Sportful Fiandre Extreme Jacket

Tackling unpredictable but mostly bad weather is tricky at this time of year, but not so with the redesigned Sportful Fiandre Extreme jacket. It's become my go-to jacket for horrible weather because it keeps me protected when it's cold, windy and raining, manages heat well, and the bright yellow ensures I'm as visible to other road users as can be.

• Pros: Waterproofing, breathability, fit
• Cons: No zipped pocket, some stains remain after washing, and it ain't cheap

This is an update of the original Fiandre Extreme Neoshell jacket I tested a couple of years ago, which used Polartec's Neoshell. It's a phenomenal material, highly breathable and insulating, easy to layer and works well in a range of temperatures. It's ideal for UK cycling. The original jacket provided the rain protection of a hardshell waterproof jacket with the fit, warmth and breathability of a softshell, but with a few wrinkles. The new model irons these out.

The biggest improvement is the fit around the shoulders. The Neoshell material doesn't have that much stretch, so the shape of the panels and seam placement are really important. By changing the orientation of the bonded and taped seams around the shoulders and other key places, Sportful has radically improved the fit. It's more relaxed around the shoulders, there's less restriction when moving the arms about. It's far more comfortable than the previous jacket.

Sportful has also improved the cuff design. They're now elasticated and fit more comfortably, and they work well with a range of different types of gloves I tested the jacket with.

More critically, it has improved waterproofing around the three rear pockets, which was a weakness with the previous jacket. The taped seams have been positioned away from areas prone to leaking, and my testing has found no ingress of water around the pocket seams even when riding in really heavy rain.

It's not as waterproof as something like Sportful's Stelvio jacket, but it's not far off, and I reckon it's more than adequate for the sort of rain the majority of us have to deal with from time to time. Where it scores better than a dedicated rain jacket is in the impressive breathability and insulation. I've worn it for five-hour training rides over just a baselayer and been perfectly comfortable, even taking in lots of hills, and the insulation is ample for all but the chilliest sub-zero rides.

Other details include a generously tall collar for snuggling down into on cold morning rides. The body and sleeves are a good length, and the tail is slightly dropped but could perhaps scoop down a bit lower because it's a given you're going to be wearing this jacket in grotty conditions with loads of rain and surface water to contend with. There are some reflective details too.

One thing lacking, and it's my usual gripe (and I might be alone here), is a zipped pocket for storing house keys.

The Fiandre Extreme commands a big price tag but it's not alone, just £5 more than Rapha's similar Classic Winter model, and if you want one jacket to rule all of the challenging British winter weather conditions, it really is one of the best. It doesn't have the zipped pockets of the Rapha, but I'd say the fit and cut are better, especially around the waist, and it's slightly warmer.

It's a lot of money, but if you aren't signing up to in indoor training plan and want to commit to big miles outside, then a jacket like this will really be a solid investment.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best winter cycling jackets

It makes dressing for winter rides real easy: just throw it on over a baselayer whatever the weather and you'll be just fine. And I mean that. It keeps you dry in heavy and sustained rain, and for most typical UK rides that involve a bit of rain, it's enough protection to leave the dedicated waterproof jacket at home, or at least saved for the wet as an otter's pocket days.

Verdict

My new go-to jacket for cycling in horrible weather with a high chance of rain