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review

Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket

9
£129.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Mid price but max performance from this windproof jacket, particularly for those inclined to feel the chill on winter training rides
Weight: 
566g
Contact: 

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Windproof garments have changed a lot of people's ideas about winter riding, my own included. Endura's FS260 Pro Thermal Windproof jacket is likely to win a lot more converts. Endura calls this a jacket rather than a jersey, which in weight and feel is probably right, but the cut is definitely jersey-like.

Different manufacturers have different approaches on how to keep the wind off while avoiding you overheating on your winter training rides. Some use pit or chest zips to help with airflow. Endura has gone for micro-mesh panels, lined with fleece, on the back and the backs of the arms.

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I certainly noticed this each time I set off, with just a hint of coolness around the backs of the arms particularly; but they do say you should start a bit cold and once I was up to operating temperature I was comfortingly cosy. Having said that, if I didn't keep up the pace, for example on a long, easy descent, I did find the cooling a little too effective – but I freely admit to being utterly wet and a weed. On the other hand, if you tend to push hard on your winter training rides, or you naturally have a hot running engine, you might find this on the warm side.

Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket - riding.jpg

The chunky front zip is easy to do up with gloved hands and I really liked the baffle behind it which, when zipped all the way up, cleverly tucked into the equivalent baffle inside the collar to create a draught-proof seal. This was achieved without throttling the rider.

Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket - zip.jpg
Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket - collar.jpg

The sleeve length really pleased me too, as I hate getting cold wrists. Endura has extended the micro-mesh fabric from the backs of the arms to the cuffs, which are gratifyingly long and stay firmly in place over a long-cuffed glove. Similarly, the body of the jacket has plenty of length and is kept firmly in place with a generous amount of silicone gripper.

Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket - sleeve.jpg

There are three elasticated back pockets which hold plenty of stuff securely, but the sloped zip on the fourth security pocket meant this was smaller than it needed to be and I couldn't fit my favourite waterproof wallet-and-phone cover in.

Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket - pocket.jpg

What you wear under this top will, of course, affect its performance. I tried pairing it with either a winter-weight synthetic baselayer and a merino wool jersey and found the synthetic best for both warmth and humidity control.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets here

In a relentless January gale, cold enough to carry snow, the windproofing worked perfectly and the jacket shrugged off the stinging snow pellets. On milder, overcast and blowy days I found the windproofing welcome but I never overheated.

Endura makes no claims about waterproofing, and on really wet days I managed to stay dry by the simple expedient of staying indoors and watching telly. Seriously, though, I always take a waterproof shell on winter rides, even in a jacket like this. Hypothermia is for losers.

Verdict

Mid price but max performance from this windproof jacket, particularly for those inclined to feel the chill on winter training rides

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket

Size tested: Large, Black

Tell us what the jacket 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?

Part of Endura's FS260 Pro range:

"FS260-Pro is a no BS, but always sharp looking collection for riding fast and far."

Endura describes the SL Thermal Windproof Jacket as "Winter Training Insulation".

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

High stretch, windproof fabric with thermal lining on front and sleeves

Stretch thermal rear panels

Athletic fit

Full length front zip with baffle behind

High cut, double layer collar for warmth and comfort

Extended cuff

External rear gripper

Three rear pockets with additional zipped security pocket

Reflective trim

Construction: Polyester 70%

Thermolite 20%

Elastane 8%

Nylon 2%

Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Beautifully made from rugged materials.

Rate the jacket for performance:
 
9/10

An excellent balance of insulation and ventilation, I would say.

Rate the jacket for durability:
 
8/10

So far no rubs, bobbles or snags. Washes well and shows no sign of fading so far.

Rate the jacket for waterproofing, based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
7/10

Endura makes no claims about waterproofing. It shrugged off snow showers.

Rate the jacket for breathability, based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
7/10

Again, no specific claims but the micro-mesh panels on the back and the sleeves did a good job of venting the jacket.

Rate the jacket for fit:
 
9/10

Great sleeve length, long cut which stayed in place on the bike. Whilst the fit is slim, it is not tight.

Rate the jacket for sizing:
 
10/10

Size was perfect for my long frame. While there is stretch in it, if you are wide in the chest or shoulder you may find it pays to go bigger.

Rate the jacket for weight:
 
7/10

At 565g it's a little more than some of the competition but certainly didn't feel bulky in use.

Rate the jacket for comfort:
 
10/10

Excellent all round, especially the double-collar for draughtproofing at the neck and the long cuffs which stayed securely over the gloves.

Rate the jacket for value:
 
7/10

There are good jackets out there for less - or considerably more. For the quality of design and construction, this is a pretty reasonably priced garment.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washed very well, no sagging, fading or shrinking and it dried quickly.

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

Marvellous. Warm without overheating. Super-comfortable.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Great cut, high quality construction, windproofing, ventilation, baffle behind the zip, neck baffle.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

Rather small zip pocket.

Did you enjoy using the jacket? Yes

Would you consider buying the jacket? Yes

Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

This soon became my first choice for winter riding, even over more expensive takes on the same theme. It's like being hugged by your mammy all through your ride.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 50  Height: 6'2  Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: Cannondale CAAD10   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking

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2 comments

Avatar
poddoman | 8 years ago
0 likes

Mid-price???....why it is!

Avatar
Dr. Ko replied to poddoman | 8 years ago
0 likes
poddoman wrote:

Mid-price???....why it is!

Well, it is about half price of the Rapha Pro Team Jacket which I would place in a similar position on the market.

I'm actually quite happy with Endura's products, not just the whisky range yes, but the Movistar jersey is also pro quality at replica price. Their 260 range could be best value for technical fashion.

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