Best value cycling jackets

British cyclists know all about wet weather. It rains, you ride, you get wet. But if you want to keep riding, commuting or training when it rains, a waterproof cycling jacket is invaluable. We’ve rounded up four of the best value options to help you find the right waterproof for you.

While they vary in cut, style, material and are designed for different types of riders, they were chosen with protection from the elements as the prime concern. Some will fit in your jersey pocket, some are bulky and warmer, but all combine waterproof layers and materials with a degree of breathability, often aided by permanently open or zipped vents.

Waterproof or breathable?

But nobody – in spite of claims to the contrary – has yet invented the perfect waterproof jacket combining waterproofing and breathability, though some are getting close. And even with the very best materials, after a long, hard ride, you’re still likely to suffer some build up of sweat.

We rode these jackets on the bike during late summer rains on shorter and longer rides, but we also tested the material and the seams of each jacket at a neutral clothing manufacturer, to see whether they really could withstand water. The results were very impressive, which accounts for the generally high marks awarded; the most we could get was some very, very slight seepage on a few seams, not enough to cause problems.

And all of them can be found for around the £80 mark currently – a very decent price for a top jacket and comparable to even cheaper offerings that won’t offer the same quality.

Pearl Izumi PRO Aero WXB

 £119.99

Buy now from:

Evans Cycles (currently £79.99)

• Sizes: XS, M, L, XL, XXL
• Colours: Two choices

www.pearlizumi.co.ukMadison Flux

£119.99

Buy now from:

Cyclestore (currently £77.99)

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL 
• Colours: Three choices

www.madison.co.ukAgu Secco Pro

£99.99

Buy now from:

Winstanley’s Bikes (currently £84.99)

• Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL 
• Colours: Yellow only

www.i-ride.co.ukAltura Night Vision Evo 2013

£99.99

Buy now from:

Millet Sports (currently £89.99)

There are good reasons why you see Altura’s Night Vision products so often – they work, and they’re well priced. The 2013 Evo has gained a small rear LED, which makes this one of the most comprehensively specced jackets out there. It’s a slightly heavy, bulky top, but in spite of that it doesn’t get too clammy. An inner mesh helps with comfort (if not packability), with vented shoulder blades and large pit zips helping on warmer rides. With extensive reflectives the Night Vision lives up to its name, and it also has a full complement of pockets – waterproof, of course. A great value top for commuting in the dark.

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
• Colours: Three choices

www.zyro.co.uk

These reviews were originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.