Santini 365 Transparent Plain Zip Race jacket

When riding hard in showery conditions you don't necessarily need a full on waterproof. Something like Santini's 365 Transparent jacket to keep the worst of it off is ideal, and thanks to a snug fit its perfect for racing.

This Italian-made take on the race cape has a tailored fit which is cut for when you are in the saddle. The tail is dropped and the waist is cinched preventing fabric from flapping about or bunching when you are in motion.

Sizing is always a contentious issue when it comes to Italian clothing but the medium tested here fits me spot on (I'm a medium in DHB, Rapha and so on) which pairs up perfectly with Santini's online size chart. There is a 4XL maximum size which is good enough for a 47-inch chest, for the rugby players and body builders out there.

The Windtex fabric is water resistant and windproof. Many jackets of this style claim to be breathable but they seldom are, with venting making up for the deficiencies of the material (and let's face it, even the best vapour-permeable fabrics can't keep up with a cyclist toiling up a hill anyway). Rather than the usual pit zips Santini go for a large mesh vent across the upper back with the Windtex material providing a flap to stop rain water from getting in. It works rather well with the 365 being one of the most temperature-controlled race capes I've used. You do need to keep the zip at the front down a bit though to let cold air pass through if you're really pushing the pace. Your arms will also get sweaty causing the fabric to stick to them though I'm yet to find an unlined windproof jacket where this doesn't happen.

As far as the water resistance goes, it'll keep out light drizzle and short rain showers although heavier bursts or more persistant downpours will soak through. You will remain warm though.

The neck sits nice and high which stops drafts travelling down your back and the centre section, which is most likely going to be sat against the nape of your neck, uses a softer fabric for comfort.

Overall the Santini 365 is one of the better options and priced at £49.99 it sits somewhere in the mid-range. It's well made with the use of plenty of panels providing an aero fit making ideal for racing, fast club runs or pretty much any hard effort.

The full zip means you can control your temperature as you ride plus it's easy to get on and off while in the saddle, though getting it back in its little carry bag is probably best left to the coffee stop. When it is in its bag it'll easily fit in a jersey pocket.

Fit on the bike is great to with the tail covering your rear when you are in the drops and plenty of length in the arms.

Verdict

Well vented cape with a racer's cut for aerodynamics, and plenty of size options.