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review

Craft Performance Bike Light jacket

8
£45.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Ultra-light windproof that ticks all the boxes – a reasonable price too
Weight: 
116g
Contact: 
www.craft.se

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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Pretty much every cycle clothing manufacturer has a featherlight windproof in their range but Craft’s is among the best we’ve used.

Hitting the scales at 116g, it’s very light and although it doesn’t stop cold air 100%, not a lot gets through here – it makes a huge difference to your temperature. It puts up a decent fight against rain too. Although not waterproof, the polyester fabric will keep out a bit of drizzle while road spray just beads up and rolls off.

The Craft is cut slim so you’re unlikely to suffer any annoying flapping, the sleeves are generously long so your wrists are well covered, and the elasticated cuffs and hem prevent any draughts moseying through there. Mesh side and underarm panels add extra breathability – and a bit of stretch if the fit is tight – and there’s more air conditioning around the back courtesy of a full-width yoke vent, so the climate inside stays all fresh and lovely when you jack up your effort.

The microfleece-lined collar keeps things comfy around your neck and a small amount of reflective material – including piping along the full-length front zip – helps get you spotted at night. The rear pocket is handy too. It comes with a drawcord closure that’s useful for stopping your pump going walkabout, and doubles up as a little stuff sack for the rest of the jacket. Packed down, it’ll easily fit into a jersey pocket.

Verdict

Ultra-light windproof that ticks all the boxes – a reasonable price too

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Performance Bike Light jacket

Size tested: Yellow, L

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, it's very good value

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 184cm  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

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

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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