The Protective Ceduna Kid's jacket is precisely that: a lightweight, scaled down wind/water repellent shell that weighs next to nothing and packs down to the size of a small adult's gilet. A great, race-inspired cut means that young protgs can ride like the clappers without hindrance, while the long elasticated tail and cuffs keep wind-chill at bay.
The Ceduna is made from 'Protective Wind Defence' (PWD for short), a close weave shower- and windproof micro-fibre polyester that has fast wicking properties, preventing it getting clammy. Unusually, there is a breast pocket and two rear ones, which make useful stash-points for a mobile phone, spare change and snacks. The rear doubles as a handy LED mount. Bright yellow might not fire everyone's imagination but, along with strategically placed Scotchlite detailing, attracts the right sort of attention. It's also available, as shown, in red.
Sizing is precise but with some growing room, based upon rider height rather than a prescriptive age. Our 152cm model fitted eight-year old Joshua perfectly, with enough length in the tail that it didn't ride up when he was pedalling in a more aggressive position. It's cut higher than many jackets at the front, so it doesn't snag on the saddle nose when the wearer is shuffling about or dismounting. The sleeve cuffs are elasticated, while a lined collar keeps the elements out at the neck.
Performance is surprisingly good, given that it's a relatively thin fabric. Joshua reports excellent protection from wind-chill, especially on long descents aboard the tag-along. The zips are easily operated on the fly and in gloved hands.
Strictly speaking the Ceduna is a road jacket, but we've had a fair few off-road rides and the material has remained unscathed despite encounters with prickly foliage. Like other showerproof jackets, it's shower resistant for about 20 minutes - whereupon things get a little damp inside. But it dries just as quickly.
Verdict
A capable, well-cut lightweight shell that's more wind- than waterproof
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Protective Ceduna Kid's Jacket
Size tested: '152cm', Red
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?
"The Protective Ceduna is a wonderfully wearable windproof that satisfies the need for serious weather protection in a simple, lightweight format". Statements I would agree with.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
PROTECTIVE WIND DEFENSE
"PWD garments are manufactured in close-weave wind & water repellent fabrics, so they'll keep you pretty dry over a half hour rainy ride. Not being totally waterproof has its benefits. PWD garments are extremely breathable, so less likely to get wet from the inside. They are also very fast drying, so if you do get caught in the rain in the morning, your PWD garment will be dry by the evening. A PWD top is extremely light weight and compact. It's made to be rolled up into its own back pocket. In fact it rolls up so small, you could stuff one into the back pocket of, say, a Protective cycling jersey".
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
As a lightweight performace garment there's little to fault it thanks to great cut, sensible features and reasonable price-tag. Highly resistant to wind-chill, more persistent showers can foil the fabric but it dries pretty fast and packs away when not required.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great cut, practical design and lightweight.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing but alternative colours would be nice.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 37 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)