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review

Madison Tempest jacket

9
£114.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Exceptional soft shell for year-round commuting, and subtle enough for off the bike use too
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.madison.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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We’re big fans of this soft shell from Madison and reckon it’ll get a serious amount of use over the coming months, especially for commuting. Here’s why…

First, it’s very warm. The stretchy polyester fabric is thick and it stops cold air in its tracks, and the inner face is fleecy so you get plenty of insulation. If anything, this top will be too warm for sports-type rides except in the heart of winter, which is why we say it’s particularly suited to commuting. You do get lots of temperature-control, though, courtesy of the two-way front zip, lengthy underarm pit-zips, and the adjustable hem, collar and cuffs.

Second, it’s waterproof too with fully taped seams and highly water-resistant zips. We’ve worn it in some really nasty weather and it’s done a great job of keeping us dry inside.

And third, the cut is great. The Tempest is fairly slim so it doesn’t flap around ridiculously when you wind up the pace, the collar is plenty high enough to stop draughts getting in at the neck, and the sleeves extend down to keep your wrists covered when you reach forward to the bars. That said, it’s not so bike-specific that it looks out of place for walking around town. The hood, which is pretty close fitting, is easily detachable and several subtle reflective logos will help you get seen.

Available in men’s and women’s versions and in black as well as red.

Verdict

Exceptional soft shell for year-round commuting, and subtle enough for off the bike use too. Love it.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Madison Tempest jacket

Size tested: L

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

Did you enjoy using the product? Very much. Our favourite piece of clothing in ages

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

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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