Albion, nice and a reasonable amount of pocket locations

Here are a few pics - was taken in about two inches, pulling the cuff underneath, and then running a new stitch. Graeme also did some kind of sorcery with elastic at the bottom so it doesn't flap. Soz for the smell I just came back from a rainy loop

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Thinking of picking up a lovely Insulated Jacket 3.0 for Mrs Jameo for Xmas. But unsure about womens size, she usually wears 6-8, she's petite 155cm tall. Would I be wanting the XS?

Any steer would be helpful, ta muchly

Really liking the zoa jacket; anyone got one?
Recommend?

Highly. It’s been my go-to for the last two winters now, whether I’m on the bike or not. The DWR works well for most rain, it’s super warm and really packable. The inner cuffs are genius and the hood is snug. Only thing I’d tweak is the double zippers on the pockets as it’s pretty hard to grab just the one when you’re doing them up and wearing winter gloves. Apart from that it’s perfect, still looking smart after a lot of use and it gets a lot of compliments.

Does it fit true to size?

I was between a small and medium in the zoa. I’m a medium in the rest of Albion’s stuff, the zoa definitely runs a little bigger than the rest of their sizing. It’s perfect with a couple of layers and a scarf underneath though.

For the double pocket zipper/gloved hand, take out the cord puller on the one you don't want to grab, and add something bigger to the remaining one/replace with bigger loop?

We were just talking this morning about doing some pieces on details like this*; I'm really in favour of allowing users to interpret/adapt clothing to their preference.

*was more to do with the lightweight luggage and different ways of tailoring/using/stashing.

And thank you for posting - @andylum shout if you need any more info/help. Was pretty well resolved and clean in the end.

Great idea. Now wondering why I never thought of this. Thanks.

Ta very much! Super helpful to see this. Fortunately / unfortunately the kit I crashed in was not my lovely Albion bits, so I'll find somewhere local to see if they can replicate the sleeve amendments. Cheers both!

So, please make a decision for me.

I’m going for the three season pocket tights and am thinking of a jacket for 0 to 10 degrees (dry) weather done usually at a decent clip and also Festive 500.

I’ve asked @Chopsicle about this before and had some really handy feedback, but does anyone have a view for Insulated Jacket 3.0 vs Ultralight Insulated? Or, god forbid, any other suggestions?

I'm in the same camp as you... I need to buy something quick but there's too much to choose from... I think I'd personally take a punt on the 3.0 if you're gonna be dry riding. I've now got my eyes on the Zoa rain shell but no mediums in black!

Hey, so I have the 2.0 insulated jacket but I think the design differences are minor. I also run warm. I've done some 'decent clip' rides in about 6-8 degrees in it. With a LS baselayer, the house jersey and the insulated jacket on top I was warm - like very warm. Two way zip is great to create some circulation-of-your-choice as when I was working hard things heated up. Jacket is so light that it kinda messes with my head as it's so warm, usually need a lot more bulk for that kind of insulation. You stop on the roadside and the heat just leakes out, freaky.

Personally I think if you're moving well just a ss jersey and the jacket would be enough, needs to be below 4 before I'd start thinking about layering. I've got an insulated gilet (ultralight insulated may also work) on the way which I think may be better for faster 50 Mile Centrist Dad Loops when it's not bitterly cold out. For longer, steadier stuff though the insulated jacket is probably boss but I have the family swim at 11:30 and to misquote Íñigo San Millán nobody ever won a race in zone 3 but they certainly made it home on time

I use the insulated gilet with a long sleeve top - I find it works from a couple of degrees up to, dunno, 10-12

I dont want to take away from the zoa love, but I've found the insulated gilet way more practical than I thought it would be. I bought it as a bit of a vanity purchase for emergencies (as most of my kit is old good quality stuff that refuses to die), but its become a daily wear thing for commuting, RP laps and general weekend runs.

Also making this decision! the Ultralight being billed as super packable etc makes me wonder whether its the right thing for everyday use

Ultralight is very thin so went for the thicker one under a zoa insulated ! I run cold at 6am

Thanks for the input, all. It never fails to amaze me just how bloody nice people can be on the forum.

It sounds to me as if the insulated 3.0 is the ticket here.

The dual direction zip means that, in any case, you can always unzip it and go capey cape mode if you overheat whilst moving anyway.

Overall, it seems to fit more purposes at not much of a weight penalty and is still relatively packable.

My Zoa insulated jacket is absolutely the favourite thing I've bought this year.

Worn it off the bike more than on. Today I've already had two people ask where it's from.

Bravo @Chopsicle

You look lovely in it

Dreamy in fact

@andyp @dan I thought it held up to the testing conditions at Canopy Tap Room very well

A true test of its capabilities..

Anyone got one of the Insulated Gilet? I normally stick to the zoa stuff as I ride mountain bikes is the fit on the gilet similar to the zoa range or more skinny fit roadie?

cheers!

Normal when i tried one on . Certainly not skinny undersize.

Yeah pretty normal fit. Not baggy, not super tight. Sides are stretch mesh so I can put on some winter weight and still fit into mine. It's one of the best bits of cycling clothing I've ever bought. Worn on long rides in the winter, alpine descents, summer evenings while touring - great for all of them. Fits in a back pocket too.