Albion, nice and a reasonable amount of pocket locations

I have the Ronhill X Mountain Equipment Shakedry, which is very good and very packable.

The zoa is bright orange though.

I'm guessing if it's not day-in-day-out use, but on/off as needed, it will be solid, but not as durable as say a surplus rain-jacket. To use as a reference, those military jackets are higher denier nylon and heavier weight ....which is then a consideration if you are stowing in a bag.

People in the studio using regularly with backpack for commutes, and no problem with strap wear over a year, but again, if you're running a Cordura courier bag strap around a shoulder frequently it would wear as any jacket would!

They have them in Condor if you wanted to check the weight/durability feel.

And yes, the Rain Jacket is stowable in a jersey pocket, Zoa Rain Shell not possible with the hood, heavier fabric, and extra features.

Any Shakedry (2-layer) would come in more stowable/lighter than the lightest 3-layers laminates (but is compromised in durability/strength).

Thank you!

That's really helpful, thanks! I use a cargo bike so it won't need to stand up to a massive messenger bag or anything like that. I didn't realise Condor stocked them, maybe I'll pop down to try one on. I think I'm probably between sizes anyway so can't hurt.

Oooks, maybe give them a call, only showing S in black in stock, sorry!
https://www.condorcycles.com/products/albion-zoa-rain-shell?variant=41094972440726

Alternatively we're in Deptford, Creekside, could pull out sizes if you're passing?

I didn't realise you were there! I pass through Creekside on my way to and from work every day. I'm off work this week but that might actually be really helpful if any day next week would be convenient for you? No problem if it's hassle though, I'll need either a small or a medium so being able to have a look at a small in Condor would answer any questions I had. How does it compare in sizing to the Zoa insulated? I have a medium which is a good but roomy fit.

Gutted I missed the recent end of summer sales…. £85 off of £400 would have been dead handy right now…. What is the current discount LFGSS status?

I didn't see it, sorry.

As mentioned on twitter, this got heavy use last week in France so merci beaucoup my man!

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Yeah, same here, no sign of it :(

….but I did find an almighty speed wobble at 75kph! Sideways gusting winds on the open sections, bike was severely fish-tailing and I couldn’t stop it :/ Made plans to bail into the verge or get a foot down, but somehow made it out the other side. Everyone descending around same time had the same, but think mine was particularly bad due to big, flexy 853 steel frame. Never want to experience that again.

And yes, totally comes into its own in the mountains - didn’t take a gilet with me, just Burner, armwarmers & rainajcket (when needed) was perfect.

Great - let me double check today what we have in the studio and get back to you, and can figure out a time next week that works for you

Rain Shell is designed to work over the Zoa Insulated Jacket, so it’s similar fit & shape; contoured/active but room to layer underneath. Definitely worth checking with your Medium Zoa insulated jacket under too, for the really unpleasant winter days. …you might also be able to get a look at the Zoa Rain Shell Trousers too - will see if I can post some pics on here, they’re looking really good, v pleased with them.

Amazing! Really appreciate your help.
I think I might just go for it actually, it sounds like what I'm after and if it's the same quality as the other Albion stuff I have, I can't go wrong. Just need to decide on the colour now.

Got a Medium on the rail, but will check to see if anyone is riding a Small too

And I know there's been interest, so here's the first (LFGSS exclusive!) photos of the Zoa Rainshell Trouser, from production size set. Vans = Medium, not sure about the Terrex size, due mid-Oct, in black and this really nice drab olive.

Really pleased with these, working hands-on to develop the shape and details has been so beneficial. Designed originally as overtrousers, to wear over pocket bibs/regular trousers/insulated trousers, but people wearing them casually in the studio - more ACG than I ever imagined, blends seamlessly off-bike. Hard to describe, but a 'wrap-over' on one side-seam gives big range of waist adjustment and support, but makes it v simple to get on in seconds, even when wearing overshoes. Seat is overlaid with a panel of Cordura, giving protection and durability against spray, grit, mud.

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Nice. There’s definitely a market for these! Would you consider a shorts version? Would be good for packing down and I don’t mind my lower legs getting so wet IME.

paging @amey

Womens fit first, and there’s a bit of the ‘unknown’ about these as a category, but I’d love to think these will become a core running style - will be in my pack over the winter, and would definitely use on sh*te winter rides instead of putting up with wet fleecy lycra - so yes, short version is a good call.

Also wet-weather shorts are a popular item in MTB world, but would love an Albion cut.

I need these for looking pro at nursery drop off pls.

Two questions.
Are they now trousers or still over-trousers?
Second, off topic, can we get a close up on the Exposure mounted on that Fairlight..

Would also be shorts curious.

On the first TABR I had a full frame bag and 65mm front wheel. Made for very interesting riding on the windy sections! I got very used to clamping my knees to the top tube to calm the speed wobbles down. The next year when I did it with normal wheels was so much more relaxing riding.

you can have your nike ones back

Trousers are v cool. Do you have some info on the lower leg zip? I'm assuming it's purely for removing / putting-on usability.
If so, could I throw some embryonic thoughts into the ring, from a personal preference perspective?
Just as someone who prefers a straight / wide leg silhouette, but am aware of the drawbacks from a drivetrain / flappage issue - Does or could the zip involve facility for narrowing an off-bike straight wide-cut for an on-bike drivetrain clearance?

Another thought – I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a pair of Rainlegs, which I think are fantastic. But they could be improved – functionally and aesthetically – by reducing the amount of straps with a lightweight mesh or similar on the rear. What I like about them is the waterproofing on the front, where it really matters, and the lack of heavy material on the back to prevent condensation building up.

Interesting. The reason why the poc dungarees appeal is the salopette top will catch most of the rear wheel spray. So after it has rained you can still wear a normal jersey without the mud stripe up the arse and lower back.