Test 2017: 18 road bike jackets for the cold season - Winter special: 18 road bike jackets in a big comparison

What's actually going on with the winter weather? Okay, according to historical weather data, a white Christmas with ice and snow has always been a fairy tale. But the weather in the Munich region on 24 December 2015 was completely beyond any statistics. The thermometer scratched the 20-degree mark by a hair's breadth. 20 degrees plus. Many Munich cyclists were happy to accept this unexpected gift and spontaneously swapped their seat on the sofa for a racing bike saddle.

However, we can't hope for mild temperatures and sunshine every winter. If you still want to go for a winter spin with your mates in view of the cold and wet weather that is to be expected, you should be flexible when it comes to clothing.

The only question is: how? Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a jacket that can do everything - the requirements vary too much depending on the weather, individual sensitivity to the cold and, above all, the intended use. Intensive training is sweat-inducing, even in the cold, so water vapour must be able to escape easily. A rather thick, warmly lined jacket will inevitably reach its limits more quickly than a thinner, close-fitting model in which you will freeze more quickly. The cut is also important in terms of whether and how many additional layers you can put on under the jacket.

Most manufacturers offer tried-and-tested, multi-layered softshell jackets with a more or less thick and brushed inner lining, a water-repellent outer shell and a partially permeable membrane in between. A small trend can be observed: towards Primaloft and Polartec Alpha lining layers, with which the jackets are supposed to provide better warmth with otherwise the same construction and function.

You can find the entire test with these winter jackets as a PDF download below:

• Alé Klimatik K-Husky
• Assos milleJacket_evo7
• BBB Controlshield (TOUR-TIP: price/performance)
• Biehler Supernova LED Jacket
• Castelli Espresso 4 Jacket
• Craft Gran Fondo Jacket
• Ekoi Veste Thermique
• Endura Pro SL Thermo Windproof Jacket
• Exteondo Lerro Performance WS Jacket
• Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper Jacket
• Löffler Hr. Bike WS Softshell Jacket
• Mavic Ksyrium Pro Thermo Jacket
• Pearl Izumi Elite Escape Softshell Jacket
• RH+ Omega Lite AirX Softshell
• Santini Polar Winter Jacket
• Sportful Fiandre Norrain Jacket
• Sugoi RSE Alpha Bike Jacket
• Vaude ME Alphapro Jacket

FACTS FROM THE TEST

There is something for every budget and purpose among the 18 winter jackets. The cheapest jacket for 13O euros comes from Dutch supplier BBB, the most expensive at 28O euros from Etxeondo from the Basque Country. Jackets lined with Primaloft or Polartec material from Alé, Mavic, Sugoi and Vaude compete with classic soft shells, but are not necessarily warmer. Road cyclists will find the best cuts at Ekoi, Etxeondo and Sportful.

Downloads:
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