Cycling jackets are one of those garments that always generate doubts when dressing to get by bicycle. Should we wear it only when it's cold? If it rains you also have to take it? Is it better to buy a thin, thick jacket or one in each? Does it have to be breathable or waterproof fabric? Do not worry if these doubts also assault you, they are very frequent among those who also like to go by bicycle the days that the time barrack rain or low temperatures.
To solve these issues and help you choose the most appropriate cycling jacket we have prepared this practical guide.
What exactly is a cycling jacket?
Cycling jackets are technical garments that we use as the last layer when dressing to get by bicycle. That is, it is the garment that is further away from the body and more in contact with the outside. And here it is important to keep in mind that it is not the same to wear a jacket indicated for the practice of cycling than a sports jacket for another use, such as a tracksuit or similar jacket.
Cycling jackets have a specific design and pattern to bike. This design has to enforce flexible tissues, with a cut or pattern that does not obstruct the movement of the legs or hip when pedaling. You must also have layers of breathable tissue and other insulating or waterproof water and cold.
Starting from these main premises, we recommend looking for your cycling jacket in specialized stores. It is not worth any type of sports garment to bike. Especially if what you want is to go shoot frequently and improve your level.
Clarified these basic concepts, it is time to see the different types of jackets currently used and choose the most useful depending on your needs.
Types of jackets to protect from cold
There are different types of jackets depending on the weather conditions for which we are going to use it. A first classification can be established based on temperature. Thus, we have jackets for entertainment and winter jackets.
Fine or half -time jackets
These types of garments are indicated for use in spring or autumn, fundamentally. They are less heavy, somewhat more tight than winter and with more areas of breathable fabrics (usually of mesh with microperforarations) in armpits or central part of the back. They are generally recommended for a temperature range between 10ºC and 20ºC.
Thick or winter jackets
As indicated by his name, they are jackets designed to go by bicycle in winter. As a general recommendation, a winter jacket must be put when the 10th C. thermometer has more layers of fabric (up to 3) than the entertainment or autumn jacket, but must keep an adequate perspiration in the areas where it is most sweat ( armpits or back). It is advisable that you have some type of wool or polyester insulating lining and a window exterior layer, in addition to a high neck.
Types of jackets to protect from wind
The windows are a specific type of jacket somewhat thinner than the purely winter to isolate from the action of the wind. If you live in a windy area it is undoubtedly a type of jacket that you should have in your closet. Make sure your pattern is more tight and that the outer layer is tissue tissue. A well -known example of this technical material is the
Gore-Tex Windstopper, that diverts wind gusts and avoids the gradual cooling of the body.
Types of jackets to protect from rain
For rainy days the most appropriate is to have a waterproof jacket. Within this category there are several versions: flexible and compact (they can be carried in a pocket of the jersey or backpack); for rainy days without cold, thick for cold and rain, or intense rainfall; Waterproof winter jackets in case you live in high mountain areas ... Eligella depending on the climate of your area.
Cycling jackets according to the modality of use
In addition to the specific models for a certain range of temperatures or climatic conditions, we can also establish a classification of cycling jackets depending on the modality that is practiced.
Road cycling jackets
If you make a road or serious, your jacket must be more tight and, if possible, with a window layer, since you will be more exposed to its action. However, tight does not mean coating less. There are very tight winter jackets for several layers road and with insulating lining.
We recommend you put it on an interior thermal shirt for the coldest days. In addition, I should carry reflective bands in front and behind to see and be seen by the rest of the vehicles.
Mountain cycling jackets
To make mountain bike there is more variety and freedom of choice. You can generally opt for a more loose pattern, with more flexible fabrics. However, for the most classic Mountain Bike routes, rally or cross country, a tight jacket or even one of the road can be used.
In more radical modalities, such as enduro or descent, the design can be more loose. But we recommend that the model has reinforcement fabrics or anti abrasions in sleeves or elbows
Should we get a jersey under the jacket?
Once the cycling jacket has been chosen, let's now clear doubts about how to wear this garment. One of the most recurring doubts is whether we must put it on the jersey or if the jacket replaces the jersey. In our article about
How to dress to go by bike in winter We explain the famous theory of the three layers. That is, shelter for the cold with thermal t -shirt, jersey and jacket.
But this is a basic theory that we can modify even on the march based on conditions. Or whether we support the cold better or worse. You can wear a jacket and short manga jersey on moderate fresco or cold days, long -sleeved jacket and jersey faster, jacket and thermal interior shirt or the three layers in days below zero or intense cold.
However, and under our experience, the combination with the best relationship between comfort and shelter will be the jacket with interior thermal shirt.
Vest or jacket, what is better?
The vest is a coat garment for cyclists that has become very fashionable in recent years. And you may have it at home and do not know very well for what days it is more appropriate. It is an alternative shelter garment, with the following advantages:
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Simple adjustment: There are few high -level cyclists or professionals who prefer the jacket vest. It is a garment that swams more effectively to the body, protects areas sensitive to cold as the chest and back and is easier to get going.
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Coat clothes for the whole year: The vest is a cupcake warm garment. If in spring or summer a gray and fresh day dawns, put on a vest will effectively protect the temperature drop without exceeding the shelter capacity.
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Better perspiration and mobility: As we have said, the vest is one of the favorite garments for high -level cyclists. It is more comfortable when pedaling, tight and isolates enough of the cold. However, it is not highly recommended for days with very low temperatures.
Our conclusion is that the vest can be a very useful alternative for fresh but not especially cold days. However, in winter it is difficult for a vest to replace a jacket.
Is it essential to wear a jacket in winter?
Finally, and as a summary of all of the above, you may still have the doubt about whether it is essential to put a jacket in winter to go by bike. Although it is the most effective way to attack the cold or protect your body from rainfall, it is not a recommendation that must be followed.
Its use or will not depend on the weather conditions of the moment and your cold tolerance. If you support it well and you get hot with the exercise, there are possible days that you do not need it. With a long -sleeved jersey and thermal shirt you can roll without problems and more comfortable.
Also, if you do intense training and your intention is to reach a good peak of shape, the jacket can even be a hindrance. In this situation, and if you are not very sensitive to low temperatures, you should reserve the jacket just for days of very cold.
