There’s a long history of cycling brands making off-bike clothing that all but the most dedicated fan would hesitate to wear, yet Bontrager has got it spot on with this lightly insulated jacket.
The cut is loose enough for casual use without being flappy when you get on the bike and the detailing is smart enough not to look out of place at the pub. The zip-up front is supplemented by a fold-over flap with some huge and tidy looking snap fasteners, and while there are a few bright details such as the easy-to-grab zip pull cords, it’s all very understated.
Thanks to the 80gm Thinsulate synthetic insulation, it’ll keep you cosy down to single digit temperatures and we’ve even ridden proper off-road rides in it with a shell jacket over the top when it’s been hovering around freezing and raining. The elasticated pullcord waist helps stop draughts hitting your midriff. That said, it’s not the most breathable and while the outer fabric cuts out wind, it gets soggy quickly in the rain on its own.
The best feature in our opinion has to be the flip-up panel on the rear that, when fixed up with the snap fasteners, has a high vis yellow and reflective 3M panel. It’s superb for riding back from the pub or work at night, turning an inconspicuous shell into something much more visible. In fact it’s quickly become our number one commuting and casual jacket.