The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was one big learning curve for Paul Seixas, but if he had one lesson to share in the aftermath of his bandaged exit it was this: "Always wear your gloves".

The 19-year-old French super-talent crashed at speed on a descent on the penultimate day of racing, and while he bounced back up to plug an enormous gap before limiting his losses on the summit finish, he was out of the race very soon into the final stage.

Seixas said he could barely grip the handlebars and while all four limbs were covered in bandages by Saturday night, it was his hands, he revealed, that took the brunt of the fall.

"I slid like a toboggan, on my front," Seixas said. "I grated myself on the road – I was sliding for 20 or 30 metres I think. On a dry road that does you no good.

"When you slide on your hands at 70km/h, your hands pay a heavy price."

It's not that Seixas was not wearing gloves; he was wearing a pair of black fingerless mitts. But he felt the damage would have been much worse otherwise.

"What saved me today was maybe the gloves, because the gloves were torn up.

"I was wearing gloves but even so my hands were battered. Without gloves I wouldn’t have been able to get going again, I don’t think.

"Always wear your gloves when you ride," he repeated in separate interviews.

The pros and cons of wearing gloves

Road cycling gloves have been in decline for some time, with many high profile pros eschewing them except on key occasions like Paris-Roubaix, though even Mathieu van der Poel goes without them for the cobbles.

They indeed will, thanks to real, or in recent times synthetic, leather or suede palms, help with abrasion in the event of a fall. But generally speaking cycling gloves are not designed with this in mind.

Outside of a crash, their primary function is to provide additional comfort to the hands on the bars, adding padding to the hypothenar (the inside of the heel of the palm, as you look down at your own hands), under which the ulnar nerve passes. Impingement of this nerve can cause numbness or tingling in the little, ring, and index fingers.

Why are pros ditching them in increasing numbers, then?

Well, bars are more ergonomic than they used to be and so with a decent bike fit, they rarely need extra padding.

Weight and aerodynamics may be a factor, too, though a pair of the best cycling gloves hardly tip the scales by much.

From personal experience it's likely cooling and comfort at play; the back of the hands and the inside of the wrists feature blood vessels very close to the surface of the skin, and covering these up can give you an unpleasant, clammy feeling.

Exposing the skin to the air – especially a body part that's very much in the wind – can aid in keeping body temperatures down, and this is likely the risk-reward dilemma at play.

Who wears gloves?

It seems that Isaac del Toro has been racing in a new unreleased Sidi cycling shoe for several months.

The shoes in question are a lace-up road model that we don’t recognise; Del Toro has been racing in them since at least last year.

Whilst Sidi offers several lace-up options, it doesn’t officially sell a lace-up pro-level road shoe.

Del Toro and Sidi announced a partnership in March last year, and it seems likely that both parties have been collaborating on a new product.

Once we started going back over various race images, it seems Del Toro has ridden in various shoes with three different lacing systems over the past several months, and even raced and won at Tirreno Adriatico with odd shoes on.

Italian brand Sidi is a famous name in the cycling world, with a great many riders using the brand's products over the years. Brand founder Dino Signori passed away aged 90 in March this year.

Not all pro cyclists have exclusive cycling shoe deals; generally it seems to be something reserved for the sport's bigger stars.

One such example of a pro shoe deal is Remco Evenepoel’s S-Works Torch Remco model, which arrived around this time last year ahead of the Tour de France and was said to have come at Evenepoel's specific request for a lightweight climbing shoe.

The Tour de France isn't far away, and as the pinnacle of the cycling year, it's always a prime time for brands to release new equipment. We recently spotted several new bikes at the renamed Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes this year, which Del Toro himself is competing in.

Cyclingnews has reached out to Sidi for more information on the shoes.

What shoes is Del Toro wearing?

Del Toro raced in Nimbl shoes until he switched to Sidi last year, and for the most part we have seen him racing in the brand's Shot 3 shoes, which feature a two-dial closure system and a carbon sole or ‘chassis’, in the brand's words, which extends up around the heel, making them quite easy to spot.

In a lot of races Del Toro has ridden this year, he has regularly used a lace-up Sidi model that appears to have a very similar sole to the Shot 3; could this be a lace-up version of the same model?

Lace-up shoes are generally considered to offer an aerodynamic advantage over a shoe with closure dials, which sit more prominently on the face of the shoe. The likes of Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard all race in lace-up shoes from DMT, Specialized and Nimbl. Riders also use dedicated dial covers over the middle of their shoes now to smooth airflow.

As far back as late 2025, Del Toro could be seen using a lace-up model with five eyelets on either side of the shoe's quite tall tongue, as well as a black lace toggle or holder.

Whilst the shoes carried Sidi logos, the system looked a little more prototype than a full production version, with a black toggle at the top of the foot being used to cinch the thin-looking lace down. It's a similar-looking system to the Rapha Pro Team Lace-up shoe.

Later versions of the shoes that have been used this year have seven eyelets and a white toggle. Suggesting different variants of the shoe have been tried and tested.

After doing some digging, we also noticed Del Toro lined up for Stage 6 of Tirreno Adriatico with odd shoes on.

The Mexican star wore a Shot 3 on his left foot, and one of the unknown shoes on his right, actually crossing the line to claim victory that day wearing the odd shoes. Perhaps he was carrying out something of a head-to-head comparison between the two models.

Jasper Philipsen also won Nokere Koerse in March wearing odd shoes; his shoe change came mid-race, however, after crash damage forced him to change into an unreleased Shimano model.

Del Toro is racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (previously the Dauphiné) this month and is riding in what seems to be a third and far more polished version of the shoes.

The eyelet layout appears to have changed again, with fewer being used, and what looks like a front lace and/or toggle cover flap or patch is in place at the front of the shoe.

This looks far neater than some of the previous shoes, particularly the pair with a black toggle from back last year. This pair look closer to a finished article, and we will keep an eye out for them at the Tour de France next month.

The shoes now look a lot cleaner, and whilst we don't have any information or a launch date yet, you can't say they haven't been tested in competition.

Geraint Thomas once made headlines for forgetting to remove his gilet before the Tour de France stage one time trial in Copenhagen in 2022, in what became affectionately known as ‘gilet gate’ but at Tuesday’s Giro d’Italia time trial, Lorenzo Milesi may just have topped it with a 'hold my beer' moment.

The Italian rolled down the start ramp wearing an ice vest – used to pre-cool the body's core temperature in a bid to find a few extra watts – over his time trial skinsuit.

But rather than an attempt to take 'pre-cooling' marginal gains a step further, he later told reporters in an interview put out on Cycling Pro Net, that he simply forgot to take it off before he rolled down the start ramp.

"When I started, I realised I couldn't take it off anymore," the Movistar man said with a self-deprecating laugh. "I noticed it right at the start, but by then it was too late. From that moment, I just had to ride my pace and see how it went."

Movistar's kit sponsor, Gobik, will no doubt have spent countless hours honing the aerodynamic performance of its time-trial skinsuit, so it's safe to assume the ice vest would have added some drag to the Italian's setup.

Milesi confirmed as much too, adding, "It would have gone better without the cooling vest, so that’s a lesson to take with me."

Despite this, he clocked a respectable time of 48:33, landing 9th place, 20 seconds ahead of GC favourite Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).

That was still 2:40 behind his compatriot Filippo Ganna (Netcompany-Ineos), though, who blew away the field, winning by 1:54 ahead of his own teammate Thymen Arensman.

Milesi's performance raises an interesting question that, no doubt, teams have already pondered: Did the continued cooling effects of wearing the vest offer a benefit that negated some – or all – of the aero penalty?

If in the next few years we start seeing time-trial skinsuits with integrated cooling vests, we'll know the answer.

Amusingly, this isn't the first fashion faux pas we've seen from the Spanish team this Giro. Enric Mas was spotted wearing a kit from the Movistar women's team, his kit emblazoned with the 'UCI WWT' logo of the Women's WorldTour.

He brushed it off as just a simple mistake, telling Spanish newspaper AS, "Maybe they made a mistake when distributing the clothing, but it doesn’t matter. I didn’t notice, I just wore the clothes. Everything was my size, and the shorts too; the only difference was the logo."

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Fizik has launched the Lyra, a new mid-range road cycling shoe, which it says is "designed for modern riding positions."

The Italian brand says it combines performance and lasting comfort, thanks to a wider, rounder toe box, and a natural, supportive fit that’s geared for everyday training and endurance rides.

It claims a weight of 259g per shoe, albeit in an unspecified size. And that’s without a footbed, which adds another 20g.

According to Alex Locatelli, brand manager at Fizik: “Lyra brings key elements from our top-tier models into a versatile, everyday performance shoe designed for long rides, fast training, and racing alike.”

More rounded toe sections are a feature of many newer designs among the best cycling shoes, with examples such as the Specialized Ares 2 and Torch Remco and Fizik’s own flagship Vega Carbon shoe, launched last year with a £389.99 / $469.99 / €390.00 price tag.

The Fizik Lyra brings that wider fit and the looks of the Vega Carbon to a lower price point of £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.00.

Fizik says that the wider fit, straighter front-to-back axis and a lower drop from the heel to the toe improve comfort for more modern ride positions, as it claims they allow the foot to stretch and promote a more natural feel under load. The Lyra is the latest example of this updated shoe last that Fizik has introduced with its newer shoes.

Locatelli says that Fizik has used extensive research on foot shapes from around the world, including Northern Europe, Asia and the US to inform its updated last. It's also aimed to address the perception that its shoes are narrow.

He continues that placing the cleat further rearward means that more pressure is put on the midfoot and less on the forefoot, and so this is naturally more inclined to splay when riding. Likewise, there's less drop needed, as the foot position is naturally flatter when pressure is exerted via the midfoot.

Repositioned cleat anchors

The shoe sits on a fibre composite sole that Fizik rates 8 on its stiffness index, so not quite as stiff as its Vega Carbon which is rated 10 for stiffness. Again, Fizik has updated its design to allow cleats to be positioned further rearwards on the sole. It claims this improves foot stability and pedalling efficiency.

Unlike the flagship Vega Carbon, the Lyra's cleat anchor points are fixed in the sole rather than a floating anchor plate, so fore and aft positioning is constrained by the adjustability of the cleat itself.

The shoe’s upper is made of engineered mesh that Fizik says improves ventilation and offers a clean look, mirroring Fizik’s top spec shoes. Ventilated zones sit between more reinforced areas around the Boa closures, and there are perforations in the floating tongue.

Fizik will sell the Lyra in sizes from 36 to 48, with half sizes available from 37 to 47. There’s a choice of four colours: black, black/white, white/lavender and mint green.

Many riders will find the trend to wider lasts leads to increased foot comfort, regardless of whether it’s needed for changed ride positions, even if brands often include a wide fit option for some of their shoe lines.

Cycling shoes have historically not been the most comfortable of footwear, with narrow lasts tending to squeeze the midfoot and lead to foot discomfort. A little more wiggle room for the toes is something they’ll welcome.

I’ve really struggled pulling together a decent update to my guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets. As you’ve probably gathered by now, waterproof cycling jackets have gone on a journey in recent years thanks to heavy regulation clamping down on the use of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The production of waterproof membranes and durable water repellent coatings (DWR) has become safer and better for the planet, but the flipside is that they have become less effective at keeping you dry, and pointing this second fact out has led to people suggesting I’m part of the lobbying arm for the international chemicals industry.

Thankfully, finally, I have found a jacket that not only doesn’t perform badly like so many I have tried in the last 12 months, but actually performs well, so much so that it is, in my opinion, the best waterproof cycling jacket on the market at the time of writing. I’ve been riding the Pas Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket for several months now over the winter – not to be confused with the Pas Normal Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket, a lightweight option my colleague Tom reviewed recently – and it’s very good, easily a match for some genuinely atrocious weather, and there’s one key reason to my mind as to why it’s so good: It’s quite baggy.

Design and aesthetics

If you like understated design, muted colours, and a pleasant Danish vibe, then this jacket will be music to your eyes, as long as you ignore the fact that ‘PAS NORMAL INTERNATIONAL CYCLING CLUB’ is emblazoned across the back in large, friendly lettering. Other than that, which you can’t actually see when you are wearing the thing, it’s actually quite a good-looking jacket.

Pas Normal boasts a waterproof rating of 6/6, and a breathability rating of 4/6 for the jacket, which is utterly meaningless, but hidden in the small print, one can find that it has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head (which is very waterproof), and 20,000g/m2/24h breathability (which is reasonably breathable). It is rated for somewhere in the region of 7ºC down to as low as -10ºC, which does track in my experience.

The membrane itself is the Polartec Power Shield Pro, which uses a whole 3 boy words, hot on the heels of the Gillette Fusion Power Stealth razor that I avoided buying many years ago. It is, according to Polartec, an ‘expedition grade’ membrane that uses expanded polyurethane, rather than expanded PTFE as was the case for the old PFAS options.

A large, waterproof double zip takes care of business down the front, with a storm flap behind for a belt-and-braces setup, and at the rear are two large, side-entry pockets, also secured with waterproof zips.

All seams are taped, and there’s a sturdy elastic drawcord at the hem to cinch it in. Like most Pas Normal upper body garments, the torso is really rather short, which is perhaps one of the main shortcomings. There’s no adjustment in the cuffs, but there is at least some elastic that’s certainly roomy enough for the biggest gloves to squirm underneath.

Finally, unlike many waterproof jackets, there is a pleasing stretch to the fabric, especially in the more breathable panels under the armpits, which comes in handy when layering up for extremely bleak days out.

It isn’t a featherweight like the Maap Atmos or the Pertex option from Pas Normal; this is a jacket not for intermittent showers and emergencies, but for those days when the forecast is for rain. Proper, old-fashioned rain. It tips the scales at 265.5g (9.4oz), but if you’re going out when it’s 4º and raining, then you probably aren’t overly concerned with the marginal gram counting; save that for the summer.

Performance

The key as to why I think this jacket is good is that it is more roomy than most other high-performance waterproof jackets. Jackets like the Maap Atmos (which I do think is also very good) and the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Rain Jacket (which I do not, to be honest) are cut close to the body with a ‘race fit’. This was perfectly fine in the Shakedry days when the DWR treatments would hold up for hours on end without missing a beat, but nowadays, having a race fit jacket means that you will at some point end up with a saturated jacket pressed into your skin.

There’s a misconception that when jackets ‘wet out’ (the face fabric gets saturated) then they have ‘stopped working’ and are letting water through. This is almost always not the case, but your body doesn’t actually have receptors for ‘wet’, only pressure and temperature, so when a saturated outer fabric sits on your skin it creates a cold, higher pressure sensation and so it feels wet… and in all honesty there’s no distinction between being wet and feeling wet when you’re out on the road. Giving the fabric more room underneath gives it a better chance to not rest directly on your skin, and means you feel dryer for longer.

This extra room also means you can properly layer up underneath if you’re heading out in the cold for long base miles. Not just a thick base layer and hope for the best, but in a pinch, you could even fit a mini down jacket underneath. Normally, baggy jackets mean more rustling and flapping, and while I’m not going to claim this is as aero as the Castelli Gabba R, the fabric has enough stretch and softness to it that it is remarkably rustle-free, much like the venerable Albion Zoa Rain Shell that I rate so highly for adventure riding.

The DWR will give out with this jacket, as it will with every modern waterproof, but in some prolonged downpours, it stood up pretty admirably, and the membrane held up extremely well over my test period. Likewise, the breathability was sufficient enough to stand up to my weekly hill reps come rain or shine without leaving me unbearably sweaty. You need to get your layering right underneath to get the optimum performance in high-output scenarios, but it is capable of handling them in ways I haven’t experienced since testing the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket, back in the dying days of PFAS DWR treatments.

The downside to this jacket is definitely the length of it. For a summer-weight jacket like the Maap Atmos, I can forgive not having the greatest coverage, but for a jacket with designs on deep winter use, it really would be better if it came down below my shoulder blades. Even if you use mudguards you're still going to have the bottom bit of your jersey peeking out underneath, which wicks water up over the course of a ride. This happens with every setup eventually, as bib tights do exactly the same thing, but having a jacket cover your jersey certainly helps retard the progress of the seepage somewhat. It’s also something I’m willing to put up with because the drawstring does an admirable job of keeping at least the items in my pocket out of harm’s way, and the rest of the performance feels incredibly protective.

Value

Top performance unsurprisingly commands a hefty price tag, and you’re forking out £330 at full whack, or $440 for my American readers. This is a lot of money, but it’s still a lot less than you’d be paying for a top-flight mountaineering jacket, which can run to double this. In the context of other top-end cycling jackets, it’s £35 dearer than the aforementioned Rapha Gore-Tex option and performs substantially better when the chips are down.

Compared to the lower end of the spectrum, the likes of the Rapha Core rain jacket that often comes in under £100 when on sale, it is a lot more expensive, but if you’re riding in the rain (and sleet, snow, and all the fun stuff in between) regularly it really does pay to splash out on a more expensive option. For occasional use, it probably isn’t worth it, but writing this at the tail end of one of the wettest winters on record in the UK I’m saying it’s worth every penny.

Verdict

The Pas Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket is a hardy beast that’s finally started to re-instill my confidence in modern waterproof cycling jackets. It’s expensive, but it’s hugely protective, able to handle substantial layers underneath, doesn’t rustle, breathes well, and doesn’t cling. If you ride in the rain and want to get the best option to keep you dry (and safe, ultimately), then this is probably what you should be buying. It ain’t aero, but it also doesn’t matter when it’s raining sideways, and you can’t see more than six feet in front of your wheel.

While the big-name riders are out and about taking the headlines – Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgensen using double-disc wheel-equipped time trial bikes at Tirreno-Adriatico and Tadej Pogačar using a prototype set of Enve 6.7 wheels at Strade Bianche – sometimes lesser-known riders and races still get to make the news, as is the case of an unnamed EF Education development team rider using what appears to be aerodynamic triathlon shoes for the UCI 1.2 Rhodes GP one-day race on the Greek island of Rhodes.

The shoes were spotted by Marcello Valoncini, via the ever-useful Cyclingspy Instagram account, and while they were hidden beneath what appeared to be a chopped-down set of Velotoze overshoes, the silhouette was distinctive enough for the Instagram commenterati to conclude that they were a set of VeloVetta Monarch triathlon shoes, which normally retail for over £300.

From the ankle forward, the shoes look low-profile and unremarkable, but rearward, there’s a pronounced fin that gives the appearance of a fairing.

The UCI has specific equipment rules on fairings, which state: "Shoes that have been made more aerodynamic by the addition of a non-essential element or by a modification to the toe or heel are prohibited from competition. No part of the shoe should extend above ankle height.”

The closure mechanism is built into the heel of the shoe, which is why it protrudes rearward; the shoe's design, specifically the rearward protrusion, is there to provide an explicit aerodynamic advantage, per the VeloVetta website.

The founder of VeloVetta, Ed O'Malley, reached out to Cyclingnews on Monday to confirm that these shoes are, in fact, UCI legal.

"Prior to UCI Track Worlds, Anders Johnson of the US team submitted them to the commissars, who approved them prior to his races. He won bronze in the individual pursuit in the shoes."

Aero shoes aren’t necessarily a new phenomenon. We’ve seen Stefan Küng adding laces to his Shimano shoes for the 2025 world championship TT race, and TT ace, Remco Evenepoel, has made the switch to laces for aerodynamic reasons in recent months, mirroring Tadej Pogačar, who has been using them for many seasons now.

Perhaps the earliest iteration of the aero shoe was Adam Hansen, former Lotto-Belisol rider and now president of the CPA, manufacturing his own low-profile carbon shoes with a closure dial mounted underneath.

A thread can be traced from these homemade, ultralight objects of desire through to Van Rysel’s latest, very much UCI illegal, ‘wireless’ integrated shoes that caused such a stir at the Velofollies trade show at the start of the year.

At the end of September last year, Rapha relaunched its Shadow clothing range after a few years of it being out of the line. There is now a new Pro Team Shadow collection, comprised of pieces designed for ‘the toughest racing and training conditions’. The range is currently made up of a jacket, long sleeve jersey, and a gilet.

This collection replaces the Pro Team Gore-Tex Infinium jerseys, which came in long and short sleeve varieties, and I have a short sleeved Infinum jersey hanging in the wardrobe to compare against.

I’ve been testing the long sleeve Pro Team Shadow jersey since just after launch, and have ridden with it through late summer, autumn and the depths of winter at home in the UK to see how it stands up against the best cycling jerseys.

This is the thinner, lightweight jersey, not the heavier-weight Shadow jacket. The brand says it is breathable, windproof and water-resistant, with a temperature rating guide of 5-12 °C / 41-53°F, which should suit autumn, winter, and spring riding, depending on what you are doing.

In theory, that description gives you a thin long-sleeve jersey that is a little jacket-like to wear in cool to cold temperatures over a base layer, negating the need for a full-blown winter jacket.

What it isn’t, however, is cheap, with an RRP of $365 / £275 / €320. For this price, top-level performance is required.

I’ve put more time than usual into testing this piece; its performance has disappointed me in a few areas, and I’ve repeatedly wondered about where it performs best.

Design and aesthetics

The Pro Team Shadow Jersey comes in both mens and womens versions, and there's a choice of three colours for the men and two for the women.

Curiously, the Aqua/White reflective (pictured) colour I have been testing seems to have been switched out from the mens options. I have got in touch with Rapha to query this and await the brand's response, but it remains an option for ladies.

The jersey features reflective details on the shoulders and in the form of horizontal chunky Rapha 'dashes' in the middle of the rear pocket; there's also a bold reflective 'Rapha' wordmark on the left arm.

On the inside, where the pockets are, there's a little patch with, if I'm not mistaken, an excerpt from Sean Yates's book 'It's all about the bike', a nice nod to cycling's history and culture from Rapha and something that features on lots of the brand's pieces.

The jersey itself is comprised largely of recycled nylon, and it's a nylon/elastane mix altogether. It's a silvery colour on the inside, and is pretty soft and slightly rustly.

This is a fairly thin, lightweight jersey that Rapha says uses a microporous three-layer membrane to produce a high-stretch, light, breathable and windproof garment, which also has PFAS-free DWR coating.

There are also three pockets in the rear, and a two-way zipper to help you regulate temperature.

The neck, back, shoulder and zipper seams are taped to keep the rain at bay, and the rear is slightly dropped for a little extra protection with a nice gripper on the inside to keep the bottom of the jersey in place.

The cut is quite fitted; there's only really room for one layer underneath, whether that's a base layer or thin jersey. The cuffs sit quite tight around your wrists, and overall, it's fairly figure-hugging.

This isn't a garment that's roomy enough to go on top of lots of winter layers. As a Rapha Pro Team product, it's designed for performance-oriented riding, and the cut reflects this.

I've been testing a size small, for reference i'm 176cm and about 66 kilos right now.

Performance

I’ve given the Shadow Jersey a long test period and have been riding in it since late summer, when I was still in shorts. I've worn it for all sorts of road rides with all kinds of kit combinations, off-road on gravel rides, in the rain, doing intervals, and going hard on my local Saturday morning chaingang.

I haven't been particularly impressed by the Shadow Jersey. I can see where Rapha is coming from with its design, but the end product doesn't quite deliver for me, and I suspect most riders will choose something else when it comes to winter layers and where to spend their money.

This review isn't a Rapha-bashing; the brand has answered my questions and queries generously, and also provided insight into the difficult post-PFAS ban landscape, which must make moving forward with foul-weather kit and rain jackets very difficult, and I'm not deaf to that.

My main issue with this piece is its lack of breathability. I have worn it in a wide range of temperatures and have only worn base layers underneath, and I can honestly say I’ve gotten sweaty in it to varying extents on very nearly every ride I have done.

I’ve worn it with a thin short sleeve base layer in late summer, and with a thermal long sleeve winter base layer, most recently the MAAP Thermal base layer, in close to freezing temperatures and I’ve finished with a damp base layer on almost every ride. On one of my last intense three-hour rides, I finished up with my light grey merino blend base layer being dark grey in appearance and pretty damp and soggy. Breathability is not a strong suit with this jersey, and I have put in the hard yards to test this.

Some may point to the two-way zipper as a way to cool down and combat a lack of breathability, and I'm more than happy to crack a zipper to let some air in. But I don't want to ride around with most of my zipper undone to try and stay comfortable; it doesn't look or feel good to me. If you are having to do this regularly, I'd suggest you're wearing the wrong piece of kit.

Rapha says a ‘lightweight, breathable, microporous membrane’ has been used here, but doesn’t say exactly what membrane is used in this jersey. I think the use of a no-name membrane here at this price is going to be seen as a negative against some brands with similarly priced offerings using options like Polartec Aircore or Gore-Tex Infinium and the like, especially when breathability isn’t a strong point.

On waterproofing, the jersey has kept some rain and showers at bay and does provide protection, but it isn't waterproof, and you will still reach for a rain jacket if the heavens open. In one of my latest rides, the arms also wetted out inside an hour in on off drizzle, and I ended up with soggy base layer arms and in some areas on my chest on a cold day with plenty of wind. I felt clammy and uncomfortable inside an hour. If you are going hard, it won’t be at the forefront of your mind, and you can get away with a lot thanks to the heat you generate, but for easier rides over longer periods, in the rain, you're going to end up uncomfortable if you wear only this, especially in colder conditions.

On waterproofing, Rapha advises tumble drying on a low heat to reactivate DWR and rinsing twice after washing. We also have a good guide on reviving your waterproof that the brand helped with. Waterproof kit or DWR coatings need more maintenance now, and that's something we will need to adapt to post-PFAS ban.

The windproofing from the jersey is quite good, and it has kept me feeling comfortable on colder days with a long-sleeve winter base layer, which is nice if you want to ride in less bulky kit. I feel the jersey is at its best for me on cold days toward the bottom of the recommended temperature range, when I've been riding a little easier. I've not been riding hard enough to start sweating, which leads to breathability problems, and the jersey has kept me feeling warm enough in the wind.

The cut is quite fitted, the tight wrists aren't going over the outside of any winter gloves, for example, and for me, that middle pocket is still a little undersized. If you're on a winter training ride carrying a rain jacket, food, and maybe taking gloves on and off on certain climbs, it gets a little annoying trying to shove anything into that middle pocket on the bike. Rapha mentioned it's addressed this, but I'd still like that middle pocket to get a bit more volume.

Warmth-wise, as mentioned, it isn't bad and keeps the wind at bay. But the thin, slightly rustling nature of the material and general lack of insulation mean there's none of the comforting snugness one of the best winter jackets brings, which is something I always welcome in winter, and we are comfortably into winter jacket money here.

One thing I have enjoyed is the thinner material on the arms; it's been pleasant to wear something lighter and thinner over a winter base layer on some rides, and the reduced bulk and stretchiness are nice. The overall styling is also smart, usually the case with Rapha kit, I think, and a few riding mates have commented on the nice colour in the winter gloom.

It's great to have kit options, but I think focusing on trying to achieve good breathability, water resistance and warmth in one thin, lightweight package has resulted in the jersey not being amazing in any one area. I'd say its ace card is the pretty good windproofing.

I'd say forget the waterproofing or water resistance, it's a hard thing to nail right now and go for top-level breathability with some insulation in the right places, something jerseys like the Assos Equipe RS Spring Fall Jacket with its big mesh back panel do well.

I'd prefer that kind of lightweight jersey and ride to the start of a ride or before intervals, etc., using my rain jacket as a shell if I needed extra warmth and stow that in a pocket when I started generating some heat, that way you are still properly covered in the event of rain and more comfortable when generating heat.

In terms of competitors and options, if I were buying my own kit as an amateur, I’d probably be looking at spending a few more dollars and buying a Castelli Gabba R if I were spending this kind of money to go fast in the rain or foul conditions or to race in. I’d be confident it was the more aero option with better waterproofing and breathability.

For a similar setup, you could always just go for a Gabba-style short-sleeve jersey with DWR arm warmers like the Castelli NanoFlex and benefit from improved breathability. Something like the Sportful Fiandre short-sleeve jersey or even Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 works just as well here for me.

Value

At its RRP of £275 (though you can of course now find it for less), this is an expensive jersey, and I can't say it offers good value.

In this price bracket, I’m looking for standout performance, cut, or styling that really make me want to keep reaching for the product time and time again. I want a clear advantage over other options on the market for my investment, or just something that looks and feels really special, and I don’t think that is the case with the Shadow Jersey.

I feel riders are going to maybe invest in a good, warm winter jacket and a good rain jacket. Then perhaps start filling gaps as needed. I can't see a case where the Shadow Jersey overtakes one of those options as a spending priority.

What may be a more attractive option is the Shadow Gilet, which, with a lack of arms, should improve breathability whilst keeping the cold and spray at bay, and the brand told me some pro riders had been using this piece.

The Shadow jersey does a good job in some areas, but I can’t honestly say it represents good value when comparing its performance against the high price.

Verdict

I'll cut through my months of testing here to summarise things. The poor breathability of the jersey often leads to me getting sweaty, damp and a little uncomfortable. In proper rain your still going to want to reach for a waterproof, and there isn't quite the thermal efficiency or comfort or, in some cases, better breathability that a full winter jacket brings in colder temperatures, though the jersey does do a good job at keeping the wind at bay. In milder temperatures, it is a more viable option, but that breathability point is still the issue for me.

In short, I don't feel it beats a waterproof jacket, winter jacket or one of the other more breathable, lightweight protective options on the market. As such, there aren't too many situations where I would reach for it over a different piece or combo.

I really like that the Shadow range is back. I'm still regularly riding in my years-old Shadow arm warmers from the previous collection. I don't think this jersey is a world beater, but I am interested to see where Rapha takes the range in the future, and I fully appreciate the difficulties the PFAS ban has created for brands regarding waterproofing and water-resistant coatings.

I'm yet to test the Shadow gilet, but am currently logging miles in the Shadow Jacket, which appears to be a strong jacket option. I'll report back on how the rest of the Shadow range measures up.

Northwave is probably the main player when it comes to winter cycling shoes. The Italian brand has specialised in winter footwear for use on the bike for a long time and offers more winter-specific models than any other brand on the market.

This winter, the brand released a new off-road winter shoe in the form of the Celsius XT Arctic GTX. A shoe, in the brand's words, for 'cyclists who never decline an opportunity to ride'.

It's a shoe that has received plenty of Northwave's winter expertise. There's a Gore-Tex membrane for weatherproofing, added Primaloft insulation, and a neoprene ankle gaiter. But what caught my eye initially was the light grey and fluoro colourway (there are two others to choose from) and slightly less bulky silhouette.

A bulky winter boot doesn't leave you feeling particularly nimble on the bike at times, at least that is the case for me, and I look for alternatives that balance protection and style. This shoe achieves that for me.

I usually test a couple of pairs of winter cycling shoes per year for my best winter cycling shoes guide and take my testing job seriously. I've ridden with these shoes in the mud, rain, and even a surprise bout of quite heavy snow over British winter to put them to the test; here's how I got on with them.

Design and aesthetics

'Stormtrooper boots' was one of the first comments I received after posting a picture of the shoes on Instagram during testing, which probably wasn't a design focus for Northwave.

The shoes reminded some of the bright white boots worn by the Empire's footsoldiers in Star Wars out of the box, but they aren't actually bright white, but rather a light grey - far more suited to off-road use. With use and dirt it darkens slightly, in a good way actually.

There are also black toe, instep, and heel box protectors that are made of a heavy duty suede-feeling material. It's the same as the range-topping Flagship GTX shoes I tested last winter, and it feels super tough.

A fluoro stripe runs the length of the shoe, and some reflective silver strips feature on sections where seams are sealed. Overall, it's a refreshing look for a winter boot, and they have cleaned up consistently well after being absolutely covered in mud. Don't worry about this colourway getting quickly ruined.

Winter cycling shoes pack in more technical features than some regular shoes, and there's generally something of a spec list to unpack.

Northwave has used its Jaws Evo sole for this shoe, with two threaded bosses at the front for you to fit studs. The shoes come with two shallow metal studs as stock - one of mine fell out, so check they are done up tight.

The Jaws Evo sole uses a very hard-wearing rubber material, and there's a fairly aggressive lug pattern. It's a firm sole, but there's some added flex at the front of the foot that makes walking very easy; it's the same tech that features on the Hammer Plus shoes that I find so comfortable. I actually walked a couple of miles in the snow one day in these shoes after my hiking boots fell apart, and they were very comfortable. I was impressed.

Northwave has fitted its Arctic 4-layer insole, a fleecy number with some aluminium insulation to reflect your body head back into your toes. Moving up from the shoe base, Northwave has used the Gore-Tex Cirrus XT 4L PFAS-free membrane for protection and insulation, and added insulating Primaloft Gold insulation to boost warmth in the cold.

The ankle of the shoe, sometimes a key culprit when it comes to that bulky feeling is made from neoprene. The shoe is pulled on with two red internal pull straps and a sealed side zipper, which then then closes the ankle gaiter up. There's a flap cover over the top of the zip, but it sits a little proud. I'd like it to sit a bit flusher into the ankle, but it's down to the neoprene material, I think.

Externally, the boot's outer is a combo of neoprene and a super tough material that doesn't have a mark on it after lots of abuse. These are tough shoes that will deal with a lot.

Performance

Performance has been very good overall from these shoes, and they comfortably meet the standard set by other road and off-road Northwave winter footwear.

As usual, when talking about winter shoes, I'll cover the key questions first: Do they keep your feet warm and dry? Yes, they do, but as usual, there's a but.

On waterproofing, these shoes are excellent. I have fully submerged them in puddles and rinsed them with a garden hose, and no water enters the shoe; they will keep your feet dry. There's far more protection than a regular gravel shoe.

The weak point, as usual with winter shoes, is the ankle opening, and if water or spray is going to get in, it will be here. The worst day for me regarding this was on a snowy ride, with a lot of spray and slush on the road sections. I wore a pair of thin waterproof socks, which kept my feet comfortable, but the shoes did get quite wet inside. On days with a lot of spray or water, I'd recommend some thin waterproof socks for off-road use, generally though, protection is excellent.

Warmth has also been very good overall. I've worn the shoes with a range of socks, the coldest with windchill felt like -4°C or 24°F. On this day, my toes felt a little cold, but that was about it, and I can live with that. On the whole, they have kept my feet warm and comfortable.

Fit-wise, these shoes have a new last from Northwave, which is said to have increased internal volume, and I agree that compared to several other Northwave boots I have tried, they are roomier, with a more rounded toe box. This can only be a good thing for winter and in general. Some winter shoes stay in product lines for years, and some brands have models that are quite old school in fit; this shape must be considered progressive for winter shoes.

Comfort elsewhere has been very good, the neck gaitor moves with your ankle and is soft against it, which I like, and the fleecy insoles boost comfort. My feet have been snug in the shoes. They are wider than your average shoes though, and with a regular Shimano SPD I have experienced some annoying crank rub, which is something to watch for depending on your own setup.

The Northwave X-Dial SLW3 dial has done a good job at cinching the shoe down evenly. These dials aren't as finely adjustable or premium-feeling as some BOA options, but they do a good job. I think people are overly critical of them at times; get familiar with them and get on with it. They have never caused me any problems.

Shoe width is decent; there will always be someone who needs a really wide cycling shoe, and feet are so different for all of us, but they are certainly not super narrow like the DMT WKR1. Overall, it's a comfortable shape, and the double set of SPD cleat holes means you can get your cleats quite far back if desired.

Value

RRP for these boots is $296.99 / £242.99 / €269.99. In the context of the Northwave range, which is substantial, it's slap bang in the middle, but nowhere near as much as the brand's Flagship GTX with its Michelin carbon soles.

The quality is there; these shoes are hard-wearing and have stood up to a lot of abuse without blinking. I also think they are in line with or are just a touch more pricey than competitors with similar products, the Lake MX146, for example.

I think the seller for people may be that fact that these shoes offer a slightly less bulky look and feel a bit more nimble whilst offering solid protection.

Verdict

This is another solid winter offering from Northwave, and one that will look after you on all but the very bleakest days.

If you aren't enamoured with chunky, black winter shoes and want something a bit more exciting, these are pretty much a standout on the market right now, and help boost my morale in the depths of winter.

The protection is very good, but I will just repeat the point that the ankle is the weak point, and no shoe brand has cracked this issue yet. Some waterproof socks for the very wettest days will help you out.

The Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket is at present the flagship waterproof offering from Q36.5, aimed squarely at taking on the best waterproof cycling jackets on the market, and in the era of PFAS-free waterproofs it performs pretty well. There is some water ingress after several hours of rain, but the jacket maintains wind proofing so much so that there is no negative impact on body temperature even if water gets through.

This is paired with very good breathability and an ideal fit across the board. As far as temperature regulation and comfort go, it’s a great jacket. The only issues really are the lack of some more practical features that many jackets at this level do feature, the Rain Shell just feels a bit long in the tooth by comparison, especially at this price.

Design and specifications

The Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket, referred to by the brand as the R. Shell, is built upon the brand’s UF 75 Shell. This is a proprietary (as many Q36.5 technologies are) 3-layer fabric. The outer layer is a compact, high density woven polyamide, while the second layer is, in the brand’s words, “an avant-garde hydrophobic Polyamide membrane”. This has a breathability rating of RET 4, which refers to the Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer (RET), where the lower the number the more breathable the garment is. 0-6 is deemed a very low score, so better and suitable for high activity levels. It is measured by using a heated metal plate and skin model to simulate body heat and sweat, then the test measures the amount of energy the fabric requires to allow moisture to escape. Low energy/heat means great evaporative transfer and better breathability.

This fabric also has a 10,000 mm waterproof rating according to the website, but 15,000 according to the brochure. Most jackets as standard start at 10,000 mm so waterproofing is OK here. So as to further this waterproofing, the R. Shell has been paneled aggressively according to Q36.5. The collar is hermetically sealed, while seams have been carefully moved to less exposed areas of the jacket while been both tapered and sealed. Wrist cuffs are also elasticated so as to fit over gloves and limit the amount of water that can get up them.

A neat feature to allow access to pockets are two flaps at the rear of the jacket on the left and right sides. They have been designed specifically to be easy access while also not allowing water to ingress through them. A single-way zip is present rather than two-way, however it is water repellant and also covered by a waterproof tab.

The rear of the jacket is cut long so as to protect from road spray, while the rear hem features reflective detailing with additional reflective strips down the back. Colour options are more muted with black, olive green, and navy blue, while a broad size range from XXXS to XXL are available.

Performance

Given this is a waterproof I’ll dive right into the main factor, waterproofing. In the post-PFAS era, this has come to mean something a little different, with materials and membranes that are not as effective when it comes to waterproofing as their environmentally harmful older outcast siblings.

However as Will Jones pointed out, a waterproof does not necessarily need to be 100% waterproof to be effective as one. The problem most face nowadays is that persistent rain will ingress through the membrane, and unfortunately, the Q36.5 is not immune to this. After around 2 hours of riding in constant mid-level rain, I could feel a bit of moisture had made its way through to my jersey underneath. But thanks to the immense windproofing of this jacket, I was not any cooler even with the ingress. The fit on the arms is tight, but this didn’t result in any cold temperature transfer as I have had happen before with tighter fitting waterproofs. In light rain, the jacket is superb and the clever seam placement does delay any water ingress. Even with the presence of water on my jersey, I was certainly not soaked by any means, and a degree of that could have been sweat internally.

Breathability is another area that has suffered in recent years post-PFAS. Some jackets get around this with breathable rear panels, while others implement strategic vents and lower protected areas. Q36.5 has opted instead for the vents option at the rear which doubles as access to pockets. In terms of access to pockets, I personally didn’t find it worked very well. Instead though these do work quite well for expelling excess body heat without any compromise to protection. The membrane itself is not super breathable, not like the old Shake-Dry and not as much as the Castelli Ultra jacket, but it’s certainly not bad. A two way-zip would enhance potential breathability massively, and help with pocket access.

Interesting though a benefit of the fit of the neck of the jacket is that, even with the top zip undone a fair amount, there is very little in the way of billowing. The neck is fitted in a way that rather than just going up your neck, it kind of opens up and loosens before coming back towards the neck. This gives a very non-constructive fit as well as a nice air layer, but it also stops the neck acting as the initial parachute for billowing to jacket when the zip is undone.

Overall the fit itself is loose enough to be worn over several layers comfortably, but at the same time is maintains quite a close fit that does not flap around when travelling at speed. The Castelli Ultra for example is far more of a tight race fit but struggles over thicker layers, while the Gorewear Spinshift is looser and more relaxed, so not the best for faster speeds. The Q36.5 sits nicely in what I would call an optimum level for comfort and practicality while being able to ride at speed without feeling you have a parachute around you.

There are a few features I’m not so sure about though, along with the lack of two-way zip which is my ultimate bugbear on jackets.

Firstly, it is only available in quite muted or earthy colours which are not the best for visibility. A reflective strip across the rear hem does aim to help this somewhat, but I prefer brighter colour options, something the Castelli Ultra does very well.

At the rear the hem also does not extend down very far, making protection from rear wheel spray not very good overall. I ride with mudguards in the winter which alleviates this issue, but for those without they will miss a dropped hem significantly. Finally it is not the most packable of jackets. You can scrunch it down and get it into a pocket alright, but it will feature a fair amount of overhang.

Value

Value of waterproofs has become somewhat of a reassessed metric in recent years. The price remains the same as the old fluorine-featuring options, but the performance is not quite what it once was and so needs recalibrating. Frankly, compared to the Shakedry offerings most modern waterproofs are not as good value as the performance to cost is not what it once was.

Looking at the current market of waterproofs, the Q36.5 Rain Shell certainly sits in the higher echelons of the pricing spectrum at £320. In terms of total waterproofing capacity however it does perform again at the upper end of what is to be expected now. This is paired with solidly good breathability and a very suitable fit for layering or with fewer layers underneath. The only gripe being the lack of dropped hem.

It is for example a more effective waterproof than the likes of the Castelli Gabba R jacket which is a similar price but a bit less protected save for a more dropped hem. However, the Gabba R features pockets, and the non-jacket version has a two-way zip. Meanwhile the Castelli Ultra is cheaper, not as waterproof, but has a more visible option for colours and reflective detailing.

My problem with the Q36.5 Rain Shell is that although it’s a good waterproof in that it keeps you a consistent temperature in rain or shine, it just lacks a few feature which would make it more user friendly an practical.

The likes of the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Rain Shell for example is a touch more expensive at £330, but the waterproofing is similar. The PNS though features zip pockets, breathable panels under the arms and wrists, larger reflective detailing, and a two-way zip. For that reason, it is well worth the additional £10 even if it is not as packable. Fewer of these features can be forgiven in a jacket that is cheaper or more packable, of which the Q36.5 Rain Shell is neither. At present then I think that makes it a good performer, but lacking somewhat in overall value.

It would be remiss of me to exclude though that Q36.5 does source and produce all components of the kit it makes from within a 350km radius of the factory, as well as using a lot of recycled polyester. Some of this does increase the price, for the benefit of being on the face of it a more environmentally conscious and friendly company.

Verdict

I like the Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket. Every ride I’ve taken it out on in the rain it has performed well and I’ve been left feeling comfortable, the key thing you want when riding in the rain. Persistent rain can get in, but not excessively, while the windproofing keeps you a good temperature.

Breathability is also solid by waterproof standards, and the fit of the sleeves and neck are highlights. However the jacket just feels to be lacking some refinement, with the rear flaps for pocket access being middling in their success, and a limited colour range along with no two-way zip. Q36.5 appears to have addressed some of these aspects in the new AW25 range already, but at present the Rain Shell feels a little half baked.

If you're still shopping for some last-minute Christmas gifts for the cyclist in your family, then you can't go wrong with dropping some new cycling apparel into a cyclist's stocking.

As if by magic, UK cycling apparel brand Le Col has launched its Winter Sale, and there are huge discounts of up to 50% to be had across the range on some of the best cycling clothing on the market.

Shop the Le Col Winter Sale in time for Christmas, and save up to 50%.

It includes kit that has been tried and tested by the Cyclingnews experts, seasonal cycling apparel, and of course, as it's Christmas, cycling socks too. There's no novelty festive themed socks here though – the Le Col Cycling Socks Gift Box includes five pairs of the brand's high-performance cycling socks, reduced by £25, and is a perfect festive gift.

I've hunted through the Le Col Winter Sale and highlighted some of the best cycling deals that caught my eye. There are a few items perfect for winter cycling, and a few geared more for summer riding. For commuters, the Le Col Day Pack has an incredible discount of 78%, down from £120 to just £27; a total bargain.

Le Col says the last day for in time for UK Christmas delivery is the 18th of December, so if you're buying for the cyclist in your life, best be quick.

The chosen deals are from the Le Col UK site, but Le Col US is also running discounts, and worth checking out if you're US-based. However, US shipping for a Christmas arrival is unlikely. Below you'll find Le Col deals from other retailers, including Amazon, specific to your region.

If Le Col apparel isn't on your Christmas shopping radar, then I've already spotlighted a host of brilliant cycling tech gifting ideas, including the Garmin Varia RCT715 light and the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer, both of which come highly recommended by our tech experts.

If you have a Specialized rider to shop for, then the Specialized Winter Sale is loaded with discounts, including its Prime-Series Alpha Jacket at a whopping 60% off.

The Specialized Sale continues to drop some absolute bargains, and just in time for festive gifting. We recently spotlighted the Specialized Packable Down Jacket at its lowest ever price, with a whopping 60% off. Another top-rated jacket that has caught our attention, which has an equally impressive discount, is the Prime-Series Alpha Jacket.

Right now, you can grab one of the best winter jackets – the Prime-Series Alpha for as low as $89.99, which is a fantastic 60% off the usual MSRP of $224.99, and a monster saving of up to $135.

Get the Specialized Prime-Series Alpha Jacket for as little as $89.99 at Specialized.

So if you’re still hunting for a genuinely brilliant Christmas gift for the cyclist in your life, then the Specialized Sale has to be on your radar. Unfortunately, this one is only in the Women's version, but sized from XS-XXL, and in either Gunmetal or Black colour choice.

The Gunmetal has the biggest reduction at 60% off, and the Black version has a reduction of 56%, down to $99.99. We'd advise you to move quickly, as the clock is ticking as far as Christmas delivery goes, and these at this price are unlikely to be around for long.

In his review, our expert tester Graham Cottingham reckoned the Prime-Series Alpha was a brilliant jacket for cold-weather protection. Although at the time Graham marked it down for its full price cost and its lack of rear pockets, it still ticked all the boxes as an impressive lightweight, extremely warm, and breathable jacket.

Specialized has listened, and now the latest version of the Alpha jacket has three back pockets for handy storage of your ride essentials. The price has an incredible up to 60% off, for a jacket that rivals far more expensive rival brands' offerings, when it comes to performance vs cost, making it a total bargain buy.

Warmth and breathability are the key features here, and this jacket is built around Polartec Alpha insulation. Although it's not going to compete with the best waterproof cycling jackets, its semi-road fit means it's a versatile layering option, and the rear pockets allow for easy storage of a rain jacket.

If you're Christmas shopping for other festive cycling deals, then the Specialized Sale has discounts on a huge range of cycling apparel, including the S-Works Recon lace cycling shoes, reduced to just $161.99 from $324.99, and they are one of the best gravel shoes on the market.

If you’re still hunting for a genuinely brilliant Christmas gift for the cyclist in your life, then hurry, because this Specialized Packable Down Jacket is at its lowest ever price and sure to sell out fast.

Right now in the Specialized Sale, you can grab one of the best winter cycling jackets from Specialized for just $106, which is a staggering 60% off the MSRP of $264.99, and a saving of $158.99. It not only makes it a bargain buy, but will make you look like the most generous gifter, and definitely put a smile on the face of your favorite cyclist this Christmas morning.

Get the Specialized Packable Down Jacket for just $106 at Specialized.

The best winter cycling jackets need to keep you warm in the toughest of riding conditions, and a down jacket does the job with ease. This Specialized jacket is a superbly versatile option, perfect as an ideal companion to layer over your best winter cycling gear, but at home as a day-to-day jacket too, whether that's mooching about the local supermarket, walking the dog or doing some winter maintenance outdoors.

I'd advise you to move quickly, as the clock is ticking as far as Christmas delivery goes, and these are also marked as a Final Sale offering at Specialized, so these won't be around for long. There are two colour choices, but it's the Dove Grey Splash option that has the biggest reduction. The Black version still has a hefty reduction of 50%, down to $132.49.

Specialized says its down jacket is built around an insulating blend of ALLIED Feather+ Down for warmth and loft, paired with PrimaLoft Bio synthetic fibres that boost performance in damp or variable conditions. It's hypoallergenic, sustainable, lightweight and warm.

It's not going to compete with the best waterproof cycling jackets as far as keeping you dry, but it's not designed for that, and you won't get any aero gains here either. However, warmth and versatility are its best features and will lock in the warmth on those early-morning rollouts.

Specialized says the fit is loose enough to layer over sweaters, winter jerseys, base layers and other cold-weather kit, yet trim enough to maintain freedom of movement on the bike. It features two zippered pockets and a roomy hood that slides over the best cycling helmets with ease.

If you're Christmas shopping for other Specialized goodies, then the Specialized Sale has discounts on plenty more top-rated cycling kit, including the S-Works Recon lace cycling shoes, reduced to just $161.99 from $324.99, and they are one of the best gravel shoes on the market.

With the recent Specialized and AliExpress counterfeiting news, it’s worth adding that these Specialized deals are on sale on the brand's official website, and are the real deal for Specialiized quality and customer service.

Winter riding is tough, but it's a lot less tough when you've got the right gear. Here at Cyclingnews we aren't made of sugar, as the saying goes, and when the weather turns foul we head out to test to help you choose the stuff that actually works.

In this guide each member of the tech team has picked out three of their favourite bits of winter cycling gear; one big ticket item, something mid-range, and a more basic item that we still love.

We've got comprehensive guides elsewhere for all the winter riding staples, from the best winter cycling jackets to the best winter cycling socks, and the best waterproof cycling jackets to the best bike lights to help you see as you head out into the gloom. As in those guides, the products below are backed up by comprehensive testing in the conditions the gear was designed for, and often a lot worse just to be sure.

With snow forecast here in the UK in the coming days, and a polar vortex bringing extremely cold conditions to North America, it's prime time to make sure your gear is going to look after you when it really matters.

When it comes to cycling jackets, whether that's the best winter cycling jackets or the best waterproof cycling jackets, there is a huge range on offer covering full waterproofs to deep winter jackets. However some of these can really add up in price to several hundreds of pounds.

The Assos Equipe RS Johdah for example comes in £635, or $830 while the Van Rysel Winter Road Cycling Jacket is £69.99, just shy of 10% of the price by comparison. But just what does an increase in price actually get you when it comes to jackets? Is it all marketing jargon, named brand snobbery, or actual technical enhancements which make the performance markedly better?

Winter jackets

Given the above example, let’s start off with winter cycling jackets, rather than waterproof jackets. First off, the more insulated models which can be packable but tend to lack pockets or additional features and worn as an accessory. Then you have what might be seen as a somewhat heavy duty winter jersey with pockets, additional features, and can be worn with just a base layer underneath, or with a jersey too for an additional layer.

When it comes to the more packable and insulated ones, those are the two main constituents that dictate the pricing. The likes of the Le Col Pro Insulated Jacket and Albion Ultralight Insulated Jacket are a couple of key examples and some that we have reviewed or I have used myself.

Neither of these feature pockets, but both include a two-way zip. This straight away is a common feature on higher end jackets and something that I love since it means you can access pockets in your jersey underneath and also have different options for enhancing breathability. Both are packable, to an extent. The Albion stuffs up incredibly small so that it can share occupancy of a pocket with spares, while the Le Col takes up the bulk of whatever pocket it’s in.

Other features that will influence price are if these include a DWR (durable water repellent) coating. Often these items do not, however the more expensive Le Col jacket does include one to provide resistance against showers, while the Albion does not.

The type of insulation used also has an impact on the pricing. Dedicated insulated jackets will often use a down inner between two layers, or synthetic insulation. Both are designed to trap air, a great insulator, and keep you warm. Cheaper jackets may forgo this in favour of being more of a windstopper, with a thin external membrane and no water protection.

Then Endura Pro SL Primaloft II blurs the line somewhat between these and more traditional winter jackets. It features pockets, breathable panels, but forgoes the packability. Other examples here are the aforementioned Van Rysel and Assos jackets, while the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 is another popular choice.

These jackets tend to become more expensive, as a common addition to them is the use of water resistant or waterproof membranes to varying degrees. In the case of Castelli, it actually makes the jacket to be more breathable and better at moisture management, rather than focussing on weather protection. I personally like this for preventing build-up of sweat, but I run like a furnace, whereas my college Josh Croxton found the jacket to be not quite insulated enough compared to the Perfetto RoS 2.

Clever fabrics is why the likes of the Assos Equipe Johdah have such a high price. It’s more common for higher end jackets to include inner-gilet layers to help with additional warmth, but Assos takes this to a new level with proprietary fabrics galore which bump up the price. This is combined with an incredibly complex pattern, involving many more panels to be stitched together than on a basic model. This helps the fit and comfort, but adds to the manufacturing cost.

Brands like Polartec, Pertex, and Gore-Tex are names you will often see associated with a jacket. These have been well established as effective brands for weatherproofing, so often more expensive offerings will feature these technologies.

We do of course have outliers such as the Van Rysel, but although it has great insulation, weatherproofing, and a host of pockets and features, it lacks breathability, which is where higher priced jackets often strike a far better balance. Given you still generate heat when you cycle, and a non-breathable jacket will store and build that heat to uncomfortable levels over time, this is still an important factor.

Waterproofs

This brings us onto waterproofs, which in the era of no PFAS chemicals have suffered somewhat when it comes to balancing breathability and protection. I still use my Gore-Tex Shakedry jacket even now, patched up and all, as a standard bearer for waterproof jackets. Those forever chemicals, nasty as they are in manufacturing, had an ability to maintain water repellency, and therefore breathability, that the market is still catching up on.

Interestingly some waterproofs use a mix of features that make them somewhat winter jacket like. Rapha has previously had an insulated waterproof jacket offering greater insulation. Meanwhile the Castelli Gabba R is highly packable but features external pockets for packing, albeit zero insulation in favour of aero gains.

Again a common denominator in higher prices items are the likes of dual-zips, potentially some external pockets, specific technologies for enhanced breathability or insulation, or smart fits that reduce fabric flapping and make for a more race-day appropriate garment.

Generally, a good waterproof will often sit around the £200 nowadays. The Gore Wear Spinshift for example is £224.99, and has good waterproofing, but it is not a close fit and therefore flaps a lot. Meanwhile the Castelli Ultra is breathable with a close fit, but lacks outright waterproofing.

Nowadays with the lack of PFAS, waterproofing is not as effective as it once was. Indeed in persistent rain for a few hours, I have yet to find a jacket that stays waterproof, but the key is that it maintains body temperature via delayed saturation, wind proofing, and breathability so you don’t soak from the inside.

Again Polartec, Pertex, and Gore-Tex are key players here and are often seen on more expensive offerings. Pas Normal uses Pertex for example, while Castelli uses Polartec.

You will often find that cheaper waterproofs can result in a boil-in-the-bag sensation such is the lack of breathability, while also lacking additional features and outright protection. It is often the breathability where cheaper jackets suffer.

Meanwhile more expensive offerings will feature two-way zips, breathable panels, internally stitched seams, and have better overall fits.

A word on cycling kit pricing structure

It is important to note however that prices do not always determine the quality of a product. Indeed I’ve spoken to brands before that stated they saw an increase in sales once they increased the price of their kit, as at the previous cheaper price it was deemed that clearly it was not as good as the more expensive offerings.

Equally, some brands spend more money on marketing and sponsoring teams, so some of that cost is passed on to consumers. Gorewear is a brand I have always viewed as offering good value, but it’s marketing was poor by comparison to most. This is perhaps why the brand is shutting its doors soon for good. Meanwhile Castelli sponsors World Tour teams, while Sportful at present do not. They each use the same technologies, but Sportful is cheaper and often better value, although it perhaps lacks the technical excellence of some items such as the Gabba R.

The main point really is that more expensive doesn’t always mean better, and sometimes there is a case of diminishing returns. A £200 jacket might be twice as good as a £100 jacket, but a £300 jacket might only be 20% better again. Then a £635 jacket might be the best, but only by another 5% or so.

The key, really, is looking for what you need out of a jacket. Do you want insulation, packability, breathability, features such as external pockets and two-way zips? More often than not, to get a great balanced mix of these features, you pay more. Cheaper items may do one or several of these things well, but seldom manage to do all of them well concurrently. However for those daunted by £400+ price tags, you don’t need to spend that much to get a good quality cycling jacket for most needs.

Happily we've collectively spent many hundreds of hours testing foul weather gear here at Cyclingnews to produce all of our reviews and buyer's guides, so if you're unsure then have a read of some to get a real flavour of what to expect.

Le Col has launched its Black Friday Sale, offering massive reductions on some of the best cycling apparel on the market. The British cycling brand offers up to 50% off across its site, featuring discounts on the best bib tights, winter cycling jackets, base layers, accessories, and more.

We're in the midst of deep winter riding here in the Northern Hemisphere; it's actually snowing here in Edinburgh today, so I decided to build a top-to-toe winter cycling outfit to see just how much I could save. The result was an incredible saving of $463.80 on the seven items I selected. It included a huge $129.80 discount on the Le Col Pro Bib Tights, which, for me, is an essential item when it comes to winter rides.

Get up to 62% off in the Le Col Black Friday Sale.

With such hefty discounts, the Le Col Black Friday sale is a great opportunity to treat yourself or do some early Christmas shopping for the cyclist in your life. However, it's sure to be popular, so if something catches your eye, I'd suggest snapping it up fast before it's gone. Le Col, as an extra sweetener, offers free US shipping for orders over $170.

The chosen deals are from the Le Col US site, but Le Col UK is also running discounts, and worth checking out if you're UK-based.

If Le Col isn't on your Black Friday radar, then below you'll find a host of other Black Friday deals from big brand tech to cycling shoes, and just about everything in between.

The Cyclingnews Black Friday 2025 hub is also the place to check out all the latest deals as they land, and we'll be updating this on the lead up to and across the entire Black Friday weekend – running from 28th November to 1st December.

• Black Friday bike deals: The best savings for cyclists in 2025
• Black Friday Zwift: Deals from as far away as Watopia
• Black Friday Specialized: Save on everything from flagship bikes to socks
• Black Friday bike helmets: Safety on a budget for road and off-road use
• Black Friday cycling shoes: Sort your feet out with some fresh slippers
• Black Friday electric bikes: Power your way to savings
• Black Friday turbo trainers: Indoor cycling on a budget
• Black Friday kids' bikes: They grow so fast, so don't pay full price
• Black Friday Garmin deals: Smartwatches, cycling computers and more
• Black Friday Rapha: Big deals on the British clothing brand
• Black Friday Wahoo: The best prices on Wahoo's range of cycling tech

Nothing - and I really mean nothing - gets my cyclist friends more excited than when I tell them I’ve got a new winter cycling jacket.

Convinced we’re going to find the Next Best Thing that will change our riding lives forever, every test garment is carefully picked over in meticulous detail by my cyclist pals. Especially in the women’s jacket fields, where a good jackets are few and far between, over the years, I’ve honed quite the sense for a quality wrapper. For it to land a spot in the best cycling jackets list I am looking for exceptional fit, taped seams, water and wind proofing, a solid zip, flattering over layers, big pockets, and quality thermal regulation; I don’t ask for much.

However, the world of waterproof cycling jackets is changing in the wake of the PFAS ban, and we’re starting to see how brands rethink what a winter jacket and waterproofing can do and be without the crutch of forever chemicals to keep us warm and dry. I’m expecting big innovation - especially in the women’s market which has been lack-lustre in recent years.

Enter the Velocio ONE jacket, designed to be, well, the one jacket you always reach for. Priced at £263 ($359), it’s a bold claim for such a simple design. But then again, Velocio has often been able to give cyclists exactly what they need in a jacket - and the Velocio ONE is proving to be no different.

Design and construction

This is a very simple jacket. Simple in design, structure and features,

Personally, I don’t mind simple. Two of my most frequently used jackets to this day are very simple and straightforward (for those interested: Endura's Pro SL Primaloft and Pearl Izumi WXB Attack). Simple is hard to get right. Simple can be exceptional.

In the case of the ONE jacket, this is a single layer garment, utilising Polartec’s Power Shield Pro membrane - a softshell fabric densely woven and designed to keep you warm without being overly sweaty. This has been paired with a durable water-repellent (DWR - read our jargon buster for more) treatment to block wind and the worst of the rain, while inside is composed of a really soft, almost brushed fabric. Most of the seams are reinforced with the exception of those on the front panel hem, collar and wrist cuffs - none of which made much difference to my dryness in wet weather and if anything kept air circulating well.

The Velocio ONE actually reminds me considerably of the Pearl Izumi jacket, if the Pearl Izumi was a softshell, and with a few more the upgrades I wished it had - bright coloured fabric, rear pockets, slightly more fabric across the bust and lighter overall weight. It’s a really well considered design. Like the Pearl Izumi, Velocio boasts some excellent environmental credentials, utilising Biolon - a plant based nylon - in the membrane, supposedly reducing the carbon footprint of the jacket by an impressive 50% in comparison to virgin nylon (a petrochemical derived material). I'm quite interested in the sustainability of my clothing, so for me, this is a big win.

Let us turn our attention though, to another winner: the colour. I was actually offered the choice of either the black, blue or this gloriously cheerful golden, egg yolk yellow version, and almost fell off my chair in my haste to reply ‘the marigold! Dear God, yes, please send me the marigold!’

Reader, it is not hyperbole for me to say that I love this colour with every fibre of my being. I’m not sure when we decided that all our kit should be black, navy or sage green, but I miss brightness. I miss colour, whimsy, fun and I certainly miss being highly visible to cars. And Velocio has nailed it with this choice - veering close to a hi-viz, but cooler, and eminently more modern. Should we select our cycling kit entirely on the basis of preferred colourway with little regard to performance? No, of course not, but I still absolutely do.

I’d like to also give honorable mention to Velocio’s choice of a zip, it’s solidly well built two way zip that works well (there’s honestly nothing worse than a flimsy zip), and also to the soft-touch collar. I was a bit worried that the material would get saturated in the rain and keep me cold, but it didn’t, and it’s a nice little addition for those wanting a bit of extra warmth

Fit and cut

Velocio states that it took 15 years to design this and I can see why. The more time I spent with it, the more considered most of the design became.

The cut of the fabric is interesting and lends itself to a more natural, comfortable fit on the body. I’ve said this before in other reviews, but cycling jackets often miss the mark in two key areas: across the bust and through the torso, where they tend to be too tight, restrictive, or just too short. Velocio seems to have addressed this by very slightly rotating the shoulder seams inwards. Standing up, the jacket feels relaxed and balanced - without pulling, bunching or tugging - and once in a forward riding position, the fabric falls perfectly into place.

In terms of the torso length issue, Velocio has added slightly more length at the front, with two triangle panels on the hip which allow for more stretch without bulk. The result is that these two little sympathetic design features mean you’re unlikely to resemble Winne-the-Pooh when not in bibs. Ta-da! The magic of incorporating an understanding of women's bodies into pattern design.

Sizing

Velocio has a reputation for getting women’s kit right, but I do always brace myself when it comes to sizing. As a woman, I spend a lot of time trying to decipher sizing charts to figure out what is going to fit me. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a dark art, or more akin to reading a fairytale than an actual guide.

Velocio offers both a size and fit guide to help you figure out what might work best, and I do commend their efforts in this department. However, it uses height to weight banding, which I find almost as useless as a chocolate teapot. Women in particular hold weight very differently across their bodies, and even at similar heights and weights, it’s unlikely to be easy to distinguish between sizes, and can be understandably off-putting for some women.

For this review, I made the decision to size up to a medium, primarily because I prefer a slightly more relaxed fit to be able to layer underneath and trap all that lovely warm air against my torso. I’ve also been burned in the past by brands who refuse to acknowledge that a woman might have a chest bigger than that of a barbie doll. I need not have worried however, as the medium actually came up on the slightly bigger side (what a refreshing discovery!) and I probably could have sized it down for a closer fit - even with additional layering beneath - and still been quite comfortable.

The only very small surprise was the length of the sleeves, which seemed considerably long. I like being able to tuck my cold fingers inside my jacket, but they did seem to give you more fabric than was strictly necessary for this.

Overall, I felt Velocio has a pretty good size chart with reasonably accurate measurements and providing something a bit more on the generous side of fit.

Performance

In the UK, we have had a suspiciously dry and temperate year, and so actually finding a cold, soggy day to test this jacket out has been a bit of a struggle. However - for you, dear reader - I persevered. I learnt pretty quickly that I had somewhat miscategorised the Velocio ONE. On our initial outing - a 20 minute trip to the supermarket in the midst of a downpour I can only describe as biblically torrential - the jacket all but fell apart. I was soaked to the bone in minutes, and realised that this isn’t a waterproof in the traditional sense. In saying that, I am not sure there are many (if any) jackets in existence that could have withstood such a deluge. I’d taken the marketing of a ‘one’ jacket, to mean that it could withstand anything, and misjudged the DWR as evidence for ‘can-go-out-in-all-weathers’.

The Velocio ONE is described as a jacket designed for the ‘broadest of conditions’ and from my testing, I think that it is best to take this literally. It works best over averages - an average summer evening as the nights turn chilly, an averagely cold autumnal morning, a weekend ride with friends that dips between showers, a bit of a windy afternoon. In short, it can cope with a lot of average riding, so long as that riding is in average weather.

Short sharp showers (even those with a bit of weight behind them) didn’t seem to be a problem, and I stayed mostly dry as the water beaded off. Paired with a merino base layer (my preferred base layer) beneath a jersey, I found myself comfortable even in single digit celsius conditions (or about 50 degrees fahrenheit and below for our imperial friends across the pond) which is no mean feat, because I am a cold rider. If I was going to be slightly picky, I would say that due to the lack of lining, you do feel the cold from the rain quickly if you’re not adequately layered up, particularly if it’s windy.

Perhaps most importantly though the Velocio ONE was not sweaty or prone to overheating - or at least no more sweaty than any other jacket I have tried - owing mostly, I suppose, due to the Polartec membrane, that helps regulate temperature and keep air moving well around the jacket. As I sized up, I perhaps ended up with slightly more air movement in the jacket than I’d have preferred on breezy days - I did find it ballooning a bit behind me as I was hit by a headwind - but the trade off for a more relaxed fit and additional layers felt worth it. I never felt cold, nor did I end up clammy.

If you’re comparing the Velocio ONE to a waterproof, there are certainly lighter models on the market - my kitchen scales clocks this in at about 232 grams - but considering the thermal performance of it without any bulk at all, I am incredibly impressed.

One of the first things I noticed with the Velocio ONE is how quiet it is. This might not be a requirement for you in your jackets, but I do find a crinkly crisp-packet jacket unendingly off-putting as I am cycling along - I hate a rustle. Instead, Velocio’s polyamide / polyester blend, tipping it closer towards the style of a softshell style jacket, and meaning it is incredibly soft to handle. Polyamide is usually a stiffer fabric, designed for durability, elasticity and keeping colours bright, so I was surprised the jacket felt so soft and wearable.

Between the comfort and the colour, I actually found myself gladly reaching for this jacket. I just felt comfortable in it - I liked how it looked, and I loved how easily I could layer with it. There was no tugging or uncomfortable bits to occupy my brain as I rode, and my temperature remained pretty constant throughout.

Now, on to some of some of my criticisms.

I would like a vent or two in the armpits. Now, I know what you’re going to say: adding in a vent is all well and good but it is going to affect the water and wind proofing and certainly will change the structural integrity, fit and weight of the garment! And yes, I would agree with you wholeheartedly on this front. However, just a little vent never disappoints, and could see this just extending the seasonal usage, and allowing me to maybe use it more into the warmer months too as an extra layer.

Adding some reflective detail on the back wouldn’t go amiss either. There’s virtually no reflective detail at all currently, and I do find that a bit uncomfortable when cycling in traffic.

And finally, the cuffs and the pockets both seem to suffer from very slightly flimsy elastic, which is disappointing on an expensive jacket. On the wrist, I found that although it’s great for getting the jacket on and off, pulling it over my sports watch and for layering, it does allow gusts to creep up the sleeves. Perhaps I have exceptionally bird-like wrists, but they could have made them tighter. Equally, the pockets on the rear could do with both a bit more depth and elastic in order for me to entrust all my precious cycling trinkets to them. On such a well thought out jacket, some sloppy elastic does cheapen the vibe ever so slightly.

Verdict

No matter which way I spin it, this is an expensive jacket. In an ideal world, Velocio is trying to go with the one-and-done approach. This is designed to be the jacket you can wear across all seasons, come rain or shine - and so you won't need another jacket. Girl math; You're practically making money here. And while I think it performs admirably in the role of general dogsbody, I know that it isn't quite perfect enough to be my only cycling jacket. Just thinking of the temperature dipping and I can feel my loyalty waning.

However, in saying that, it's a really well thought out jacket. It feels like Velocio has carefully considered women's bodies and designed something we will love, rather than just producing a smaller version of the men's jacket, and that goes a long way. Already I've recommended it to a friend looking for a daily commuting jacket, and I genuinely think she will love it.

So yes, it is a pricey jacket, but it's one I have really enjoyed wearing. I do think it might be worth it.

Yesterday, as reported by German site Velobiz, W.L. Gore & Associates, better known simply as ‘Gore’ appears to be axing its in-house clothing brand, Gorewear, itself an amalgamation of two previous in-house activewear brands catering to the running and cycling markets.

Gore, in letters to retailers, outlines economic pressures as the cause of the closure of the brand, and the decision has apparently been taken after “careful consideration and in-depth analysis of long-term prospects”.

Gorewear has been producing cycling clothing since 1984, and while it is perhaps most famous for its waterproof cycling jackets, it also produced bib shorts, overshoes, jerseys, and a whole range of accessories for both cycling and running.

It is perhaps this diversification away from the brand’s key offering - that being waterproof gear - that stretched it a little thin; it is fair to say that the cycling apparel marketplace has rarely been this hotly contested.

Details are thin on the ground for now, but the closure of Gorewear isn’t necessarily reflective of bigger issues at Gore in general. The parent company has no doubt been wrangling with the transition to PFAS-free waterproof membranes, something which means it no longer has as much market dominance thanks to its old PTFE membranes, but Gorewear is quite a small part of a much larger beast.

Gore the parent company will still continue to produce waterproof textiles under the Gore-Tex brand, and these will continue to be used in cycling jackets like the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight Rain Jacket, as well as across the outdoor industry more broadly, but also in military applications and other industrial settings.

As more details come to light we will endeavour to keep you abreast, but don’t panic, Gore-Tex isn’t going anywhere.

It isn't cold enough yet where I live for me to bust out any kind of heavy-duty winter gloves, but it has been chilly enough to wear lighter full-finger gloves on occasion.

Given the conditions, I have picked up my testing for my guide to the best winter cycling gloves, looking at a couple of lighter options better suited to warmer autumn conditions.

I've been riding in the Velotoze knitted waterproof gloves for over a year, and am now ready with my full review. If you're interested in some comfortable, lighter, long gloves, this pair could well be one to consider.

Just under a year ago, I reviewed the Velotoze Waterproof Neoprene Cycling Gloves, one of three long-fingered offerings from the brand, and a pair that quickly became my favourite neoprene gloves once I logged some miles with them in the rain.

Now, it's time to look at the knitted waterproof glove option. These gloves use a lightweight, soft knitted construction with a waterproof membrane inside. They are very comfortable, but there's built-in waterproofing too, which adds value and versatility.

The gloves retail at £42.90 / €45 / €39.50 and come in one black colour.

Design and aesthetics

Velotoze products are used regularly by the UAE Team Emirates-XRG, including world champion Tadej Pogačar. I first spotted him using VeloToze gloves at last year's Giro and was interested to learn more. After speaking with the brand, I'm also told that at least one other team purchases these gloves to use without branding.

The waterproof knitted gloves are constructed from a mix of acrylic, nylon, spandex, and elastane. A three-layer construction makes up the fabric, with a waterproof membrane are sandwiched between the first and second layers.

I'd say the gloves sit around the medium-weight bracket overall. They aren't super thin and light, but they are lighter and offer more dexterity than lots of proper winter gloves. The brand says they are designed for a temperature range of 5°C (40°F ) to 19°C (66°F ). That upper limit will depend on how conditions are; if it's wet and windy in warmer temps, you may still need gloves.

Some waterproof products of this nature can feel a bit 'crinkly', but there isn't any of that here. The gloves are soft, lightly elasticated all over, and have been very comfortable with a pretty much perfect fit in my size medium, which is true to size.

There's a white 'Velotoze' wordmark on the outside of each glove, and the palms are covered with grippy silicone 'oTo' letters all over. These are just some of the letters taken from the brand name, and VeloToze uses them on a few bits of kit.

The gloves have a nice long cuff, always a welcome feature for me on a pair of gloves, and due to having no velcro or zips to worry about are easy to pull on and off. You can easily run the cuffs over or under jersey sleeves as desired.

Performance

First off, I've mentioned it already, but these gloves are super comfortable. It's a simple design and shape, but the woven, stretchy nature of the gloves ensures they contour to your hands really well when you pull them on, and there's no slop or bagginess. It's a comforting feeling, I relish pulling them on and really like the longer cuff. Big tick for comfort.

There's a dual-purpose offering here, and depending on what you are doing, this could be an incredibly versatile pair of gloves. You can wear the gloves when it's cooler or cold, and they provide a good amount of warmth. In warmer temperatures, I'd say between 10-15 °C / 50-59°F, they may become a bit sweaty. The waterproof membrane does affect breathability, but overall, it's not bad. You're not going to have anywhere near the same levels of sweatiness as with a neoprene glove, for example.

If you're going hard, you could wear these gloves well down into single digits, and they will look after you, too. And the comfort and dexterity will help you out when doing things like reaching for food. They are also touchscreen compatible, which is always helpful.

No glove is totally waterproof, and fabric gloves will eventually succumb. These knitted gloves do a very impressive job when it comes to waterproofing for me however. Under my tap test indoors, they dealt with an onslaught before succumbing and letting some moisture in.

Outdoors, I recently gave them a solid test on a 200km ride with several hours spent in the rain; they did a fantastic job and only started to get a little soggy after a good few hours in the wet. Overall, they kept my hands dry and warm whilst my ride companions were wringing out their saturated gloves. On a long, hard ride, they came into their own and felt like a secret weapon.

The particular day saw temperatures of around 15ºC / 59ºF, but with wind chill and rain making it feel much colder than it was. The gloves warmed my hands up very well after getting cold in the cruel wind, and came into their own when the rain came down. They are also very easy to pull on whilst riding, another feature I like.

In the poor conditions before the rain came, there was a slight wet and warm element when working hard, as I sweated, but overall they kept my hands very comfortable.

It's worth noting that these gloves need a cold hand wash when cleaning, so remember not to just throw them in the wash with the rest of your kit.

Value

I think these gloves offer very good value for the money at £42.90 / €45 / €39.50. They do a lot and offer good protection over quite a wide temperature range. Comfortably cheaper than many other gloves from recognisable names.

They fill quite a nice gap in my glove arsenal, and I do love the comfort and fit. Money well spent in my opinion, especially when they make bleak rides more comfortable.

Other alternatives

While I have tested these VeloToze options for a year I am aware that there are similar options from other brands on the market. I haven't tested the GripGrab model, but my colleague Will swears by them, though they lack the touch screen compatibility on offer here. Likewise Sealskins and Showers Pass have a model that looks very very similar, so if you can't find a VeloToze in stock then have a hunt around for these other options.

Verdict

These are excellent gloves that bring a lot to the table. I love the comfort VeloToze has built in, and the fit of the gloves is bang on.

They work for me in colder, dry conditions and do a very good job of keeping the rain at bay on wet rides. I would reach for a full-blown neoprene glove for the wettest rides generally, but for changeable weather or showers, these comfortable gloves will keep your hands dry.

When it starts to get cold and winter sets in, chat amongst cyclists can often turn to gloves and how to keep the hands warm when riding in cold weather.

This isn’t a new problem; cyclists have probably been trying to solve the issue of cold hands on the bike since records began, and each winter I meet riders who struggle with cold hands and who are searching for the best winter cycling gloves.

We are, of course, all different; there are always those riders who are perfectly happy wearing no gloves down into freezing temperatures. There’s also an element of bravado and one-upmanship at times, riders will ride without gloves in the cold to try and show how tough they are, but generally it’s nice to have warm, comfortable hands in the cold. It also makes it easier and safer to do things like steer the bike, change gear, eat food and take a drink from a bottle; I myself once dropped both of my bottles in a road race thanks to soaking, frozen hands,

Today, we will be looking at lobster gloves, what they are, and why they might help keep your hands that little bit warmer in the cold if you find yourself struggling or always on the lookout for warmer options.

The big issue with cycling is that you need enough dexterity in a winter glove to ride the bike in a safe manner, which, by and large, seems to rule out mittens for most of us, which could well be the warmest option.

I'm focusing on road or drop bar bike riding here; there are systems like handlebar pogies or gloves out there for flat bars, but I don't see anywhere near as many road riders using this kind of kit, at least in my part of the world.

At the very least, this seems to put something of a limiter on the size and amount of insulation that goes into cycling gloves. Again, everyone has slightly different needs, but generally, I find that road riders at least don't want to wear gloves that are too bulky or big.

Take skiing, walking, or mountaineering; people doing those outdoor activities wouldn't think twice about perhaps choosing a dedicated layering system consisting of a thin liner glove, a bigger main glove and then even a third outer shell for waterproofing. Cyclists seem to draw the line at a thin liner glove, and don't want too much bulk.

What is a lobster glove?

A lobster-style glove simply mimics the claw of a lobster (if you use your imagination a bit), hence the name, and splits the fingers on your hand into groups, offering more dexterity and control than a full-blown mitten, which keeps all the fingers together.

A lobster glove, also referred to as a trigger glove sometimes, due to the way it isolates the ‘trigger’ finger, generally separates the fingers into groups for improved dexterity, but crucially keeps them in larger 'pockets' which are designed to be warmer than individual fingers, thanks to there being more room for an insulating layer of warm air.

There are different ways of doing this; some lobster gloves split the fingers into two pairs, some group the two largest fingers together and then keep the rest separate, some separate the fingers internally, but group them into one central pocket.

Doing this means the elimination of individual fingers on the glove; keeping the fingers together in a bigger space promotes warmth and reduces the need for additional stitching along each finger, which can be a weak point and an entry point for the biting wind to enter.

Do lobster gloves work?

In my experience, yes, a lobster glove can work very well and is warmer than a regular five-finger glove in certain situations.

First, and this is a permanent caveat, you can get away with an awful lot in the cold if you're riding hard due to the amount of heat you generate. So if it's a short, high-intensity ride, a cyclocross race or similar, you may very well be able to ride without gloves or just with thin ones in pretty low temperatures.

In reality, more often than not on longer road rides, the overall ride may be split into more intense efforts and lower effort work, and this is where you may find yourself pulling gloves on and off to suit.

On longer, cold rides, or low intensity ones, I've found lobster gloves to be the warmest kind of glove I have used to date. Specifically for me, the Gore Wear Insulated Trigger gloves, which separate the index finger, keep the other three grouped for warmth. I don't suffer too badly with my hands in the cold, and I appreciate that some riders do, but on freezing January days, they kept my hands toasty for hours in the biting cold.

Despite being initially wary of a bigger glove on the bike, I found the dexterity to be very good, nowhere near as poor as I imagined, and this really helped. The way a lot of cycling-specific lobster gloves divide the fingers means you can still brake and hold the shifters pretty easily.

Another area in which lobster gloves have proven their worth for me has been when used as a waterproof outer shell over a five-finger glove. This sort of use is common in walking or skiing, as mentioned, but you don't see as many bike-specific options, and I believe this is because there isn't the demand, and they end up being quite specific products, and Assos told me as much recently.

Products like the now-discontinued Sportful Lobster gloves are very water resistant and thin, designed to pull over a five-finger glove to keep your hand dry, but also boost warmth by limiting breathability. They roll up so small you can carry them in a saddle bag, and I've relished the extra protection in bleak weather.

Though cycling-specific options are scarce, with some hunting, it wouldn't be too hard to find some from other disciplines that might work for cycling. A spare outer lobster glove could work wonders if you're out for hours and the weather closes in. Pulling a pair out of your back pocket or saddlebag as your riding mates' gloves get soaked will dispel any doubt about them being the wrong choice.

Riders are all going to want different things for cold-weather riding, and different regions have different levels of cold. However, for general, cold-weather winter riding, a lobster glove can be a real ally when trying to keep your hands warm on a drop bar bike.

I don't need them all the time, and can use a five-finger glove for the majority of the British winter, but when I'm out for hours for a steady ride on a freezing winter day, the comfort and warmth the right lobster glove brings keeps my mind on the ride at hand and prevents the pain of frozen, painful fingers. If you want the warmest option this winter, and haven't used them before, they may just be worth a try.

SRM and Q36.5 are set to launch a new pedal and shoe system that both brands claim will have the 'lowest stack height in the market'.

This system sounds a little like the Ekoi pedal and shoe system that launched this year.

This news arrived with us today, in the form of a kind of 'pre-launch' with an initial outline, which will be followed up on in one month with the full product launch. We think it better to keep our readers abreast of the latest tech developments, so here is what we know so far.

SRM founder Ulrich Schoberer and Luigi Bergamo, founder of high-end clothing brand Q36.5, have seemingly got together to create a new pedal and shoe system.

The brands' claim that the combo 'reduces stack height by over 8mm relative to existing systems' meaning the system’s will trump Speedplay in the stack height department, the current industry leader.

It sounds like Bergamo was convinced of the advantages that come with reduced pedal stack height and approached SRM to make things happen.

Schoberer even claimed that other manufacturers were 'totally ignoring' some of the gains that can come from reducing stack height.

Generally, benefits are said to include better power transfer and a more aerodynamic and efficient position, thanks to a lowering of seatpost height, not to mention improved cornering clearance that comes with an overall slimmer pedal body.

Given SRM is famed for its pioneering power meter technology and cycling power meter systems it's curious this new pedal doesn't have a power meter; the stack height seems to have been the focus, so potential customers will need to look at a crank-based, spider-based, or axle-based power measuring product.

The pedals have also been designed specifically with the Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes, Q36.5's flagship road shoe and some of the most expensive around, which I tested this summer. That model already champions low stack height and uses a very thin sole.

The pedal system will be available exclusively with the Unique Pro shoes. We assume a new cleat standard will be needed, and given the shoe's current RRP of £550 / $600 / €550, it's probably fair to expect a retail price for the system of at least another $100 on top of this. We will know for sure in one month.

It’s a sad fact that, for now at least, waterproof jackets don’t perform as well as jackets from a few years ago. The removal of harmful PFAS chemicals from the manufacturing process means that, amongst other effects, the durable water repellent (DWR) coatings that used to be based on fluorine chemistry are now less durable and less water repellent, but the LDALWR acronym has yet to catch on.

What this means in practice is that your waterproof gear – and for most of you reading this, this most likely means your waterproof cycling jacket – will more readily and more frequently wet out. Wetting out is what happens when the durable water repellent becomes overwhelmed, allowing the face fabric of your garment to become saturated with water. Once this happens, the jacket not only looks wet, but it also drastically reduces in breathability, as the water vapour from your sweat cannot pass through the layers, as it is impeded by a barrier of water.

This reduction in breathability then means your sweat stays trapped inside the jacket, condensing, and getting you wet from the inside, which is why so many people wrongly assume water has come through from the outside. Once your jacket starts wetting out more quickly than usual, then it’s time to break out the reproofing chemicals to get it back to performing at its best.

You may even need to do this to a brand new jacket nowadays, as the latest DWR treatments are no longer oleophobic (oil resistant), meaning any oil they come into contact with during their manufacture, and before sale on the shop floor/warehouse, can have negative impacts. Basically, grubby hands and sewing machine lubricant can mean your brand-new jacket doesn’t perform as you expect, as the DWR treatment is applied to the fabric before it is cut, sewn, taped, and has logos applied; all steps involving a lot of physical touch.

Can't I just put it in the wash with my other clothes?

The first step to getting your gear on song again is cleaning it, though. Most decent jackets feature a liner fabric inside to protect the membrane, but over time, the tiny pores in the membrane, as well as those in the liner fabric itself, clog up with dirt and grime. Flushing these out from time to time improves breathability, as well as just making your jacket look and feel cleaner.

Not only that, but at-home DWR treatments adhere best to clean, dry fabric. Simply spraying a reproofing spray on a filthy jacket is a recipe for short-term gain but medium-term disappointment, so get it in the wash before you do anything else.

I recently spent an evening discussing DWR aftercare with Gore-Tex (yes, I know, what a life I lead) and learned a lot about best practices that I was unfamiliar with. I previously tended to use wash-in treatments, on the assumption that it gave better coverage, and avoided heat, but the advice from the experts is that heat is actually extremely helpful in making the DWR ‘pop’.

But first, to washing… Gore recommends a little bit of liquid detergent, with the zips all done up, and a 40ºC wash, though it also pays to check the care instructions on the garment first. Never use powder, never use softeners, never use bleach, never use stain removers. If you have a detergent tray that’s gummed up with crusty old powder, then give this a good clean and run the machine empty on a rinse cycle.

If you’re really nervous, then use a dedicated technical garment wash like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. The latter isn’t necessarily endorsed by Gore-Tex as the one to use, but I did get sent home with a bottle of it by the Gore-Tex representatives, so read into that what you will.

A wash may be enough to revivify the DWR, but you’ll need to apply some heat. Toss the jacket in the tumble dryer on a ‘warm gentle cycle’ until it feels dry. Then, put it back in again on the same settings for a further 20 minutes to really get the best results. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, then iron it on a low setting through a towel without steam. This is also the advice, if the care label allows, for Pertex jackets.

If this is enough and the jacket is beading water like a champ, then disregard the next step, but if not, it’s time to get the spray bottle out.

How do I make my waterproof waterproof again?

Previously, I have always useda wash-in reproofer, but having spoken to Gore this it seems has some disadvantages, mostly in that it applies a waterproof coating to the inside of the jacket where you don’t need it, and if the jacket ends up crumpled up in the wash, you can potentially end up with missed spots. It seems the best way is to spray, and both Nikwax TX Direct (as recommended by Pertex) and Grangers Performance Repel Plus (Gore’s drug of choice) come in spray-on varieties.

Other options besides Nikwax and Grangers are available, but they all follow roughly the same steps. Spray the product onto a damp garment, making sure to get into all the crevices and ensure you get full coverage, then pop it into the tumble dryer and, as befor,e run it on a war,m gentle cycle until it feels dry, then leave it in for a further 20 minutes. You should now have a well-beading garment.

What about Shakedry?

If you are lucky enough to own an old Shakedry jacket, then don’t do any of this. Shakedry has the waterproof membrane on the outside of the jacket, and so it should bead up indefinitely, so all you need to do is wash it on a delicate cycle at 40 degrees. Don’t reproof it, don’t use softeners, don’t use bleach or stain removers. Don’t do anything to it besides just washing it properly.

Proper preparation ensures best performance

If you’re like me and have a good deal of experience with old, pre-PFAS ban garments, then you’ll be used to your jackets being relatively low maintenance. I have some old Gore-Tex Pro mountaineering gear that’s still good as gold ten years on, and I barely have to do anything to it, but that’s not the world we live in anymore.

Learning to reproof your jacket is often a reactionary undertaking; your jacket ceases to perform as expected, so you go and reproof it. We need to start being a little more proactive, however. Got a bikepacking trip coming up? Maybe give your outerwear a little love and a DWR refresh before you set out to make sure it looks after you. The same goes for wet road riding. Both mud and road spray contain oils that can impact the DWR, so being properly prepared before the impacts start to become apparent will mean you stay drier and more comfortable.

With that in mind, I’m off to throw all my test jackets in the dryer and get the spray bottle out.

Can I waterproof anything with a DWR spray?

In theory, yes. I have a lot of DWR-coated soft goods, like winter bib shorts and arm warmers that could do with a reproof and the theory is the same for things other than your hardshell jackets. Wash according to the care instructions, spray a DWR on when it’s damp, and give it a tumble dry or an iron through a towel to activate the DWR thoroughly if the care label allows. If not, just let it air dry and keep your fingers crossed.

There’s nothing really stopping you or me from giving our winter bib tights a DWR coating to help with road spray (though mudguards will be a far more effective method), but as soft goods don’t generally have a waterproof membrane, they will never be truly waterproof. That’s not going to stop me experimenting, however.

As the seasons inexorably change for the worse (though secretly I actually really enjoy the onset of autumn and the start of gloomy riding), people are always scratching around for that one piece of clothing that’ll allow them to ride in bad weather in something approaching comfort. The fulcrum on which the delicate see-saw of winter comfort is often balanced is the winter cycling jacket, or the waterproof cycling jacket. The former is mostly designed to keep you warm, but the latter has the harder job of keeping you dry.

Waterproof cycling jackets for years were just like any other waterproof jacket, just cut for cycling, but since Castelli launched the original Gabba way back in 2010, cyclists have been torn between the form-fitting a breathable softshell jacket and the more waterproof, but more sweaty hardshell.

Now there are more softshells than ever to compete with the plethora of hardshells. There’s the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3, and the new DoDiCi, which Castelli claims is the ‘spiritual successor’ to the original Gabba. Rapha has the Shadow, which is now on its second iteration, whilst Maap has the Elements Pro. Castelli even has the Gabba R, which I loved, though the aesthetics are somewhat questionable.

Which one should you buy, though? Given that the outlay needed for just one jacket can be prohibitive, it’d be remiss of me to suggest you should just buy one of each. Well, as ever, the answer is ‘it depends’.

What are hardshell waterproof cycling jackets good for?

If you are frequently riding in moderate to heavy rain then a hardshell is probably what you should opt for. They are simply better equipped at keeping you dry than a softshell, as they form a (hopefully) impermeable barrier that at least keeps your top half dry. If you remain dry it’s a lot easier to stay warm when the temperatures plummet, and when it’s really cold it’s not a terrible idea to throw on a waterproof jacket to reduce the breathability of your layering system and up the temperature a little.

They’re also a little easier to throw on and off in changeable conditions and stuff in either a jersey pocket if they’re lightweight like the Maap Atmos or the Pas Normal Mechanism Pertex, or in a bar bag if they’re more bulky.

Because they’re better able to protect you in genuinely horrendous conditions (provided you get a decent one) my recommendation is usually to get a hardshell jacket first, as it’s better to be over prepared for bad weather than underprepared and will open up riding in a broader range of conditions than a softshell will.

My one caveat to this would be that intense riding in a waterproof jacket is a sure-fire recipe for discomfort. However breathable they claim to be, a hardshell will be sweaty and clammy if you’re riding on the limit. Even the mythical Shakedry jackets get humid, so if you’re looking for something to throw on while you do intervals in the rain I’d steer you towards the softshell aise.

In a similar vein, hardshell jackets, due to their relative inflexibility, cannot be cut in an aerodynamic fashion. They need to be baggier to accommodate a range of body shapes, and this makes them flappy, loud, and draggy. If you’re looking to go fast whatever the weather then a hardshell isn’t the one for you; save it for steady zone 2 miles in the rain and chuck on a softie for the hard stuff.

What are softshell cycling jackets good for?

While I reach for the hardshell if its raining, for those days where it’s miserable but not soaking then a softshell is a better bet. Gloomy fog, mist, drizzle, the occasional shower, high winds and chill air. The weather that wouldn’t necessarily stop you riding, but that you don’t really relish riding in.

Softshells are substantially more breathable than their harder siblings, and almost always more form-fitting, with the standard 3x pockets at the back. You can wear them over a jersey, or over a base layer as a replacement for a jersey, making them really quite versatile once you get your eye in as to their ideal temperature range.

The better breathability and improved aerodynamics (Castelli’s Gabba R for example is faster than the brand’s San Remo skinsuit) mean they’re better suited for high intensity riding. If it’s grim and you’re going hard it’s usually sufficient to open up the top or bottom zip, or if you’ve still got an original Gabba like I do, open up the zip vents on the front.

The downside to increased breathability is an increased susceptibility to cold. I used the original Gabba for years through Yorkshire winters, treating it basically as my winter cycling jacket, but the latest Perfetto isn’t that capable below 12ºC. Because they’re close-cut it’s also a lot harder to layer up underneath them, with most only really accommodating a cycling base layer and thin jersey. The heat will need to come from within by riding harder, which is fine if you’re planning an intervals session, but less optimal if you’re on a zone 2 trundle.

This is exacerbated in the wet. Softshells will come with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that allows water to roll off for a time, but in actual rain you will get wet, and if it’s cold then you need to be generating quite a lot of body heat to remain comfortable.

While a waterproof jacket, with the ability to layer up underneath and seal the heat in, can function relatively well as part of a deep winter layering system, a softshell doesn't work so well as the outer part of a system. There simply isn't the room to layer up underneath in the same way, so you have to make sure the jacket you buy is right for the conditions you are planning to ride in.

Basically, buy the hardshell first, then worry about whether you need a softshell later.

Getting dressed for a bike ride is pretty easy in the summer months. Simply throw on a set of the best cycling shorts, pair it with a cycling jersey, a helmet, some cycling shoes and socks and away you go. Maybe add a pair of cycling glasses and gloves for good measure, but it doesn’t require a great deal of thought.

As the seasons change, however, things become trickier. Autumn (or fall, for my North American readers) and spring are the hardest to dress for; do you need bib tights and a winter cycling jacket, or will shorts and a cycling vest suffice?

I’ve spent years riding year-round, week in, week out, in all conditions, so I’m going to break it down for you based on what temperature the forecast says it’s going to be. No more guesswork, just comfortable riding without overheating or getting frozen to the bone.

One caveat to make here that goes for riding in any of the cooler temperature ranges listed here is that the intensity or nature of your riding will dictate how much you need to wear. For instance, if you're riding hard for 90 minutes in single-digit temperatures, it's remarkable how little you need to wear whilst generating heat. But it's important to be mindful of what you need once the hard work has stopped, though.

The guide should provide an excellent all-around framework for choosing what to wear for any given range.

Above 30ºC / 86ºF - Very hot weather

Over 30 degrees, or about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re going to want to opt for dedicated lightweight gear. Standard summer jerseys and shorts are good, but above this threshold, even they can lack the breathability you need to stay cool, especially if the humidity is high and sweating reduces in its effectiveness.

Jerseys like the Maap Aerate, Rapha Ghost, or even the sleeveless Assos Equipe RSR are made almost entirely from mesh, allowing your whole torso to breathe more easily and sweat to evaporate. Just beware that if the sun is strong, many of these jerseys don’t have UV protection, so you may burn through them. The mesh these jerseys are made of is effectively the same as a base layer anyway, so don’t add any unnecessary layers by wearing a base layer too; you’ll only heat yourself up.

Lightweight shorts will also help, though I found these make less of a difference than the jersey, so don’t feel the need to invest here unless you’re regularly seeing these temperatures.

A ventilated helmet will be a better choice here, as your head has a huge impact on your overall ability to stay cool. I really like the POC Cytal Lite, while my colleague Josh swears by the Specialized Prevail.

I wouldn’t stress too much about going to lightweight, mesh shoes unless you’re regularly experiencing these temperatures, but I do find that lightweight mesh socks actually have a surprising impact over normal summer socks. They don’t cost a great deal, but they are a great thing to have in the drawer for occasional use.

If it’s raining, then just get wet and don’t take a jacket. Keep your phone in a waterproof case if it isn’t waterproof, but no jacket is going to perform in these temperatures, and you’ll probably be glad of the cooling effect of the rain anyway.

Finally, it sounds mad, but having a set of sunglasses like the POC Elicit, where the lens is frameless, the arms skeletal, and importantly, the lens sits far from the face to allow more airflow, will do a lot to stop your face becoming drenched in sweat, forcing you to take your glasses off. And if you really want to go all-in, then get a set of insulated bottles to keep your drinks cold.

22 to 30ºC / 72 to 86ºF - The golden zone

This is the golden zone where you really needn’t overthink things. Whatever summer jersey you like, a standard set of summer shorts and socks, normal shoes, and a mesh cycling base layer if you find it more comfortable. Summer gloves, too, though this is a personal choice.

If you’re racing or riding hard, then you may find an aero helmet is too sweaty at the top end of this range, but for the most part, the best aero helmets nowadays are vented enough to be able to handle this sort of heat.

If it’s raining and you’re riding hard, then I’d just accept your fate and get wet. If you must wear a jacket and you’re on a Zone 2 ride, I suggest going for something that prioritises breathability and low bulk, like the Maap Atmos, but you may find you steam up pretty fast still.

17 to 21ºC / 63 to 71ºF - Warm

As above, for the most part in this zone, you can just wear your standard summer gear. At the very bottom end, you’ll be better off wearing a base layer than not, and I’d probably feel better taking a lightweight gilet or vest, or adding a set of arm warmers into the mix that I can stuff into a pocket if I get warm, or pull out again before a long descent.

One difference to the previous golden summer zone is that in this range, you may find you get a bit chilly if you get drenched, so grab something light like a Maap Atmos, or even a softshell jersey/jacket like the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3. A thicker waterproof will still leave you boiling in the bag, but you don’t want to get home feeling miserable and wet.

12 to 16ºC / 53 to 62ºF - Cool (the really tricky one)

When I look at the forecast, it isn’t 3ºC that fills me with dread, it’s 13ºC. When it’s properly cold, things get easier, but this zone is really difficult to get right. Underdress and you risk getting chilled, but overdress and you run the risk of ending up a sweaty mess.

Modularity is the best bet in my view. Things you can take off and stuff in a jersey if needed, or pull out and throw on if it suddenly gets cooler. A spring base layer, paired with a summer jersey, arm warmers and a gilet (ideally one with pockets), and some shorts helps. Cargo shorts are particularly useful here, just for added capacity.

Alternatively, a long sleeve jersey with a summer base layer and standard shorts with a light gilet for emergencies, or just a long sleeve jersey with a spring base layer to add some extra insulation inside.

If you get cold fingers, then some lightweight winter gloves will serve you well, and while I still find this range perfectly manageable with normal socks, if you’re not blessed with great circulation, then a set of winter cycling socks and/or a set of neoprene toe warmers will stand you in good stead, especially if there’s occasional spray.

If it’s raining, then you will want a thicker, more traditional waterproof jacket. Something like the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex jacket, or the Albion Zoa if you’re heading off-road.

At the bottom end of this range, you may want to swap from standard cycling shorts to winter cycling shorts. They're a niche product, but one that I use time after time, especially for longer, slower rides.

6 to 11ºC / 43 to 52ºF - Cold

Here’s where it gets what we would all probably describe as ‘cold’, and happily, things get a little easier. You’re going to want a set of bib tights and a long-sleeve jersey as your staple options, underneath one of the best winter cycling jackets. If you run hot, then a spring base layer, but if you run cooler, then a winter base layer will be a better option. With that baseline crossed off, then tailoring your accessories to suit can have pretty dramatic consequences.

A neck warmer is an extremely cheap way of staying warm, as a lot of blood flow goes up your neck close to the surface to get to your brain, which you may want to also insulate better with a cap or a winter hat at this point, though, for me, I find this a surefire way to overheat. Middleweight or thick winter gloves will stop you getting cold, and a light winter jacket will almost certainly be needed. Overshoes will be needed, along with winter socks.

In this temperature range, getting wet, through sweat or rain, could be disastrous, so a really good waterproof cycling jacket is key. Likewise, mudguards are an absolute must for riding in cold and rain, as far as I’m concerned. A clip-on thing like an Ass Saver Win Wing will help, but nothing beats the protection of full fenders and flaps.

Curiously, if you’re riding grave,l I think instead of wearing bib tights it’s a lot more sensible to opt for thermal shorts and leg warmers. Winter gravel is filthy, and your shins get a pasting every ride, and it’s a lot easier to clean leg warmers and a lot cheaper to replace them if you have a spill and put a hole in the knees, too.

0 to 5ºC / 32 to 42ºF - Very cold

This is really very cold for riding in, and especially if you head out in the morning the risk of residual ice can be high, but if you must venture out, then start with a deep winter base layer, winter socks, bib tights, and a long sleeve jersey paired with a deep winter jacket. Thick gloves are a must, even lobster gloves if you get cold hands, and on your feet, it’s beneficial to have dedicated winter cycling shoes, too. An insulating midlayer may help too, especially if you’re not riding at a high intensity.

You’ll need a neck warmer to cover your neck and your face, and a winter hat to keep your ears from freezing. I tend to use a thicker neck warmer when it’s this cold, made of merino rather than the simple synthetic Buff neck tubes.

If it’s in this temperature range and it’s raining, there is very little you can do to remain comfortable. I’d honestly suggest just chalking it up as a loss; ride indoors instead, or go to the gym, or just have a day off. A very good waterproof jacket will stand you in good stead for a while, but very quickly your legs will get soaked and frozen, so you may even need waterproof trousers.

Once it gets to this temperature range, I almost always head out with additional luggage capacity in the form of a Carradice saddle bag. It’s not necessarily the most high-performance option, but having space to pack an extra warm layer to throw on in case of a puncture, or space to de-layer if it warms up, is a godsend sometimes.

-5 to 0ºC / 23 to 32ºF - Sub-zero

Everything that was true for the previous temperature range is also true here, but you’ll definitely need an insulating midlayer now. I prefer something lightweight and synthetic like Polartec Alpha – Velocio’s Alpha Long Sleeve or the Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer are perfect examples.

While it’s unlikely to be wet, it’s not impossible, and riding in sleet is one of life’s great miseries, and freezing rain is really quite unsafe to ride in, so give it a miss and get on Zwift if you can.

Below -5ºC / 23ºF - Extreme cold

Cycling in temperatures this low isn’t for everyone, but the good news is that when it’s this cold, it’s unlikely in my experience to be wet, though it may well snow. Lobster gloves will really be beneficial if you’re prone to cold hands, and even pogies (insulated hand shrouds that mount to your bars permanently) to add an extra layer of insulation.

Any exposed skin will suffer, so make sure you've got a decent face covering that won't slip, and large glasses that remain airy to stop them from steaming up (though in my experience, this is next to impossible sometimes).

While winter cycling clothing is at the limits of being effective here, you can just wear something like a mid-thickness down jacket instead, or at least put one in a large saddlebag just in case. It really helps to dial back any really intense riding, too. Any excess sweat you produce may well lead to you getting utterly frozen.

Thunder boomed and lightning broke the sky as the rain hammered down around me, and I thought to myself, "I hope this jacket does its job".

Girona is often regarded as a dream cycling destination, but the first time I went, it just rained like crazy for three days straight. It made for the perfect start to my test period with the Pas Normal Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket, providing the heaviest rain I've ridden in for years.

The Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket sits in the Pas Normal Studios line alongside a few other long sleeve protective jackets, but is the only one with 'rain jacket' in the name and is a dedicated wet weather piece, like any of the best waterproof cycling jackets.

It's a lightweight, thin rain jacket that uses the Pertex Air Shield three-layer membrane to keep you dry in wet conditions and help the jacket breathe. If you're after a more heavy duty layer the brand also makes the Mechanism Shell Jacket, which my colleague, Will, is currently testing.

The retail price is £250 / $310 / €280 and it's available in three colours. I've been testing it since May, whilst in Girona for the Traka and back home in the UK this summer and autumn.

Design and aesthetics

The Mechanism Pertex jacket is available in three colours and seven sizes. I've been testing the navy version, which you can see in the pictures, but there are black and plum options to choose from as well.

There's the usual large Pas Normal Studios wordmark on the back. I much prefer this version to the triangular PNS logo on the Mechanism jersey.

This is also the lightest rain jacket I've ever used, at 109 grams for a size small. It's lighter than most other rain jackets, including my well-used Endura Pro SL waterproof, and after conferring with Cyclingnews' rain jacket connoisseur Will Jones, we concluded there aren't many rain jackets that we know of which are lighter; one that is lighter still, however, is the super lightweight (and expensive) POC Supreme jacket.

It is indeed lightweight; there just isn't much of it, and that means it packs down very comfortably into a jersey pocket or bag to carry, which is always welcome. I've carried it a lot this summer at home in the UK and abroad.

When it comes to the jacket's primary function, which is waterproofing, it uses the PFAS-free, three-layer Pertex Shield Air Membrane and is constructed from Polyamide. The Pertex membrane was first launched in 2021 and every seam is taped to prevent water ingress, except the stitching of the very bottom of the jacket to the elastic hem at the rear, which means it might get soggy there in time.

Pertex Shield Air uses an electrospun membrane sandwiched between a woven face fabric and fabric backing. The idea being that waterproofing is good, the jacket remains breathable so you don't get sweaty, whilst offering a good degree of windproofing. It's the same membrane used in the very well-reviewed Albion Zoa Rain Shell.

You may have heard that before; it's what most waterproof jackets are trying to do, and there are a few ways to try and do it. There are, of course, lots of rain jacket options on the market, and in the post-PFAS world, we will all need to recalibrate for the not-quite-as-good but crucially greener, non-PFAS chemical DWR rain jacket options like the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight Rain Jacket.

Pas Normal lists a temperature range of 0-15 degrees for this jacket, though, of course range is going to depend on what you wear it on top of and how you are riding. It is very light and comfortable, which means I have pulled it on to keep me a bit warmer when stopped on warmer days or if the sun has gone in. I pulled it on whilst waiting for a mate to fix a puncture on a cool, shaded descent recently and was glad of it. The very low bulk, soft material and good breathability have made me more inclined to do this than I usually would be with rain jackets.

You can hopefully see from the images that the jacket does have a more fitted cut, and I feel it might get tight over bulkier winter jackets and or additional layers in my size; there isn't the room of some more generously cut rain jackets, for instance. I'm 176cm and wearing a small in the shots.

This continues into the sleeves, the cuffs end where a long sleeve jersey would most of the time and aren't extended in any way like some jackets, this also contributes to the lightweight vibe.

Details-wise, there is a two-way zip to boost temperature control, and a hang loop at the neck, which isn't cut too high and has a soft lining.

Some flap is to be expected from this kind of garment. If you're racing and want skintight, flap-free protection from the rain and spray, look to the Castelli Gabba R.

Performance

It's best to start with the question that determines if any waterproof cycling jacket is a success: Does it keep you dry?

In my case, the Pertex rain jacket has kept me dry on various wet rides. At home, it's shrugged off showers and road spray without blinking.

The serious tests were in Girona with back-to-back rides with what I would comfortably call torrential rain. One being cut short due to worryingly close thunder and lightning. I, along with my colleagues on the Canyon Grizl launch, was completely soaked on the outside, but I was very keen to peel off the Pertex jacket and see the damage.

The outer fabric didn't wet out; promising, especially for a brand new piece at that point, and there were no catastrophic failures that allowed water to make its way inside. It kept my top half dry and comfortable.

It also did well as I was climbing in the rain, and I didn't feel overly hot and sweaty. We were starting to climb at that 'we better push on here or this is going to get really grim' pace that often materialises on wet or bleak rides, but it performed well in this department for me. The two-way zip will also allow you to regulate temperature when and if needed.

Generally, breathability has been really good. I don't think I've once felt uncomfortable or clammy; the Pertex membrane really does seem to do its job well. I've ended up keeping the jacket on for extended periods when going hard on the road and have remained comfortable.

Back at my hotel post deluge, I carefully took it off and was very pleasantly surprised; the majority of my top half was bone dry. The bottom of the Spatz BurnR2 gilet I was wearing underneath for warmth, however, had gotten saturated, which takes us onto fit.

The cut of the Pertex rain jacket is fairly close; there is some flap, as mentioned, given the kind of garment it is, but unzipped, it sits like a trendy bomber jacket.

It is on the short side, though, and there isn't much tail drop at all, as you can see in the picture below. My gilet sat slightly lower than the jacket, and this meant my inside layer, at the bottom, got wet from rain and spray, and this did migrate up as the water soaked in.

This short rear cut is present on a lot of Pas Normal pieces right now. I would like the rear of the jacket to be just a touch longer. Yes, you could roll or shift up your inner layer to try and keep it out of harm's way, but this seems unnecessary. Mudguards would obviously help massively, and we are all different shapes and sizes, but a waterproof is meant to protect and cover you.

Value

We are looking at £250 / $310 / €280 for this jacket, so it is pretty pricey.

However, it is in line with plenty of other premium waterproofs with named waterproof membranes, certainly most everything in our best cycling waterproof guide.

It is also less than the Rapha Gore Tex rain jacket I'm also testing currently by over $100. I see that jacket as better suited for long, cold, wet rides in winter; it's roomier and heavier in weight with an external pocket.

The construction and quality are there for me. I think you will really love this piece if you want something lightweight and breathable, that in truth doesn't feel a million miles away from a long sleeve jersey, with solid wet weather protection, of course.

Verdict

I really like pulling this jacket on, I like the styling for starters and the packability, low weight and cut all mean it's unobtrusive and very easy to pull on and off as needed.

It has, apart from the issue I mentioned with the short tail, kept me dry and comfortable in very heavy rain, so a big tick there. Breathability also seems to be very good, and this has led me to pull it on a lot more for warmth or protection from the wind, boosting value.

If you want the best, most capable waterproof jacket for everything a bleak winter can throw at you and for always riding, regardless of the weather, I don't think it will be this piece. If you want something lightweight that can still deal with an awful lot, this good option from Pas Normal, and one to rival the popular Maap Atmos.

The Castelli Ultra Rain Cape aims to be the go-to waterproof in Castelli’s range by combining Polartec® Power Shield RPM waterproof material, the RPM moniker referring to the inclusion of greater stretch, so as to have the fit of a jersey and reduced material flapping. However, as with a lot of post-PFAS-ban waterproofs we have tested lately, the waterproofing performance is not what the old ShakeDry and other PFAS jackets were able to do.

Breathability is exceptionally good for a waterproof, while the fit is ideal for faster paced riding, although it is a bit hard to take on and off while on the move. The waterproofing just needs to continue to improve in this post-PFAS era, but at least elements like breathability are improving.

Design and specifications

Castelli has designed the Ultra Rain Cape to be packable waterproof jacket but without the usual compromises of flapping material. It has achieved this by using a Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric which features a two-layer stretch fabric giving it more flexibility and stretch than most standard rain capes. This gives it what Castelli calls a form-fit, similar to a jersey.

Looking at Polartec's website, it states that the Power Shield RPM fabric is waterproof, windproof, highly breathable, stretchy, and made of recycled materials. Waterproof rating is stated as 10,000mm water column, which is the physical height of a water column it can support before it penetrates the material. 10,000 is the minimum value usually necessary for something to be described as 'waterproof'. Breathability is 30,000 g/m²/24h which essentially means how much moisture can transfer through a given area over a period of time. 30,000 is classed as incredibly breathable.

Externally the jacket uses a PFAS-free and PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to displace water and bead it off the garment. Seams are then also taped so as to prevent water ingress into the jacket, while the rear of the jacket has been extended to protect more against road spray. Another interesting feature about the jacket is not just the use of recycled fibres, but also the fact that Castelli states the jacket can itself be recycled. It's a nice addition that I’ve rarely seen within the cycle clothing industry where new models or colours are released every season with little thought for what happens to the older garments.

In this Electric Lime colour option, the jacket is designed to be fantastically visible in foul weather. Both this and the black option have reflective piping around the hem and across the shoulders and arms. It’s a surprisingly common thing to see being an afterthought rather than a key feature of a rain jacket and is something I’m a big fan of. Other practical features include a pull tab on the zip to make zipping up and down easier, and the jacket can also pack into its own small internal pocket for easy storage.

Castelli rates the jacket as 5/5 for waterproofing, windproofing, and lightweight on its website, while breathability and insulation are ranked 3/5. Colours available are this Electric Lime, and a standard Black. Sizes range from XS to 3XL.

Performance

Fit wise this is an odd garment by waterproof standards. The material is substantially more stretchy than most hardshell jackets, fitting more like a jersey than a jacket. This means that there is virtually no material flapping even at speed, and makes this likely a far more aerodynamic waterproof than most offerings on the market save for the aero designed Castelli Gabba R. I personally like a more sleek fit, but it does come with a compromise for this jacket. Putting the jacket on when riding is near enough impossible, so tight is the fit of the arms. I had to stop to be able to pull it over my arms, whereas the Gabba R has a short sleeve or a looser forearm fabric making it easier to put on while riding. This is a jacket you have to commit to wearing at the start of the ride really, which is problematic for changeable weather for reasons I’ll explain next.

When it comes to waterproofing, this jacket is an interesting performer. The water column method used is also an interesting one, as water pressure from rain is actually very low. Standing outside in the rain in the Ultra or running it under the tap it was exceptionally waterproof with no moisture transfer inside. The Polartec Powershield fabric working well.

However, driving rain while travelling at speed increases the water pressure, and I found on the front of the jacket in showers the water penetrated through the fabric consistently, save for the reflective tabs which kept it at bay well. At the rear however, the road spray coming off the back wheel didn’t get through the fabric at all, so my back was nicely dry and protected.

There are no front facing seams on the sleeves of the jacket either, so it’s not a case of those being weak points for waterproofing as can happen. Unfortunately, in wetter conditions, the Ultra is just not the best waterproof jacket. It could be the form fitting factor to a degree, as often slightly looser waterproofs mean that the fabric takes some of the pressure from water impact and also makes it slightly more difficult for transfer of moisture through the material if it’s not skintight.

However the old GoreTex ShakeDry did not have this problem (it had a hydrostatic head figure nearly 3x PowerShield), and I’ve not seen it on the equally skintight Castelli Gabba R, which has a lower waterproof rating of just 5000mm. As Will Jones has found in his testing, the spate of new waterproof technologies such as Polartec Powershield fabric do not seem to come close to the ShakeDry tech, may it rest in peace.

Breathability though is where this jacket really shines. Riding in some 13-17˚C (55-62ºF) temperatures, I normally cook if I wear a waterproof as I run very warm. With a long sleeve jersey underneath, the Castelli Ultra was comfortable even on quite a hilly route with plenty of high intensity low airflow efforts. It’s akin to a semi-thermal jersey in terms of breathability, which is mightily impressive for a waterproof and was quite unexpected.

It achieves this while maintaining solid wind proofing; sometimes the two are not compatible with each other so a compromise is made one way or another. My only gripe on the breathability front is the lack of a two-way zip. If you do get warm, you need to undo from the top which results in some billowing fabric. An asymmetric front zip means it billows on one side more than the other. Plus accessing pockets in the jersey is difficult under the waterproof, especially with that tighter fit.

Other features of the jacket are potentially a bit of a mixed bag. The dropped rear hem is great, as it protects the contents of pockets really well and extends nicely down over the rear. The zip is also decent and can be operated with one hand for opening or closing pretty easily. The off-set nature of it I imagine is to reduce the chance of rain penetration given the lack of flap over the zip. However I find it awkward when you open it slightly, and it looks like the jacket is twisted.

The packable pocket is also more faff than needed, I found it very hard to roll it up into its own self-contained pocket, and instead just shoved it into a pocket with far more ease. It is admittedly very easy to pack up small and stow away.

Two things I am a big fan of are the reflective detailing, and the recyclable nature of the garment. The large reflective strips on the sleeves and shoulder boost visibility really well, and that’s before even mentioning the electric lime colour option which stand out well against almost any backdrop. For riding in rainy or dark weather this visibility is very welcome.

I also appreciate the use of recycled materials and the forward thinking to make the jacket recyclable. Castelli, like all brands now, has made a clear intention to move away from PFAS waterproofing, while also improving the durability and environmental consciousness of its range, and this is something that is good to see in a market where there is often a lot of waste and not much thought into how to limit that or make use of it in future garments.

Value

£240 for a rain jacket is far from being one of the most expensive waterproof offerings on the market, with the new Q36.5 Dottore Rain Jacket being £350 for example. However, in a market where the Gore Wear Spinshift is £224.99 and the rather excellent Rapha Core Rain Jacket is a mere £140 and frankly performs better at waterproofing in my own testing.

Looking at race fit specific waterproofs and the likes of the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Rain jacket (£250), Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight rain jacket (£295) and Castelli Gabba R (£340) are all either around the same price or a fair bit more expensive. I would say that the Castelli Ultra is, aside from the Gabba R, the most race fitted waterproof option you can get, while being a good chunk cheaper than the Gabba.

Breathability wise is where the Ultra really does win out well. But my problem with that is the waterproofing appears to be compromised, making it hard to justify this as a waterproof jacket. It’s more of a water resistant jersey, but without pockets. My personal preference would be to use a thermal jersey, plus a waterproof gilet to offer most of the protection for rear pockets, with better core waterproofing and similar overall breathability. Given the lack of pockets on the Castelli Ultra, a jersey underneath is not an additional outlay, but rather an essential item anyway.

Verdict

The Castelli Ultra Rain Cape is less of a cape, and more of a second skin, while it’s also less of a waterproof and more of a shield layer. Its waterproofing is just not good enough in heavier rain conditions when travelling at normal road speeds, although it does provide excellent spray protection at the rear. I like the race like fit and lack of flapping material, while the breathability is superb by waterproof standards.

But this is marketed as a waterproof jacket, and to that end the performance is just not there for most rain conditions. This isn’t like the Castelli Espresso Air jacket, which has been designed explicitly to not be worn in the rain and can therefore be forgiven for the lack of waterproofing. This is a waterproof jacket, that is not very waterproof.

A brand new helmet technology called RLS, which stands for Release Layer System, has been launched today, promising to dramatically reduce the risk of concussion in head impacts. Something any cyclist is potentially at risk of in the event of a crash.

RLS highlights the point that the brain, as a critical organ, is highly sensitive to rotational motion present in the majority of head impacts, and something that's a particular risk to cyclists when crashing.

RLS technology, designed and manufactured in the UK, aims to reduce TBIs – traumatic brain injuries – and subsequent concussion risks by enabling panels located on the helmet's shell to roll and then release when subjected to an impact.

This is claimed to significantly dissipate rotational force, the ill effects of which are often cited as being the cause of life-changing brain injuries in cyclists and many other action sports and transport modes.

What is RLS and how does it work?

RLS is a patented technology designed by founder Jamie Cook in East London. Cook himself was the co-founder of HEXR, the company that 3D printed helmets to match customers' head shapes.

Cook noticed a colleague's 3D printed helmets outer shell released in an accident, and (presumably after some testing and investigation) this movement was found to 'significantly reduce rotational forces and risk of concussion'.

This releasing panel appears to have been the genesis of the idea; the company then developed it into the RLS design, which uses small, lightweight bearings sandwiched between the helmet's shells.

The RLS helmet panels are connected to a polycarbonate layer where the small bearings are housed. When a significant impact is detected, these bearings roll in any direction, presumably determined by the impact forces, and allow the RLS panels to release. This movement allegedly allows harmful impact forces to be dissipated away from the brain, thus minimising the risk of concussion or traumatic brain injury.

RLS has already partnered with Canyon to bring the first RLS-equipped helmet to market. It seems the brand will partner with other helmet manufacturers to provide the tech at present, rather than releasing its own helmets, much like how MIPS (multi directional impact protection system) operates.

Canyon will launch the RLS spec Deflectr Trail helmet later this autumn, and further brands and adopters of the technology are to be announced in the coming months.

One thing we don't know yet is what the technology is going to do regarding cost; there is no pricing for the Canyon helmet at present.

Does the tech work?

The tech sounds promising and, at the very least, interesting, but does it work?

We haven't got our hands on a helmet yet, and crash testing is a difficult thing to do. However, there are a couple of promising results for the helmet already when it comes to independent testing.

First, as of today, the Canyon Deflectr Trail helmet is at the top of the Virginia Tech helmet rating safety scores. Virginia Tech is generally regarded as a dependable independent safety tester for helmets and a very useful reference point. This ranking indicates the RLS tech has topped all MIPS helmets tested at the Virginia lab.

Testing has also been conducted by ICUBE at Strasbourg University, showing that RLS-equipped helmets reduced peak rotational velocity by an average of 56% - 66% across a range of impact locations, compared to the same helmets without RLS. RLS claims this works out to a 68% to 84% reduction in the probability of a brain injury.

The risk of brain injury is real for cyclists, and founder Cook mades a valid and important point

“RLS is first and foremost designed to protect what makes you, you. Your memories, your personality, your loves and hates are all in the most fascinating part of the body - the brain - and RLS has been developed to protect what matters most."

It’s understood by now that laces, from an aerodynamic perspective, are faster than BOA dials. They may not have the ease of adjustment on the fly, but one or two large circular protrusions on a part of your body that hits clean air is going to be detrimental compared to a system that sits flat along the centre line, especially when covered by an overshoe.

Tadej Pogačar exclusively uses lace-up DMT shoes, and while Remco Evenepoel has his own BOA-dialled Specialized shoes that retail at 700 dollars, he’s often seen in S-Works Torch lace-ups in both road racing and in the time trial.

What does one do, though, if your sponsor doesn’t make a lace-up shoe? Stefan Küng came up against this very issue at the World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, and has appeared to take matters into his own hands by adding ten lace eyelets – normally seen on old-fashioned hiking boots – to each of his Shimano S-Phyre shoes, the BOA dials having been ripped off beforehand, with shoelaces threaded between them to create his own laced shoes.

Spotted by the ever eagle-eyed CyclingSpy on Instagram – in a post that has since been deleted following the original publication of this story – this mod was rapidly shrouded by a set of Assos shoe covers, but given the close-fitting form we can see the eyelets underneath. It’s certainly not as neat as a dedicated lace-up shoe, but it is likely worth doing from a pure performance perspective, even if it might raise the ire of his shoe sponsor.

Was it worth the effort? Well, if Küng was aiming for a top ten placing, then it is very possible. He snuck inside by three seconds over the Spaniard, Iván Romeo.

Sit me and one of my riding buddies within earshot of a non-cyclist in a local cafe and I’d wager our chat would slip completely under the radar. Not because it’s dull - although perhaps not everyone wants to hear about the best waterproof cycling jackets - but because it would be laced with enough jargon to totally baffle any casual listener.

The world of cycling is absolutely stuffed with specialist terminology. That’s all well and good for a tech journalist like me, or my equally nerdy mates, but it can make the sport feel a bit impenetrable - especially when you’re shopping around for tech-heavy kit. Weather you’re looking for the best winter cycling jacket, a new groupset, or maybe the best winter cycling gloves, you’re going to be greeted with a whole host of jargon.

Take waterproofing, for example. What on earth is “PFAS”? And how can a single waterproof jacket somehow boast a three-layer membrane? With so many fabric brands, coatings, and design features competing for attention, it can be tricky to make sense of it all. So, to help stop you drowning in the jargon, I've put together this waterproofing terminology buster, in alphabetical order. Come back to it whenever you need, and as brands add more jargon to the pot I'll update it.

• Waterproof fabrics explained: What are they and how do they work?

2-, 2/5-, and 3-layer waterproof fabrics

Waterproof jackets tend to consist of three layers: A face fabric, a membrane, and a liner.

The outer two layers, those being the membrane and the face fabric are bonded together. The presence and form of the third layer, usually the liner, is what determines that kind of fabric you're dealing with.

3-layer jackets are usually bonded to a slightly thicker inner layer. This is what most 'normal' waterproof fabrics consist of, especially when dealing with cycling clothing.

2.5-layer jackets combine the two outer layers with an ultrathin laminate lining. This drops weight and makes things more packable, but can reduce durability.

2-layer jackets in general are cheaper and feature no internal lining to the fabric itself, with the mesh being 'backed' by a floating mesh sewn into the lining of the jacket as a whole.

Somewhat confusingly, some 2-layer fabrics, like the old Gore-Tex Shakedry, dispense with the face fabric instead, and are simply a waterproof membrane exposed to the elements with a backing fabric bonded on. These are superlight, tend to be extremely expensive, aren't that durable, but have the advantage of extremely good breathability and often no need for a DWR treatment.

Breathability rates (MVTR)

How breathable a jacket is is usually expressed as MVTR (moisture vapour transmission rate) or RET (resistance to evaporative transfer). In plain English, it’s a measure of how well sweat vapour escapes through the fabric. Higher MVTR or lower RET equates to better breathability. Sadly, different brands test differently, so take the numbers with a pinch of salt, and always refer to real world testing too.

For reference the MVTR is a measure of how much water vapour can pass through a square metre of fabric over a 24hr time period. Higher figures (20-30,000g/m²/24h) are going to be more suited to intense riding than those at the lower end (around 5,000g/m²/24h)

Cam-locked zip

A zip that stays put when you flip the puller down, preventing it from creeping open as you ride. It’s a small detail, but very handy when you’re hammering along in the drops and don’t want your jacket gradually unzipping itself. Most zips will be cam-locked on cycling clothing, but it's worth making sure.

DWR

In most cases, waterproof garments are topped off with a DWR or Durable Water Repellent. It’s a chemical treatment applied to the face fabric to make rain bead up and roll off. It’s not what makes the garment truly waterproof (that’s the membrane’s job), but it keeps the face fabric from soaking up water and wetting out, which allows the garment to breathe better and stop you getting wet from sweat condensing on the inside.

A DWR is what you apply when you reproof your waterproof gear at home.

Double zip

A double zip is one that opens from both top and bottom, and in my opinion, one of the best features any jacket or gilet can have. It's incredibly useful on the bike for venting heat or reaching into jersey pockets without flapping your jacket wide open.

ePE

Expanded polyethylene, a newer alternative to ePTFE waterproof membranes. Brands including Gore are turning to it because it offers similar waterproofing performance without relying on PFAS that have come under environmental scrutiny.

This is what Gore uses in its latest generation waterproof fabrics.

ePTFE

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The classic material used in older Gore-Tex membranes, as well as Teflon pans and plumber's tape. It’s full of microscopic pores that block rain ingress but let water vapour (sweat) out.

However, what was once the benchmark for waterproof membranes has effectively now been phased out due to the environmental and health concerns surrounding PFAS, which are used in the manufacture of PTFE.

ePU

Expanded polyurethane. Much like expanded polyethylene it offers a PFAS-free alternative to ePTFE waterproof membranes.

This is used in Pertex membranes.

Face fabric

The face fabric is the outermost layer of a waterproof fabric that you can see. Bonded to the waterproof membrane, the face fabric adds durability to a garment, and also provides the base for which a DWR treatment can be applied to.

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is the trade name for W.L. Gore & Associates (the parent company) waterproof membrane. It is applied to the older ePTFE membrane and the brand's latest generation ePE membranes too, and is used colloquially as a shorthand for any waterproof fabric the brand produces.

Gore-Tex fabrics

A catch-all term for waterproof fabrics which utilise a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. There are plenty out there, though many have been discontinued since the advent of the brand's new ePE membrane. Gore-Tex Active and Gore-Tex Shakedry are probably the most commonly used in cycling applications, though there is also Gore-Tex Pro (primarily used in hiking and mountaineering applications) and Gore-Tex Paclite, a very lightweight fabric for emergency shell layers.

Gore-Tex Infinium

Confusingly, W. L. Gore & Associates also produces Gore-Tex Infinium, which used to be called 'Windstopper'. It is not waterproof, but it is windproof, and is found primarily on things like gloves and gilets.

Helmet compatible

A hood (if the jacket has one) that’s cut large enough to fit over a cycling helmet. While these are less common in the road cycling sphere, they can be handy in torrential rain, particularly on slower rides such as commutes. They are far more common on MTB-oriented jackets, as well as those geared towards climbing, hiking, and mountaineering.

Hydrostatic head

All waterproof clothing will tend to come with a hydrostatic head rating, the most common way waterproofing is measured. A lab test sees how tall a column of water the fabric can withstand before it leaks - i.e. the higher the column of water, the higher pressure of water a fabric can repel. A rating of 10,000mm (i.e. a 10m column of water can be supported without leaking) is considered 'waterproof'; 20,000mm and above means you’re well covered, even in a biblical downpour.

Mountaineering jackets can go as high as 30,000mm, but as a general rule as the hydrostatic head figure goes up, the breathability goes down, so don't fall into the trap of just opting for the largest number. Balancing both is key or you'll just end up wet from sweat.

Membrane

A waterproof membrane is essentially an ultrathin fabric which prevents water from passing through it – the starting point of any waterproof garment. They generally fall into two types: microporous and nonporous.

The former, is generally associated with modern-day jackets (ePTFE, ePE, and ePU are all microporous membranes), those that feature microscopic holes allowing air to pass through, yet stop water from penetrating.

Nonporous membranes are still waterproof, but don’t let air through either. They are literally plastic barriers like trash bags, and don't feature much outside of true emergency items and things like tents.

Packability

How small and light a garment – usually a jacket – can stuff down, usually into a jersey pocket. For us cyclists, this is often the deciding factor. A packable shell is the difference between carrying it everywhere “just in case” and leaving it at home.

There's no defined unit for this, just a sliding scale from 'extremely packable' for things like the Maap Atmos, to 'not very packable' for burlier jackets like the Albion Zoa Rain Shell.

Pertex and other fabrics

Gore-Tex doesn’t necessarily rule the roost when it comes to waterproof fabrics. Pertex manufactures 3 different waterproof fabrics: Shield, Shield Air, and Shield Pro. Polartec has it’s PowerShield fabric, which is also PFAS free, and Hyvent is often seen in cycling clothing too.

So is a Jacket made with Gore-Tex fabric better than one made with Hyvent or visa versa? Not exactly – a garments performance is governed not only by its base fabric, but by the quality of the seams, and other design features. That’s why real world testing is still so important.

PFAS

Short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals that were once the magic ingredient in waterproof coatings and membranes, thanks to their ability to repel water and even oil. The problem? They don’t break down in nature and have been linked to health risks, leading the EU and others to ban or restrict their use for all non-essential applications. Sadly 'staying dry on a bike ride' isn't considered essential.

The PFAS ban is a huge topic that encompasses things far beyond the fabrics used in the outdoor industry, affecting things as disparate as non-stick cookware to medical implants. If you want an very enjoyable, if somewhat bleak explainer without a load of jargon then the 2019 film Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway covers a lot of the backstory.

PFAS-free

Jackets labelled this way avoid using those problematic PFAS. It doesn’t mean they’re necessarily less waterproof, but rather means the manufacturer has switched to alternative coatings or membrane materials. A good thing for both the environment and your peace of mind.

Be aware that some products may still contain trace amounts, or can even be labelled 'Free from PFAS of environmental concern', which doesn't mean they are truly PFAS-free.

While these fabrics are certainly better for the planet, and the production of them is better for human health, they don't perform as well out on the road.

Pit-zips

Exactly as the name suggests, pit zips are extra zips under the arms that let you dump heat fast without stripping layers. They are a useful addition, especially on jackets with lower breathability ratings, but don't feature too often on cycling jackets. They reduce packability, too.

Reflective detailing

Panels, logos, or trims made from reflective material to help you be seen in low light. A small but important safety feature, especially during winter training or dark commutes.

Shakedry

Shorthand for Gore-Tex Shakedry, a 2-layer waterproof fabric widely considered to be the pinnacle of waterproof technology in terms of cycling jackets. It's ultralight, extremely breathable, incredibly packable, and as it is a PTFE membrane exposed to the elements with just a backing fabric it never needs a DWR treatment; water simply beads up and falls off it indefinitely.

Sadly it was the first fabric to be discontinued in advance of the ban on PFAS, so there are plenty of cyclists nursing Shakedry jackets year after year terrified of falling and putting a great big hole in them.

Taped seams

Even the best waterproof fabric needs help at its weakest points - the seams. While waterproof fabrics are great, to be turned into a jacket they have to be joined together in panels, and these seams can end up leaking. Taped seams seal the tiny stitch holes with waterproof tape, preventing leaks. Essential if you want your jacket to survive more than a passing shower.

Lighter jackets, or those that prioritise breathability and flexibility like the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3, will often only tape key seams on the leading edges like the shoulders and arms.

Welded seams

Instead of stitching, panels are fused together with heat or adhesive. This saves weight, removes bulk, and means fewer holes for water to sneak through. It’s the sleek, modern way of building lightweight shells and is often associated with higher end waterproof jackets as well as things like waterproof panniers and bikepacking bags.

Wetting out

Ever owned a jacket which used to bead water beautifully and now just seems to absorb it? That’s wetting out. The waterproof membrane still keeps water from coming through, but once the face fabric becomes totally saturated then your sweat cannot pass through it, meaning it condenses inside and you get wet.

This is most often what happens when people assume their jacket has 'let water through'. It hasn't, but the end result is indistinguishable.

Maintaining a quality DWR coating at home using re-proofing agents is key to your garment performing at its best. Modern DWR treatments, lacking PFAS, don't work quite as well, but with regular upkeep they still hold their own, but with enough rain there isn't a fabric out there that won't eventually wet out... except for Shakedry.

Autumn is here, and winter is looming ahead. This means I am yet again staring down the barrel of a lot of wet riding to curate my guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets. Since the PFAS ban came into effect, there’s been a bit of a sea change at the top of the performance tree, with Gore-Tex scrambling somewhat to adapt to the new regulations.

I’ve written recently about why waterproof jackets are getting worse, and that on the whole it doesn’t matter, as well as comparing old and new Gore-Tex products back to back, but Rapha’s latest race day offering is my first chance to see how the latest Gore-Tex tech stacks up against not only its forebears, but also a market full of fresh competition from the likes of Pertex and Polartech.

Over the weekend, I took the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight Rain Jacket out in the dying remains of Hurricane Erin. There were heavy winds, heavier rain, and no mudguards to protect me either. Given how much trust I could place in Rapha’s old shells, the likes of the Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Shakedry and the Pro Team Gore-Tex jackets, I went out, if not brimming with confidence, then at least not awash with trepidation.

Sadly, I came home a little wetter than I would have hoped. Yes, it was a hard test, but one I’d expect top-end products to deal with, and I’m afraid to say this latest jacket fell short of the mark.

• Waterproof fabrics explained: What are they and how do they work?

Design and aesthetics

If you’ve worn a Rapha Pro Team shell jacket in the past, the fit will be familiar to you. It fits just like the old Shakedry and non-Shakedry ones did. I recommend going one size up from your usual jersey. I’m usually a small in Rapha jerseys and a medium fits me perfectly for riding in a racy position.

The sleeves are plenty long enough, with cuffs that are half-elasticated on the underside and with a larger stiff hemisphere on the upper side to protect the back of your hands. The cuffs are rather snug; you could fit gloves underneath them, but it’d be a stretch. Over the top isn’t recommended as water then just runs down your sleeves and pools in your gloves, but as someone who rarely uses gloves, that isn’t a problem for me.

Weight has been kept to an absolute minimum, with it allegedly weighing less than the equivalent Shakedry jacket from days of yore. Handily, I have both jackets and a set of scales, and my Shakedry came in at 125.7g, and this new one was fractionally heavier at 128.8g. In any case, both are feather-light shells and can pack down very small indeed.

The new one, however, doesn’t come with an inbuilt stuff sack, though I literally never used it on the Shakedry option, so it’s not something I miss. It’s perfectly capable of rolling up and living unobtrusively in a jersey pocket alongside a mini pump or a banana without causing any over-stuffing.

Shakedry was a 2-layer fabric – the waterproof membrane sat outermost, with just a backing fabric added – whereas this latest Gore-Tex is a more traditional 3-layer setup, though to keep the weight competitive, the outer and inner fabrics forming the bread in the waterproof sandwich are extremely lightweight, ripstop Nylon. There’s a very slight stretch to it, but it’s quite a crinkly, rigid material, so getting the fit right is going to be key.

The rear of the lower hem is slightly elasticated, though not to a huge degree, and the tail isn’t overly dropped, so this isn’t a jacket that will do a great deal of good in terms of keeping your bottom dry. It did sit below the contents of my pockets, however, and personally I prefer a more cropped waterproof than anything longer when I’m riding hard.

Everything else is also pretty pared back. The collar is close-fitting but unlined, which is also my preference, so you don’t end up with saturated felt sitting on your neck. The zip is waterproof and protected by an extremely minimal storm flap, save for a larger, Velcro-backed tab near the top to keep it flat against the jacket. The storm flap is also cut away at the very bottom to allow easier access to the lower end of the double zipper, which nowadays is a must for any jacket worth its salt.

Performance

Initially, things felt promising in this department. The new Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight jacket had that familiar protective, windproof feeling, but as you might have gathered in the intro, it did let me down after a protracted 4-hour ride in pretty heavy rain.

The fit is excellent, I’ll give it that, and the packability is up there with the old Shakedry and the likes of the Maap Atmos, but about two hours in it started to feel somewhat soggy, and when I arrived back home it was clear there had either been some water ingress through the fabric itself, or the DWR had failed to such an extent that my sweat was condensing inside as the jackets breathability failed.

Given the wetness was mostly on my front with little on the back, I suspect it must have been the former, though to be perfectly frank, I am not overjoyed about the quality of the DWR treatment either. While water initially beads off very happily with the old ‘run the arm under the tap’ test, the face fabric is easily wetted out by simply brushing one's hands over the sleeve while it is wet.

While I didn’t notice the main body feeling particularly saturated, the sleeves did feel like they’d stopped being water repellent around two hours into the ride, leaving the heavier, wet material to sit against my skin and feel quite cold.

This was, I’ll admit, about the heaviest rain I could reasonably expect someone sensible to go and ride in, combined with some fast descents into strong headwinds, so the force of the raindrops hitting the jacket is about as high as it’s possible to get. Even so, I’d expect a jacket with an RRP of just shy of £300 to fare better, and certainly to feel more protective.

No modern waterproof jacket will hold up to torrential rain forever, and eventually the DWR will give up, the face fabric will wet out, the breathability will drop, and you’ll feel sweaty inside. For jackets pitched at lower intensity riding, it’s slightly easier to forgive, but on a jacket from the Pro Team range, pitched at higher intensity riding, it didn’t quite meet my expectations from a breathability standpoint, even early in the ride, and felt quite sweaty on climbs. I will caveat this with the fact that my testing was at the higher end of the suggested temperature range, but I was only wearing a thin jersey and mesh base layer beneath, so I was hardly overdressed.

I like the cuffs, I like the hem, I like the aesthetics, and the quality of construction is clearly there, but for me, this is a waterproof jacket best kept for emergencies and not one to reach for if you’re committed to a hard winter of riding in the rain. I actually think it was outperformed by the Maap Atmos in terms of both protection and breathability, despite that jacket feeling more thin and flimsy.

Value

As with most things in the realm of cycling gear, prices have been creeping up and up. With an RRP of £295 or $450, it’s among the most expensive waterproof cycling jackets on the market, and given the performance I experienced, I am not sure it’s a particularly good buy.

There are things going for it, namely the low weight and packability, but while some bike products are possible to view from several angles to find the positives, I’m afraid waterproof jackets are quite a binary judgement. Did it keep me dry? No, so I can’t in good conscience recommend you part with quite such a large stack of cash to buy one.

If you need a lightweight packable rain shell, then I suggest you go for the cheaper Maap Atmos, or if you’re in the UK, then I really, wholeheartedly suggest you buy the old Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket while it is still available.

Verdict 

I’m willing to give Rapha a bit of leeway because, in the past, it has put out some of my favourite bits of wet-weather riding gear. Sadly, this latest offering isn’t among them.

While the fit and finish are both excellent, and there is a strong, durable feel to the jacket despite such a low weight and packable form, it exhibited a dereliction of duty when the worst conditions arrived.

Yes, it is perhaps a hard bar to clear, but as prices go up, so do my expectations.

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The Castelli Perfetto needs little introduction. Alongside the Gabba, it has been a stalwart of the winter cycling scene for a decade and more.

Though the two items have long been separate, the Perfetto as we know it actually began life as the Gabba, which itself started out as a short-sleeve winter jersey designed for pro riders who wanted an aero jersey that could handle the rigours of racing while still protecting against the elements.

The two lines have retained that DNA over the years and have long been considered the best winter cycling jackets for riding hard in horrible conditions. I have spent many a winter mile with the iconic Scorpion on my chest and those recognisable taped seams across my shoulders.

In the late 2010s, when the Gabba returned to its short-sleeved roots, the Perfetto was formed, taking on long-sleeve duties. Alongside the Alpha RoS (Rain or Shine) deep-winter options, they were a formidable winter lineup. But as PFAS chemicals – excellent at waterproofing, but awful for the environment – were banned, Castelli was forced to reassess.

Nowadays, as the Gabba name takes on life as the excellent, skintight, race-day-only Gabba R, the latest iteration of Perfetto – the Perfetto RoS 3 – has shifted too.

Castelli says the new version is designed for temperatures ranging from 4-14°C (39-57°F), just like the outgoing model, but, to no doubt raise a few eyebrows, it claims to be "redefining dry."

Castelli argues that modern cyclists no longer ride in downpour weather. When it rains, cyclists will either ride indoors or automatically wear a hardshell rain jacket. Contrary to the outdoors market, in which waterproofness is a priority, Castelli says "perspiration impacts performance long before precipitation," so cyclists should prioritise breathability to avoid getting wet from sweat.

It reasons that when you get caught in a rain shower, you only need a jacket good enough to keep the worst of it at bay; the extra breathability then helps to dry you out more quickly afterwards, and to keep you drier by expelling vapour when you sweat.

With that in mind, Castelli says that in designing the Perfetto RoS 3, it opted to put breathability first, and "let waterproofing land where it lands".

To give you the one-line review, it's a very clever piece of equipment that works very well in certain conditions, or when layered appropriately, but it's not the one-piece winter stalwart it used to be. I'll get into why I think that below.

Design & Aesthetics

The Perfetto RoS 3 is made using entirely PFAS-free materials, and of the three layers (outer, membrane and inner), the two outer layers are made from recycled plastic bottles.

The big change between Perfetto RoS 2 and the new Perfetto RoS 3 is the switch in material from Gore-Tex to Polartec; shifting from Infinium Windstopper to a new membrane technology called Polartec AirCore.

AirCore was designed as a collaboration between Castelli and Polartec, and as such is exclusive to the MVC Group (the parent company of Castelli, which also owns Sportful and others) until Fall 2026.

The material is the brainchild of Dr Ramesh Kesh, the Vice President of Polartec's parent company, Milliken & Company, and its construction is incredibly clever. It uses a process called electrospinning, in which a proprietary hydrophobic polymer is pushed through a hypodermic needle charged at 20,000 volts.

Under pressure, this emits a thin jet of microscopic filaments, each approximately 100 times smaller than a human hair, and these then gather like snow in a thin layer to create the membrane. This membrane has millions of tiny holes that, Castelli says, are big enough to let the material breathe, but small enough to prevent water ingress.

Interestingly, I'm told that brands like The North Face were experimenting with Electrospinning in the early 2000s, but could never get it to match the performance of PFAS chemicals. This newly formed iteration, I'm told, is significantly more advanced - as you'd expect two decades later - which is thanks in part to the use of hydrophobic polymers.

There's a DWR coating to the external face fabric, and the hydrophobic nature of the membrane's polymer means the membrane doesn't lose its ability to breathe if it does eventually wet out.

Castelli says this lets the Perfetto RoS 3 perform "as well in the dry as it does in rain, in temperatures ranging from 4-14°C (39-57°F)."

Notably, that's the same temperature range as the outgoing Perfetto RoS 2.

Putting that into numbers, the new Perfetto RoS 3 claims a Moisture Vapour Transfer Rate (MVTR) of 35,000 g/m²/24 hour, and an air permeability of 0.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM).

To compare this with some well-known alternatives, GoreTex Windstopper has an MVTR of 15,000-20,000 g/m²/24 hour and an air permeability of 0.25 CFM, Polartec Neoshell is 0.3 CFM. Castelli's Ristretto material, found in the Espresso jacket and many of its gilets, is between 1.0 and 1.5 CFM with a MVTR of over 40,000 g/m²/24 hour.

It also claims a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm. Castelli argues this isn't a more-is-better metric because of the breathability trade-off, and that 5,000 is still "essentially waterproof."

It says:

"Rain only falls with a hydrostatic pressure of around 800mm, so the 5,000mm test score AirCore achieves means normal rain would have to fall with 6.25 times more force than it usually does to permeate the fabric. That means AirCore is functionally waterproof, allowing riders to stay drier in the widest range of conditions."

Beyond the material, much of the Perfetto's DNA remains constant. The two vent zippers up either flank remain, and the contrasting-coloured two-way zipper is also still a feature up the middle, complete with the three-quarter zipper cover. The contrasting-coloured taped seams across the shoulders make an appearance too, and the collar remains similar in height and comfort.

At the rear, the dropped tail is bigger, more pronounced and rounded, while there are still three pockets, each with a small drainage hole to prevent your phone, keys, or whatever else you're carrying from being given their own private swimming pool.

Performance

Starting with the fit, I found the Perfetto RoS 3 to have a much more comfortable fit than the previous model (which I was close to needing to size up on). The new jacket still holds a nice, aerodynamic, racy cut, albeit I feel it's a marginally looser fit overall. More noticeably, the AirCore polyurethane behaves similarly to Lycra and, as such, feels less restrictive.

I first received the Perfetto RoS 3 jacket in February, so I've been testing the jacket for seven months at the time of writing, so have a really good feel for how it performs in a variety of conditions. I've ridden it back to back with the RoS 2 and a variety of competitors, and I've tried it with everything from summery sleeveless base layers to wintery merino units.

My first ride was in Spain, where the weather was seasonably cool in the morning but warmed up quickly. Subsequent tests have been in the UK, throughout a typical spring which featured plenty of rain showers and super chilly days, and then later on into some stunning late spring weather.

I've ridden it on fast road rides, long and slow road rides, training rides with hill repeats, and a variety of gravel rides that often involve some very slow, steep (hot) climbs.

The hottest summer on record here in the UK means testing was put on hold for a while, but recent tests have helped to reaffirm my earlier thoughts.

And to reiterate my one-line review from above, the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 is a very clever technical garment that works very well in certain conditions, from cool and dry to warmer days with light showers, but there are a few different instances where it's really let me down.

The most pressing of these was a cold and wet day – around 4C/39F with occasional heavy showers – and some 15-minute efforts on the menu on a hill around 45 minutes away from home. Rain began to fall as I approached the climb, and it was pretty much a downpour for the duration of the effort. It abated as I reached the top, but by this point I was wet through, my base layer too.

In these conditions, the extra breathability, combined with cold weather and a wet base layer, meant I froze to the core very quickly and was forced to head home. I hoped the breathability would let me dry out and warm up again before I got home, but my base layer (the Endura Baa Baa Merino Blend, for what it's worth) remained soaked, and the 45-minute ride home was one of the most unpleasant I've had in a long time.

Of course, the blame could be laid on the less-good DWR available in the modern PFAS-free era. And I'll concede this was right at the limit of the 4-14°C range that Castelli claims, with the heavy rain and hard effort pushing the membrane to its limit.

But my overall experience with the Perfetto RoS 3 suggests that this range is a little bit too confident at the lower end. In my opinion, it's best saved for days where the weather is a little warmer, or at least a day where you're confident the rain won't fall.

Overall, I've found the Perfetto RoS 3 needs a slightly warmer base layer than I'd otherwise choose with its predecessor.

Interestingly, when I put these experiences to Castelli's Steve Smith, he didn't totally disagree.

To start with, he believes any of its competitors would have failed under the stresses I gave it, describing the test ride where it let me down as a "really poking the bear in terms of areas where it, and anything else, would struggle to perform."

However, when I asked about the temperature range and described it as more of a jacket for the continental European winter, rather than typical British winters, he fully agreed. He added that with more time to develop it, the zippers on the flanks would likely have been removed, as they're "totally unnecessary."

With that said, however, there is a heavier-weight version of the material also coming, which will likely be a better fit for British customers' winter clothing needs.

Following my conversation with Smith, I'll admit I looked at the Perfetto RoS 3 in a slightly different light. While I still feel as though it's less good as a one-piece winter-beater like its predecessors, there's perhaps a bigger opportunity for overall performance.

With the right layering, the Perfetto RoS 3 can keep you drier overall, with less sweat buildup on mild days, fewer overheating moments on climbs, and a quicker return to your comfortable dry baseline on cresting a climb and descending the other side.

The downside to this is that in order for it to work, you'll probably want multiple base layers of different weights and a good quality hardshell too, all of which will cost more money if you don't have them already.

In a way, you also need to relearn how to use it. You'll find yourself unzipping less halfway up climbs. You'll probably find yourself wearing it for warmer days when you'd previously reach for a long-sleeve jersey (which likely has no waterproofing properties). You'll probably also find that on the first few rides, you wish you'd packed an extra layer or worn the warmer base layer.

But once you calibrate your mind on how to wear it, you'll find that overall, you sweat a little less, the rain is kept at bay a little more often if you put a hard shell jacket over the top, and your overall total time spent feeling damp is reduced.

Value

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 is a premium winter cycling jacket, and it's unsurprisingly priced as such at €249.00.

The variance of use cases afforded to it from layering might suggest better value for money, but given that it relies on also buying multiple other items of clothing, I think that the Perfetto RoS 3 jacket actually offers quite poor value for money.

If you already own a few base layers and a hard shell, such as a Shakedry, then this is a great way to get even more performance out of those items. But at the risk of oversimplifying things: on its own, it doesn't offer significantly more warmth and waterproofing than a DWR-coated long sleeve jersey would offer.

Verdict

I have regularly described the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 as a winter jacket for people who live in Girona; where winter doesn't quite remain sunny, but rarely bites too hard.

Castelli's argument is that you get wet from sweat as much as from rain, and that when it rains properly, people wear a hardshell anyway, so trying to pack a high waterproof column into a softshell just worsens the breathability and makes you wetter overall anyway.

The problem here is that when you do get wet through, you risk getting colder more quickly because it's super breathable. This is fine in 15C/59F Girona, but not so fine in 4C/39F Somerset.

The extra breathability means the ideal temperature range is a few degrees warmer, meaning that in use, it's more of a high-tech long sleeve jersey than a softshell jacket as we know it.

Overall, it can make good on its promise to keep you drier overall, but not necessarily from rain.

It's no longer a one-piece winter all-rounder like the previous generation was. It relies on you also owning a better baselayer, a rainproof hard shell, and layering slightly differently for the conditions.

The Rapha Core gilet is the cheapest gilet (or vest) in the Rapha range. It’s a lightweight, polyester vest that’s a nice option for chillier autumn days or any situation where you need to wear a little more than just a cycling jersey.

September is here, and there has been a chill in the air this week in my part of the world. I’m reviewing some of the gilets I wear and test at this time of year. Here I will be sharing my thoughts on the Core gilet, if I think it’s a good option for autumn time, and how it differs in comparison to the more expensive Rapha Pro Team Gilet II, if you are shopping and wondering what to go for.

A gilet can be a good addition to your closet if you need to stay a little warmer and more comfortable on cooler days when a jersey alone isn't quite enough. Gilets aid core and skin temperature whilst keeping you feeling a bit more agile and light on the bike, compared to a heavier garment that may be a bit too hot.

Gilets, of course, also generally pack down very nicely, making them a perfect ally to store in a jersey pocket and pull on or take off during your rides.

I’ve tested dozens of them over the last couple of years, putting together our best cycling gilets guide. You can find lots more solid options as the weather starts to get a little chillier in there.

Design and aesthetics

The Core gilet is available in paprika, navy or black. The green I'm wearing here is no longer available, but the design is the same.

There are a couple of white Rapha logos on the chest and at the rear of the jersey, and a couple of reflective strips, to hopefully help you stand out just a little bit more in low-light scenarios.

The Rapha Core gilet is manufactured from 100% recycled polyester. It has a handy two-way zipper, but no rear pockets. This, for me, makes it a bit more of an additional outer layer, as on longer rides you will be reaching for energy bars, spares or your phone, etc. Though the two-way zipper does make jersey pocket access a lot easier.

There's also one of Rapha's little nods to road cycling culture that can be found on various pieces on the inside of the gilet. It's a small paragraph on keeping count of climbs as you ride.

The neck is a nice height, there's a hang loop inside at the neck, the arm holes are elasticated to keep things tidy, and at the rear, which is slightly dropped, a wide stretchy elastic band does a good job keeping the gilet in place. Aside from that, it's a simple, sleeveless polyester gilet.

I'm wearing a small in the images, and fit-wise, the Core gilet is a little roomier than similar offerings like the MAAP Draft Vest and Assos Mille GT Wind Vest; both lightweight, pocketless offerings.

It's fitted enough that there isn't too much unnecessary excess flap, but it's a touch more relaxed and isn't super racy or tight-fitting.

How does it compare to the Pro Team II gilet from Rapha? Both gilets share basically the same silhouette with the dropped tail and raised neck. The key difference is that the Pro Team has a completely mesh back to breathe a bit better during more intense work. It's also tighter and more fitted in the same size.

If you want a more relaxed fit, go for the Core.

Performance

As a lightweight outer layer to keep you more comfortable in cooler weather, at the cafe or when tackling a longer descent, the Core gilet works very well.

It fits easily over a jersey and arm warmers or a long-sleeved jersey and folds down to a comfortable fit inside a jersey pocket with room to spare.

The polyester material is very soft and feels comfortable and pleasant to the touch, an advantage over some coarser or rougher feeling Polyester gilets I have used. This soft feeling is comforting when you pull the vest on.

The zipper also works well, and can be operated easily one-handed; the two-way function, as mentioned, also helps with pocket access and temperature regulation if needed.

I would personally choose this gilet for all-around, and more relaxed riding, to get more specific for a moment. For more intense or harder rides when I was really going for it, I'd opt for a tighter-fitting and potentially more breathable option, with at least one pocket ideally.

I've been riding a lot more gravel this summer, and some kit has fallen foul of rips and tears from thorns and hedgerows. I haven't had an issue in this gilet, but it's been a reminder to me to wear a kit I'm not precious about if I know I'm riding in overgrown places. I fear the thin polyester wouldn't stand up to much in these situations.

I haven't encountered any issues with my test piece, and the Rapha logos still look good as new after repeated washing. The Core gilet hasn't put a foot wrong.

Value

This is the cheapest gilet in the Rapha line at £85 / $115 / €95. It sits underneath the already mentioned Pro Team II and other insulated and heavy-duty vests.

This is still quite a lot of cash and is around the entry point price-wise for a premium gilet like this from cycling kit brands like MAAP at the moment. It looks great, but this is the starting point if you want that Rapha logo on your gilet.

The quality seems to be there for this piece, but it is a non-essential item, and you can find good quality, cheaper gilets on the market that will do a very similar job.

Verdict

A nice, stylish gilet that does what it says on the tin. If you are looking at investing in a good do-it-all gilet for cooler weather or even all-year-round use, depending on your needs, and want one from a premium brand, this is a great option.

Q36.5 launched the Unique Pro road cycling shoes earlier this year, and they instantly joined the hyper-premium ranks along with several other bling offerings with shining carbon soles, top-end styling and a handful of fancy features.

The Unique Pro model goes straight to the top of the best cycling shoes pricing tree with an RRP of £550 / $600 / €550, which, along with Nimbl and the new Specialized S-Works Remco shoes, are the most expensive off-the-shelf road shoes you can buy.

I'm excluding totally custom, one-off shoes here, which can run to four figures (Check out Simmons racing if you want to get really serious).

We reviewed the Unique cycling shoes from the brand back in 2022. This new model adds a 'Pro' to the name, but there's a lot more going on here than just three letters.

I've been riding in these shoes for several months and took them to France with me in June to tackle the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes, a 177-kilometre route through the French Alps, which is essentially an amateur's chance to have a crack at a Tour de France mountain stage.

These must be considered serious shoes by most metrics. I knew they needed a serious test, and they got it.

Design and Aesthetics

The Unique Pro shoes come in two colours: black and white. Road cycling shoes, in my opinion, must be white, and luckily that's what arrived at my door.

The shoes come in a box with a little Q36.5 shoe horn, which I haven't seen before, though I believe the Unique shoes did as well. It ties in with the luxury price tag, but what I would really like to be included here is a shoe bag.

As we'll get to, aside from the overall value, these shoes look pretty special, and the carbon soles' finish is magnificent. A bag to transport them and even store them in when not in use would be welcome. I've used one from another pair of shoes when travelling to prevent wear and tear or scratches to the sole. At this price point, it's these finer details that need to be considered and covered by the brand for me.

The finishing everywhere has been excellent, apart from some messy and irregular stitching on the inside of each ankle where the grippy heel gripper joins the shoe's liner; points lost there for such expensive shoes.

So, to the makeup of the shoes themselves, Q36.5 claims they provide 'a new level of stability, power and comfort' for riders. How do they go about trying to do this?

Let's start at the bottom with the soles. The Unique Pro shoes use carbon fibre soles that are made in Italy, as are the rest of the shoes, and if you ask me, look very similar to the soles that feature on Nimbl shoes, a geographical neighbour to Q36.5, I believe.

The outsole of the shoes is 2.2mm thick with a total stack of 4.4mm, which the brand claims is the lowest on the market. Q36.5 claims a 1% increase in power for every mm reduction in stack height and cites a recent study, though I haven't been provided with the actual study itself. Also, bear in mind you may need or want to tweak your saddle height due to the lower stack.

The soles use a three-bolt drilling, and the carbon fibre extends up outside the ankle and a few millimetres around the base of the shoe. The finish is beautiful, glossy and shiny with a nice bold weave for looks. You will want to be careful walking around in them, and I'm tempted to fit some thin heli tape to mine to protect them, a bit like car PPF film.

The heel and toe pads are non-replaceable as far as I can see, and there are three healthy-sized vents at the front for cooling. The brand doesn't give a recommended torque spec for cleat bolts like some brands do; the most common I see is 5Nm, but as usual, don't crank the torque bolts down too tightly.

The soles use a three-bolt cleat drilling, so you will need an adaptor the same as many shoes if you run Speedplay cleats. There are always riders who want their cleat further back than a shoe will allow, but generally, I think the cleat bolt holes are well located, certainly not too far forward.

The last shape and overall shoe shape are up to date. This is a relatively straight shoe which features a wider midfoot and, in particular the metatarsal area, according to the brand. The toe box isn't cavernous, but it's roomier than some lower-profile shoes I have used.

Altogether, I would call it a more user-friendly shape that should suit more feet than your more traditional narrow, curved, road cycling shoe.

The shoe's upper is constructed from a thin Microfibre material and is very soft and malleable. These are stiff shoes, but some of that structure is offset by the soft uppers. It's a stark difference to the unyielding and generally rigid and racy Northwave Veloce Extreme shoes I tested.

The shoes also come standard with Solestar insoles. I have quite a wide midfoot, and they just about cover mine, so they are on the wider side as well.

The insoles don't look like any stock insoles I can see on the Solestar website and feature some raised support to the rear of the arch and a metatarsal button. The raised section is there to stop inward rotation and to protect your arches. The Solestar insoles could also contribute to the high overall retail price. I'd say they are a more premium offering than the majority I have seen in cycling shoes.

The shoes use two silver BOA Li2 dials to take care of retention, and the laces route through seven loops, which are well placed across the front of the shoe, including the larger 'power strap' which the brand says rises from the arch for more support. I've been able to tighten the shoes down very evenly, and the malleable uppers help produce a nice feeling that the shoe is closed around your foot.

Lastly, the meshy, elasticated line which covers pretty much the entire front of the foot is there to aid cooling, a big part of the Q36.5 philosophy, but it also brings a compressive and highly comfortable feel to the table; I like it a lot.

Performance

I can't see myself tiring of how good these shoes feel when I put them on; they just feel so comfortable. I'd say the most comfortable feeling I have had from a cycling shoe.

I would put this down to the width of the shoe accommodating my midfoot, the toebox and width allows me to comfortably wiggle my toes. Secondly, I feel that the mesh liner really boosts comfort; it's very soft and hugs your foot. This feeling of comfort is probably my favourite detail about the shoes.

I went for a size EU 44, and they are ever so slightly too big for me. There's a little bit of extra wiggle room, but I get the width that I need in the forefoot. Everyone's feet are different; my left and right feet are even slightly different, but I feel it's been the right way to go here, and the comfort I've experienced has been fantastic.

I mentioned I rode the Marmotte in these shoes. The ride was over nine hours, covering 107 miles and taking in 17,000+ feet of climbing. The temperature was close to 30C for a lot of the day, and I was climbing at points for over two hours straight and finished on top of Alpe d'Huez.

Not once did I experience sore, swollen or painful feet with the Unique Pros, something that has affected me in the past, and did affect one of my ride buddies during the event. It was the case for me during Chasing Cancellara, for a time where I poured water into my shoes for relief. The cushioning around the ankle opening and heel also added to the comfort factor here for me.

On the ankle, foot retention at the ankle is good; the inside has a very nice, grippy, dimpled fabric, and the padding I mentioned helps to secure your foot in place. It feels plush and comfortable. The carbon sole extends up around the base of the heel externally as well, providing structure at the rear of the shoe. I like how things feel at the ankle and heel.

I was comfortable all day in the shoes and could actively feel some cooling breeze on the descents inside the shoes, a first for me I think. I'd put this down to the mesh tongue and liner, and the sole and upper vents. The cooling for me was more effective overall than the Quoc M3 Air, which uses mesh windows in the toe box.

Stiffness is a regularly cited metric when judging road shoes, and not once have I felt the shoes lacking here. They feel more than stiff enough for me, whether I've been climbing, sprinting, or just riding along. However, as mentioned, the overall comfort just tempers things so you don't feel like you're getting beaten up or that the shoes are only for racers, although I'd argue comfort is the most important thing when racing as well.

The shoes wipe clean easily enough; the mesh liner will be the area that may need a scrub in time, though I will do my best to look after them. I still relish putting these shoes on. My next test will hopefully involve some adjustable aftermarket G8 insoles to see if I can take things to the next level.

Value

These are some of the most expensive shoes on the market; that point isn't lost on me. You could buy a couple of pairs of very good shoes, new wheels or even a second-hand bike for the same money.

Some of the premium features surely add cost, like the high-end carbon soles, which are made in Italy, and the Solestar insoles, but I would still like to know more about how the RRP is arrived at and I have asked the brand this question.

I really like these shoes, and relish riding in them, but I'm not sure it's possible to argue that they offer good value. I also feel a bit more pressure to look after them compared to other models, and am hyper-cautious when walking in them off the bike. Despite my exhaustion, the gravelly feed zone car parks at the Marmotte had me tiptoeing like a ballerina to look after them.

That said, if there's $600 burning a hole in your pocket and you want something really nice, fill your boots; they are great shoes.

Verdict

It should be clear by now that I've had and continue to have a really good experience with these shoes. They have been stylish, comfortable and lightweight.

Q36.5 has added a fresh chapter in the history of Italian road shoes, and one that helps further dispel the traditional narrative that lots of Italian shoes are often narrow and pointy.

These wider, rounder shoes should hopefully help more riders find comfort. If you can find a comfortable fit that works for your feet, then the actual construction of the shoes should hopefully make for a fantastic experience in use.

That has been the case for me, and as I descended Alpe D'Huez after the hardest road ride of my life, I looked down at my feet and thought, 'yep, these shoes were the right choice today.'

This past weekend, the UK saw the arrival of Autumn, with driving rain and high winds ringing in the start of a few months of gloomy, wet riding for many of us. It also means my annual testing of the best waterproof cycling jackets could begin apace.

Over the last few years, I have made it my mission to keep you dry on the bike, whatever the weather, but it’s becoming clear that that job has become a lot harder.

Recent changes to environmental legislation, specifically around the banning of the use of PFAS chemicals (I’ll explain what these are in a second), has created a divide between the old and the new in terms of performance, with the consensus being that the old stuff is better. But is it?

Luckily for you, and somewhat unluckily for me, a weekend of torrential rain and a relatively short list of life admin to tick off meant I could back-to-back the current cream of the crop from Gore-Tex – Rapha’s new Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket – against the best of the old guard – Rapha’s Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket.

Both are from the same brand, use Gore-Tex membranes, are the same size and cut, purport to do the same thing, and were tested in nearly identical conditions for a similar amount of time. The only real difference is that one was made before the use of fluorocarbons in non-essential cases was outlawed, and one after.

Is the new Gore-Tex actually worse, or is it just groupthink?

How is the new Gore-Tex different from the old one?

Before I go into the differences, it’s probably worth a quick explainer on how waterproof fabrics work. At the core of each waterproof fabric, be that Gore-Tex, Pertex, or any other, is a waterproof membrane. Essentially, it’s a very, very thin plastic film that’s been heated and stretched so that there are holes through it big enough for water vapour (i.e. sweat) to pass through, but not big enough for liquid water (i.e. rain) to pass through.

The original Gore-Tex used expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) as its membrane, with a monopoly on its use, while competitors had to opt for expanded PU (polyurethane) or expanded PE (polyethylene). The general consensus was that Gore-Tex’s ePTFE membrane was superior, but the issue comes with the letter ‘F’.

New legislation has outlawed the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) except in applications of strict necessity, which are primarily constrained to medical and military applications.

Now that the ban is in effect, modern Gore-Tex fabrics use an ePE membrane instead, effectively levelling the playing field versus the competition. On paper, though, PE and PTFE membranes offer similar waterproof and breathability ratings, with polyethylene also being lighter, but less durable.

The real difference, though, not just between old Gore-Tex and new Gore-Tex, comes down to the durable water repellent treatments applied either from the factory or at home when re-proofing.

Fluorine-based water repellent coatings, from a purely chemical point of view, are ‘better’. They are more water repellent, more durable, and to a lesser degree, they have an amount of oleophobicity (oil resistance), so grubby fingers don’t ruin things so easily too. This means the face fabric of your jacket or waterproof trousers stays free from saturation, and the water vapour can escape freely, rather than condensing inside.

Non-fluorine-based treatments still work, and are the backbone of at-home reproofing treatments, but just not to the same degree, meaning they’re more likely to result in a saturated fabric, condensation inside, and generally a wetter feeling. They are undoubtedly better for the environment; however, this isn’t a debate about the environmental credentials of different chemical treatments, just an investigation into performance.

How do they differ out on the road?

I will go on the record here before anyone assumes this is a slam piece on modern Gore-Tex, and say that there are plenty of very, very good waterproof jackets on the market that are PFAS-free. I adore the Albion Zoa Rain Shell, to the point I use it as my hiking jacket in the depths of winter, and the Maap Atmos is the pinnacle of lightweight but protective tech.

However, when the chips are down and the weather is truly abominable, nothing new has come close to matching the performance that not only the old Gore-Tex Shakedry offered, but also Gore-Tex Active in the likes of the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Jacket, and the Rapha Explore Gore-Tex Jacket. I’m using Rapha for a lot of these examples primarily because the brand tended to make pretty incredible wet-weather gear out of the old stuff.

On this last stormy weekend, like every other time I have gone out dressed in Shakedry, I have been as dry and comfortable as it’s possible to be, despite rain so hard it was almost impossible to see, let alone ride. In the old Pro Team Gore-Tex (using a Gore-Tex Active membrane), I happily rode from work in a downpour for an hour, did an interval session back at home, and remained dry and relatively happy. The old stuff, and especially Shakedry, was so good I could basically pay no heed to the forecast. It had my back, kept my front dry, and made wet-weather riding if not a joy then certainly a more entertaining endeavour.

Contrast this to my escapades in the latest Gore-Tex and it leaves a lot to be desired. However good a waterproof is, there is always some ingress up from the sleeves, lower hem, and in from the neck, but after four hours, my shoulders and most of the front of my torso were soaked. This could be water ingress through the fabric itself, or it could be the DWR failing to keep the deluge at bay, resulting in condensation, but whatever the cause, I was more soggy and sooner than I would expect too.

This isn’t a Gore-Tex issue, though; this is an issue that has occurred when testing most post-PFAS waterproof garments, but I think it’s fair to say nowadays that Gore-Tex doesn’t offer a significant advantage over competitor fabrics, if it even has an advantage at all.

This makes my job harder. One can go off the stats for hydrostatic head and breathability, but there really isn't a gold standard anymore, which means even more time spent in the rain to make sure your wet-weather gear actually keeps you dry.

What can I do about it?

Last winter I wrote a piece about how waterproof jackets are getting worse, but that it ultimately doesn’t matter. Indoor training is better, weather forecasting too, and working patterns are increasingly flexible, meaning the likelihood of you having to ride in truly inclement conditions is greatly reduced.

If, like me, you absolutely must ride in a deluge, there are several things you can do to help yourself have the best possible time.

First up would be, if you’re comfortable – many are averse to having any contact with PFAS nowadays – just to use an old jacket. I have a stash of them in a box for when the worst conditions arise and I’m not required to test anything else, and I'll be using them until they fall apart.

Next, you can look after your new jacket better. Reproof it regularly, and keep oily hands away from the face fabric to stop the DWR deteriorating prematurely. Once the face fabric starts to saturate quickly, it’s time to get the reproofing chemicals out of the cupboard under the sink.

Layering can help too. Being wet and feeling wet are two different things, and humans don’t actually have a sensory receptor for ‘wet’ like we do for hot, cold, or pointy. ‘Wet’ is just a combination of pressure and cold, and so if you can keep your jacket off your skin, you’ll go a long way to feeling less soggy even if it isn’t performing at its best. Long sleeves and a decent base layer appropriate to the conditions will help a lot.

While riding at high intensity may keep you warmer, it’s also going to make you sweat more, so if it’s really grim out, I suggest you either ditch the jacket entirely, and swap it for something like a softshell jersey like the Castelli Perfetto, or a hybrid jacket like the Castelli Gabba R – You’ll get wet, but you’ll stay at a better temperature – or ride at a lower intensity to reduce the amount of water vapour your body produces. Both involve getting your layering right, but with practice, it’s far from impossible.

Will jackets eventually get better? Yes, of this I have no doubt, but I think modern layering strategies for cycling will have to adapt to account for the fact that they really aren’t ever going to be as good again.

Shimano has launched new high-end gravel race shoes today and claims that, for the first time in thirty years, some changes have been made to its much-loved SPD clipless pedal cleats.

Shimano MTB and gravel categories have seen some updates and new releases this year. Specifically, a new GRX wireless Di2 gravel groupset and the MTB range-topping XTR wireless groupset.

Now, though, as we head towards the autumn, the Japanese brand has released the new RX910 S-Phyre gravel race shoe that features what the brand is calling a 'revolutionary pontoon cleat system'.

Alongside the new top-end shoes is a change to the mighty Shimano SPD cleat, a product that is a perfect example of the phrase 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' until now.

Shimano has released a new SPD cleat, named the CL-MT001 cleat, that promises 'multi-entry engagement'.

We have unpacked the new product's details below and discussed what this new cleat and shoe platform might bring to the table for regular riders.

A new Shimano SPD cleat

Shimano has released a new SPD cleat, which is called the CL-MT001. Catchy eh? Shimano claims the new cleat will allow riders to 'engage the pedal in multiple ways'. The cleats themselves look pretty much identical to the standard black SH51 cleats, but we assume they employ some different profiling to make clipping in even easier.

The brand says you will be able to clip into the pedal using a traditional front of the cleat first, then the rear movement, or the rear of the cleat first, then front, or by simply stomping straight down onto the pedal to clip in.

Shimano is calling this the first major update to its SPD cleat platform in nearly 30 years. The original SPD cleat was the SH50, followed by the SH51, which launched in 1995 and, impressively in the cycling world, given the rate of change in the last decade or so, is still on the market today in the same form.

Shimano also released another cleat in 2006, in the form of the silver SH56 SPD variant, which is listed as a 'multi-release cleat'.

You can unclip when using the SH51 cleat by twisting your heel outward; this is probably the classic and most popular way to unclip. The SH56 cleat allows users to unclip by pulling up, or to either side, i.e ankle in or out. So what do the new MT001 cleats bring to the table?

We haven't tried these new cleats out ourselves, but it sounds like they will make clipping into SPD pedals even easier. SPD pedals are popular 30 years after their launch for several reasons, one of which is that they are very user-friendly.

Experienced cyclists and riders familiar with clipped-in pedals find them very easy to use, but clipping in might still be daunting and unfamiliar for new cyclists or tricky for riders operating under duress or during very technical riding.

The ability to clip in even more easily may accelerate the learning process for newer cyclists and save precious time and energy for cyclocross racers or downhill riders, for instance, in the heat of the moment. We will add our own test experience here once we have tried the cleats for ourselves.

The CL-MT001 cleats will be backwards compatible with all Shimano SPD and shoe systems, meaning any rider with SPD pedals will be able to switch to them and try them out. No pricing figures are currently available to use regarding the new cleats.

Road level power transfer or optimised setup?

Next is the new RX910 S-Phyre gravel race shoe, which the brand says has been developed with the help of Shimano pro gravel athletes like Peter Stetina.

These shoes are specifically for gravel, and Shimano claims riders need road shoe-level power transfer but traction for muddy sections and technical terrain. Features that the best gravel shoes attempt to bring together.

This shoe is apparantly not a compromise between road and mountain but a new design specifically for gravel competition, which does throw up some unique demands.

To this end, Shimano has developed what it calls the 'cleat pontoon system'. The sole of the RX910 features a removable, replaceable pair of TPU pontoon blocks that sit on either side of the cleat mounting point and move with it to suit your cleat position.

Shimano claims this feature 'dramatically improves shoe to pedal contact and optimises power transfer'; in short, it attempts to make the pedal and cleat interface larger to provide more stability and power, given MTB pedals are generally smaller than road pedals.

This is a similar system to the one found on the Specialized S-Works Recon shoe; that model comes with spacers for the non-removable pontoons on either side of the cleat to fine-tune rider fit and feel when clipped in.

More support from an off-road pedal could provide an advantage or a preferable feeling for some riders racing off-road. Plenty of gravel racers also seem to be using regular road pedals and shoes off-road road in recent seasons.

A correctly fitting pair of shoes and or cycling shoe insoles and optimised cleat setup may well be more beneficial than more support around the pedal and cleat for many riders, but this is a development that could well make sense for off-road racers.

The shoes feature a carbon midsole, which features Shimano's highest stiffness rating, a pair of drainage holes, Boa Li2 dials and an Anti-Twist stabiliser heel cup.

The RX910s are priced at $480.00 USD, €419.95 EUR, £369.99 and are available in Black, white, blue and deep sea colours and in standard, half and wide sizes, with a size 43 shoe weighing in at 304 grams.

The Rapha Summer Sale has entered the third and final week, and now has discounted sale items even further, offering up to 50% off some of the best cycling apparel on the market. The British cycling brand has bargains on the best cycling jerseys, bib shorts, winter cycling jackets, accessories, and more.

Get up to 50% off in the final week of the Rapha Summer Sale.

One of the biggest reductions is on the Rapha Gore-Tex Rain jacket, which now has an incredible $190 reduction, and thats 50% off the usual RRP of $380. This jacket is one of the next generation of cycling rain jackets, which comes free of PFAS chemicals, and is made with what Rapha calls environmentally preferred materials. So you're not only getting one of the best waterproof cycling jackets on the market, but doing your bit for the environment too.

Of course, we've tested many items from the Rapha range, and its products feature predominantly across the majority of our apparel buyers' guides, always scoring highly for comfort, performance, and style.

Below, I've selected a few of the best Rapha deals on tried and tested kit, and with the biggest discounts. However, sizing is limited stock, so I'd suggest that if you have eyes on a particular item, grab it fast, as these offers end very soon.

The Rapha Summer Sale is now entering its third and final week, so if something catches your eye, grab it fast, before it's gone. The chosen deals are from the US site, but Rapha UK is also carrying equally epic discounts, and is worth checking out if you're UK-based.

Below you'll also find Rapha deals from other retailers, which show the best prices in your territory.

The S-Works Recon is the top-flight off-road shoe from Specialized. This is a top-tier blend of stealthy, sculpted carbon fibre, sleek uppers and premium aluminium BOA dials.

The shoes come in at a fairly monstrous retail price of £350 / $499 / €390. A certain Olympic mountain bike champion by the name of Tom Pidcock also just used them to take the European XC title. These are top-tier race shoes.

The Recon features in the gravel and mtb sections of the Specialized website. It’s a two-bolt cleat off-road shoe, and you can of course use it for mtb, gravel or on the road if you prefer to ride with SPD-style pedals. I have used it to ride gravel exclusively, however.

This is big money for any shoe, and generally anything bearing the S-Works wordmark is a top-tier product in the Specialized range. Amongst the best gravel shoes, this is one of the most expensive shoes on the market.

The Recon got its last update in 2023, and this version of the shoe has been on the market since then. It’s available in three colours: Black, White and a grey/blue - fluoro colourway. I’ve been testing the black colourway you can see in the pictures.

The S-Works Recon is the range topper, but for context, the shoes sit above the Recon 3.0 shoes, Recon ADV (laces) and Recon 2.0 and 1.0 models. The S-Works Recon is over $100 more than the shoe directly below it, so what's it packing under the hood?

Design and aesthetics

Specialized owns Retül, the bike fit database and fitting platform. The brand claims that the design of the Recon was guided by more than 100,000 foot scans, meaning hopefully the shape has been informed by plenty of cyclists' feet.

The Recon is available in one standard width. It can read like there's a standard and wide option online at times, but I checked with Specialized, and there's a single width. The shoes got wider during their last update, but there's only one option.

The shoes are wide enough in the forefoot to accommodate my feet, but still may come up short for riders needing a really wide shoe. For the price, an even wider option might be nice.

Sizes range from EU 35-50, including some half sizes across certain key sizes. In the UK, for example, there are 8.6, 9.25, 9.6 and 10 sizes available. I swapped out my test pair from an EU 43, which is a UK 8.6, to a 43.5, which is a UK 9.25, after somehow screwing up my foot measurements using the web fit tool. Pay attention to the Specialized sizing if you might fall in between sizes.

For the US, there are, as an example 9, 9.3 and 9.6 size increments available. There’s the Specialized shoe size tool on the website if you aren’t familiar with the brand's sizing, and concept stores or similar will always be able to help you try some on. It’s important to get any shoe fit right, but especially so at this price point.

The stock insoles are polystyrene and are similar to a lot of other stock cycling shoe insoles, but they are stiffer than some I have seen from road and gravel shoes. There's some stiffer arch support and a raised metatarsal button, which is there to ideally prevent hot foot and boost comfort, though they don't work for every rider. Specialized also sells aftermarket Body Geometry footbeds on site with a claimed 7-watt power increase; make of that what you will.

The shoes also come with shims, which can be used to space the rubber lugs or 'pontoons' that sit on either side of the cleats to fine-tune your clipped-in pedal feel. Remove the insole, pull back the tongue, and you can access two pairs of small screws to do this if needed. I've kept things stock, though and haven't had an issue with my Shimano SPD's.

The Recon’s are made in China and feature a carbon fibre sole, with non-replaceable moulded rubber treads and two pairs of two-bolt mtb cleat holes to tune your fit. Visually, the sole looks great, stylish, sleek and purposeful.

The shoes have a straighter and, in theory, more comfortable last than plenty of cycling shoes that are slightly more curved. I'd say Specialized has been a little ahead of the curve generally with this.

The shoes share quite a few similarities and design features with the S-Works Torch road shoes, such as the asymmetrical external heel cup. I’ve also included an image of this, as they are regarded as some of the best cycling shoes around.

The largely smooth, wipe-clean uppers have a few perforations for ventilation, and the tongue is comfortable and padded on the inside. Branding-wise, things are subtle; there’s a silver Specialized ‘S’ in the middle of the toe box and an ‘S-Works’ wordmark on the heel cup. It certainly isn't shouty or brash.

As mentioned, the external plastic heel counter or cup is asymmetric; there’s less material on the outboard side compared to the inside of the heel, which Specialized claims allows for a lower shoe collar.

The shoes use a pair of S3 aluminium BOA dials, which look premium and stylish. They will allow you to tighten or loosen by rotating them clockwise or anticlockwise whilst riding. I also really like that you can slacken them and just unhook the Boa lace from the holder opposite the dial, making it very easy to take the shoes off, especially when you're knackered.

As I pointed out in my Rapha Pro Team Powerweave gravel shoe review. Rinse under a tap and turn if the dials get gunked up with mud or grit; resist the urge to blast them with a lubricant, Boa doesn't recommend this.

There is also a tough plastic scuff guard on the toe box, which should protect from bumps and grazes. A recent spill saw me scuff mine, it did its job well.

Performance

The S-Works Recon's feel purposeful. They are stiff and, whilst being soft and comfortable, the shoes have structure and a sort of firmness which makes what they are about quite clear.

I'm investigating feet and shoes in depth at present. It's such a personal one, but I like the straighter last and shape overall. I do feel it helps keep my knees and feet tracking that bit straighter overall.

I've tested a UK 9.25, and I think going up another size notch again would absolutely nail the fit for me. I have a slender foot, but a wide forefoot, and whilst the shoes are wide enough for me. I think one size bigger would be perfect.

The heel cup has offered a very good hold; it's on the narrower side for me, and I've certainly felt locked in to the shoes. The BOA dial location has also provided a firm, even hold when I've tightened them down, no complaints there.

Walking is also grippy and the shoes are comfortable, and perfect for short sprints uphill, the kind you might do in a 'cross race or when caught out off road, in part thanks to a little bit of flex at the very front of the shoe's sole. There is no option to add toe spikes though, for the 'cross crowd.

For more relaxed riding or walking off the bike, generally, there are more comfortable, yielding shoes out there for me. The Rapha Pro Team Powerweave, for instance, I think, are more suited to doing a bit of everything than these top-flight race shoes.

Value

These are really expensive shoes aimed at delivering peak performance off-road. I think with an offering like this, it will pay to do your homework, check the sizing and fit and try to find out if they will work for you and what you want from your off-road shoes.

If they do suit you, and you want some top-end gravel or mtb shoes, it very well may be money well spent. For what it’s worth, I also think construction is better than the similarly priced Powerweave Gravel offerings from Rapha, which are a bit more relaxed and are all-rounders overall.

More and more riders ride gravel now, and for most (that I know at least) it's a more relaxed affair. If you just need some off-road shoes, I think there are more flexible and potentially more comfortable shoes around for less money that might offer better value.

Why spend over $100 more on these shoes over the Recon 2.0? Well, the key difference is the shoe's weight. The S-Works have a lighter sole that is stiffer, and there's the extra shim tuneability. If you aren't looking for the stiffest, lightest option, you could spend less and still have a very capable shoe in the Recon 2.0.

Verdict

These are serious off-road shoes; light, stiff and purposeful. They look fantastic, and it's hard to deny that any product from Specialized with an S-Works logo does have a slightly special feeling; it does for me anyway, though of course that gets set aside when judging products.

These shoes haven't put a foot wrong for me; they have been very stiff, stable and comfortable off-road and walking, and the grip in them is good.

For me, this is a pair of shoes best suited to really dropping the hammer off-road, for a flat-out cyclocross or gravel race. I'd reach for them knowing I was wearing one of the lightest, stiffest off-road shoes on the market.

For an evening of gravel bike riding and mucking about in the woods before rolling down to the pub with friends, which I regularly do in the summer, I think a cheaper, more flexible and potentially more forgiving shoe would fit the bill better.

If you want a stiff, aggressive race shoe, look this way; if you want a more relaxed gravel all-rounder, I'd perhaps move lower down the Recon line.

The Maap Alt_Road Cargo 2.0 bib shorts are the brand’s second iteration of its popular off-road range.

Aimed at gravel and mountain bikers but also a goer for roadies wanting pockets, these cargo shorts offer plenty of practical storage solutions and comfort for all-day riding on whatever terrain you fancy.

Having been a huge fan of the first iteration of the Maap Alt_Road women’s cargo bibs, I couldn’t wait to put these to the test.

They come in sizes XXS to XL and three colours: green, black and grey.

Design and aesthetics

The Alt_Road Cargo 2.0 bib shorts look very similar to the first range, simple and aesthetically pleasing, with minimal branding.

The bibs are made from an Italian four-way stretch fabric, which is breathable and moisture-wicking. There is a circular kit central panel and woven fabric side panels, which host two thigh pockets. MAAP says these side panels are designed for compression and durability.

The bibs feature a 3D thermo moulded chamois, which is made specifically for comfort when riding off-road, and MAAP says it offers more support than the previous iteration.

As one would expect with cargo bibs, the Alt_Road bibs feature a lot of pockets, including two on the thighs and three nestled into the rear of the bib straps, which have zip closures.

The cuffs are thick and secured with plenty of silicone grippers.

Performance

I’ve been riding around in the MAAP Alt_Road Cargo 2.0 bib shorts on the tarmac and gravel roads of Malta, and save for one omission, they could be the best cargo bib shorts for women.

The bibs fit like a glove, are effortlessly comfortable, and the bib straps are firm but with enough elasticity. The chamois is also noticeably plusher than the first collection. I wore the latter cycling from London to Tunisia, and I reckon the 2.0’s iteration would get me around the world thanks to these subtle comfort updates.

I like the thick cuffs, which stay neatly in place, and the shorts are a decent length too.

The Alt_Road 2.0s offer a ton of storage solutions, which on paper is great - the thigh pockets are easily accessible, and the three back pockets offer a neat way of keeping valuables securely zipped up. Wear these bibs with a tech tee, and you can stuff as much as you like in them.

However, I do question the use of having pockets on the rear of the bibs, as whatever you keep in there gets very sweaty. I also wonder whether most riders will require this many pockets, considering a lot of gravel riders opt for an on-bike bag like a handlebar bag or small frame bag.

I almost can’t believe I’m writing that a pair of bibs has too many pockets, but the reality is that while the multitude of storage options is appreciated, the rear pockets could be replaced with a more women-specific and necessary feature.

This leads me to the fact that the Alt_Road 2.0s do not have a comfort break feature, which is the same letdown as the first iteration, and a feature that any of the best women's cycling shorts really should have as a priority, in my opinion. Taking off sweaty layers mid-ride is not fun, however trendy they might look.

I asked MAAP why they chose to design the 2.0s without a nature break solution, and I was told this is "something we are working on, and have been for some time."

Personally, the omission of a comfort break feature is a real disappointment. I’d swap out the three rear pockets for a comfort break feature, and you would have the perfect pair of shorts, worth their high £200+ price tag.

Verdict

Performance-wise, the Maap Alt_Road 2.0 women’s cargo bib shorts are excellent. They offer the perfect combination of compression, comfort and style thanks to the updated chamois and fancy Italian fabric.

However, the lack of a comfort break solution really lets them down. I don’t quite follow why a brand as big as MAAP still doesn’t want women to pee. It is particularly disappointing for a pair of bibs pinned as long-distance.

Of course, if you can look past this and are after a high-performance pair of bib shorts, I would still recommend these; you just have to accept the lack of a women-specific nature break solution.

The Velocio Luxe bib shorts are the brand’s best-selling women's bib shorts, and for good reason, they are excellent.

Since the first prototype was developed in 2017, the Luxe bibs have evolved to cater to women’s riding needs, with Velocio saying that the latest iteration of short offers excellent updates and adjustments.

Designed to be ridden all day, they are made from high performance fabric which offers a neat combination of lustful comfort, compression and timeless design.

They also feature a supportive chamois and brilliant comfort break feature. The Luxe bib shorts come in four colours and sizes XXS to 3XL.

Design and aesthetics

The Luxe bib shorts are made from three-panels which Velocio says eliminates unnecessary seams and reduces chafe points.

The fabric is a blend of polyamide and elastane which the brand says results in an ultra-high gauge lycra. This fabric is nicely compressive which helps with muscle support while also offering excellent opacity, and a stylish matte finish.

As mentioned, the Luxe bibs are designed for hours in the saddle and a major element to this is the chamois which was developed with Cytech. The brand says it provides ample comfort for long distance riding.

A key feature of the Luxe bibs i s the nature break feature which Velocio calls FlyFree. This works by extra elastic bib straps and extra material on the rear of the shorts which allow for riders to simply pull down the shorts, negating any need to remove layers.

Notably the bib straps are connected by a mesh panel, but this doesn’t hinder the FlyFree mechanism.

The design of the shorts is sleek, minimal and timeless, with raw-cut leg hems which amplify this as does the minimal branding.

Performance

There is no doubt that the standout feature of the Luxe shorts is the FlyFree mechanism. If this is a priority for you, then these are the best women's cycling shorts for you. Any comfort break feature needs to be simple and easy to use, and given there are no zips, clasps or hooks to unlatch, the FlyFree system is excellent; simply pull and crouch and nature breaks are easy to cater to.

The lower-priced POC Women's Cadence bib shorts have also done an excellent job of simplifying nature breaks, so if this is a priority for you but the Luxe bibs are too expensive, those would be a good alternative.

Notably, I went a bit off piste size wise after reading the size guide and went for M when usually I wear L. For anyone who has had to navigate the labyrinth of women’s sizes this was a risk, but to my sheer delight, it paid off. They are tight and compressive enough without feeling restrictive and I still had ample elasticity with the FlyFree feature which was my main concern.

The Luxe bibs are ample in length and sit nicely above my knee. As a tall woman, the threat of shorts looking like hot pants is always on my radar.

Comfort wise, I would argue the Luxe bib shorts are close to unbeatable. They feel luxurious on as they are silky smooth against skin and the material is the sort which you want to stroke, it’s almost satin like. If Prada did shorts these would be them.

What’s more, Velocio says that the bibs improve after every ride, essentially they ‘break in’ after a few rides and washes and will conform to the shape of the rider.

Initially I was a bit cynical about this but I have found that my enjoyment of wearing these bibs has increased from day one.

While overall I’m a huge fan of these bib shorts, the benefit of the mesh panel escapes me, which is why I have docked a point.

I asked Velocio to explain the mesh panel design, and was told that the mesh started out as a way to implement the FlyFree function and then evolved into something women appreciated and made the shorts a nice option for spring, late summer and early autumn.

I appreciate we all have different design ideas, but I don’t think this mesh adds anything to the shorts.

Separately, there are no pockets, but these shorts aren’t pretending to be cargo bib shorts.

Verdict

There is a clear reason why these are Velocio’s best-selling bib shorts, the Luxe bibs are brilliant.

They are thoughtfully designed for women’s riding needs, with an inclusive sizing guide, and are delightful to wear when riding.

This sort of technology doesn’t come at an entry level price, but despite the £218 / $299 pricetag, I think it's an investment worth making.

A special mention also goes to Velocio’s 30-day signature guarantee which means you can test these shorts properly and make sure they are the right ones for you. Even more reason to try them.

The POC Women’s Cadence Cycling bib shorts are the brand's latest bibs, promising comfort and performance, aiming to be the best women's cycling shorts without too high a cost.

Priced at €150, a core component is the brand’s newly launched, patent-pending chamois pad, which POC says was developed after considerable testing, data, and research.

The bibs come in two colours; green or black, and in sizes from XS to XL.

Design and aesthetics

POC says the patent-pending chamois, called the Novus chamois, is wider than previous pads used in its bibs, and has been constructed to give extra support and softness exactly where it is needed most.

It was designed after significant testing and pressure mapping research, as well as working with experts in physiotherapy, gynaecology, and bike fit.

The Novus chamois uses a gel layer and channel relief that POC says helps manage pressure between the saddle and the rider and the brand also says that the chamois is designed so that its performance is maintained with repeated use.

The bib shorts also feature an updated suspender comfort break system, which is essentially very stretchy overlapped material, which POC says makes it easy to pull down the bibs for when nature calls, and doesn’t require riders to remove any layers.

Linked to the nature break design, the front bib strap design comes straight up the torso in one strap before splitting at the top of the chest. POC says this elevates comfort and the lightweight fabric keeps air flowing for extra comfort.

Another key feature is the four-way stretch built into the fabric which POC says offers optimum support and freedom to ride. The bibs also have silicone leg grippers to keep them in place when riding and have UPF50+ sun protection.

Performance

I’ve been using the POC Cadence bib shorts under the beating Maltese sun, and have found them comfortable, reasonably compressive and easy to wear.

I really like how stretchy the fabric of the bibs and the straps is, they feel good against skin and POC’s patent-pending chamois has so far come up trumps.

The gel layer is not noticeable to touch or feel but the chamois does offer optimum comfort and I have not experienced any chafing or unwanted movement.

In use, it's not obvious that it's significantly wider than other bibs I ride in. In fact, I've not really noticed the chamois much at all which is a very good thing. These bibs are simply made for riding without any faff.

The nature break solution is faultless; the suspender system is very stretchy and negates any need to take off layers. The material doesn’t bunch or ruche at the back of the bibs and I really appreciate the lack of zips, hooks, or clasps, it’s literally a pull down and pee system.

However, when it comes to design personally I prefer two bib straps rather than POC’s mono design featured on these shorts. It’s both an aesthetic and comfort preference, I feel more secure having two straps on the front and think it’s easier on the eye.

Verdict

The POC Cadence bib shorts offer excellent value for money. At €150 the bibs pack a lot of high-performance tech in a smaller price tag than many other bibs which also feature similar elements.

The Novus chamois is very comfortable when riding and the elastic nature break solution is neat, simple and efficient, all great attributes for a pair of bib shorts.

It is a little disappointing that the sizing on offer isn’t more inclusive, and I would prefer a two-strap design for the front bib straps however, if this doesn’t matter to you then I would highly recommend giving these bib shorts a whirl.

Finding a pair of comfortable, adaptable and well-fitted bib shorts remains one of those make-or-break purchases. Find one you like, and you’re sorted for life.

Especially for people progressing into longer rides or riding audaxes and long-distance events, this purchase becomes even more involved. With its Fiandre bib shorts, Italian brand Sportful is aiming at this discerning buyer.

Sportful’s blurb suggests that these shorts are designed for comfort over long distances, in mixed and changeable conditions and, notably for the UK buyer, with an explicit focus on wind and water-resistance.

With the long ride and audax season starting, I was keen to see if they delivered.

Design and aesthetics

One consistent feature of the best cycling shorts is that they feel invisible underneath - figuratively speaking - and it’s apparent that the Fiandre bib shorts are designed as such.

There’s only a black colour option, with one tasteful inclusion of a reflective ‘S’ Sportful logo on the right thigh and left hip, and a flash of a red stripe on the left. It looks like the size range is somewhat biased towards the larger sizes, with a range from S to 3XL. However, based on the brand's size guide and recommendations, I went a size up.

In the past, I have found Sportful clothing to be body-conforming and fitted, and these are no different. Even wearing a size ‘L,’ they were a little more snug than I'd usually prefer, which doesn’t bode very well for larger or taller riders than I.

Once on, however, the shorts fitted very well, with a gentle squeezing sensation the only thing betraying their presence around my knees. The bib straps are wide and flat, and thus barely noticeable on my torso. I particularly liked the sewn panel that extended across the straps at the back, which helped them sit flat against my frame.

Some more design touches I found to be very welcome were the flocked, felted lining through the legs, which was extremely comfortable against the skin and undoubtedly helped fight against wind and water ingress.

I only noticed that these shorts had a small pocket on the back panel after reading Sportful’s blurb. According to the brand, it’s designed to hold a race radio or a pair of keys.

While I appreciate that the addition of a 'radio pocket' isn't a phenomenon exclusive to Sportful, I see little point in its inclusion on a pair of shorts that will almost certainly never be worn by a pro cyclist in a racing scenario that accepts radios.

For the end user, they're nearly impossible to access and become redundant with a jersey on.

Performance

These shorts became my choice for long road rides throughout spring, and with good reason. The sought-after ‘invisible’ feeling was evident from the first few kilometres, as the shorts stayed still and comfortable. The straps held the upper fabric securely against my frame with none of the dreaded bunching that comes from poorly-fitting clothing. Despite my long legs, the legs did not ride up at all, helped by a subtle silicone gripping material at the knees.

I didn’t notice the chamois pad at all, which is a good thing. The stitching is unobtrusive, and the pad material itself is firm but with plenty of give, following my limb movements and changing positions on the saddle easily.

• Lab tested: We pressure-mapped 15 pairs of bib shorts to see how much difference they can make

Pad comfort is, of course, super personal to the rider, though, so I’d like to see Sportful offering a wider range of pad widths and lengths for people to customise as per their preference.

The Fiandre bib shorts came into their own in typical British spring conditions. With that flocked lining, I found them to be very warm and comfortable despite the cold winds and occasional drizzle that beat down the Isles. I was somewhat lucky that I didn’t encounter any serious rainstorms, so I didn’t get to test the water-resistance to the max, but the fabric appeared to prevent minor damp ingress. When temperatures strayed above 15-20 degrees, I never found the lining too warm, and the shorts wicked sweat away equally well.

After some particularly long weekend rides, straying around the six-hour mark, I didn’t notice the seams or silicon grippers digging into my skin or leaving any marks, which is a good sign.

Predictably, the rear radio pocket stayed almost completely unused throughout, but with other brands incorporating sensible pockets into the thighs of their everyday bib shorts, these long-ride-focused shorts might benefit from a similar approach, even if the brand's Supergiara gravel range does have this covered off.

Value

At £120 / $130 RRP, the Sportful Fiandre bib shorts would be considered a first serious mid-level bib short purchase.

As such, the market at this price point is especially well-populated. Rapha’s Brevet Element shorts are closely matched in design, but cost a little more, although they include three sensibly-sized pockets.

The Endura FS260 ‘Thermo’ shorts undercut them both and come with DWR waterproofing and a fleece lining.

Fellow Italian brand Castelli’s Tutto Nano shorts are similarly water and wind-resistant and retail for £130.

With plenty of choice, my only hesitation in choosing the Sportful shorts would be their relatively close fit and their lack of additional pockets. In terms of riding comfort and price, though, there’s very little difference.

Verdict

The Sportful Fiandre bib shorts largely meet the brief of all-day riding comfort in all conditions. Whether rainy, windy, humid and warm or fast and intense, they didn’t miss a beat.

I might argue that they were almost too unobtrusive, to the point that I longed for a flash of colour or some design flair, but I didn’t notice them for any discomfort or bad design either.

Sportful clothing tends to be sized snugly, and this will be a turn-off for many. Sizing up in order to fit and still finding the shorts to hug my body a little too closely was an unexpected problem. When riding, the close fit isn’t particularly noticeable, but be prepared to be initially surprised at Sportful’s sizing.

I welcome brands moving away from super-thin unlined fabrics in favour of DWR, fleece lining and other considerations for bad weather. This has a negligible impact in warm weather while maximising comfort and practicality, especially in changeable British conditions.

In that spirit, I would love to see Sportful reconsider their choice of pockets and include sensibly-sized thigh pockets, especially for a pair of bib shorts aimed at endurance.

Overall, though, I was very impressed with the Sportful Fiandres and would happily reach for them for those long weekend rides, knowing that they would cope with whatever riding conditions with minimal fuss.

Le Col has launched its Summer Sale, offering reductions on some of the best cycling apparel on the market. The British cycling brand has up to 40% off across its site, and features discounts on the best cycling jerseys, bib shorts, waterproof cycling jackets, accessories, and more.

As a long-time product tester and avid cyclist, I'm a big fan of Le Col and have owned many of the brand's pieces over the years. My go-to bib shorts are by Le Col, and they are still going strong after thousands of kilometres of riding. Like all in the brand's range, they have impressed me with their comfort, performance, and style.

With the brand's Summer Sale ongoing, I decided to build a top-to-toe outfit for myself to see just how much I could save (and yes, I like blue). The result was a meaningful saving of £225 on the six items I selected. It included a huge £72 discount on the Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain jacket, which is one of the new breed of cycling rain jackets free from PFAS chemicals.

Get up to 40% off in the Le Col Summer Sale.

With such hefty discounts, the Summer Sale is a great opportunity to treat yourself or stock up on your favourite Le Col kit. However, it's sure to be popular, so if something catches your eye, I'd suggest snapping it up fast before it's gone.

The Le Col Summer Sale is live now, and there is plenty of kit to choose from, so something for everyone, including the Le Col Women's range. The chosen deals are from the UK site, but Le Col US is also carrying discounts, and worth checking out if you're US-based. Below you'll also find Le Col deals from other retailers, which show the best prices in your territory.

Cycling shorts are quite a personal thing, but having tested a load of them in the lab it’s clear that, while they do make a difference, they don’t make as much of a difference as getting your saddle right. Think of the best cycling shorts as the final tune-up for comfort, rather than a silver bullet to cure you of any sore bottom woes.

I have been using Rapha’s Pro Team shorts for years now. In fact, the original Pro Team shorts were the first premium piece of cycling gear I ever bought as a young man flush with my first paycheck and no responsibilities.

Recently, Rapha launched the Pro Team Bib Shorts III, which represent a pretty radical overhaul of the British brand’s top-tier race short (if a pair of shorts can in fact be radically overhauled).

I’ve been using this V3 pair since they launched back in February, and I really, really like them. While I tend to opt for a pair of the best cargo bib shorts because I love pockets, if I’m doing a hard ride, these are what I reach for.

Design and aesthetics 

As far as one can overhaul a set of cycling shorts, Rapha has done so. The materials, pattern, construction, and chamois pad are all new. The basic summary of the changes is thus: More compression, fewer panels, and a thinner, lower-density chamois pad. There’s also no radio pocket anymore, given that the pros all wear skinsuits now anyway.

Starting with the chamois pad, because that’s the key bit of any cycling shorts, the new one is thinner but denser than the previous Rapha shorts I’ve used (Core, Core Cargo, Cargo, and the old Pro Team). It’s not quite as firm as the one Maap uses, but it’s much more in line with the trend of race-oriented shorts I’ve seen recently.

The old pad was thick, so much so that I had to adjust my saddle height to account for it, and while it was comfortable, it was quite soft and felt a little disconnected despite it compressing in use. The new one isn’t anything radical in terms of shape, but it is perforated internally under the face fabric for greater breathability.

Onto the legs, there’s a pair of fabrics used. The main outer leg panels are a thin, yet not-too-stretchy Lycra to provide compression, while the undercarriage, from the crotch to the rear, is a more traditional, less compressive and more breathable ‘normal’ Lycra as you’d find in more generalist cycling shorts as the main fabric.

The cut of the shorts part (without the straps) is a happy middle ground between the low cut, almost 90’s jeans of Assos’ shorts (which almost always leave me with an exposed tummy when standing up), and higher-waisted winter cycling shorts. It’s about bang on, and the rear is high enough that unless you’re wearing a very cropped jersey like a Pas Normal Mechanism, the straps are unlikely to peek through.

The straps themselves are thicker elastic numbers. Not as thick as those used on the likes of the Maap Alt_Road cargo bib shorts, but not meshy like dedicated lightweight shorts. Over your hips and up your back between the straps at the rear is a very open mesh to keep things breathable.

The days of old school elastic grippers at the end of the legs seem to be numbered, and these are no exception, with laser cut edges to the main fabric simply backed by silicone dots at the hem taking care of business.

Performance

As you’ve probably gathered from the introduction, I am a big fan of the Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III. I liked the old, thicker chamois but it tended to feel a little swampy on longer, hotter, or even wetter rides. This new pad isn’t night-and-day different, but it’s certainly more in line with what I’d expect nowadays from a race-oriented pad.

As you might expect, it does feel better in a more aggressive position, but even more upright, the shorts feel a little more connected to the bike than the old ones did, or even compared to the likes of the Rapha Cargo bibs. Having ridden in a downpour on my final ride in them, the chamois doesn’t become as waterlogged, which is great.

The compression is spot on in my eyes, too. While my colleague Tom really got on with the Rapha Powerweave bib shorts, I really did not, and found the compression actually caused some anatomical problems while on the bike (my unmentionables didn't have enough room). No such issues here, with a firm hold all the way up the leg that keeps them locked in place, which is key not just for aero reasons but also to keep the chamois pad from slopping about; a saggy fit on a set of cycling shorts is a recipe for an uncomfortable day out.

I’m glad Rapha opted to use a more breathable, stretchy Lycra for the front and rear. While these aren’t dedicated hot-weather bib shorts, they will undoubtedly be used by many people in the heat, and allowing some airflow around your privates is always helpful. Again, in the rain, the main fabric also felt less waterlogged than many others I’ve used, which is great for summer riding in showery conditions.

Aside from the fit and compression, the main fabric of the shorts takes a step up from the last version in terms of how premium they feel. The laser-cut edges and reduced number of panels help, but the fabric itself just feels great. It’s a dense, matte fabric without feeling like crépe paper, as some compressive options can. I know they aren’t luxury shorts in the same way as the likes of the Velocio Luxe are, but they feel every bit the premium set.

Personally, I never really mind thicker elastic straps. I’ll take the advantages of a more secure fit over any potential heat issues, but unless it’s really, really hot, I don’t tend to get mega sweaty. The elastic straps do a really great job of keeping the back end of the shorts locked in place with no sag, without ever feeling like they cut in. With thicker elastic straps like these, there’s no danger, as lower profile straps can be guilty of, of rolling along one’s collarbones and bunching into a narrow cord that cuts in.

We have been in the midst of a series of heatwaves here in the UK, and while these aren’t officially a lightweight, super airy set of summer shorts, they’re also perfectly adequate for your standard range of summer cycling conditions. I never felt overly sweaty in them, and given the price (which we will go into soon) I suspect these will be purchased by many as a general use set of shorts that have to cover everything, and as such I’m happy to take a little bit less breathability on days where it’s absolutely roasting, for a little more comfort on those far more frequent changeable, windy, or over cast days between April and September.

Value

A £240 / $295 SRP is on the upper end of the price scale for the market as a whole, and on a par with the likes of the Pas Normal Mechanism bibs, and a little bit dearer than the Maap Team Bib Evo, but a lot cheaper than Assos’ Equipe RSR bibs. While Assos’ build quality is superb, I will say that Rapha’s quality of construction, in my experience, is superior to that of Maap and Pas Normal, and when you’re dropping this much on a set of shorts, you want them to not come apart at the seams.

Considering the feel, compression, comfort, and quality of construction, I don’t think these are bad value at all. There are absolutely diminishing returns the further up the cost scale you go with cycling shorts, but there is still a difference between these and a mid-range set in feel and comfort.

Verdict

I’m going to wheel my ‘pub test’ out yet again here (where I pretend what I’d say to my riding mates down the pub if they asked me for advice), and I think if they had about this much to spend on a high end sent of cycling shorts I’d probably steer them in the direction of the Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III. They might not have the influencer market sewn up like Maap or PNS does, but these feel like a higher-quality offering.

They are really very comfortable, especially in a racy position, offering the perfect level of compression, and are breathable enough to cope with a wide temperature range, especially if you’re riding hard. The new chamois has been improved, and if you ride with different brands’ shorts on rotation, these won’t mess up your bike fit.

If they had pockets, they’d be perfect, but, as the Rolling Stones said, you can’t always get what you want.