Lightweight Jacket review - Not a question!

I had a decent shopping experience at Evans in Spitalfields. Is the world working in reverse??? Thumbs up to Tom, who seems to actually like bikes and happy to spend time just chatting and looking at different bikes.

Anyway, I purchased this:
http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=1454784&outlet=

I wanted a jacket that would be resistant to at least light rain, but not be fully sealed and crazy expensive. breathable and packable. The usual suspects I guess.

Well, it was only sprinkling on the way home so no real test, but it felt soft, didn't impede movement anywhere and did not get sweaty or damp. But then, it's a short easy ride so no real test.

I couldn't wait for a real downpour to test the water resistance so I literally took a shower in it. Well, I shoved my torso and arms under the water. After a minute of 'deluge' conditions it is amazingly dry. Literally just shook the water off. Good signs so far. The only concern is the zips on the removable arms. The jacket can be converted to a Gilet, but I think the zips will let water in.

I proper test will have to wait for real conditions and If anyone cares I'll update this post with durability/performance thoughts.

Sorry for the possibly boring, long winded post but I hate wasting money and buying badly so hopefully this could be helpful to others.

Now I'm off to decide on a Fuji track or to fix my old bike, fun Saturday!

the is one word RAPHA

Sorry, I don't have 150 plus to spend. Nice yes, but I'd rather spend extra on components, not clothing.

what is the Rapha equiv of this jacket then?

Great thread.

Keep up the good work lowpug!

the is one word RAPHA

Way overpriced.

Nice though

I wanted a jacket that would be resistant to at least light rain, but not be fully sealed and crazy expensive. breathable and packable. The usual suspects I guess.

My Montane featherlite velo does all these things, so is an excellent alternative to the pear izumi elite

If you are concearned about the zips or any other areas buy some NIKWAX TX.DIRECT Spray-on waterproofing. Can be found in most camping/hiking/outdoor clothing shops.
Just spray it onto the zips and you'll be good to go.

Just bought some today for £7.99 and that's enough to do 2 jackets.

or put a bin bag over it, with your arms poked through

^ for that getto hipster look!

My Montane featherlite velo does all these things, so is an excellent alternative to the pear izumi elite

That was the other, cheaper option. I liked the fact it was so packable and the elasticised, long back was really good. The thing that stopped me was just that I had a similar jacket for hiking in and it tended to just stick like a wet bag when it does get wet. Plus, the PI elite jacket has zip off arms which is like gadget geek bonus points, even if I never use it.

We'll see how it goes. If in a week I'm riding in a soggy sweaty POS then you'll know not to buy one next time you need a jacket.

Bin bags are the 2-o-1-o look. I hear ones with the draw strings will be in particularly high demand.

or put a bin bag over it, with your arms poked through

I could even get an orange one to match my grips, belt, and tyres*

• I have none of these, although I have actually done the bag thing.
  

I could even get an orange one to match my grips, belt, and tyres*

• I have none of these, although I have actually done the bag thing.
  
  

Oooohh such a trendsetter ;-P

Its not so much about the shower thing but how it breaths, when you get out for a long cold weather ride let us know if your all shriveled up with damp at the end?

when you get out for a long cold weather ride let us know if your all shriveled up?

At least I now have an excuse.

the new momtagne jacket for 010 has gone up 25quid

im using the Montane Featherlit velo jacket and love it!

Its super light an breathable, but maybe a bit pricey at £40

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1029253/Endura-Stealth-Jacket.html

It's all about the stealth. A bit pricey at £159.99.

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1029253/Endura-Stealth-Jacket.html

It's all about the stealth. A bit pricey at £159.99.

looks ok, but http://www.rapha.cc/classic-softshell-jacket is very nice, if a little pricey (wrong thread?)

£240...

For £159 you get a jacket with ultrasonically welded internal seams, and waterproofed external seams, for super high water-proof-ness (10,000 mm).. that rapha thing looks to be a similar quality to a 80-90 quid jacket from a company like giordana, pearl izumi, sugoi, endura, gore, mavic etc.

Montanes are great if you are moving about (eg.running) - seem to work like a wetsuit when they are wet, but who wants to put on a soft, wet jacket?

Is there anything light but a bit more waterproof out there?
Wonder if spray on Nikwax makes them more waterproof?

Plus, the PI elite jacket has zip off arms which is like gadget geek bonus points, even if I never use it.

Great, so you've got something you are not going to use and what rendered it useless, because it lets water in?

I quite liked the Montane.

IF I never use it. And I never said it was usless. The zips are those really tight small ones so will be OK. Mostly.
Buts it's good that you like the montane. I think I mentioned that was the second choice.

The PI has better and more pockets. And a more flexible design.

Anyway, I didn't post this originally to boast or seek approval, it's just about finding a decent jacket. I'll let you know how it goes. It's likely to be raining this afternoon so I'll give it a proper test.