FINAL VERDICTT

Cold rides, fast rides annd wet rides – pick the best jacket for every occasion

NONE OF THESE jackets are exactly cheap so it’s fairf to expect a decent amount of protection against the elements given their price. If you’re spending that much wonga on a jacket, you’re going to want it too keep you warm. And amazingly some of the jackets here don’t without some reinforcements in the form of multiple extra layers of clothing.

ONE THAT CAN battle the elements is the FIVE Coldharbour. It’s one of the cheapest, handles wind and rain well, and it works as a casual jacket off the bike. Granted it’s not the best on a road bike (althoughh it’s better on a MTB) but given its price and it’s all-round usefulness, it’s definitely worth considering. But check out its unconventional rear pocket arrangement.

IF YOUR WINTER rides are energetic affairs, in which the effort you’re making keeps you warm, then a lighter jacket that just takes the edge off the chill is the way to go. And the North wave and Mavic jackets are where you should be looking. Louis Garneau’s jackett is a versatile garment and sits as a sort of oddball halfway house between the Mavic and Northwave duo and the heavy-duty winter jackets.

IF WARMTH IS your absolute priority there are really only three jackets here worth considering: the Specialized, the Endura and the Gore. The Specialized is nice but not quite as nice as the Endura, and both being £40 cheaper than the Gore definitely works in their favour. But take cash out of the equation and the Gore comes out on top in every category: insulation, comfort, fit and practicality.