Cycling Jackets

A cycling jacket, also called cycling coat or cycling jacket, protects you against rain, wind or cold so that you can also cycle comfortably in less favourable weather conditions. The difference from an ordinary rain jacket or coat is the specific cut: a cycling jacket has a longer back that covers your back in the bent riding position, breathable materials that transport sweat during exertion and a light weight that does not hinder you on the bike.

The range includes wind jackets for windless but fresh days, rain jackets for wet conditions, thermal cycling jackets for winter and softshell and hardshell models for heavier protection. There are models for men and women. The most important selection criteria are the weather conditions in which you most often cycle, the desired type of protection and the balance between insulation and breathability.

Which cycling jacket suits you?

The right choice depends on the season, the weather conditions and how long and intensively you cycle. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

It rains regularly and you want to stay dry on the bike: Choose a cycling rain jacket of waterproof material. A good cycling rain jacket has a waterproof coating or membrane that keeps out rain, but is at the same time breathable enough to let the heat your body produces during cycling escape. Note the difference: a waterproof jacket that does not breathe can get wet from the inside from sweat during intensive cycling.

It is windy but not necessarily wet, and you want a light protective layer: A wind jacket is the best choice. Lightweight, compactly foldable and specifically designed to block wind. Ideal for early morning rides, descents or variable spring weather where you quickly take off a jacket and put it in a back pocket as it gets warmer.

It is cold and you want to stay fully warm on the bike: Choose a thermal cycling jacket. These have a thicker or lined interior that retains heat and are often provided with a windstop panel at the front. Ideal for winter and autumn rides where the temperature drops below 8 degrees. Some models combine warmth and light water repellency.

You cycle in changeable weather and want a versatile jacket that can handle different conditions: A softshell cycling jacket is the best choice. Softshell combines wind resistance, light water repellency and high breathability in one jacket. Not as waterproof as a hardshell, but more comfortable and more suitable for active exertion in light rain and wind. The most versatile choice for the largest part of the year.

You cycle in heavy showers or in extreme conditions and want maximum protection: A hardshell cycling jacket offers the most comprehensive waterproofing and wind protection. Sturdier and thicker materials, fully waterproof and resistant to prolonged rain and hard wind. Less suitable for intensive exertion due to the lower breathability, but unrivalled when the weather is really bad.

You want one jacket that you can adapt to changing temperatures during the same ride: A convertible cycling jacket has removable sleeves or panels with which you adapt it from a full jacket to a vest. Handy for rides where the temperature varies during the day or where you make a mountain ride with a warm climb and cold descent.

What to look for when purchasing?

Water-resistant or waterproof

There is a clear difference. Water-resistant or water-repellent (DWR coating) keeps light rain and drops at bay but is not suitable for prolonged showers. Waterproof (waterproof membrane or coating) also keeps water out in heavy and prolonged rain. Look at the water column value: above 10,000 mm a jacket is suitable for real rain; below 5,000 mm it is water-repellent for drops and light rain. Do not buy a water-repellent jacket if you want to use it in wet conditions.

Breathability

A cycling jacket that does not breathe keeps you dry from the outside but causes you to get wet on the inside from sweat during active exertion. Look at the breathable properties of the material. Membrane jackets of quality fabrics combine good waterproofing with high breathability. Cheaper waterproof jackets are often less breathable. For intensive cycling, breathability is at least as important as waterproofing.

Fit: cycling sport versus recreational

Cycling jackets are available in a race fit (narrow, aerodynamic) or a roomier relaxed fit. A race fit has a longer back, fits snugly and is designed for the bent cycling position. A relaxed fit gives more freedom of movement and is more comfortable in an upright riding position or for recreational use. Choose based on how you ride.

Reflective elements

Cycling in autumn and winter means more often riding in the dark or in poor visibility. Check whether the jacket has reflective details on the back, shoulders or sleeves. Visibility for other road users is a serious safety consideration when cycling in low-light conditions.

Packing and weight

A compact cycling jacket that you can put in a back pocket of your cycling jersey is indispensable for many cyclists in changeable weather. The lighter and more compact the jacket, the easier it is to take along as a backup. Wind jackets are the champions in this; thermal jackets and hardshells are by nature larger and heavier.

Our advice: Buy at least two cycling jackets: a light windproof and compact jacket for summer changeable weather and a warmer winter jacket for the colder months. One jacket that covers both situations without compromise does not exist. Most cyclists who ride year-round have three variants: wind jacket, softshell or rain jacket and winter jacket.

Cycling jacket, cycling coat or rain jacket on the bike: what is the difference?

Cycling jacket and cycling coat are two names for the same product: a jacket specifically designed for use on the bike. The term cycling coat is used slightly more often for lighter models; cycling jacket for heavier or winter models. In practice they are used interchangeably.

A cycling rain jacket is a specific type of cycling jacket: one that is primarily designed for protection against rain. Not all cycling jackets are rain jackets. A thermal cycling jacket keeps you warm but is not always waterproof. A wind jacket blocks wind but is not waterproof. If you are specifically looking for a jacket for rain, pay attention to the waterproof specification in the product description.

Who are cycling jackets suitable for?

• Cyclists and triathletes who cycle outdoors year-round and do not want to stop in worse weather.
• Recreational cyclists who also want to stay comfortable in rain or wind and want to extend their cycling clothing with protection.
• Athletes who cycle early in the morning or in the evening when it is colder or darker and want extra protection.
• Cyclists who plan training sessions outdoors but cannot always predict the weather and want a compact backup layer to take along.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a cycling jacket but are not sure which type suits your riding style and weather conditions best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cycling jackets

What is the difference between a wind jacket and a rain jacket for cycling?

A wind jacket is lightweight and windproof but offers little to no protection in real rain. It is ideal for dry but cool or windy conditions and can be stored compactly in a back pocket. A cycling rain jacket is waterproof and resistant to precipitation, but is generally slightly heavier and less compact. The two products overlap sometimes, but are fundamentally for different conditions.

What do softshell and hardshell mean for cycling jackets?

A softshell cycling jacket is made of an elastic, yielding material that is windproof and repels light rain while breathing well. It is more comfortable during active exertion than a hardshell. A hardshell cycling jacket uses a stiffer, thicker and fully waterproof fabric for maximum protection in heavy rain and wind. Hardshell is less elastic and breathes less, but offers more protection in extreme conditions. Softshell is suitable for the largest part of rides; hardshell for the toughest conditions.

How do I choose the right size cycling jacket?

Use the brand's size chart and measure your chest circumference. A cycling jacket is worn over a cycling jersey or sometimes over an extra layer in cold weather; choose a size that fits comfortably over that without being too wide. Also check the sleeves: in the bent cycling position short sleeves pull up further. Choose a model where the sleeves are long enough in the riding position.

Can I use an ordinary rain jacket for cycling?

Technically yes, but the comfort is considerably less. An ordinary rain jacket has no longer back for the bent riding position, so your back is exposed while cycling. The fit is not tailored to the cycling position, so the jacket flaps or moves. A good cycling rain jacket has all those details and makes cycling in the rain a lot more pleasant.

How do I maintain my cycling jacket?

Wash your cycling jacket at low temperature (30 degrees) and do not use fabric softener, as that affects the water-repellent DWR coating. After washing, dry it in a tumble dryer at low temperature or iron it briefly on low heat to reactivate the DWR coating. Never use high temperatures; they damage the membrane and the thermal layers.