Commuting jacket
LEDWear Aurora Jacket
'Ground crew to the rescue' was my initial reaction clapping eyes on LEDwear's Aurora jacket. Billed, as 'multi activity' cut and sizing are on the Aurora are more relaxed than I've come to expect from more cycling specific jackets and while it includes some genuinely nice touches (the ability to go in the washing machine once the shell starts looking and smelling bad certainly gets my vote) pit zips where you'd expect hip pockets is a missed opportunity and compromises climate control to boot.
Surface Hydrophobic Wool Jacket
Nice jacket, this. I'm just not sure it's a great cycling jacket. Everything positive I want to say about it I have to qualify with a niggle.
Bontrager Sport Commuter Rainshell
Bontrager's Sport Commuter Rainshell jacket cuts a dash whether in the saddle, on tour or just meandering round town thanks to its tasteful blue/grey livery and tailored fit. Pockets are limited to hip and poacher types complete with LED tab but adequate for parking hands and stashing spare batteries, lights, keys and generic nick nacks. The close cut flatters both cycling and civvie wardrobes handsomely but remember when riding to drop the front and pit zips or you'll feel like a steamed pudding after 20 minutes enthusiastic effort.
Bontrager Commuting Jacket
Bontrager's Commuting Jacket raises the bar for three seasons street inspired performance clothing impressing in the saddle while cutting a dash around town. It does a great job whether lining up at the traffic light grand prix in Lycra, dropping by at the accountant or simply calling at a friend's for Sunday lunch. Style and practicality come close to top marks thanks to colour choice, discrete, yet plentiful pockets and razor sharp detailing.
Proviz Hi Visibility Waterproof
Now that the clocks have gone back if you’re commuting there is a good chance one, if not both legs of your journey are going to be in the dark. Lights are one way to go but even when you are light up like a carnival float you’ll still get the SMIDSY shout, what you need as a backup are good reflectives. New brand Proviz have gone for plenty of both. Roadcc reviewed the Proviz rucksack recently and the waterproof jacket here follows in the same vein, a hi-viz and hugely reflective piece of kit whose party piece is electroluminescent strips.
Light-Emitting Commuter Gear
I'm new to Road.cc and one of the first articles I read was the news piece in the link below.
It made me think about this sort of light-emitting gear and how brilliant it would be for my commute this winter. The whole idea of permanently giving off light is a no brainer to me when it's dark - the cyclist would be so much more visible and safer. Anyone seen any of the Proviz gear on the roads?
http://road.cc/content/news/24045-being-seen-theme-moore-large-show-wint...
Gore Bike Wear Cosmo Two Way jacket
A top-quality reversible shell, the Gore Cosmo Two Way – but it’ll cost you.
Polaris Quantum jacket
Billed as fully waterproof and breathable the Polaris Quantum jacket is aimed primarily at mountain-bikers, but it’s a well-made piece of kit ideal for winter touring and commuting, though a bit on the hot side for brisker rides.
I picked a perfect day to test it: my 20-mile ride home was on a mixed bag of roads, the skies were gloomy, there was a chill November wind, and it was raining. Not Majorca then.
Showers Pass Portland Jacket
The Showers Pass Portland Jacket combines the best features of a technical cycling jacket with classic looks and a more generous cut - it reminds me of those traditionally favoured by French clubmen. And it works off the bike too - even worn with jeans. It's my jacket of choice for general riding, the only small niggle being it doesn’t fold compactly and Gore type jackets have the edge in heavy rain as the Portland’s non-taped seams can allow water to sneak through.
Singletrack MTB mag
road.cc on YouTube