Castelli Alpha ROS 2 Light jacket

£230, saddleback.co.uk

The asking price of the Alpha ROS 2 Light jacket might be a touch beyond what most riders consider realistic, but Castelli has a case to say that the jacket might actually be darn good value. This, says the manufacturer, is because its features allow it to perform across a weather range the rider would usually need two or three conventional jackets to cope with.

‘The Alpha ROS 2 Light jacket copes with temperatures from low single digits up to the mid-teens through the use of Gore-tex Infinium Windstopper fabric on the front, Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric on the back, and an internal vest section made from a fleecy Prosecco Strada fabric,’ says Rich Mardle, brand director at Castelli’s UK distributor, Saddleback.

The Infinium layer blocks wind and repels water while remaining low in bulk, while the Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric is stretchy and breathable. The internal second layer of Prosecco Strada fabric is zippered just like the Infinium outer shell, so the zips of both layers can be adjusted to regulate body heat.

This is the second revision of the Alpha, the update bringing extra wet weather protection. The number of seams has been reduced and what exposed ones there are (for example, at the shoulders) have been taped in contrasting piping to prevent water ingress.

If the initial outlay is manageable, this sounds like it may be the only jacket you’ll need this winter.