Merlin Wear Sport Thermal Cycling Jacket

The Merlin Wear Sport Thermal Cycling Jacket is almost too warm for its own good. If you run cold or cycle in freezing temperatures, for the money it's a stylish, functional option.

The design is definitely minimalist – the name 'Merlin' appears nowhere and there are just three small reflective logos to match the three thin reflective stripes on the rear pockets. The green detailing on the chest pocket zips, zip garage and rear pocket stitching are tastefully done. Rounding out the detail, there's a silicone grip strip around the hem, and the whole thing is brushed fleecy Roubaix fabric inside.

Sizing is out by quite some way – I'm a 94cm chest, 84cm waist, which Merlin's chart says is on the cusp of S/M for chest, and M/L for the waist. In reality the large was a perfect fit for chest, shoulders and waist, only coming up maybe an inch short in the arms, but then each of mine is two inches longer than what's considered normal for my height. If I were any larger in the chest I'd want to size up – the fit under the arms was tight when standing, though it came just right when on the bike, which is what you want to see in a serious cycling garment.

The collar stands not too high, with a bit of a gap to vent when the zip's up. Maybe the sizing assumes I'd have more neck to fill the gap, but it didn't bother me at all.

There are three pockets plus a zipped security pouch big enough for an iPhone 5 in a waterproof case. Setting off for a long ride, I had the rear pockets completely crammed with waterproof shell, tools and food – and could feel them due to the snug fit of the jacket. However, everything stayed in place and didn't feel overly loaded.

It also has two zipped chest pockets. Given the close fit of the jacket I couldn't imagine keeping anything in there beyond a slim cash-and-card flexible pouch, or maybe a key. Even a slim phone felt out of place. Merlin's website says, 'Chest side-pockets also double up as vents if required.' I get that, but you do have a full zip too...

Speaking of the zip, it's backed with a generous bright green flap to keep wind at bay that ends in a fold-over garage to prevent irritation. The zip itself is somewhat let down by having a very short pull that's difficult to get to and operate one-handed with gloves on. For a 'thermal' product, that's a bit of an oversight.

I was out in some fairly chilly, windy weather for extended periods, and never found myself wanting for warmth. Merlin says 'you can be sure of a cosy and comfy feel next the skin' which implies it sees you wearing this with no baselayer or 'jersey' underneath. I'm a fan of layering, giving the flexibility to remove things if it warms up. If you are setting out on a chilly morning of, say, a few degrees and are treating the Thermal Cycling Jacket as your only layer, you will probably be cooking once the sun comes out and things warm up. That said, one ride I did was with a 150gsm merino baselayer underneath, in sunny 5-10°C. Pushing quite hard, I didn't overheat by venting regularly – think every hill. But then I usually run pretty cold.

> Check out our guide to the best windproof jackets here

One memorable ride was into three hours of heavy rain. I wore the Sport Thermal jacket over a merino base and under the rather excellent Endura FS260-Pro SL shell (review here). The jacket felt perfect, never too warm, never too hot. At one stage I could feel slight damp in the middle of the shoulders but this soon passed. Given the fact that the Endura shell was blocking any wind-assisted evaporation, the fabric of the Merlin obviously does a good job of breathing.

In very cold, windy weather, at £70 RRP, this jacket could be just what you need to stay warm without breaking the bank, especially as it's currently discounted to £49. The features are decent, and the design is bang on trend – just check the fit.

Verdict

The chest pockets are strange and it weighs a bit, but it certainly keeps you warm