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BTwin 500 Reflective Cycling Neck WarmerBtwin 500 Cycling Neck Warmer.jpg

BTwin 500 Reflective Cycling Neck Warmer

8
by Neil Gander
UPDATED Mon, Feb 08, 2016 00:01

First Published Feb 7, 2016

1
£7.99

VERDICT:

8
10
As a safety aid, every little helps. As a neck or head warmer, it's my new favourite
Weight: 
49g
Contact: 
www.decathlon.co.uk
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Every cyclist's sock drawer should have a few snood-type tubes in it; in fact, if you haven't got half a dozen that you can't even remember from whence they came, then you probably haven't been riding long. The BTwin 500 Reflective Cycling Neck Warmer should render most of the others redundant.

Okay, I admit it's not easy to get excited about a tubular head garment, but I really like this one. For a start, it is nice and long. This means that when used as a beanie, doubled over, it still covers the ears. On freezing mornings, tucked around the neck, there's plenty left over to pull up around your mouth and nose.

> Find your nearest Decathlon store here

> Buy this online here

The material is quite thick, too, so this is a good alternative to a winter beanie. It does mean it takes up a fair bit of space under your helmet, though.

Unlike some, which are cut from a continuous tube of material, the BTwin is stitched and hemmed very neatly. I don't think this added anything in performance terms, but it's nice that BTwin thinks you are worth the trouble. The material stretches nicely in all directions.

> Check out our guide to the best gear to keep you warm here

I'd been using it for weeks before I realised the geometric pattern on the outside is actually reflective. It does account for the slightly rubbery texture of the print, which stuck to my forehead a bit but didn't put me off using it. The grey/silver scheme is understated and the inside is plain grey which I also liked. This goes with anything.

Given that the best-known brand retails at around twice the price, this offers excellent value.

Verdict

As a safety aid, every little helps. As a neck or head warmer, it's my new favourite

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: BTwin 500 Cycling Neck Warmer

Size tested: N/a

Tell us what the product 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?

BTwin says: "This multi-purpose accessory, designed for cyclists, protects from the cold and is visible while cycling during the day and at night."

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

Synthetic, seamed tube with reflective geometric pattern printed on one side; plain grey inside.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

Stitched and seamed rather than cut off a continuous tube as with some neck warmers. The seams did not cause any discomfort.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

I can't say the reflective pattern changed my life but this is an excellent and versatile snood.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seems well stitched and of high quality material, it should last a good few years.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

Good stretch in the fabric. Once doubled over, as a hat, it occupied a fair bit of helmet space.

Rate the product for weight:
 
10/10

48g on the scales. Lightweight head or neck wear.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

I did notice the printed pattern stuck to my forehead slightly but this is a minor issue.

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

Half the price of your regular brand.

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

Just chuck it in there!

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

Excellent - warm with plenty of length to ensure you can cover your ears even when it is used doubled as a beanie. I haven't been able to test it on warm days yet (as a sweat pad) but wasn't aware of it getting sweaty on cold days. The reflective element is a bonus.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good quality, plenty of length, understated print and design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

A well designed and well made snood with plenty of length and at a very sensible price.

Overall rating: 8/10

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

BTwin 500 Reflective Cycling Neck Warmer 2016
BTwin 500 Reflective Cycling Neck Warmer
BTwin 2016
Btwin

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