Craft Women's WS Thermal Bike Jacket £80

At a glance A super warm, windstopping jacket that breathes well for cold, windy winter rides and fits women with smaller behinds better

Tested by
Claire Maxted

Value

Performance

Mmm, warm, is the first thing you notice about this jacket. Lined with Gore Piuma Windstopper it cuts out the wind, cold and even light rain as you spin along in sub zero conditions. Piuma Windstopper is currently Gore's lightest windproof 4-way stretch fabric, and it is combined with Craft's close-fitting proZone technology - knitted internal air channels that allow body heat to escape and wick away sweat. Add well-fitting, long arms, a drawcorded collar, internal storm flap, drop tail and silicon waist grippers to this design and you have yourself one super warm jacket. This combination really does work well. I have been wearing this over the winter (2009/10), especially during that extra cold, snow-covered patch we had back in January. The stretchy Flex Fleece fabric allows you to lean comfortably over the bars, the jacket blocks out fierce winds and it feels like you're in a human toaster. The WS Thermal is great for freezing temperatures, but if you're working hard on the road or trail, there's a good chance you'll get too hot in anything above freezing temperatures, so mine is unfortunately relegated to the wardrobe now until the next cold snap.

Craft Womens WS Thermal Jacket Rear It looks smart in black, and reflective piping on the side and lower back covers you on the 'be safe, be seen' front. There are four rear pockets, the two at the side are elasticated, the central one has a popper closure (which can be difficult to re-pop whilst riding until you get the knack!) and that all important zip pocket for important, loose 'em and you're in trouble items like keys. This jacket would be the perfect winter windstopper if the drop tail was slightly longer and wider around the hips to cater for more womanly bums. The silicon grip works well and the jacket still blocks wind to keep your core warm, but the bottom of the jacket can work its way upwards if you have a more traditional female shape.

Buy from www.wiggle.co.uk

Craft says:

Thermal weight cycling jacket with Gore WS lining to protect your core during cold windy rides. Flex Fleece fabric stretches and moves with your body to provide unmatched comfort while over the bars. Three rear pockets with a 4th zippered. Reflective piping for safety.