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review

BTwin Aerofit Road Cycling Gilet

9
£39.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Excellent race-ready gilet that impresses even in poor weather
Weight: 
83g

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Aerofit is BTwin's top range of kit, and this Gilet follows the same close-fitting, performance-orientated fit we saw in the Aerofit Bib Shorts I tested recently. The quality and finish is pretty exceptional when you consider its £39.99 price tag.

A good, lightweight gilet is a wardrobe must not just for spring and autumn, but also for those cooler summer days too. Early morning starts, when the air is still crisp but you know it's going to warm up before you get home, call for a gilet that can provide you with enough warmth to start with but also be thin enough to pack down into a jersey pocket.

> Find your nearest Decathlon store here

> Buy this online here

The Aerofit manages this with ease thanks to a windproof membrane on the front to stop the chills and a mesh back panel to let any heat build-up escape, stopping you getting clammy.

BTwin Aerofit Road Cycling Gilet - back.jpg

Although it's not designed to, that membrane also works pretty well against light rain and drizzle – you can see the water bead off as you're riding. It doesn't take long to be overwhelmed by heavy rain, but considering it's not being marketed as a waterproof I'd say it does a very good job.

As I've mentioned, the gilet is tailored to offer a pro-level close fit, both to keep you warm and to avoid any material flapping about in the wind.

BTwin Aerofit Road Cycling Gilet - riding.jpg

The tail is a little longer to give your lower back some extra coverage when in the drops, and an elasticated hem keeps everything in position. You get the same at the sleeves too, which also stops any draughts from getting in.

For the same reason the Aerofit also has a tall neck with a zip garage to stop anything digging into your throat.

BTwin Aerofit Road Cycling Gilet - collar.jpg

The only thing I'd say the gilet really lacks are pockets; admittedly, not every gilet has them but it is something I like to see, even if it's just a small zipped one. It's a minor quibble, though, and their omission does mean the Aerofit folds down very small and flat.

As far as value goes, the Aerofit stands up very well at just under 40 quid; compare it to the Madison model recently tested – a very good gilet for its £45 asking price – and the BTwin just feels a little bit better in every respect, and it's at least 50g lighter too.

> Check out our guide to the best cycling gilets

The quality of the manufacturing is as impressive as it normally is from BTwin (that's 'impressive') and another plus point to add to the value stakes. The stitching is tight and tidy, with no loose threads apparent.

Overall, the BTwin Aerofit Gilet is one of the best I've used for varying temperatures, as well as being easy to pack down and fit in your pocket. The shape is well cut, so it fits everywhere it should without leaving any excess material flapping about. On the whole, it's really hard to fault.

Verdict

Excellent race-ready gilet that impresses even in poor weather

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road.cc test report

Make and model: BTwin Aerofit Road Cycling Gilet

Size tested: Medium

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 Aerofit, men's, cycling gilet offers excellent protection from the cold thanks to the windproof membrane at the front. Well ventilated mesh back for great moisture management."

The cut and performance makes it feel like a very top end piece of clothing, while the price tag begs to differ.

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

WINDPROOF: Windproof front section for better thermal protection.

MOISTURE MANAGEMENT: Mesh back for excellent moisture management.

MUSCLE SUPPORT: Body-hugging fit for a "second-skin" effect.

COMPACT DESIGN: Really compact when it's packed away, so it easily fits into a pocket.

USE: Intensive

SIZES: Available in sizes S to XXL

COLOURS: Available in black/blue

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Spot on to the size guide.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

A really simple product to look after. Simply wash and hang to dry.

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

It's one of the best fitting and performing gilets out there for this price.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Lack of pockets.

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

BTwin products are well known for offering quality at very affordable prices so it's no surprise the Aerofit Gilet isn't any different; the excellent racing fit and impressive windproofing makes it stand out all-round.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: Mason Definition

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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2 comments

Avatar
mostly | 7 years ago
0 likes

£11  in the sale last year, I love the fit but a sportful norain (in the sale) out performs it.Anyways its 40 quid more either way, save up  in my experience. BTwin shoe and jersey owner.

Avatar
Geraldaut | 7 years ago
1 like

I guess that is what I will buy next year when Decathlon puts it on sale... The problem here in France is that every other cyclist has the same BTwin gear!

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