Aldi Performance Cycling Jacket

The Aldi Men's Performance Cycling jacket is described as an 'Italian engineered breathable jacket with 3D technology'. For 30 quid, there's nothing really to complain about, and its overall performance gives other store branded models a seriously good run for their money.

Essentially, this is a heavyweight training jersey-cum-jacket, designed to fold into its own pocket for compact storage. There are four pockets: the classic terrace of three with a zippered one built into the middle.

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I would have preferred a front Nelson for convenient access to phones/other tech, but all are well designed and really deep. No danger of mini pump, banana or trade bottle ejection come the first hint of a poorly surfaced road or forest trail.

No prizes for guessing its polyester throughout. A PerEffect yarn is partnered to a 'wind guard' membrane. Then there are thin pile fleece panels for warmth and moisture trafficking. Perfectly pleasant against the skin, a short sleeve baselayer is all I've needed beneath when the mercury's bobbing between 12 and 5 degrees. Whatever the science, the end result is harmonious.

Silicone grippers keep the back from gathering, and knitted cuffs prevent cold and wet from being blown inside and have formed a brilliant seal with my collection of full-finger gloves. Fit and sizing is similarly impressive: the large is just the right length and snug yet roomy enough for a mid layer jersey when it turns bitter without feeling restrictive around the shoulders.

On cold mornings it retains warmth, and though the fibres do an excellent job of blocking strong, icy winds, they still allow some light, cooling airflow inside, which prevents overheating when sunlight breaks through.

Feeling more breathable than the otherwise likeable BTwin 300 Warm, it does turn clammy after 20 minutes or so at 20-25mph, but even on milder rides the fibres are reasonably responsive. A faint, misty dampness tended to linger around the armpits and lower back but no worse than most budget to mid range garments.

An embossed 'glow in the dark' print features at selected points. This is designed to charge up in natural light and come alive at night and seemed a good complement to the subtle DayGlo piping along the main zipper and above the rear pockets.

Although it's not fully waterproof, I'm pleased to report that it is water repellent and has resisted persistent showers and heavy drizzle for an hour or so. I've never returned wet following a 30-mile training loop, but would definitely pack a micro jacket on longer/club type outings.

> Check out our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets

For most of us, this trade-off is infinitely preferable to a waterproof garment that might fend off the stormiest skies but leaves you feeling fetid and uncomfortable. Ultimately, you gets what you pays for, and there are some compromises – but fewer than I would expect from this end of the market.

Verdict

Surprisingly competent staple for training and general winter riding