How should a cycling jacket fit?
As is the case with cycling vests and bicycle jerseys, don’t make the mistake of trying on a windproof cycling jacket and standing up straight. In reality, you are not likely to be wearing this whilst standing very often. Instead, try it on and hunch over as you would if riding a bike. Now you have a proper idea of the feel!
If this is a shell cycling jacket to take you through late spring or early autumn, you probably won’t be wearing plenty of other layers underneath. As such, you can afford for it to feel snug.
There should be no riding up around the waist, and it should remain firmly in place at the bottom of the back. Your arms should protrude freely and easily swing around behind you to pull something out of your pocket, for instance.
However, if this is a hard-core winter cycling jacket, remember you’ll be wearing several layers - probably at least three - underneath. As a result, ensure you allow for some room so your upper body can still move freely.
How do you wash a cycling jacket?
Option one - by hand. This is not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who invest a lot in their kit and want it to go the distance, a good hand wash in warm, soapy water followed by a thorough rinse will help care for this apparel long-term.
Option two - the more modern approach is your washing machine! If you’re keen to know what cycle to wash jackets, go gentle at 30 degrees. Don’t surpass this temperature, as you risk damaging the integrity of the kit.
This is important - don’t use standard washing liquids or fabric softeners. These are designed to dig deep into the fabric to remove grease, oil, etc. However, they can wreak havoc on a waterproof cycling jacket, compromising its integrity and longevity. Look for a product designed specifically for this type of kit.
What to look for in a rain cycling jacket?
OK - the obvious thing is rain, right? The best cycling rain jacket will bead off water effortlessly. But that’s not all it should do. Other features to look out for include:
- Breathability - you’ll likely wear this along with several other layers, so you don’t want to feel bogged down.
- Lightweight - even in the depths of winter, you want your body temperature to feel regulated and avoid moisture build-up.
- Visibility - reflective panels are key. This will be the final layer over your kit, and it’s always important to make yourself stand out as much as possible for other road users.
- Pockets - never underestimate the importance of a humble pocket. Again, because this is likely your final layer, you want an external pocket that makes it easy to reach essential items. The last thing you want to do whilst riding is pull up other layers to get to an energy bar; you’ll want two by the time you’ve made all the effort!
Need help with your bicycle jacket?
Contact our friendly team if you have any questions about mountain or road cycling jackets. We’d love to hear from you and help, so don’t hesitate. Meanwhile, if you’re here scouting for present ideas for that particular cyclist in your life, why not opt for a BikeChain E-GiftCard? It’s a good way of ensuring they get what they want (and you do very little to make it happen!). Everyone’s a winner.
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