GILETS GROUPTEST

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Fabric Zip 1 Breathability is good 4 Full-length is the for when dry weather norm for ventilation warms up, while water and of removal. resistance can make for a useful cover in warm, Hem wet conditions. A mesh 5 Elastic or a back aids ventilation drawstring at the hem but obviously won’t will keep air in and keep out rain. prevent draughts – or Grouptest moisture-removing Weight airflow, depending on 2 Thinner and lighter the situation. is better if you are Gilets likely to take it off Gender during the ride. 6 Looser-fitting A lightweight sleeveless is a useful addition gilets are more or to any year-round cyclist’s . Technical Collar less unisex. Tight or 3 High on the neck tailored ones need Editor Richard Hallett reviews four helps keep out cold a women’s fit option draughts. too. Few have this.

he gilet is a windbreak intended to be worn over not quite warm T enough for conditions that are expected 3 to improve, or to be carried in anticipation that they may deteriorate. They chilly starts, for example, or just the typically changeable 1 RICHARD British weather. Most are light and thin enough HALLETT to stash in a pocket. Technical A waterproof gilet offers a welcome alternative Editor to a sleeved shell in warm, rainy conditions Richard though may be overly warm in cool, dry weather. often rides in Conversely, many gilets have a mesh back. While changeable weather this is of no use in a downpour, the gilet’s wind conditions – he shielding function will help keep a wet rider 4 lives in Wales warm once the rain stops. A lightweight, breathable gilet is the versatile and adaptable choice since so much 6 of its effectiveness depends on what’s worn 2 underneath. It can be worn or carried as the weather and landscape demands.

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CYCLINGUK.ORG cycle 69 GROUPTEST GILETS

1 2 Verdict Plenty of variation here in what is essentially a simple garment: thick versus thin, stretchy versus taut, waterproof or simply breathable, pockets no pockets. Of the test samples, Lusso’s heavy- duty design offers serious protection from cold wind and light rain and is, perhaps, best worn as a Summer ride-long garment rather jerseys than one that’s taken on Something to wear and off. under your gilet: The others stick closer cyclinguk.org/article/ to the conventional gilet 3 cycling-guide/review- concept, which is of a cycling-tops lightweight cover that can be worn as required in changing conditions. They all work well.

More online For more reviews of bikes, kit and components, as well as how-to guides, visit... 4 cyclinguk.org/cycling-advice

Altura Lusso Pearl Izumi Continental 1 Airstream 2 Aqua Challenge 3 Zephrr Barrier 4 Windshield £39.99 altura.co.uk Blue Gillet Vest £89.99 Meshvest £49.95 £69.99 lusso.bike madison.co.uk conti-tyres.co.uk USING A THIN, breathable and water-repellent soft-touch LAVISHLY-SPECIFIED AND MESH-BACKED WITH a water- BEARING THE CONTINENTAL fabric for both front and sumptuous in feel, Lusso’s repellent ripstop nylon front, tyre manufacturer’s logo, rear panels, the Airstream design employs substantial the Barrier has a notably this is a well-constructed, is simple but effective. It’s Italian fabrics and is a snug high collar and a slightly lightweight, breathable easily folded and stashed fit thanks to their elasticity. superfluous drawstring on gilet with non-stretch but in a pocket, with the Breathable and waterproof, the hem. Of particular note is closely-fitting polyester option of tucking it inside its this gilet (or ‘gillet’) has four the impressively heavy-duty panels; Continental describe own rear cargo pocket first to rear pockets, one with a zip, zip, which can be operated it as ‘slim fit’. Apart from the make a convenient bundle. It which is perhaps just as well: from either end but which shoulders and upper back, incorporates reflective edge it would be tight worn over engages to start from the the rear is mesh fabric for bindings, and this bright items stored in a jersey’s rear opposite side to the others. ventilation. The zip is hidden yellow version (it also comes pockets. The rear panel is There’s a small reflective Pearl but full length, while the in black) is hard to miss reflective. The overall feel Izumi logo on the rear. This hem is elasticated. Reflective in daylight. The otherwise and impression is more of a gilet is available in women’s strips help it stand out in generous fit of the size L test sleeveless high-spec winter version too – same features, headlights. It packs down sample was slightly tight jacket than the traditional different cut. Sizes: men’s easily to fit in jersey pocket. around the chest. Sizes S-XXL. lightweight vest. Sizes: S-XXL. S-XXL, women’s S-XXL. Sizes: S-XXL.

Lightweight, affordable, basic Stretchy, high-tech gilet for Well-tailored quality. Nice to see No-frills efficiency. Conti’s gilet but effective more inclement weather a women’s version as well is lightweight and stashable

70 cycle AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020