Sugoi Versa Jacket

For the changing of the seasons and indeed, year round use, a convertible windproof jacket and gilet combo like the Sugoi Versa Jacket makes a handy addition to a cyclist's wardrobe. More sophisticated jackets of this type often have some sort of removeable yoke/bolero type affair while simpler models just have sleeves that zip-off. How well they work and how easy they are to convert on the fly depends on the individual design.

The Versa from Sugoi is a bit different from many of this ilk. One of the first things you notice about it is its weight. The fabric is a fairly standard weight of polyester wind and water resistant shell fabric, but its use of magnets to fasten on the sleeves/bolero section means there's added weight. So, the rabidly weight conscious might want to pass on this one from the off. But that would be a shame, as it's a well considered and nicely designed, high quality jacket. It's not intended to be a dedicated cycling jacket, so much as a multi-activity jacket for running or riding, but it has been designed to still offer a cyclist enough useful functionality. Features include an assortment of reflective piping and logos strewn across the jacket and its gilet incarnation. There are side zipped pockets and a decent sized zipped lumbar pocket, hem drawcord, elasticated cuffs and a fleecy lined collar. A mesh ventilation panel at the upper back aids temperature management even before removing the sleeve portion.

In use, the sleeves are surprisingly easy and quick to remove. The sleeve unit/bolero quickly just pulls off, and equally quickly and easily replaces when it starts to chill off. You probably couldn't do it actually riding, but it literally only takes a minute or so when stopped. The sleeve unit happily pops into the rear zipped pocket when not needed. Theoretically you could wear the arms section on its own over a short sleeved jersey for additional arm warmth, but there are uncomfortable echoes of Torville and Dean about the resulting look.

The fabric is extremely breathable, allowing for a comfortable and non-sweaty ride, while the rear mesh panel and the ventilation inherent in the way the sleeves fasten to the gilet make this a good jacket for maintaining steady temperature. The body length is adequate, with no real riding up of the rear, even without a significantly extended tail area. The sleeves are a decent length, but do suffer from slightly over simple cuffs, which can be a little on the baggy side. I'd probably have preferred to have seen a half elastic and half Velcro fastening at the cuff. The cut is flattering and contoured without being snug, and the sizing is spot on, with a size Medium roughly equivalent to a UK 12. It's a good looking jacket, and the bonus is it's available in about four colours. As a gilet on its own, it's very wearable and should last well, unlike many variations on this type of jacket.

Price-wise it's a reasonable price for a nicely put together, wearable jacket/gilet and compares well with the likes of Gore, Endura, Nike and others. The Versa is available in men's and women's versions in a choice of colours and sizes.

Verdict

A really well designed, versatile jacket useful for year round riding or running. Not the lightest of its ilk though.