, helped out here.

I didn't overheat. The fabric is reasonably breathable. It's also vented. There are long vertical vents either side and another horizontal one between the shoulders, all covered with waterproof zips. The two rear hip pockets can also double as vents, since they're mesh lined. You can get at these small rear pockets if you wear a backpack when cycling. (I don't.) There's an internal chest pocket too, with a media port. I'd only use that to listen to satnav instructions from Google Maps on my phone.

The jacket collar is comfortable against your neck, as it's lined with a fleecy fabric. The main zip is asymmetrical, going off to the right side of your neck instead of tickling your Adam's apple. There's no elastic or shock-cord adjustability here, so the neck can scoop air when you're on the drops; pack a neck gaiter for cold conditions. It is elasticated at the hem, and the cuffs can be tightened with Velcro straps.

The cut is bike-friendly, being long enough in the arms and back, but fairly loose. That's a function of the North American sizing, where I am apparently Small rather than Medium. It did meant that it went easily over whatever I wore underneath, but made it less useful as jacket for training rides.

Training rides? In a commuter jacket? That's the thing: it is a performance jacket, not a boil-in-the-bag rain-shield for short hops only, and it will just about fold small enough to fit a jersey pocket. But training means bike gear, and I'm quite happy to look like a brightly-coloured bike geek then. In fact, I welcome it. So it's a shame this isn't also available in other colours. That way, you'd be getting two distinct uses from one jacket, which would go a long way to justifying its price. As it is, I think I'd just spent half as much on a commuter jacket from Altura, Endura, Madison, or Polaris and invest the rest in a decent wind/showerproof for the road bike.

It can be machine washed cold. Sizes S-XL (but note North American sizing). There's no direct women's equivalent.

Verdict

Subdued styling limits the versatility of this pricey but effective waterproof

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Showers Pass Metro 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?

They say: This waterproof-breathable 2.5-layer hardshell packs performance and style into a super light jacket (size medium weighs 10.6 oz).

Designed for urban adventures, the Metro waterproof cycling jacket has cycling specific features that don't interfere with life off the bike. High performance ArtexTM 2.5-layer material with double print is light-weight, waterproof and breathable. The Metro Jacket is ideal for longer training rides, daily commutes, and running errands around town when you want your jacket to offer high performance but not scream...

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

* ArtexTM Hardshell 2.5 fabric for waterproof-breathable performance without bulk

* Seam taped construction for maximum wind and waterproofness

* Reinforced shoulders protect fabric from backpack or messenger bag straps

* Asymmetrical front zipper reduces chafing at adam's apple

* 2-Way YKK wide tooth front zipper with storm flap

* Dual core vents and upper back 'exhaust pipe' vent for airflow without billowing

* Articulated elbows and slightly dropped tail for better coverage in a riding position

* Exclusive airflow–regulating cuffs

* Reflective accents on back hem and left sleeve

* Specially designed back pockets with water resistant zippers, angled for accessibility on the bike

* Soft, moisture wicking lining at collar

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

I'd like hand warmer pockets and some way to cinch the neck tighter.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Not as hot as I expected. Good rain protection.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seems well made.

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

It's pretty lightweight for waterproof commuter jacket

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

It's a lot of money for what is essentially a commuter jacket. An Altura Night Vision Evo is £30 less and arguably better, and there are plenty of waterproof commuter jackets around £50-£70.

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

It kept me dry and not too hot.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Vents. Asymmetrical zip.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I missed: neck adjustment, reflectivity, other colour options, and found the rear pockets of limited use.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? No. Too expensive, given the lack of versatility. If I'm spending this much, I want it to be my go-to jacket.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they had a more relaxed attitude to money than me, yes.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheel  My best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track. Or Whyte M109

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: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

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3 comments

Avatar
truffy | 8 years ago
0 likes

(snigger)

Avatar
velodinho | 8 years ago
0 likes

Jeez, guys. A lot of these jackets you review are incredibly dull and uninspiring. I've got anoraks from the 70s that are more attractive than this (although slightly less technical).

Avatar
hylozoist replied to velodinho | 8 years ago
0 likes
velodinho wrote:

Jeez, guys. A lot of these jackets you review are incredibly dull and uninspiring. I've got anoraks from the 70s that are more attractive than this (although slightly less technical).

I seem to recall that Showers Pass have some form in the awful styling department.

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