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BUYER'S GUIDE

37 of the best pieces of waterproof cycling clothing

Riding in the rain? Here's some of the best waterproof jackets, tights, gloves and overshoes we've tested on road.cc

Welcome to our roundup of all the best waterproof cycling clothing tested on road.cc. You'll find all types of wet weather gear, including jackets, tights, gloves and overshoes.

Sometimes it’s hard to avoid the rain. Whether it’s the daily commute to the office or a training ride that you just don’t want to cancel, riding in the rain is sometimes unavoidable. Luckily there’s some very good waterproof cycling clothing with many fabric and performance advances having been made in recent years.

Here's a roundup of the best waterproof — or at least highly water-resistant — clothing we've tested on road.cc, from jackets to bib tights, gloves, hats and overshoes.

37 of the best pieces of winter cycling clothing for 2021

Wet-weather cycling jerseys

Castelli Gabba 3 WS Rain Jersey — £140.00

2021 Castelli Gabba RoS

Windproof and highly water-resistant jersey for performance riders looking for an advantage in changeable conditions. Also the choice of many of the pro peloton.

Read our review of the Castelli Gabba

Galibier Sentinel Foul Weather Jersey — £66.25

2021 Galibier Sentinel Foul Weather Jersey.jpg

The Galibier Sentinel blurs the lines on what defines a jacket and jersey thanks to its mixture of weatherproofing, lightweight race styling and short sleeves. It's not a new concept, but one that Galibier has executed very well indeed, and at a relatively bargain price.

Technically, the Sentinel is a jersey according to Galibier, and it's designed to work with just a baselayer, within an outdoor temperature range of 7-16°C.

The Sentinel is for riding in foul weather, or at least when the chances are that those conditions might turn up at some point in your journey. It's a triple-layer jersey, with a laminate membrane sandwiched between the inner and outer layers.

For added protection from the rain it uses a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, but rather than it being applied at the end of manufacturing, the fabric is treated before production starts, which makes it longer lasting according to Galibier.

Read our review of the Galibier Sentinel Foul Weather Jersey

Read more: Wet weather racing jerseys — weatherproof spring/autumn/winter Gabba-style cycling jerseys, from the original to the Shadow jersey

Waterproof jackets

Showers Pass Elite 2.1 — £220

Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket.jpg

The Showers Pass Elite 2.1 is in the round the lightest, most waterproof and windproof triple-layer jacket the company makes. It has legions of adoring fans, and it's easy to see why. It's as close to perfect a jacket as we've ever worn, for going far, fast and hard in the most awful of weather.

The first thing that's noticeable about the Elite 2.1 Jacket – aside from the not inconsiderable price – is how well featured and how meticulously designed it is. This is not a walking or outdoor waterproof repurposed for cycling, it's a cycling jacket from the ground up.

As tester Mike Stead puts it: "I've owned and reviewed many jackets over the last 30 years. From £20 commuter cheapies up to £400 tech'd-out mountain bike range-toppers that wouldn't be out of place on an alpine expedition. At the rarified end of the price spectrum they are all great. They all do the job, keeping you dry, warm and comfortable. Your particular optics may skew your opinion to favouring or bemoaning one particular area – weight, fit, breathability, features, ruggedness, and so on – but it's rare that a jacket, even one costing a very solid three figures, ticks every box, in full. Well, I'd never worn one.

"Until now."

The women's version is similarly excellent. Read our review of it here.

Read our review of the Showers Pass Elite 2.1
Find a Showers Pass dealer

Stolen Goat Climb & Conquer Winter Jacket — £149.00

2021 Stolen Goat Men’s Mekon Climb & Conquer Winter Jacket.jpg

Stolen Goat's Climb & Conquer Winter Jacket is the company's warmest offering. It is made from Tempest Protect fabric and is specifically designed to keep you riding in the harshest conditions. It does this very well, and at a fair price for what you get.

The Tempest Protect fabric that Bioracer has chosen for this jacket is windproof and waterproof, and impressively so for a jacket that is supposed to be a softshell. It is not a full-on waterproof; the YKK zip works well but isn't waterproof, and the seams aren't taped. Even so, if you do get caught in a downpour, this jacket will just go 'shrug'.

Read our review of the Stolen Goat Climb & Conquer Winter Jacket

Lusso Aqua Extreme Repel V2 Jacket — £149.99

Lusso Mens Aqua Extreme Black V2 Jacket.jpg

The Lusso Aqua Extreme Repel V2 Jacket is one of the best waterproof jackets on the market. Made right here in the UK, in Manchester, the Lusso Aqua Extreme Repel Jacket V2 keeps serious rain out without creating that boil in the bag sensation found with many others on the market. A huge amount of reflective detailing makes this jacket perfect for night rides too.

Read our review of the Lusso Aqua Extreme Repel V2 Jacket

Endura Pro SL Shell 2 — £140.24

Endura Pro SL Shell jacket II

The Endura Pro SL Shell Jacket II has impressive waterproofing and will really keep out the worst of the rain and wind. It can get a little hot and sweaty, though, and for me it got a bit boil-in-the-bag when the temperatures hit the teens on training rides. It just about fits in a large jersey pocket, and is a good investment for cooler days when you need a robust level of weather protection.

Read our review of the Endura Pro SL Shell 2
Find an Endura dealer

Pearl Izumi Men’s Rove Barrier Jacket — £129.99

2020 Pearl Izumi Rove Barrier Jacket front.jpg

Pearl Izumi's Rove Barrier jacket may well be the ultimate commuting jacket. It's comfortable, ultra-water resistant, lightweight, stretchy and looks fantastic. The fact that it even undercuts a lot of its main rivals in price is simply a bonus. 

The Rove Barrier might be 88% recycled polyester, but it is far from rubbish. In fact, as an all-round, general use cycling jacket for a broad range of conditions, tester Matt Lamy says "it's probably the best garment I've ever tested."

Read our review of the Pearl Izumi Men’s Rove Barrier Jacket
Find a Pearl Izumi dealer

Galibier Tempest Pro — £59.44

Galibier Tempest Pro Jacket - riding.jpg

The Galibier Tempest Pro Jacket has an impressive ability to shrug off the heaviest of rain for ages without soaking you from the inside out, and when you don't need it, just stuff it in your rear pocket. There's a bit of a plasticky feel to the fabric, but it works really well.

Using a HydraStop membrane, the Tempest Pro delivers factory results of 9,000mm when it comes to waterproofing; that means it can resist 9,000mm of water from a hydrostatic head (tube of water) before it can't hold any more and it leaks through. In the real world that means heavy rain and downpours.

The biggest plus point is the staggeringly low price. The Galibier Tempest Pro compares favourably with jackets like the Endura Pro SL Shell II or even the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Shadow but is over £100 cheaper.

Read our review of the Galibier Tempest Pro

dhb Waterproof jacket — £41.25

dhb-Waterproof-Jacket-Cycling-Waterproof-Jackets-Grey-AW17-A1474XS95.jpg

The dhb Waterproof Jacket does what it says on the tin, at a price that would get you an arm and half a collar from some other brands. It's not loaded with tech – in fact there's almost no tech on show – but if fifty quid is your budget it's hard to go past.

Triban RC 500 Women's Rainproof Jacket — £24.99

BTwin 500 Womens Waterproof Jacket.jpg

At just £25 for the black version, the Triban 500 Women's Rainproof Jacket is a real bargain from sports superstore Decathlon. The jacket has a good cut, feels comfortable and has some good features such as the mesh-lined ventilation gussets at the front of the shoulders and on the back. It's a great lightweight, high-vis waterproof to stuff in a jersey pocket or wear on your commute from spring through to autumn.

There's also a hi-vis men's version, which is similarly excellent value.

Read our review of the Triban RC 500 Women's Waterproof Jacket

Explore the complete archive of the very best cycling jackets we've tested on road.cc

Wet-weather bib tights

Lusso Adventure Repel Bib Tights — £134.99

2021 Lusso Adventure Repel Bib tights.jpg

The Lusso Adventure Repel Bibtights feature the usual great choice of fabrics, quality manufacturing, sensible pricing and high performance that the Manchester-based manufacturer has become renowned for. With large yet discreet reflectives and two deep cargo pockets, these are some of the most practical bib tights we've worn.

Tester Stu says: "The fleece-lined fabric used for the lower body is soft against the skin, and while it's not claimed to have any windproofing properties, it's surprisingly warm when the temperature drops. Lusso quotes a range starting at -3°C and I'll go along with that. Some of my rides have taken place with a frost on the car as I leave the house and I've been as snug as bug.

"If you are caught in a shower or light drizzle you'll benefit from the DWR coating. It'll keep you dry for around an hour, half that if the rain is heavy."

Read our review of the Lusso Adventure Repel Bib Tights

Pearl Izumi Elite Escape AmFib Cycling Bib Tights — £174.99

Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tight - riding

With these tights, cold legs are a thing of the past. We've tackled sub-zero morning rides with a hefty dose of windchill with no problems, in fact they're the warmest cycling tights we've ever tested.

The Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Bib Tights manage this with a combination of the company's own Elite Softshell and Elite Thermal Fleece fabrics. The softshell fabric is used in key areas (seat and front of legs) to provide wind and water resistance, and the Thermal Fleece is used everywhere else for insulation, and more breathability.

The fabric is bulky, but used strategically with shaped panels and pre-curved legs to enhance the fit. Getting them on is a bit of an effort, but once on the tights conform to the legs nicely, and the size and fit is good.

And they're stupendously good in bad weather. The two fabrics provide unparalleled warmth. They stop the wind from causing a chill, and rain just beads off the surface. You can be out for hours in sub-zero temperatures, or in winter rain and be quite happy. When you want the absolute best protection from the wind and rain, few tights are as good.

Read our review of the Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tights
Find a Pearl Izumi dealer

7Mesh TK1 Bib Tights — £150.00

7 Mesh TK1 Bibtights - riding.jpg

7Mesh TK1 bib tights are very warm, technically loaded and can carry as much kit as a three-pocket jersey. As always, the pad fit may not be to everyone's liking, but if it does suit you these are excellent winter tights for on- or off-road riding.

The fabric is treated with a DWR coating, and water beaded straight off from new. After a few months there were some spots around the knees where the water didn't bead, but maybe that's to be expected in any non-waterproof fabric subject to tens of thousands of stretch-contract cycles. At the shins things remained splash-impervious, critical in winter leg covering.

Overall, the TK1s are great winter tights, in my case ousting the rather excellent Pearl Izumi Pro Pursuit bibs that have been my winter mainstay the last two years. The combination of amazing fit, luggage capacity, warmth and waterproofness makes the TK1s serious contenders for The Last Winter Bibs You'll Ever Need To Own.

Read our review of the 7Mesh TK1 Bib Tights
Find a 7Mesh dealer

Lusso Termico Bib Tights — £99.99

Lusso Thermico Repel Bibtights - riding.jpg

If you want a pair of tights that'll protect you from pretty much everything the winter can throw at you, then the Lusso Termico Bib Tights are a very good option. Thermal, water repellent, with a comfortable pad and blocks of subtle reflectives, they're ideal for dark, dank rides throughout the off season.

Read our review of the Lusso Termico Bib Tights
Find a Lusso dealer

Explore the complete road.cc archive of the very best cycling tights

Waterproof overtrousers

Endura Urban Luminite Pants — £78.99

Endura Urban Pants front.jpg

Endura's Urban Luminite Pants may be a little lacking in practical extras – for example, there are no pockets, no fly or popper/button closure, and no adjustable sizing – but they more than make up for that with simply superb waterproofing, breathability and reflectivity. As an effective pair of overtrousers for when the going gets wet, they're hard to beat.

These are fantastic overtrousers. If we deal with probably the most important aspect – weatherproofing – performance is faultless. Even in heavy rain, water stays away and I was particularly impressed by that poppered closure round the ankle, which stopped the bottom of my jeans getting damp.

Read our review of the Endura Urban Luminite Pants

Explore the complete road.cc archive of the very best cycling trousers

Waterproof overshoes

Spatz Roadman 2 Overshoes — £84.99

2021 Spatzwear Roadman 2 Super-Thermo Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar.jpg

The Spatz Roadman 2 overshoes might look odd, but if you ride in wet and cold conditions typical of UK winters, these take comfort to new levels.

The overshoes are made from hydrophobic, waterproof neoprene with reinforced kevlar material in key areas that might see some abrasion, including under the toe cap and the inside of the heels. The thickness of the neoprene varies, with some areas such as the toe being a thicker 4.5mm to provide extra insulation.

They keep your feet dry on virtually all rides, especially where standing water is the main factor, as almost all the spray being thrown onto the overshoe's waterproof fabric simply rolls off, but the best feature of the Roadman 2s is the warmth they provide. In reality, it is impossible to keep your feet dry in the worst British weather, but if you can keep them warm you can keep riding in comfort.

Read our review of the Spatz Roadman 2 Overshoes

GripGrab Arctic overshoes — £44.07

GripGrab Arctic overshoes

The Grip Grab Arctic Overshoes are a great example of you need when the UK sees temperatures below freezing. You need decent overshoes, and these provide excellent insulation and very effective waterproofing.

As well as being both warm and waterproof, these overshoes are very durable. The stitching is strong across the body of the shoe and the toe and rear of the shoes are fitted with rubberised and hardened grippers. These add to the already impressive durability.

Read our review of the GripGrab Arctic overshoes

SealSkinz All Weather LED Overshoes — £55

SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoe - heels

The SealSkinz All Weather LED Overshoes incorporate a powerful LED light in the heel, a clever idea that I'm surprised has never been done before. Don't discount them as being a gimmick, they really do work well and are ideal for regular after dark cyclists.

The overshoes are constructed from a neoprene material with taped seams, a silicone leg gripper and storm flap lined rear zip. The zip has to be mounted on the side of the overshoe because of the LED, but getting them on and off isn't hampered at all. A Velcro tab secures the top of the overshoe around the ankle, and there's another underneath the shoe. Getting a good snug fit isn't difficult.

Read the full review of the SealSkinz All Weather LED Overshoes
Find a SealSkinz dealer

dhb Aeron Lab Neoshell Overshoes — £38.00

dhb Aeron LAB overshoes-1.jpg

dhb's Aeron LAB Neoshell overshoes offer excellent waterproofing, breathability and a lightweight feel with a solid underside that makes the £50 price tag a bit more bearable.

Read our review of the dhb Aeron Lab Neoshell Overshoes

Lusso Windtex Over Boots — £30

Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots.jpg

The Lusso Windtex overboots offer a large working temperature range across a myriad of different weather conditions. And don't let that Windtex name fool you – these booties will also keep the rain at bay for way longer than you'd expect of a fabric this light and thin.

I'm nitpicking a bit with that 'con' of not being thick enough for sub-zero temperatures, because Lusso does only say that the Stealth overshoes will work from 0°C through to 14°C, and it was only on rides where the mercury was nudging freezing that I was right on the level of my comfort zone. Any lower and I'd have to think about thicker socks or sneaking a sandwich bag in there. Many people don't ride when it's freezing outside, so for most it won't be an issue.

Read our review of the Lusso Windtex Over Boots

Madison Sportive PU Thermal Overshoes — £22.99

Madison Sportive Aero overshoes.jpg

Madison's Sportive PU Thermal overshoes are a great option for wet weather riding, with the added thermal benefits providing some much-appreciated insulation at times.

Although described as a mid-weight overshoe by Madison, they don't struggle when the temperature gets down to low single figures.

Read the full review of the Madison Sportive PU Thermal overshoes
Find a Madison dealer

Caratti Deep Winter Waterproof Overshoes — £7

Caratti Deep Winter Waterproof Overshoes

If you suffer with cold feet in the winter months read on as Caratti's Deep Winter Overshoes are among the most insulated we've tried. Their waterproofing and build quality are impressive too and a recent price reduction makes them an absolute bargain.

Read our review of the Caratti Deep Winter Waterproof Overshoes

Explore the complete road.cc archive of the very best cycling overshoes

Wet-weather cycling gloves

Castelli Perfetto RoS Women's Gloves — £65.00

2021 Castelli Perfetto RoS Women's Gloves.jpg

The Castelli Perfetto RoS Women's Gloves are an excellent, fleece-lined winter warmer with impressively little bulk. They're dexterous and a pleasure to wear, and even though they're not totally waterproof they stay pretty warm when soaked. They are really expensive though.

Tester Emma says: "Castelli recommends these from 10° down to 6° C, and while I found you can push them to lower, they're definitely too sweaty for anything milder. I have gone as low as 3°, and while I didn't return with toasty warm hands, I wasn't numb either. My hands and fingers were fully functional. Good to know for mornings that start out cold, or afternoons when temperatures quickly fall away."

There's a men's version too, for the same price.

Read our review of the Castelli Perfetto RoS Women's Gloves
Find a Castelli dealer

100% Hydromatic Brisker gloves — £36.99

2020 100% Brisker Hydromatic hero v2

These Brisker Hydromatic gloves from 100% are totally waterproof up to the cuffs, which are only water resistant. Under a heavy downpour the cuffs can let water in, but generally your cuffs are mostly hidden under a jacket, so water ingress isn’t such an issue.

Tester Liam says: "I’ve ridden with this glove very happily in warm autumnal temperatures, and only left with a thin film of sweat over my hands, and they're protective in low single-figure temperatures too. Even when they’re sodden, they retain body heat very impressively."

Read our review of the 100% Hydromatic Brisker gloves
Find a 100% dealer

Castelli Tutto Nano Gloves — £40.00

2021 Castelli Tutto Nano Glove.jpg

The Castelli Tutto Nano Gloves are very impressive – their minimalist design is warm, impressively water-resistant and quite frankly among the best we've used in years.

These are minimalist and simple gloves designed to be both warm and water repellent. The latter comes courtesy of Castelli's Nano Flex 3G fabric, with its extremely effective proprietary treatment – water beads on these gloves the same way it will on a brand new waterproof coat.

Tester George says: "I tested these in a torrential downpour, and whilst the rest of me got thoroughly drenched, my hands remained both dry and warm. Given that the material itself is fleecy and soft to the touch, this is a very impressive feature."

Read our review of the Castelli Tutto Nano Gloves
Find a Castelli dealer

Dissent 133 Ultimate Cycling Glove Pack — £95.00

Dissent 133 Ultimate Cycling Glove Pack - layers.jpg

The Dissent 133 Ultimate Glove Pack really is just that, and will easily see you through an autumn, winter and spring of road and commuter riding. We never found conditions where these couldn't be used, making them excellent value compared with the three sets of gloves you'd otherwise buy.

Read our review of the Dissent 133 Ultimate Cycling Glove Pack

Gore C5 Gore-Tex Thermo Waterproof Gloves — £54.44 - £64.99

Gore Universal Gore-Tex Thermo Gloves.jpg

When the temperature reaches freezing the Gore Universal Gore-Tex Thermo Gloves keep on going, keeping out the best that Mother Nature can throw at them. Truly awesome!

They're waterproof too, as you'd expect from the company that invented Gore-Tex, though the extra insulation means they're not as breathable as some – especially at temperatures above 5°C – but until you take them off you don't really notice it.

Read the full review of the Gore Universal Thermo Gloves
Find a Gore dealer

Velotoze Waterproof Gloves — £49.99

2020 Velotoze Waterproof Gloves 1.jpg

Velotoze Waterproof Gloves are an excellent option for early-season racing where rain, cold temperatures and bitter winds are common. The slim design and stretchy material result in exceptional dexterity and feel of the bar. Hands do become very sweaty in milder weather, though.

Velotoze has added a waterproof outer layer to its version of neoprene cycling gloves. This creates a glove that is both waterproof and windproof, while still being incredibly close-fitting and lightweight. They're exceptional, sealing out water and wind and making me marginally happier in the early season races.

Read our review of the Velotoze Waterproof Gloves
Find a Velotoze dealer

Specialized Element 1.0 gloves — £46.19

Specialized Element 1.0 gloves.jpg

Probably the most comfortable deep winter gloves that I've ever worn, Specialized's Element 1.0s are fully up to the task of keeping your hands warm and dry in winter, so long as it's not absolutely chucking it down. If you're after a pair of deep winter gloves to see you through the worst weather, seemingly without compromise, then Specialized has you covered with the Element 1.0s.

Warmth comes via Primaloft insulation, sandwiched between a Gore Windstopper outer fabric shell and a super-soft thermal liner. It's brilliantly warm in everything touching freezing and a little beyond, while there's a fair amount of breathability maintained through the technical textiles.

Read our review of the Specialized Element 1.0 gloves
Find a Specialized dealer

GripGrab Windster Gloves — £50.14

GripGrab Windster Glove

GripGrab's Windsters are good quality, wind and water proof gloves that allow for lever grip combined with smartphone usability. They're impressively flexible too; they manage to not only keep your hands warm and dry, but it is still relatively easy to grip and feel handlebars and levers.

Read our review of the GripGrab Windster Gloves

Galibier Barrier Deep Winter Gloves — £24.85

Galibier Barrier Deep Winter Gloves.jpg

With a few clever details that really help them do their job well, Galibier's Barrier Deep Winter Gloves ensure toasty hands when temperatures drop to low single figures and below.

No single detail makes the Barrier Deep Winter Gloves stand out. What's impressive here is that Galibier has managed to combine a host of features such as lots of insulation, total windproofing (the barrier of the name), reasonable water-resistance, reflective details, a comfortable neoprene-and-Velcro cuff, and a grippy palm in a pair of gloves that cost less than 25 quid. And you also get things you'd expect in gloves at this price like soft fabric on the back of the thumb to wipe a runny nose, and gel padding at the bottom of the palm to cushion your hands.

Read our review of the Galibier Barrier Deep Winter Gloves

Explore the complete road.cc archive of the very best full-finger cycling gloves

Waterproof cycling socks

SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Socks — £35.00

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Socks

SealSkinz socks are a good thing to have in the drawer once the cold and wet weather draws in. There are some UK conditions that will breach any foot fortifications, but these socks are a great last line of defence.

SealSkinz use a waterproof membrane in between inner and outer layers. In these socks the inner is a Merino mix, and the outer synthetic. They're totally waterproof, as SealSkinz are wont to demonstrate at trade shows by having an unlucky employee stand in a giant petri dish for the amusement of onlookers. They work though. Water doesn't get through. You can go out in the rain in these socks and trudge about on the lawn and your feet will stay toasty and dry.

Read our review of the SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Socks

DexShell Ultra Dri Waterproof Socks — £25.50

DexShell Ultra Dri Sports Socks.jpg

Dexshell Ultra Dri Sports socks work really well to keep your feet warm and dry. With a waterproof breathable Porelle membrane construction, high calf cuffs that grip your shins and repel water as well as can be expected, and a merino inner for warmth, they're a great option for sodden cold days.

Read our review of the DexShell Ultra Dri Waterproof Socks

Waterproof headgear

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor — £22.49

2021 Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor.jpg

The Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor is totally waterproof, fleece-lined and adjustable, and will keep you warm and dry.

All in all, for £25 it's a great bit of winter kit I never knew I needed until I tried it. If you're lacking a really good hooded jacket, or go out in penguin-friendly conditions, this could be the thing to uprate your cold-weather protection to 'Full-On Minging'.

Read our review of the Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor

Gore Wear C7 Gore-Tex cap — £29.99

Gore Bike Wear EQUIPE GORE-TEX cap

The successor to Gore Wear's Equipe cap is made from the same excellent Gore-Tex Active material used in their jackets and, in this cap, provides a completely waterproof and windproof shelter for your head. For anyone intent in not letting the rain stop play, this is a very good investment.

Read the full review of the Gore Bike Wear Equipe Gore-Tex cap
Find a Gore dealer

Wet-weather cycling shoes

Shimano MW7 Gore-Tex SPD shoes — £199.99

Shimano MW7 Gore-Tex MTB Winter Boots

With decent levels of waterproofing and insulation, Shimano's MW7 shoes are a good choice for winter riding, and you can walk easily in them too.

They're very warm and as waterproof as winter shoes can be, subject to the usual caveat of water getting in at the ankles. You can beat that by using tights with extended ankles that cover the cuffs of winter shoes.

I finished long rides on cold days in the MW7s with comfortable feet, including a 100km ride on a day the temperature never got above 1°C. I had chilly toes at the lunch stop, but once they'd thawed they were fine for all of the second half.

Read our review of the Shimano MW7 Gore-Tex SPD shoes
Find a Shimano dealer

Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots — £157.49

Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots - side.jpg

Northwave's Flash Arctic GTX boots are very good winter all-rounders. They keep your feet warm and – for the most part – dry, and they're well designed and super-visible after dark. You're paying for the privilege if you shell out the full £210 RRP, but if you're serious about winter riding you'll get your money's worth out of them.

Read our review of the Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots
Find a Northwave dealer

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road.cc buyer's guides are maintained by the road.cc tech team. Email us with comments, corrections or queries.

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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30 comments

Avatar
Nagai74 | 3 years ago
0 likes

Has anyone managed to keep the lights on the SealSkinz overshoes working for a ride? By the time I've swung a leg over the bike they've both stopped flashing.

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Chris Hayes | 4 years ago
0 likes

I have an Assos Sturmprinz jacket, Sturmnuss 3/4 length waterproof pants and Assos waterproof overshoes.....I'm flabbergasted that these don't get a mention.  They are simply superb.  The pants are the best investment I've made for years....

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jayinjapants | 4 years ago
0 likes

The grip grab windsters are not waterproof,  at least not the pair I have. The thumbs on them aren't overly windproof or warm either...

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a1white | 5 years ago
0 likes

Anyone have any experience of Decathlon B-Twin tights?

I cycle 10miles to work in London, but find it rarely gets cold enough for thick winter tights but I just need something cheap for the colder mornings. The description looks interesting anyway...

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/100-padded-cycling-tights-black-white-id_835...

 

 

Avatar
fenix | 5 years ago
2 likes

No mention or the gore shake dry Jackets ? Expensive but the best bit of kit ever for wet conditions.

And also - mudguards. With flaps. No point in showering yourself with crap and it's cheaper than most of the kit.

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aegisdesign | 5 years ago
0 likes

Endura seem to have killed off the FS260-Pro SL Shell. It's not on their website or in stock anywhere online. They killed off the cheaper Helium last year too which I quite liked. The Helium was a bit more robust but also not so breathable. If anyone finds a red one on the Way of The Roses route near Pocklington - it's mine indecision

I had to replace it with a white Helium (£30 in a clearance) but I was looking for a FS260-Pro SL Shell. It's already "no longer white" but it'll do until Endura replace either the Helium or FS260-Pro SL Shell with something new.

Avatar
TheHungryGhost | 5 years ago
4 likes

Big fan of the SealSkinz socks.  I commute on my MTB and wear trainers.  The socks keep my feet dry, and more importantly, at the end of the day, when I go to put my still wet trainers back on, the socks keep that horrible putting on wet shoes sensation at bay.

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vonhelmet | 5 years ago
2 likes

Two plop rain forecast all day for Thursday. Balls. That’ll be some fun commuting. Never mind getting wet, drivers lose their minds in bad weather.

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ktache | 5 years ago
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Just got some Endura neoprene Pro Nemo gloves, didn't have any gloves for the wet in my collection.  I am not exactly eager to be trying them out.

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Danzxer | 5 years ago
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GribGrab makes these gaiters, haven't tried them so don't know how well they work.

 

https://www.gripgrab.com/products/cyclingaiter

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Kendalred replied to Danzxer | 5 years ago
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Danzxer wrote:

GribGrab makes these gaiters, haven't tried them so don't know how well they work.

 

https://www.gripgrab.com/products/cyclingaiter

Those look good - just ordered a pair from Tredz (£12). Not sure about the sizing though, I ordered S/M as I'm a bit of a shortarse, even though they say this size is for 38-41 (I'm 43). Not sure what relevance shoe size is, given they just need to fit around the calves.

Oh well, they can always go for a swap if not right.

Thanks for the steer

 

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vonhelmet | 5 years ago
5 likes

The trick with wet weather cycling is to go out for a long ride in the most appallingly wet conditions, such that you are utterly soaked through and have to strip off your sodden clothes in the porch before you venture any further into the house for fear of flooding the place. That way, when you go out in the rain at any point in the future, you just think “Well, it’s not as bad as that time...” On the off chance that it actually is as bad as that time, then you just replace the old that time with the new that time.

My “that time” is still my trip to watch the Tour of Britain TT in 2013. Our navigator was off on one so we took an utterly absurd route that took far too long in the driving rain, then had to stand in the rain for further hours in our soaking gear with just our light rain jackets, dry off briefly over lunch in the pub, then crawl home again in the pouring rain. Utter hell, but no ride since has been as bad.

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Kendalred | 5 years ago
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The problem with feet is that they are the lowest point of the body, and the problem with water is it obeys the laws of gravity really well. I've found lots of things that keep the water out, but nothing I have found yet will stop the water hitting the legs, running down the shins/leg warmers and into the shoes. If you are then wearing waterproof shoes and/or socks, then you are effectively removing an escapre route for the water.

So what do you do? Not bother with waterproofing on the feet, and hope the water dries naturally when the rain stops (if it ever does)? I do like the idea of insulation tape around the top of the sock/overshoe. I did once buy a pair of those thin rubber Velotoze overshoes that are skintight, but I put a hole in them the first time I tried to use them!

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WilliamAC1 replied to Kendalred | 5 years ago
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KendalRed wrote:

The problem with feet is that they are the lowest point of the body, and the problem with water is it obeys the laws of gravity really well. I've found lots of things that keep the water out, but nothing I have found yet will stop the water hitting the legs, running down the shins/leg warmers and into the shoes. If you are then wearing waterproof shoes and/or socks, then you are effectively removing an escapre route for the water.

So what do you do? Not bother with waterproofing on the feet, and hope the water dries naturally when the rain stops (if it ever does)? I do like the idea of insulation tape around the top of the sock/overshoe. I did once buy a pair of those thin rubber Velotoze overshoes that are skintight, but I put a hole in them the first time I tried to use them!

 

Cut the cuffs off a pair of marigolds and put on over your feet before putting on boots and use them as a gaitor to seal between your ankles and the boots.  Not tried with shoes, but will depend how far they cover the ankle for it to work

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Secret_squirrel replied to Kendalred | 3 years ago
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If this really bothers you then you need waterproof socks under your waterproof tights.  I have a pair of seal skinz and though they resemble old skool skiing tube sock in bulk and style they fit nicely once on even with a close fitting shoe.

Your shoes still fill with water but you dont care.  As mentioned by HungryGhost - great for the second leg of a commute.

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don simon fbpe | 5 years ago
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I must be doing sopmething wrong with my Gaerne shoes as they let in so much water during heavier rain that they are considered, by myself, as a failed buy and a total waste of money.

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js120 | 5 years ago
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I prefer to cycle indoor when the temperature is below 5`C. No pleasure below that outdoors.

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felixcat replied to js120 | 5 years ago
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js120 wrote:

I prefer to cycle indoor when the temperature is below 5`C. No pleasure below that outdoors.

Rule 5. Velominati.

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randonneur | 6 years ago
1 like

How is it that black is considered a suitable material for cycling.
I bought the Endura FS260 in bright green.
It's the most breathable jacket I've had but the cuffs are not waterproof.

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ClubSmed replied to randonneur | 6 years ago
3 likes
randonneur wrote:

How is it that black is considered a suitable material for cycling. I bought the Endura FS260 in bright green. It's the most breathable jacket I've had but the cuffs are not waterproof.

I am not aware of this material "black", what is it made of?

If (as I assume to be the case) you are not actually talking about materials but the colour of the items, then why not? In most cases reflective qualities are more important than Hi-vis, and most black cycling clothing includes this. From a personal perspective, My bike is hi-vis lime green as is my helmet, gloves, overshoes and backpack cover. Why do I have to suffer a jacket to be hi-vis too, surely I am visible enough and I want to not be covered in hi-vis when I get off the bike (remove my helmet, overshoes, gloves and backpack cover) to walk down the street!

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NZ Vegan Rider replied to randonneur | 4 years ago
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I agree. Black and dark grey (as in most of the clothing items above) are the hardest seen items out on the road making them the least safe. It's sad that reviewers wouldn't post the brightest / safest colour versions of each item. Bright colours ftw  3

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Redvee | 6 years ago
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A bufget option for gloves are Hot Tuna neoprene gloves from  Mike Ashley, list price is £6 but I think I paid less than that. Only christened them this week and although my hands got wet, they weren't cold after 40 minutes of rain.

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Jack Osbourne snr | 6 years ago
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The Gaerne boots are great for wet weather but not in near freezing temperatures.

I find these boots much tighter than my other Gaerne footwear. Size up by two on everyday life shoes to allow for warm socks. (I wear 43 in shoes and trainers and 44 in Gaerne cycling shoes)

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Freddy56 | 6 years ago
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Galibier's Tourmalet rain jacket and SealSkin's gloves and you are ready for anything that comes outta the sky!

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strangerous | 7 years ago
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Was any Assos gear tested?

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dottigirl | 7 years ago
1 like

Top tip: insulation tape around the tops of boots or waterproof socks helps minimise water ingress. 

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Mark_1973_ | 7 years ago
1 like

Also, how did the tester manage to stop water ingress from the ankle of the Gaerne boots whilst "in prolonged downpours, or riding through flooded roads"? I'd love to know because I poured an actual plastic cup full of water out of my Northwave Fahrenheit GTXs a couple of weeks ago.

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Mark_1973_ | 7 years ago
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I don't care who tested the Sportful Extreme Neoshell - the Neoshell fabric might be waterproof  but the jacket itself isn't and shouldn't be described as such.

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Gourmet Shot | 7 years ago
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plus 1 for the Endura FS260-Pro SL Shell, its like wearing tissue paper and at first you think no way this keeping the rain out but it works like a charm !

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henryb replied to Gourmet Shot | 5 years ago
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Gourmet Shot wrote:

plus 1 for the Endura FS260-Pro SL Shell, its like wearing tissue paper and at first you think no way this keeping the rain out but it works like a charm !

The other great thing about this jacket is that it's thin and light enough to roll up and go in a jersey pocket

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