The Universal Colours Unisex Spectrum Gilet 2.0 is a smart, lightweight layer that covers the essentials for riders who want clean styling, windproof protection and pack-down convenience.
We recently looked at the Universal Colours Mono Men’s Gilet which Shaun described as a ‘well-made, light and packable gilet with good detailing – but a heavyweight price’. So I was interested to see how the Spectrum 2.0 compared.
On the bike the gilet does what it’s designed to do effectively. I wore it over a long-sleeved jersey when the temperature hovered around 10°C and it worked well, along with a short sleeve baselayer. It could go lower if you paired it with a thermal baselayer. Windproofing is great, and waterproofing is fine for a shower or two, but I would want something more substantial for genuine deluges.
The main material used is a ripstop fabric on the front and around the neck, while the back has a strip of mesh down the centre and the same mesh under the arms and down the sides. It’s a construction that is common in gilets designed for milder days rather than depths of winter – something that is going to keep off a shower or cold air, and with enough breathability that it’s not going to boil you.
It isn’t an insulated gilet, so this isn’t something you would use when the temperatures get closer to zero, but it has really good wind protection, so paired with decent layering it works well.
The zip is simple to operate even when wearing full-fingered gloves thanks to the long pull-tag, which is fabric rather than plastic, meaning you don’t get anything smacking you in the chin by mistake.
The collar is comfortable thanks to the inner mesh keeping the waterproof material off the skin.
The hem gripper does its job in keeping everything in place, which I often find is a challenge with gilets thanks to their lightweight design.
When it comes to packing down, the Spectrum is very neat as it folds into a small zip pocket on the back, and can then be tucked into a jersey pocket.
However, while this works very well, if the pocket was just a little bit bigger you could fit a phone in with ease; as it is, I could fit my iPhone in, but doing so on the go was a little fiddly, not helped by the lightness of the material.
Universal Colours focuses on minimalism, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this has a minimalist look. The only visible branding is a small reflective logo on the side of the chest and another on the bottom of the back. It comes in three colours; I really like the Iridescent Green/Red on test, which looks different to other block colour or garish hi-vis designs, and it’s also available in Iridescent Violet and Amethyst Purple.
With an RRP of £100 this sits slightly below some premium brands, such as the Castelli Espresso Vest – a similar design without insulation that comes in at £130 – and the MAAP Draft Team Vest at £120, though according to Laurence’s review the waterproofing on that isn’t at the same level.
Check out more options in our guide to the best cycling gilets.
Conclusion
Stylish, easily-packable, and weather resistant, the Spectrum Gilet 2.0 works well for spring and autumn rides. It isn’t something you’re going to reach for when the mercury really drops, but for milder days it’s a good companion.
Verdict
Good quality gilet that does exactly what’s needed for rides on milder days when just a little extra protection is needed
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Universal Colours Unisex Spectrum Gilet 2.0
Size tested: Large
Tell us what the product is for
Universal Colours says: “This latest iteration of our Spectrum Unisex Gilet has been carefully refined for improved fit and function: the front length has been slightly reduced, the chest and waist increased for greater freedom of movement without losing fit, the collar shape re-engineered for comfort, and the back slightly shortened for an improved on-bike silhouette. Subtle branding updates align this piece seamlessly with the wider Universal Colours range.
“Windproof, water-resistant, and finished in an iridescent ripstop fabric with reflective logos, this gilet ensures confident riding in poor conditions, making it an indispensable layer for every ride.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Universal Colours lists:
Durable ripstop fabric with a water-resistant finish
Lightweight and easily packable into its own reversible zipped pocket
Stretch mesh side panels using recycled yarns
Lightweight and flexible Vislon Slim recycled PET zip
Unisex cut: men should choose their regular size, and women should choose two sizes down from their regular size.
Designed and created by Universal Colours
Made in China by an internationally audited factory to ensure social and environmental good practice.
Feels well made, particularly the pocket on the back which is a nice touch.
Does exactly what’s needed, kept off the wind and most of the rain.
It’s perhaps not as robust as something thicker, but well made and feels like it will last.
It fitted well, without too much creasing or flapping in the wind.
As expected.
Very light – perfect for when it’s in the pocket.
There are nice touches like the mesh inside the collar, and windproofing that work well for comfort.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Simple: chuck it in at 30 and line dry.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It does what was needed – it was perfect for cooler mornings where I wanted to start with a gilet then strip it off, or cooler drier rides.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The colour – looks very cool.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The rear pocket could be larger for ease of putting a phone in on the go.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
With an RRP of £100 this sits slightly below some premium brands, such as the Castelli Espresso Vest – a similar design without insulation that comes in at £130 – and the MAAP Draft Team Vest at £120, though the waterproofing on that isn’t at the same level.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It’s good: it offers a decent amount of protection, packs down neatly into its own bag, and doesn’t break the bank.
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: CAAD13 My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,
