When selecting a cycling jacket, you should consider the following aspects: warmth, dryness, visibility, and windproofing. When choosing the proper cycling jacket, one must consider the temperatures and conditions they will be experiencing. For example, the jacket you choose for winter riding in Chicago will probably be different from the one you would use in South Carolina. Also, consider that you will warm up from exertion during your ride. Cycling jackets that offer maximum warmth will protect you against the wind and offer insulation.
Riding in cold weather elements doesn't have to be unpleasant if you have the right jacket or vest! Aero Tech Designs is proud to present our riding jackets and vest selection to keep you riding longer and feeling stronger. We offer various weights of jackets, from freezing weather riding to lightweight, windproof jackets for cool spring mornings. We also provide various jackets to defend against the elements such as wind or rain. A jacket that fits well and has the right features will make all-year riding possible!
When selecting a jacket or outer layer, the rider should consider the temperature they will be riding and if moisture will be present. During March, a rider in northeast Vermont would be looking for a different jacket compared to a rider in Portland during the same period. Another significant consideration when shopping for a cycling jacket is wind-blocking. Besides the main benefits of wearing a cycling jacket, warmth and dryness, a good cycling jacket should keep you safe on the road. Reflective elements should be present to make the rider more visible to motorists. Cycling jackets also should provide storage for other gear and ridding supplies. Each jacket can come with one or two of these features, while others can come with tons of great features. Depending on the rider's needs, some features on the jacket are more critical than others. Features include safety reflective, specialized pockets, heavy-duty and windproof zippers, unique fabrics and fabric treatments, attachable hoods, and windproofing and waterproofing.
Pockets are essential when determining if a jacket will suit your needs as a cyclist. If a rider is on longer rides and needs that extra storage for food or gear, then pockets are a necessity. If the cyclists are from a very wet location, the jacket should have waterproof zippered pockets to protect the items inside. Zippered pockets also add security, so things don't fall out. Pocket locations can be on the sides, front breast, lower back, or sleeves. Some jackets can have specialized pockets for Phones or other devices.
The jacket layout and design can range depending on rider need. Some jackets have parts that can remove as the weather changes to warmer or colder, such as removable hoods or sleeves. Other jackets have on-the-fly adjustments built-in for when the weather changes on the ride. These features include a two-way zipper, drawcords, and adjustable cuffs. Some jackets come with breathable vents to prevent moisture trapping, primarily on rain jackets. These can be located on the back or under the arms.
When a jacket's fabric is water repellent, the water rolls off the garment, which isn't the same as a water-resistant fabric. Water-resistant usually has a DWR coating, but the seams are not taped, and the zippers may not be waterproof.
Reflective elements on jackets provide safety to the rider. When it is raining, visibility is lower for passing cars most of the time. Having highly reflective elements on a jacket gives motorists a heads-up and keeps riders safer. All cycling jackets have a reflective element.
As a cyclist who rides in all weather conditions, you will be battling the elements, and it is essential to know how to layer your clothes to stay comfortable on the saddle. If you properly layer your clothes, your body will not waste energy trying to regulate your body temperature. There are three primary levels in proper layering. Some are not necessary, depending on the conditions and temperatures. The layering levels start with the baselayer to control moisture, followed by the middle layer is usually used to insulate the body, and lastly, the outer layer protects from the weather elements.
Be sure to follow all washing instructions located inside the jacket or vest. These instructions are often overlooked when purchasing and caring for a jacket. The specialized fabric or coating on the jacket may need special care or have a unique set of washing instructions. If you have any questions about caring for your jacket, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
