There’s a theory that says that a cycle clothing company based in Scotland ought to know a thing or two about waterproof clothing. Well, Endura do consistently manage to produce some great cost effective and well performing kit, that’s for sure.
First off, the Gridlock is a good looking, women’s specific waterproof jacket. The cut is surprisingly generous for the size, but not overly so. It’s well shaped and a good size and cut, allowing for layering underneath in cooler conditions. The decent torso length and dropped tail will protect your saddle region, while the generous length of the sleeves means even taller women with long arms should find that they don’t suffer from wrist drafts or dampness. The blue colourway should appeal to most, and offers an alternative to the hi viz yellow option that’s also available.
The Gridlock is classed as a mid-weight jacket, made from Endura’s own two-layer waterproof breathable ripstop fabric, but with its mesh lining (to help prevent discomfort caused by next to skin waterproof fabric) and its slightly sturdier build, this isn’t a jacket for warm summer use. Having worn it in warm rainy conditions, it doesn’t transfer perspiration as fast as some, and as a result, can get quite damp inside, even with the mesh-lined pit zips open. Having said that, as a three season jacket, it does the job very well, providing comfortable to wear waterproofing protection at a really good price.
Features include reflective piping all over the place, as well as an LED light tab on the tail. There’s a zipped chest pocket with water resistant zip and a zipped rear pocket. The collar is fleece lined, reinforcing the fact that this is a three season use jacket, and both collar and hem are adjustable.
It’s not particularly packable or light, so you’d want to save this for journey’s where you start and finish in the rain, but for winter use it would be perfect with plenty of scope for layering.
Verdict
A good looking, comfortable and well considered waterproof at a decent price. Best suited to spring, autumn or winter use.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Endura Gridlock womens jacket
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?
Waterproof jacket designed for women.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Made from 2 layer waterproof breathable ripstop fabric
Waterproofness: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000gms
Fully seam sealed
Rear stow pocket
Waterproof snap-down puller zip chest pocket
Reflective on sleeves, front and rear
Underarm mesh lined vents
Fleece lined collar
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Solidly built and well finished.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Keeps you dry on the outside but easily prone to overheating and dampness from perspiration on the inside.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Good solid zips and sturdy construction should last well.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
6/10
A little on the hefty side to pack in a pannier or bag, but not ridiculous.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable in three season use but a little warm and not quite breathable enough for balmier wet days.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
A great price for a good all rounder.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performed very well for cooler wet days.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Shape, reflectivity.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Breathability.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
A good cool weather waterproof jacket, especially for those looking for good value.
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
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