Road cycling jackets

Waterproof and breathable membrane: stay dry in the rain

A cycling rain jacket must keep water out while allowing the steam produced by effort to escape. Waterproof and breathable membranes achieve this thanks to pores that are too fine for a drop of water but wide enough for steam. Two values are compared: the water column, in millimetres, which measures waterproofing, and the breathability, in grams of steam expelled per square metre per day. Sealed seams prevent leaks at the shoulders, and a longer back protects the lower back from splashes in a bent position, as seen on the Gonso Save Essential.

The rest of the gear

Road gear is also available:

• Jerseys.
• Shorts.
• Gloves.
• Shoes.
• Helmets.
• Glasses.
• Textile accessories.

All the gear is gathered on the gear page.

Lightweight, thermal or insulated: a jacket for every temperature

The lightweight windproof or rain jacket, such as the Northwave Reload or the Elite Lab lightweight, can be rolled up in a back pocket for cool descents and passing showers. The thermal jacket, like the Löffler Gran Fondo or the Elite Lab thermal, combines a windproof fabric with a brushed inside: it can be worn directly over a base layer during winter rides. The insulated jacket, like the VAUDE Posta Insulation, adds padding for freezing days and breaks. The Rab Cinder Borealis, made of stretchy softshell, cuts the wind while breathing on long climbs.

Visibility, pockets and zip: the details of a road jacket

The reflective jackets from Elite Lab, including a sleeveless version, reflect the light from headlights and make the cyclist visible at dawn and dusk. A good road jacket also features back pockets that are accessible while riding, fitted cuffs, a high collar with lining, and a double slider zip for ventilation without fully unzipping. Northwave, an Italian brand from Montebelluna, and the German Gonso pay attention to these details on their Force and Save models. For young cyclists, the Endurance Kentar waterproof takes the same codes in a children's fit.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

How should I dress for cycling when it's freezing?

Layer a technical base layer, a thermal jacket, and, in extreme cold, a windproof or insulated jacket on top. The chest stays warm without sweating, and you unzip as soon as the road rises.

What’s the difference between a women's and men's cycling jacket?

The women’s cut is narrower at the shoulders, more defined at the waist, and a bit looser at the hips, with shorter sleeves. Elite Lab and Gonso therefore offer their waterproof jackets in a women's version.

How do I choose the size of a cycling jacket?

It should be fitted so it doesn’t flap in the wind, with sleeves that cover the wrists when the arms are extended towards the handlebars. Try it on bent forward: the lower back should remain covered in this position.

How do I reactivate the water-repellent finish of a rain jacket?

When water no longer beads, wash the jacket with a detergent for technical textiles, then apply a water-repellent spray or soak product. A gentle tumble dry, if allowed by the label, reactivates the treatment.

Can a rain jacket replace a windproof jacket?

It also stops the wind, but breathes less than a lightweight windproof jacket: in dry weather, you sweat more underneath. For rides in uncertain weather, a thin and compact rain jacket remains the best compromise.